Ten (10) Commandments 1-4 | Our Relationship with God | Moses Bible Lesson
Save time and shop with confidence! Watch the lesson preview video here.
This engaging Bible study lesson on the first four of the Ten Commandments (Commandments 1-4) is designed specifically for older students in grades 4-8 who are ready to explore the story of the Ten Commandments in greater depth. This comprehensive curriculum delves into the relationship we are meant to have with God, starting with Jethro’s advice to Moses in Exodus 18 and leading up to the powerful events at Mount Sinai. Students will witness the greatness of God as the Israelites gather at the base of the mountain, and they will learn about the first four commandments in Exodus 20:1-11.
✍️ The lesson offers a variety of engaging activities, such as interactive reenactments, colorful worksheets, hands-on projects, fun games, and more. It’s the perfect resource for upper elementary and middle school students to deepen their understanding of God's law and its relevance in their lives.
✔️ By the end of this lesson, students will have a clear understanding of how God's Law serves as:
A Mirror: The Ten Commandments reveal our sinfulness and our need for a savior, highlighting the impossibility of perfectly keeping the law on our own.
Protection: God's commandments are not restrictive but protective, acting as guardrails to keep us safe in our daily lives.
Wisdom: Living according to God’s laws brings wisdom and helps us make choices that please Him.
A Shadow: Based on Hebrews 10:1-3 students learn that the law is a shadow, an outline that lacks detail and color. A shadow causes us to look up to see what is creating it. In this case, the law is a shadow that points us to the person of Jesus ... the Image of the Invisible God!
✝️ This lesson offers a rich, multi-faceted approach to studying God’s commandments and their importance for personal spiritual growth. Perfect for Christian education settings, this study helps students grasp the deeper meanings of the Ten Commandments while learning how to apply them in their daily lives.
⭐️ AND ... make sure to check out the next lesson in this series ~ Ten Commandments #5-10 Exploring Our Relationship with Others
✴️ LESSON PART A ~COLOR CODING JETHRO'S GOOD ADVICE (Exodus 18)
We begin with a review of events covered in Exodus 12 (the final plague that caused Pharaoh to let God's people go) through Exodus 17 (where God provided water from a rock). We have provided you with eight full sized, colorful "clue" pictures (as well as carefully crafted wording) to assist you in retelling the story. Also included are smaller picture cards for students to sort and order on their desks.
A hallmark of our Walking Alongside Jesus series is that students color code a passage in every lesson which trains them to see repeated words, phrases and important details that might be missed in a simple reading. In this lesson, students color code Exodus 18:13-23 which details the reunion between Moses and his father-in-law Jethro. During their visit, Jethro notices a potential problem and provides advice to Moses on how to fix it. Students use colored pencils on a provided worksheet to underline Moses' problem in red, the consequences of staying this course in blue, Jethro's good advice in green and benefits of making the changes in orange.
✴️ LESSON PART B ~ AT THE BASE OF MOUNT SINAI (Exodus 19)
Students are encouraged to place themselves at the base of Mount Sinai with the Israelites and notice the sights and sounds that the Bible references. From the boom of thunder and the crackling of lightning to the smoke coming from the top of the mountain to the trumpet sounds and people wearing their sparkling freshly washed clothing, students color, cut and glue these provided images onto the worksheet "The Sights and Sounds of Mount Sinai". Students then decide what hand motions and/or sounds they can use to represent key words as Exodus 19:16-19 is reread in order to feel, see and hear what this passage is trying to relay to the reader.
✴️ LESSON PARTS C and D ~ AT THE TOP OF MOUNT SINAI: GOD'S LAW ~ COMMANDMENTS 1-4 (Exodus 20:1-11)
After briefly describing the three basic types of Old Testament law, this two part section focuses on the first four commandments ~ those rules that help us with our relationship to God. Students are given a colorful God's Law worksheet packet, one page for each of the first four commandments. Students rewrite the commandment in their own words, read another passage to discover how it adds to our understanding of the commandment and finally learn from the Apostle Paul that the Law serves as a MIRROR, a SHADOW, provides PROTECTION and makes us WISE. Additionally, students use their fingers as a memory aide for each of the first four commandments which provides a great review throughout the lesson.
✴️ LESSON PART E ~ ✝️ WHAT DID I LEARN ABOUT JESUS?
This section starts with a review game where students listen to other Old Testament and some New Testament verses (eleven in all) that are closely related to the first four commandments. Their job is to choose which commandment the verse is referencing and run to one of the four corners of the room where you have placed colorful numbered signs (included in the lesson).
