The Little Fish Who Swam the Wrong Way — A Lesson on Obeying God Sunday School Lesson For Toddlers

Lesson Title:

The Little Fish Who Swam the Wrong Way — A Lesson on Obeying God

Bible Theme:

God wants us to obey Him because He loves us and knows what is best!

Bible Verse (Toddler Version):

"I will listen and obey." — Deuteronomy 5:27

Main Point to Repeat with Kids:

"I can obey God!"

Story: "The Little Fish Who Swam the Wrong Way — A Lesson on Obeying God"

In the big, blue ocean, there lived a little fish named Finn. Finn was a happy little fish with shiny yellow fins and a bright orange tail.

Finn loved to swim fast and play with his fish friends. But sometimes, Finn liked to do his own thing — even when the other fish said,
"Come this way, Finn! It's safe over here!"

One day, all the fish were swimming to the coral reef, where it was safe from big waves and sharks. But Finn said,
"I want to go the other way! I don’t want to listen!"

So Finn swam the wrong way — all by himself.

At first, it was fun. Finn splashed and swirled.
But then, the waves got big!
Finn got tossed and tumbled, and he couldn’t find his way back!

"Oh no! I should have listened! I should have obeyed!" Finn cried.

Finn stopped and prayed:
"Dear God, I'm sorry I didn’t listen. Please help me find my way back!"

Suddenly, a friendly dolphin swam by and said,
"Come on, little fish! I’ll show you the way!"

Finn followed the dolphin and soon found his fish friends waiting for him!
"Finn! You’re back! We were worried about you!"

Finn smiled and said,
"Next time, I will listen and obey — because God wants me to be safe!"

From that day on, Finn remembered that obeying God helps keep us safe and happy!

Activity: "Swim the Right Way" Game

How to Play:

Let kids pretend to be fish swimming around the room.
Call out: "Swim this way!" — and point a direction.
If they swim the right way, cheer: "Good job obeying!"
If anyone swims the wrong way, gently say: "Let’s try again — God wants us to obey!"

Repeat to help kids practice listening and obeying directions, just like Finn!

Craft: "Finn the Obeying Fish" Craft

Supplies:

Fish cutout or coloring page.
Crayons, markers, or colored paper.
Googly eyes (optional).
Glue sticks.
Space to write: "I can obey God!"

Instructions:

Color and decorate Finn the Fish.
Add a happy face and googly eyes.
Write (or help them write): "I can obey God!"
Talk about how Finn learned to listen and obey to stay safe and happy.

Song (To the tune of "Row, Row, Row Your Boat"):

Swim, swim, swim along,
Listen and obey.
God will help me do what's right,
Every single day!

Closing Prayer (Repeat After Me Style):

Dear God,
Thank You for loving me.
Help me to listen and obey.
Even when I want my way,
Help me choose Your way!
I love You, God!
Amen.

Optional Take-Home Note for Parents:

Today we learned from Finn the Fish that God wants us to obey Him because He loves us and knows what is best! Ask your child to show you their fish craft and talk about why it’s good to listen and obey.