Lesson Plan: Baby Jesus' Great Escape! A Journey to Egypt
Target Audience: Kindergarten - 2nd Grade
Subject: Bible Story, Religion, Ancient History
Time Allotment: 45 minutes
Learning Objectives:
Upon completion of this lesson, students will be able to:
Identify the main characters in the story: Jesus, Mary, Joseph, King Herod, and the angel.
Retell the key events of the story in simple terms: Joseph's dream, the journey to Egypt, and the return home.
Understand the main theme: God protects His people and has a plan for them.
Explain why the Holy Family had to travel to Egypt.
Describe some of the challenges of travel in ancient times.
Materials:
The story, "Baby Jesus' Great Escape! A Journey to Egypt."
A simple map showing the region of Israel (Bethlehem, Nazareth) and Egypt.
Drawing paper for each student.
Crayons, markers, or colored pencils.
Optional: A doll wrapped in a blanket (to represent Baby Jesus), scarves or cloth for costumes.
Lesson Procedure:
1. Introduction & Hook (5 minutes)
Gather the children and ask engaging questions to connect with their own experiences:
"Have you ever been on a really long trip in a car or on a plane? Where did you go?"
"Imagine you had to go on a long trip, but you had to walk or ride on a donkey! What things would you need to pack?"
"Today, we are going to hear a true story about a very special baby who had to go on a long, long journey with his family to stay safe."
2. Story Time (15 minutes)
Read the story, "Baby Jesus' Great Escape! A Journey to Egypt," aloud to the class.
Reading Strategy: Use an expressive and engaging tone. Pause at key moments to ask questions and check for understanding.
When the angel appears, you could whisper, as if sharing a secret.
When describing the desert, ask, "What do you think it feels like in a hot, sandy desert?"
Use the map to point out Bethlehem where they started and Egypt where they were going. Trace the long path with your finger to help them visualize the distance.
3. Group Discussion (10 minutes)
After the story, facilitate a discussion using questions from the article's FAQ and your own.
"Who came to Joseph in a dream to warn him?" (An angel)
"Why did the bad King Herod want to find Baby Jesus?" (He was afraid Jesus would become a king and take his place.)
"What country did Jesus' family escape to?" (Egypt)
"Was their trip easy or hard? Why?" (Hard! They had to walk through the desert, it was hot, etc.)
"What is the most important lesson from this story?" (That God always watches over us and keeps us safe.)
4. Creative Activity: The Journey (10 minutes)
Give each child a piece of paper and drawing supplies.
Refer to the "Call to Action" in the story: "Let's draw a picture of Joseph, Mary, and Baby Jesus on their journey to Egypt."
Encourage them to include details from the story: the donkey, the desert, the stars at night, or Mary holding Jesus snugly.
While they draw, you can play soft, calming music and walk around to ask children about their drawings.
5. Conclusion & Wrap-up (5 minutes)
Gather the children together again. Allow a few volunteers to share their pictures and describe what they drew.
Summarize the lesson's main point: "Just like God had a special plan to keep Baby Jesus safe, He has a plan for each of you and will always watch over you."
End with a simple prayer, such as: "Dear God, thank you for protecting Baby Jesus. Thank you for protecting us and loving us every day. Amen."
Assessment:
Observe student engagement and responses during the discussion.
Review student drawings to see if they reflect the key elements of the story (the family, the journey).
Ask a student to retell their favorite part of the adventure.
Welcome to the adventure! This is the story of a very special family's long journey. Click on the numbered steps on the map to follow their path and discover what happened at each stage.
Bethlehem
Nazareth
Meet the important people and messengers from the story! Click on each picture to learn more about them.
👶
Baby Jesus
A very special baby, the Son of God, who was born to save the world. His family had to protect Him from a mean king.
👩
Mary
Jesus' mother. She was kind, loving, and trusted God to take care of her family on their long and difficult journey.
👨
Joseph
Jesus' earthly father, a carpenter. He was brave and obedient to God, immediately acting on the angel's warning to keep his family safe.
👑
King Herod
The powerful and mean king who was afraid of Baby Jesus. He wanted to hurt Jesus because he feared losing his throne.