After the game students are reminded that Old Testament law was a SHADOW. A shadow is not the actual thing but it does cause us to LOOK UP to see what is creating the shadow. In this case the shadow is a WHO - the person named Jesus who created the law's shadow. Students read Matthew 17 when Jesus is transfigured and then fill in the worksheet "Image of the Invisible God". Ultimately students are led to John 14:9 where Jesus unequivocally states, "Whoever has seen me, has seen the Father". Jesus is the Image of the Invisible God!
⏰️ Timing: This is a four to five hour lesson that can be spread over several sessions, stopping and starting where you left off or stopping at the labeled sections.
✔️Included in this lesson:
Colorful 25 page lesson plan is written with clear DO/SAY/READ wording that can be adapted to fit your voice if necessary. This includes a two page preparation guide that includes items to gather, photocopies students will need, pre-class preparations and instructions organized by "Lesson Part A", "Lesson Part B" etc.
34 pages of worksheets, answer keys and supplemental material
Color Coding Jethro's Good Advice Worksheet and Answer Key
Sights and Sounds of Mount Sinai Worksheet, Picture Page and Instruction Manual
God's Law Booklet Cover and Commandments (five pages total)
God's Law Answer Key
Image of the Invisible God 2-page Worksheet and Answer Key
Exodus Review Cards (small size)
Exodus Review Cards (large size)
Game Signs (four total)
Image of the Invisible God Stepping Stone
Save time and shop with confidence! Watch the lesson preview video here.
This engaging Bible study lesson on the first four of the Ten Commandments (Commandments 1-4) is designed specifically for older students in grades 4-8 who are ready to explore the story of the Ten Commandments in greater depth. This comprehensive curriculum delves into the relationship we are meant to have with God, starting with Jethro’s advice to Moses in Exodus 18 and leading up to the powerful events at Mount Sinai. Students will witness the greatness of God as the Israelites gather at the base of the mountain, and they will learn about the first four commandments in Exodus 20:1-11.
✍️ The lesson offers a variety of engaging activities, such as interactive reenactments, colorful worksheets, hands-on projects, fun games, and more. It’s the perfect resource for upper elementary and middle school students to deepen their understanding of God's law and its relevance in their lives.
✔️ By the end of this lesson, students will have a clear understanding of how God's Law serves as:
A Mirror: The Ten Commandments reveal our sinfulness and our need for a savior, highlighting the impossibility of perfectly keeping the law on our own.
Protection: God's commandments are not restrictive but protective, acting as guardrails to keep us safe in our daily lives.
Wisdom: Living according to God’s laws brings wisdom and helps us make choices that please Him.
A Shadow: Based on Hebrews 10:1-3 students learn that the law is a shadow, an outline that lacks detail and color. A shadow causes us to look up to see what is creating it. In this case, the law is a shadow that points us to the person of Jesus ... the Image of the Invisible God!
✝️ This lesson offers a rich, multi-faceted approach to studying God’s commandments and their importance for personal spiritual growth. Perfect for Christian education settings, this study helps students grasp the deeper meanings of the Ten Commandments while learning how to apply them in their daily lives.
⭐️ AND ... make sure to check out the next lesson in this series ~ Ten Commandments #5-10 Exploring Our Relationship with Others
✴️ LESSON PART A ~COLOR CODING JETHRO'S GOOD ADVICE (Exodus 18)
We begin with a review of events covered in Exodus 12 (the final plague that caused Pharaoh to let God's people go) through Exodus 17 (where God provided water from a rock). We have provided you with eight full sized, colorful "clue" pictures (as well as carefully crafted wording) to assist you in retelling the story. Also included are smaller picture cards for students to sort and order on their desks.
A hallmark of our Walking Alongside Jesus series is that students color code a passage in every lesson which trains them to see repeated words, phrases and important details that might be missed in a simple reading. In this lesson, students color code Exodus 18:13-23 which details the reunion between Moses and his father-in-law Jethro. During their visit, Jethro notices a potential problem and provides advice to Moses on how to fix it. Students use colored pencils on a provided worksheet to underline Moses' problem in red, the consequences of staying this course in blue, Jethro's good advice in green and benefits of making the changes in orange.
✴️ LESSON PART B ~ AT THE BASE OF MOUNT SINAI (Exodus 19)
Students are encouraged to place themselves at the base of Mount Sinai with the Israelites and notice the sights and sounds that the Bible references. From the boom of thunder and the crackling of lightning to the smoke coming from the top of the mountain to the trumpet sounds and people wearing their sparkling freshly washed clothing, students color, cut and glue these provided images onto the worksheet "The Sights and Sounds of Mount Sinai". Students then decide what hand motions and/or sounds they can use to represent key words as Exodus 19:16-19 is reread in order to feel, see and hear what this passage is trying to relay to the reader.
