Crossing the Red Sea

The Story

Read portions of the story told in Exodus 13 and 14

• Exodus 13:21-22     The Lord leads the Israelites with the pillar of cloud and fire
• Exodus 14:5-9         The Egyptian army follows them 
• Exodus 14:10-12     The Israelites are afraid and cry out to the Lord
• Exodus 14:13-18     The Lord tells Moses that He will protect them
• Exodus 14:19-22     The Lord helps the Israelites cross the Red Sea
• Exodus 14: 23-31    The Egyptians pursue them and are destroyed

Crossing the Red Sea Retold
A simpler version for young children.

Ideas for discussion

1. The Lord protected Moses and prepared Him for the great work of leading the children of Israel out of Egypt. When Pharaoh agreed to let the Israelites leave, the Lord led the way with a pillar of cloud and fire.
2. Divine protection is shown by the cloud which was an army of angels. How might you feel if you could see the pillar of cloud and fire leading the way?
3. Pharaoh chased the Israelites when he changed his mind about letting the Israelites leave Egypt. How did the children of Israel feel when they saw the Egyptians coming after them with an army of chariots? (They were very afraid.)
4. How did Moses reassure the people? (“Do not be afraid. Stand still and see the salvation of the Lord.”) Moses told them to trust that the Lord would protect them.  
5. What happened to the Egyptians when they followed the Israelites? (The water covered them, and they were drowned.) How did the Israelites respond? (They were happy and thanked the Lord for saving them.)
6. The Lord does not want us to be anxious about the future, because anxiety draws our minds away from thinking about spiritual things. Trusting that the Lord is with us and providing all that we need for our spiritual welfare, can help us maintain a healthy perspective on life.
7. The attitude of trusting in the Lord is a spiritual orientation that can give us great peace of mind. Those who trust in the Lord have faith that He is guiding them toward eternal happiness. But this trust does not come easily. We are inclined to feel that we are in charge, and that only we know what will make us truly happy. As we learn more about the Lord’s infinite love and His Divine providence, we may find it easier to rely on Him and have confidence that He is guiding us.

Read more about the story

• “The Children of Israel and the Red Sea” by Frederick Schnarr (ages 3-6)
  This story illustrates the Lord’s love and protection.
• “The Lord’s Presence and Protection” by Donald L. Rose (ages 7-14)
  What does it mean to us when we say that the Lord is present with us or is close to us? The story of the Israelites being saved from the Egyptians and crossing the Red Sea gives answers to this question.
• Crossing the Red Sea by Harold Cranch (ages 7-14)
  If we remember to turn to the Lord and ask Him to help us do what is right, He will lead us on the path which will bring us to our promised land—to heaven!
• “Everything Is Going to Be All Right” by Donald L. Rose (teens and up)
  When you comfort a person in real trouble or distress, you may find yourself saying, “Everything is going to be all right.” And you are telling the truth! Is it because you have some special knowledge and can predict the future? No, it is true because the Lord has all power and loves and cares for us.
• Taking Care for the Morrow by Kurt Horigan Asplundh (ages 18 and up)
  The Lord tells us not to worry about tomorrow. This doesn’t mean that we aren’t supposed to concern ourselves with providing food and clothing and other such things for ourselves and our family. We must work and plan for the future but trust that the Lord has the ability and the desire to lead us to heavenly happiness.
• “Anxiety for the Future” by Brian W. Keith (ages 18 and up)
  If we trust in the Lord and do what good we can, He will make the best of all that we do.

Projects and activities for all ages

• Pillar of Smoke and Fire (ages 4-10)
  Use a glass and a tea light candle to make a “pillar of smoke and fire.”
• Demonstration of the Miracle at the Red Sea (ages 4-10)
  Demonstrate how “wind” can divide the water to make dry land.
• Path Through the Red Sea (ages 6-10)
  Create a project using your breath like the wind to blow away selfishness and open a path towards heaven.
• Pillar of Fire Wax-resist Picture (ages 6-14)
  Use oil pastels or wax crayons to make the pillar of fire, then brush a dark blue or black watercolor wash over it all to picture the pillar at night.
• The Miracle at the Red Sea Coloring Page (ages 7-14)
  Shows Moses raising his arm, and the Israelites starting to cross over on dry land.
• Crossing of the Red Sea Diorama (ages 7-14)
  Make a diorama with crumpled tissue paper making the “walls of water” on either side and clay figures going across the Red Sea on dry ground.
• Crossing the Red Sea Journal Page (ages 8-10)
  Write how you might feel if you saw the east wind part the Red Sea!
• Crossing the Red Sea Song by Lori S. Odhner
  Energetic song audio based on Exodus 14.
• Food for Thought: Trusting in the Lord (ages 14 and up)
  Readings about trusting the Lord and true-false questions that can be used as a basis for discussion.
• For Reflection: Don’t Just Do Something, Stand There!
  There are times when we need to “stand still” and trust the Lord rather than rush into action or be consumed with worry.
• Moving Through Our Fears Spiritual Task by David C. Roth (ages 18 and up)
  Explains the meaning of the story and sets a spiritual goal or task: The sea of doubts will part for us when we first stand still (pray, reflect) and then move forward (follow the Lord’s truth as we have come to understand it). This week take time to “stand still” to listen to the Lord’s leading.

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