God Parts the Red Sea

Exodus 13:17–18; Exodus 14

Our true story comes from a part of the Bible called Exodus. The word “exodus” means to leave or go away from.

After many years, God’s people were finally free from Egypt! Moses led them out, just as God had told him. The people were very happy as they walked together, following Moses through the wilderness. God showed them the way—He went before them in a tall cloud during the day and in a bright fire at night.

But soon they came to a big problem. In front of them was a huge sea called the Red Sea, and behind them came Pharaoh’s army in their fast chariots! The people were afraid. They said, “What will we do? We can’t cross the sea!”

Moses told them, “Don’t be afraid. God will help us!” Then God said to Moses, “Lift up your staff over the water.” Moses obeyed. He lifted his staff high—and something amazing happened!

The wind began to blow. The water started to move. The sea opened up, and the water stood tall like two walls—one on each side. Right through the middle was a dry path!

God’s people walked safely across the dry ground. There were thousands and thousands of people, and not one was left behind. God kept them safe until everyone was on the other side.

Then Pharaoh’s army tried to follow them, but God made the water come back together. The sea closed, and Pharaoh’s army was gone.

When God’s people saw what had happened, they were so happy! They sang songs and danced and thanked God for saving them. Moses’ sister Miriam played her tambourine and led the people in a joyful song.

God had made a way when there was no way. He showed His people that He is strong and that He always keeps His promises.

Key Takeaway for Preschoolers

God helps us when we are afraid. Just like God helped Moses and His people cross the Red Sea, God helps us too—because He is always with us and keeps His promises.


Dear God,

Thank You for helping Moses and Your people when they were afraid. Thank You for showing Your power and for keeping every promise You make. Please help us to remember that You are always with us and that You can help us, too, when things seem hard or scary. We love You, God, and we thank You for taking care of us every day. We love You, God.

In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.





Bible Verse: “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” — Matthew 28:20b, BSB

Paraphrase: Jesus said, “I am always with you.”



Activities

These activities help preschoolers engage with the story through movement, crafts, music, and storytelling, making the lesson fun and memorable.


1. The Red Sea Path

Objective: To help children imagine how God parted the sea for His people to walk through safely.

Materials: Two large blue blankets or sheets, floor space for walking, optional toy figures or dolls.

Activity: Lay the blue blankets on the floor with a “path” left open between them. Have two adults or older children gently wave the edges of the blankets to look like water. Let the children walk down the middle “dry path” one at a time, pretending to be the Israelites crossing the Red Sea.

Talk About It: “God made the water stand up so His people could walk through on dry ground. God helps us too when we need Him.”


2. Wind Power

Objective: To illustrate how God used the wind to part the waters.

Materials: Light scarves, tissue paper squares, or feathers; small fans (optional).

Activity: Give each child a scarf or piece of tissue paper. Have them blow gently on it or use a fan to make it move. Tell them that God sent a strong wind to open the sea so His people could cross. Encourage them to wave their scarves as they imagine the wind blowing the water apart.

Talk About It: “The wind blew, and God made a way for His people. God is strong and can do anything!”


3. Thank You Song and Dance (Musical Activity)

Objective: To help children celebrate and thank God, like Miriam and the Israelites did after crossing the sea.

Materials: Small rhythm instruments (shakers, bells, tambourines, or drums).

Activity: Teach the children this short, joyful song to the familiar tune of “If You’re Happy and You Know It” (Public Domain).

Song: “Thank You, God, for Helping Me”
(to the tune of “If You’re Happy and You Know It”)

        When the people crossed the sea, they sang to You, (clap, clap)  
        When the people crossed the sea, they sang to You, (clap, clap)  
        They were thankful and so glad,  
        For the blessings that they had,  
        When the people crossed the sea, they sang to You! (clap, clap)

Encourage the children to play their instruments and dance as they sing, just as Miriam led the people in joyful praise.

Talk About It: “Miriam sang to thank God for helping His people. We can thank God with our songs, too!”


4. God Keeps His Promises

Objective: To help children remember that God always keeps His promises.

Materials: Colorful construction paper, crayons or markers, stickers, and glue.

Activity: Give each child a piece of paper and help them draw a rainbow (a symbol of God’s promises). Write or help them say the words “God Keeps His Promises” at the top. Encourage them to decorate their picture with stickers or drawings of happy faces or hearts.

Talk About It: “God promised to take care of His people, and He did! God keeps His promises to us, too.”

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Story illustrations are the copyright of James M. Thomas. All rights reserved.
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