✴️ LESSON PARTS C and D ~ AT THE TOP OF MOUNT SINAI: GOD'S LAW ~ COMMANDMENTS 1-4 (Exodus 20:1-11)
After briefly describing the three basic types of Old Testament law, this two part section focuses on the first four commandments ~ those rules that help us with our relationship to God. Students are given a colorful God's Law worksheet packet, one page for each of the first four commandments. Students rewrite the commandment in their own words, read another passage to discover how it adds to our understanding of the commandment and finally learn from the Apostle Paul that the Law serves as a MIRROR, a SHADOW, provides PROTECTION and makes us WISE. Additionally, students use their fingers as a memory aide for each of the first four commandments which provides a great review throughout the lesson.
✴️ LESSON PART E ~ ✝️ WHAT DID I LEARN ABOUT JESUS?
This section starts with a review game where students listen to other Old Testament and some New Testament verses (eleven in all) that are closely related to the first four commandments. Their job is to choose which commandment the verse is referencing and run to one of the four corners of the room where you have placed colorful numbered signs (included in the lesson).
After the game students are reminded that Old Testament law was a SHADOW. A shadow is not the actual thing but it does cause us to LOOK UP to see what is creating the shadow. In this case the shadow is a WHO - the person named Jesus who created the law's shadow. Students read Matthew 17 when Jesus is transfigured and then fill in the worksheet "Image of the Invisible God". Ultimately students are led to John 14:9 where Jesus unequivocally states, "Whoever has seen me, has seen the Father". Jesus is the Image of the Invisible God!
⏰️ Timing: This is a four to five hour lesson that can be spread over several sessions, stopping and starting where you left off or stopping at the labeled sections.
✔️Included in this lesson:
Colorful 25 page lesson plan is written with clear DO/SAY/READ wording that can be adapted to fit your voice if necessary. This includes a two page preparation guide that includes items to gather, photocopies students will need, pre-class preparations and instructions organized by "Lesson Part A", "Lesson Part B" etc.
34 pages of worksheets, answer keys and supplemental material
Color Coding Jethro's Good Advice Worksheet and Answer Key
Sights and Sounds of Mount Sinai Worksheet, Picture Page and Instruction Manual
God's Law Booklet Cover and Commandments (five pages total)
God's Law Answer Key
Image of the Invisible God 2-page Worksheet and Answer Key
Exodus Review Cards (small size)
Exodus Review Cards (large size)
Game Signs (four total)
Image of the Invisible God Stepping Stone
Save time and shop with confidence! Watch the lesson preview video here.
This engaging Bible study lesson on the first four of the Ten Commandments (Commandments 1-4) is designed specifically for older students in grades 4-8 who are ready to explore the story of the Ten Commandments in greater depth. This comprehensive curriculum delves into the relationship we are meant to have with God, starting with Jethro’s advice to Moses in Exodus 18 and leading up to the powerful events at Mount Sinai. Students will witness the greatness of God as the Israelites gather at the base of the mountain, and they will learn about the first four commandments in Exodus 20:1-11.
✍️ The lesson offers a variety of engaging activities, such as interactive reenactments, colorful worksheets, hands-on projects, fun games, and more. It’s the perfect resource for upper elementary and middle school students to deepen their understanding of God's law and its relevance in their lives.
✔️ By the end of this lesson, students will have a clear understanding of how God's Law serves as:
A Mirror: The Ten Commandments reveal our sinfulness and our need for a savior, highlighting the impossibility of perfectly keeping the law on our own.
Protection: God's commandments are not restrictive but protective, acting as guardrails to keep us safe in our daily lives.
Wisdom: Living according to God’s laws brings wisdom and helps us make choices that please Him.
A Shadow: Based on Hebrews 10:1-3 students learn that the law is a shadow, an outline that lacks detail and color. A shadow causes us to look up to see what is creating it. In this case, the law is a shadow that points us to the person of Jesus ... the Image of the Invisible God!
✝️ This lesson offers a rich, multi-faceted approach to studying God’s commandments and their importance for personal spiritual growth. Perfect for Christian education settings, this study helps students grasp the deeper meanings of the Ten Commandments while learning how to apply them in their daily lives.
⭐️ AND ... make sure to check out the next lesson in this series ~ Ten Commandments #5-10 Exploring Our Relationship with Others
✴️ LESSON PART A ~COLOR CODING JETHRO'S GOOD ADVICE (Exodus 18)
We begin with a review of events covered in Exodus 12 (the final plague that caused Pharaoh to let God's people go) through Exodus 17 (where God provided water from a rock). We have provided you with eight full sized, colorful "clue" pictures (as well as carefully crafted wording) to assist you in retelling the story. Also included are smaller picture cards for students to sort and order on their desks.
