For Kids · 4 min with a grown-up
Moses is trying to help everybody, all by himself, all day long — until a wise visitor gives him some very good advice.
Today's Story
Moses had a visitor in the desert — his father-in-law, Jethro, who brought along Moses's wife and his two sons. What a happy reunion! Moses told Jethro everything God had done: the plagues, the sea, the rescue. Jethro was so glad he praised God out loud. “Now I know the Lord is greater than all!”
The next day, Jethro watched Moses at work. From morning until night, a long line of people waited for Moses to settle every little argument and answer every little question. Moses never even got to sit down.
“Moses,” Jethro said gently, “this isn't good. You'll wear yourself right out, and so will all these people. The work is too heavy for you. You can't do it alone.”
“Here's a better way,” Jethro said. “Choose good, honest helpers. Let them handle the small problems. Only the really big ones need to come to you.”
Moses listened to the wise advice. He picked helpers to share the work. And everybody — Moses and the people — was so much better for it.
A Big Word
Memory Verse
Talk About It
- Moses was trying to do everything by himself. Is there something you sometimes try to do alone that's easier with help?
- Jethro saw that Moses was worn out and spoke up kindly. Who is someone wise in your life you can go to for good advice?
- Sharing the work helped everyone. What's a job at home your whole family could share so no one is too tired?