😇
The Angel
A messenger from God who appeared to Joseph in dreams, warning him of danger and later telling him when it was safe to return home.
Do you have questions about the journey or the people in the story? Click on a question below to reveal the answer!
King Herod was a very powerful ruler, and he was afraid that Baby Jesus, who was called the "King of the Jews," would grow up and take his throne. He wanted to be the only king!
The Bible doesn't say exactly how long, but it was long enough for Herod to die. Many scholars believe it was for a few years.
Yes! There were many Jewish people living in Egypt at that time. It wasn't uncommon for people to travel and live in different lands for work or safety. This made it easier for Joseph and Mary to find a place to fit in.
Yes, very hard! There were no paved roads, no cars, and often dangers like robbers or wild animals. Journeys were long and challenging, and people relied on donkeys, camels, or their own two feet.
Discover the amazing true story of how Baby Jesus and His family fled to Egypt to escape a wicked king. Learn about their journey, the customs of the day, and God's watchful care.
Introduction: Baby Jesus' Great Escape! A Journey to Egypt
Today, I have another special story to tell you about how God warned Joseph in a dream to escape from the evil monster king Herod.
Baby Jesus' Escape to Egypt Bible Verses: Matthew 2: 13 - 17.
13 And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.
14 When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt:
15 And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son.
16 Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently inquired of the wise men.
17 Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet, saying,
18 In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not.
A Very Important Dream
Do you know what dreams are? Sometimes when we sleep, we have pictures and stories in our heads. Well, Baby Jesus’s earthly father, Joseph, had a very important dream one night.
An angel, a messenger from God, came to him in his sleep. The angel said, "Joseph! Wake up! Take the baby Jesus and His mother, Mary, and run away to a far-off land called Egypt. A bad king named Herod wants to hurt baby Jesus."
Can you imagine how Joseph felt? He loved his family so much! He knew he had to protect them.
Getting Ready to Go to Egypt
Now, in those days, families lived very close together. Fathers worked hard, often as carpenters like Joseph, or as farmers, tending their sheep or growing food. Mothers took care of the home, weaving cloth for clothes, baking bread, and taking care of the children. When an important message came, especially one about danger, families listened.
Joseph knew they couldn’t waste a moment. He had to prepare for a long journey. What do you think they would need? Food? Water? Blankets to keep warm at night? Yes, all of those things! Travel in those days wasn't like getting in a car or a bus. Oh no! Most people walked, and sometimes they had a donkey to help carry their things or a weary traveler.
The Long Road Ahead: A Journey Through the Desert
Imagine leaving your home in the middle of the night! Joseph gently woke Mary, and together they got baby Jesus ready. Mary probably wrapped Him snugly in a warm cloth, just like moms do today to keep their babies cozy.
Their journey would take them from Bethlehem, a small town in ancient Israel, all the way to Egypt. Look at a map, and you'll see it was a long, long way! They would have to travel through deserts. Have you ever seen pictures of a desert? It's often sandy, with big dunes, and sometimes very hot during the day, but oh so cold at night!
There aren't many places to stop for water, so they had to carry enough with them. The air would be dry, and the sun could be very strong. It was a tough journey for anyone, let alone a family with a tiny baby.
They would have journeyed past places where shepherds watched their sheep, just like they did the night Jesus was born. They might have seen other travelers, merchants carrying goods to sell in faraway cities, or families moving from one place to another. Life was a journey for many in those ancient times.
Customs Along the Way to Egypt
As they traveled, they would rely on the kindness of strangers. Do you know about hospitality? It was a very important custom then. If you saw someone traveling, especially a family, you would offer them food and water, maybe even a place to rest for the night. It was how people helped each other in a world where there were no hotels on every corner!
They would have spoken Aramaic, the language many people in Israel spoke. And when they got to Egypt, they would hear Egyptian! People of different lands often meet, and sometimes they learn each other’s words.
Safe in Egypt
After many days of walking and riding, with the donkey carrying their precious cargo, they finally arrived in Egypt.