A hallmark of our Walking Alongside Jesus series is that students color code a passage in every lesson which trains them to see repeated words, phrases and important details that might be missed in a simple reading. In this lesson, students color code Exodus 18:13-23 which details the reunion between Moses and his father-in-law Jethro. During their visit, Jethro notices a potential problem and provides advice to Moses on how to fix it. Students use colored pencils on a provided worksheet to underline Moses' problem in red, the consequences of staying this course in blue, Jethro's good advice in green and benefits of making the changes in orange.
✴️ LESSON PART B ~ AT THE BASE OF MOUNT SINAI (Exodus 19)
Students are encouraged to place themselves at the base of Mount Sinai with the Israelites and notice the sights and sounds that the Bible references. From the boom of thunder and the crackling of lightning to the smoke coming from the top of the mountain to the trumpet sounds and people wearing their sparkling freshly washed clothing, students color, cut and glue these provided images onto the worksheet "The Sights and Sounds of Mount Sinai". Students then decide what hand motions and/or sounds they can use to represent key words as Exodus 19:16-19 is reread in order to feel, see and hear what this passage is trying to relay to the reader.
✴️ LESSON PARTS C and D ~ AT THE TOP OF MOUNT SINAI: GOD'S LAW ~ COMMANDMENTS 1-4 (Exodus 20:1-11)
After briefly describing the three basic types of Old Testament law, this two part section focuses on the first four commandments ~ those rules that help us with our relationship to God. Students are given a colorful God's Law worksheet packet, one page for each of the first four commandments. Students rewrite the commandment in their own words, read another passage to discover how it adds to our understanding of the commandment and finally learn from the Apostle Paul that the Law serves as a MIRROR, a SHADOW, provides PROTECTION and makes us WISE. Additionally, students use their fingers as a memory aide for each of the first four commandments which provides a great review throughout the lesson.
✴️ LESSON PART E ~ ✝️ WHAT DID I LEARN ABOUT JESUS?
This section starts with a review game where students listen to other Old Testament and some New Testament verses (eleven in all) that are closely related to the first four commandments. Their job is to choose which commandment the verse is referencing and run to one of the four corners of the room where you have placed colorful numbered signs (included in the lesson).
After the game students are reminded that Old Testament law was a SHADOW. A shadow is not the actual thing but it does cause us to LOOK UP to see what is creating the shadow. In this case the shadow is a WHO - the person named Jesus who created the law's shadow. Students read Matthew 17 when Jesus is transfigured and then fill in the worksheet "Image of the Invisible God". Ultimately students are led to John 14:9 where Jesus unequivocally states, "Whoever has seen me, has seen the Father". Jesus is the Image of the Invisible God!
⏰️ Timing: This is a four to five hour lesson that can be spread over several sessions, stopping and starting where you left off or stopping at the labeled sections.
✔️Included in this lesson:
Colorful 25 page lesson plan is written with clear DO/SAY/READ wording that can be adapted to fit your voice if necessary. This includes a two page preparation guide that includes items to gather, photocopies students will need, pre-class preparations and instructions organized by "Lesson Part A", "Lesson Part B" etc.
34 pages of worksheets, answer keys and supplemental material
Color Coding Jethro's Good Advice Worksheet and Answer Key
Sights and Sounds of Mount Sinai Worksheet, Picture Page and Instruction Manual
God's Law Booklet Cover and Commandments (five pages total)
God's Law Answer Key
Image of the Invisible God 2-page Worksheet and Answer Key
Exodus Review Cards (small size)
Exodus Review Cards (large size)
Game Signs (four total)
Image of the Invisible God Stepping Stone
What Christian perspective is used for these Bible lessons?
I am an evangelical Christian who writes Bible curriculum for older students, and I take this tremendous responsibility seriously. Each lesson has a clear focus on what God says in His Word and the lessons are presented age appropriately, thoughtfully and biblically.
What translation of the Bible is used? 99% of the time I use the ESV although on rare occasion I might use another translation such as the NIV.
How can this Bible lesson be used?
Each lesson unit in our Walking Alongside Jesus series is divided into five sections, each section takes between 30 minutes to an hour. This allows homeschool and Christian school teachers to use it daily in the classroom (thereby completing an entire unit in a week) OR in a Sunday School classroom or youth group once a week (thereby completing an entire unit in a month).
These lessons are flexible enough to be used in the following settings:
Children's Sunday School class
Youth Group
Private Christian school Bible class
Chapel for Christian schools
Children's Church
Homeschool Bible class
Family Bible time
Copyright © Experience the Bible Creatively. Permission to copy for single classroom use only.
