Today, we’re looking at the story of Daniel in the lions’ den and how to bring it to life for kids.
Welcome to the “Meet an Amazing Animal” series.
God has done some remarkable things through his furry, fuzzy, and funny creations. A talking donkey? A fish carrying around a tax payment in its mouth? A rooster reminder that brought a grown man to his knees?
In this series we’re exploring how God has used animals to make himself and his purposes known. Get all twelve free lessons.
You’ll help your kids experience powerful transformation as they link Bible truths they need with the animals they love.
Let’s get started!
Bible Story: Daniel in the Lions’ Den (Daniel 6:1–23)
Animal: Lions
Lesson Theme: God Is Faithful
Activity: Tugboat
[icon name=”clock”] Time: about 5 minutes
[icon name=”list-alt”] Supplies: blindfolds (1 per every 2 children)
Have kids form pairs, and while one child in each pair is blindfolding the other, create an obstacle course in the room by moving chairs and other objects.
Explain that the sighted child in each pair is a tugboat—guiding his or her partner to safely navigate the obstacle course by using these signals: a tap on the right shoulder for turning right; a tap on the left shoulder for a left turn; and a tap between the shoulders for a full, immediate stop.
SAY: There’s no talking, but because tugboats blow whistles, feel free to whistle. Tugboats, stand behind your friends and let’s see how you do.
After all pairs have completed the course, have kids switch roles, and while blindfolds are being applied, rearrange the course. Then have pairs make their ways back to the starting line.
After this experience have kids discuss:
- How hard or easy was it for you not to peek? Why?
- How much did you trust your tugboat? Why?
SAY: It’s sometimes hard to trust people, to believe they’ll really do what they say they’ll do. But you can always trust God.
God is faithful—He keeps all His promises. And you can trust Him to guide your steps in life because He sees things you don’t see.
We’ll look at how God was faithful to someone who was in a lot of trouble!
Teaching Time
Share the story of Daniel in the lions’ den (Daniel 6:1–23). Use the following questions to guide discussion.
- Daniel was faithful—he kept talking with God. In what ways do you show that you’re faithful to God?
- God was faithful to Daniel, but what if God hadn’t saved Daniel from the lions? Would God still be faithful?
- The rule said Daniel couldn’t pray. He had to obey the rule or obey God. What’s a rule that might make you choose between obeying God and the rule?
- What is something God has said about himself that you’re glad is true?
- What’s something He’s said about you that you’re glad is true?
Love these lesson ideas? Get 13 lessons filled with activity and teaching ideas in 13 Very Amazing Animals and How God Used Them.
