The Ten Commandments
At Mount Sinai God gave Moses the Ten Commandments: ten rules that show how to love God and love other people.
You will learn to...
- Name several of the Ten Commandments in simple words.
- Understand that God's commandments show how to love him and others.
- Connect the commandments to Jesus' greatest commandments.
Words to know
- Commandment
- An important instruction from God.
- Covet
- To want something that belongs to someone else so much that it takes over your heart.
- Tablets
- Flat pieces of stone used for writing.
Read the full lesson (for older kids and grown-ups)
After leaving Egypt, the Israelites camped at the foot of Mount Sinai. There was thunder, lightning and a thick cloud on the mountain, and God called Moses up.
God gave his people the Ten Commandments. The first ones are about loving God: have no other gods, don't make idols, honour God's name, and keep the Sabbath day holy. The rest are about loving others: honour your father and mother, don't murder, be faithful in marriage, don't steal, don't lie about others, and don't covet what belongs to someone else.
Later God wrote the commandments on two stone tablets. Many years later, Jesus summed up the law in two great commands: love God with all your heart, and love your neighbour as yourself.
God's commandments are not meant to spoil our fun. They show us how to live in a way that loves God and keeps people safe and cared for. Everyone breaks God's rules sometimes, and God offers forgiveness. Some mistakes are small and some are serious, but God's love is always bigger.
If you love me, keep my commandments.
Family conversation starters
- Which of the commandments do you see people break most often?
- Why did Jesus sum up the law with love?
Main people: Moses, God · Topics: God's law, Love for God, Love for others · Review status: awaiting theological review