Here, they were safe. Joseph found work, maybe still as a carpenter, using his strong hands to build and fix things. Mary cared for Jesus, watching Him grow from a tiny baby into a toddler, just like you! They lived in Egypt for a while, waiting for another message from God.
A Sad Time Back Home
But what about that bad King Herod? While Joseph, Mary, and Jesus were safe in Egypt, King Herod was very angry because he couldn't find Jesus. He did a very, very sad thing. He sent his soldiers to Bethlehem and the areas around it and told them to hurt all the little baby boys who were two years old and younger. Why did he do this? He was scared that this new baby king, Jesus, would take his place. Can you believe how mean he was?
This made many mothers and fathers in Bethlehem cry very much. It was a terrible time. It reminds us that even in Bible times, there were sometimes sad and hard things that happened. But God always watched over His special people.
Time to Go Home
After some time, when King Herod had died, another angel appeared to Joseph in a dream in Egypt. The angel said, "Joseph, you can go home now. The bad king is gone, and it is safe for baby Jesus."
So, Joseph, Mary, and now a slightly older Jesus packed up their things again. They made another long journey, not back to Bethlehem, but to a town called Nazareth in Galilee. This was their new home, and Jesus grew up there, learning and playing, just like you are doing now.
God's Wonderful Plan
This story shows us how God always takes care of His children. Even when things are scary or hard, He has a plan, and He protects those He loves. Joseph and Mary trusted God, and because of their obedience, Baby Jesus was kept safe to grow up and one day save the world! Isn't that amazing?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Why did King Herod want to hurt baby Jesus?
A: King Herod was a very powerful ruler. He was afraid that Baby Jesus, who was called the "King of the Jews," would grow up and take his throne. He wanted to be the only king!
Q: How long did they stay in Egypt?
A: The Bible doesn't say exactly how long, but it was long enough for Herod to die. Many scholars believe it was for a few years - maybe 3 years and 5 months.
Q: Did other people live in Egypt from Israel?
A: Yes! There were many Jewish people living in Egypt at that time. It wasn't uncommon for people to travel and live in different lands for work or safety. This made it easier for Joseph and Mary to find a place to fit in.
Q: Was it hard for families to travel in those days?
A: Yes, very hard! There were no paved roads, no cars, and often dangers like robbers or wild animals. Journeys were long and challenging, and people relied on donkeys, camels, or their own two feet.
So, my friends, the story of Baby Jesus’s flight to Egypt is a wonderful adventure! It teaches us about courage, faith, and God’s loving protection. Just like Joseph and Mary trusted God, we can trust Him too, knowing that He watches over us always. What a great story about a special family and a very special baby!
Call to Action
What part of the story did you like the most? Talk to your family about it! You can also draw a picture of Joseph, Mary, and Baby Jesus on their journey.
Brown, R. E. (1993). The Birth of the Messiah: A Commentary on the Infancy Narratives in Matthew and Luke. Doubleday.
Keener, C. S. (1999).A Commentary on the Gospel of Matthew. Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing.
Schipper, F. (2009). Egypt and the Bible. In M. Zohary (Ed.), The Oxford Encyclopedia of Ancient Egypt (Vol. 1, pp. 452-456). Oxford University Press. (This reference would support the presence of Jewish communities in Egypt).
Wright, N. T. (1992).Christian Origins and the Question of God, Vol. 1: The New Testament and the People of God. Fortress Press. (This reference could support understanding the social and historical context of ancient Israel).
The Baobab Tree's Secret: A Story of Community and Respect
Meta Description:
Discover a timeless African folktale about a village, a wise elder, and a magnificent baobab tree. Learn the powerful lesson of how respecting nature and working together strengthens a community.
Introduction
In the heart of Africa, where the sun kisses the earth with a golden glow and the rhythms of life beat strong, stories are woven into the very fabric of existence. Passed down through generations, these tales are more than just entertainment; they are vessels of wisdom, guiding principles, and mirrors reflecting the soul of a people.
Today, we journey to a small village nestled beneath the vast, azure sky to uncover a story about a majestic baobab tree, a curious boy, and the enduring power of community.
