LESSON OVERVIEW FOR ADULTS
In Genesis 2:1-3, we see that after creating the world in six days, God finished His work and chose to rest on the seventh day. This was not because He was tired, but because His work was complete and good. God set apart the seventh day as holy, giving us an example of the importance of rest and taking time to enjoy what He has made.
This passage teaches that rest is part of God’s design for us. Just as God paused to enjoy His creation, we are invited to pause, remember Him, and find peace in His goodness. For children, this lesson helps them understand that God made everything, called it good, and wants us to rest and be with Him.
PLAY ROOM 10:15–10:30
Children will be dropped off in the playroom between 10:15–10:30 a.m. Allow them to play freely as they arrive. Transition them to the classroom at 10:30 a.m.
OPENING ACTIVITY 10:30–10:45 | Creation Wheel
Items Needed
- Creation Wheel (Cardstock)
- Brads
- Crayons
Provide each child with both pieces of the creation wheel to color. Once they have colored it, secure it together with the brad.
Best practice tips: Have them color each number one-by-one as you remind them what you’ve studied over the last six weeks. Today you’re studying Day 7, God rested.
WORSHIP IN SONG 10:45–10:55
Items Needed
- Globe Beach Ball
Note: Stored in bottom of preschool closet
Toss the ball around as you sing two rounds of “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands”. Then do one or two rounds of “My God is So Big.”
PRAYER 10:55–11:05 a.m.
Transition kids to the floor for prayer time. Pray for thankful hearts for all God created and for learning to rest and spend time with Him.
BIBLE STORY 11:05–11:15
Classroom Promise: With my eyes on my teacher, my mouth quiet as can be, I will listen to hear, how God loves you and me.
Where do the stories we learn about come from?
[Wait for response]
That’s right, the Bible. These are God’s stories.
Today’s story comes from the Old Testament, from the book of Genesis.
[Point to the Books of the Bible]
[Speak softly] God made the whole world.
[Stretch arms wide] He made the sky, the land, the animals, and people.
Can you show me a big sky with your arms?
[Let kids respond]
Each day, God made something new.
Let’s count to six together. Ready? 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6!
[Let kids respond]
[Act like working] God worked for six days. Can you pretend to work?
[Let kids respond]
Then something special happened.
On day seven… God rested.
Can you say rested?
[Wait for response]
[Lay head on hands] God stopped working and rested.
Can you pretend to rest like you are sleeping?
[Let kids respond]
God rested because His work was finished.
[Clap hands once] It was all done.
And guess what? God said it was very good.
Can you say very good?
[Wait for response]
God made a special day for rest.
Can you sit very still and quiet for a moment?
[Pause briefly]
Rest helps us remember God.
Rest helps us say thank you.
[Whisper] Thank you, God. Can you whisper that?
[Let kids respond]
God wants us to rest and be with Him.
Can you put your hands on your heart?
[Let kids respond]
He loves you so much.
Let’s all say together, God made everything and it is good!
[Repeat twice with kids]
And on the seventh day… God rested.
THEOLOGICAL QUESTIONS
- Why did God rest on the seventh day? (Because His work was finished and He made the day holy)
- What does it mean that God blessed the seventh day? (He made it special and set it apart for rest and remembering Him)
LIFE APPLICATION QUESTIONS
- Why is it important for us to rest like God showed us? (Because God made rest good for us and it helps us remember Him)
- What is one way you can spend quiet time with God this week? (Pray, sit quietly, thank God, or read a Bible story)
BIBLE CRAFT 11:15–11:30 | Headband Sleep Mask
Items Needed
- Headband Sleep Mask (cardstock)
- Crayons
- Glue
- Tape or Stapeler
Give each child a headband sleep mask to color and glue stars onto. Help them make it fit their head using either tape or a stapeler. Remind kids that on Day 7 God Rested. Rest doesn’t always mean sleep. It means finding time to Worship God and thank him for all He does and has provided.
SNACK TIME & BIBLE STORY VIDEO 11:30–11:40
Pass out snacks and allow kids time to eat snacks while watching the Bible video.
BIBLE STORY GAME 11:40–11:55 | Days of Creation BINGO
Items Needed
- Days of Creation Bingo Set
- Circle Stickers (or Dot Markers)
Give each kid a Bingo card and a page of circle stickers or a dot markers. Explain to them how to play Bingo. Roll the cube to determine what to call. Show them the picture of what to put a dot on.
BONUS ACTIVITY | Practice Rest
Dim the lights and have children lie down quietly. Teach them that resting can be calm and peaceful. Play this music and quietly ask them questions about what God created over the course of six days before He rested on day 7.
SCRIPTURE REFERENCE | Genesis 2:1-3 (ESV)
Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them. And on the seventh day God finished his work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all his work that he had done. So God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it God rested from all his work that he had done in creation.
PARENT TAKE HOME SHEET
Today’s Lesson: God Rested
Scripture: Genesis 2:1-3
What We Learned:
God made the whole world in six days and rested on the seventh day. God showed us that rest is good and important.
Talk About It:
THEOLOGICAL QUESTIONS
- What did God do after He finished creating the world? (He rested on the seventh day and made it holy)
- Does God rest because He gets tired like people do? (No, God does not get tired, He rested because His work was complete)
- What does it mean that God said His creation was “very good”? (Everything He made was perfect and just as He wanted it)
- Why did God make a special day for rest? (To set an example and make a holy day to remember Him)
- What does this story teach us about God’s character? (He is powerful, orderly, good, and cares about giving us rest)
LIFE APPLICATION QUESTIONS
- How can we follow God’s example of resting? (By taking time to stop, be calm, and spend time with God)
- Why is resting important for our bodies and hearts? (It helps us feel better and remember God’s goodness)
- What is something you can thank God for that He created? (Answers will vary, like animals, family, or nature)
- How can your family make time to rest and focus on God? (By praying together, going to church, or having quiet time)
- What can you do when life feels busy or noisy? (Pause, pray, and remember that God gives us peace and rest)