The Village of Kipaji
Long ago, nestled beside a winding river in a lush valley, lay the village of Kipaji. Its name, meaning "talent" or "gift" in Swahili, perfectly suited its people, who were renowned for their vibrant crafts, melodious songs, and bountiful harvests. The heart of Kipaji, both literally and symbolically, was an ancient, enormous baobab tree. Its trunk was so wide that ten men holding hands could barely encircle it, and its branches, like gnarled arms reaching for the heavens, provided shade for the entire village square.
Under this grand baobab, villagers gathered for markets, children played games of tag, and elders shared stories by the light of the setting sun. It was a place of joy, wisdom, and communal life. The baobab was more than just a tree; it was a guardian, a provider, and a silent witness to generations of life in Kipaji.
Jengo and the Dry Season
Among the children of Kipaji was a bright-eyed boy named Jengo. He loved to climb the lower branches of the baobab, imagining himself a mighty eagle soaring over the valley. He respected the tree, as did all the villagers, understanding its role in their ecosystem. But Jengo was also a curious boy, always asking "why?" and "how?"
One year, the rains did not come as they should. Day after day, the sky remained a harsh, cloudless blue. The river, usually robust and flowing, dwindled to a trickle. The fields began to crack, and the leaves on many trees withered and fell. The villagers grew worried. Water became scarce, and the usual cheer of Kipaji was replaced by hushed concerns.
Jengo noticed that even though other trees suffered, the great baobab seemed to stand strong, its leaves still green, its mighty trunk seemingly unfazed by the prolonged dry spell. He wondered about its secret.
The Elder's Wisdom
Jengo approached his grandmother, Mama Zawadi, the oldest and wisest woman in Kipaji. Her face was a map of life, etched with lines of laughter and experience.
"Mama Zawadi," Jengo began, "why does the great baobab not suffer like the other trees? Where does it find its water?"
Mama Zawadi smiled, her eyes twinkling. "Ah, Jengo, that is a question many have asked. Come, let us sit beneath its shade, and I will tell you."
They sat together, leaning against the cool, ancient bark of the baobab. "This tree, my child," she began, "is like our community. It thrives not just on what it takes, but on what it gives, and how it is cared for."
She explained that generations ago, when Kipaji was first settled, the ancestors noticed that the baobab drew water from deep within the earth, storing it in its vast trunk. They understood that this tree was a precious gift. Instead of simply taking from it, they learned to live with it.
"Our people never cut its branches carelessly," Mama Zawadi explained. "They protected its roots. When the fruits ripened, they gathered only what they needed, leaving plenty for the animals and for the tree to replenish itself. And most importantly, they understood that its strength came from the unseen – the deep roots reaching down, and the community of life it supported above ground."
The Lesson Carried Forward
Jengo listened, his heart full of understanding. He saw that the baobab’s strength was not just in its size, but in the respect the villagers had shown it for generations. He realized its secret was not a mystery to be solved, but a relationship to be honored.
Inspired, Jengo shared what he had learned with the other children. Together, they organized to help the community. They helped ration the remaining water, cared for the elderly, and ensured the livestock had shade. They stopped complaining about the heat and started working together, mirroring the silent, steady strength of the great tree.
Guided by Mama Zawadi and the other elders, the people of Kipaji approached the baobab not with desperation, but with reverence. Following an ancient tradition known only to the wisest, they found a way to carefully draw a small, sustainable amount of the water stored in its trunk without harming the tree—a gift freely given by the tree they had always honored. This precious water, shared equally among all families, was enough to sustain them through the hardest days.
When the rains finally returned, washing the dust from the leaves and filling the riverbed once more, the celebration in Kipaji was deeper than ever before. They were not just celebrating the water, but the strength of their community, which had been tested and proven true.
Jengo, now looking at the great baobab with new eyes, understood its deepest secret. A community, like the great tree, thrives not by the strength of one, but by the interconnectedness of all. It is sustained by deep roots of tradition, nourished by respect for the world around it, and sheltered by the willingness of each member to care for the whole.
And so, the story of Jengo and the baobab was told to his children, and his children’s children. The great tree continued to stand as the heart of Kipaji, a living monument to the timeless truth that a people who honor their roots and care for one another can weather any drought and stand strong for generations to come.
