Preteen Devotion: The Tower of Babel

Use this engaging preteen devotion to show kids that God wants us to communicate with our family members and work together—even during times that it appears we are all speaking a different language.

Scripture: Genesis 11:1-9

For each group, you’ll need:

• 10 paper towel rolls cut in thirds and clear cellophane tape,
• five slips of paper with one of the following directions written on each slip:
  • “Say the opposite of what you mean,”
  • “Remain silent and use no body language,”
  • “Gesture with your hands,”
  • “Ask questions,”
  • and “Talk in baby talk.”

Preteen Devotion: The Tower of Babel

Form groups of five. The give each group its supplies. Next, tell kids to each take one paper slip and to keep their directions secret from their group. Say: Build a tower as high as you can in three minutes. Each person is allowed to communicate only the way his or her slip of paper instructs. Allow time.

Ask:

• How did it feel to communicate with one another? Explain.
• Have you ever felt the same way when you’re trying to talk to your family? Why or why not?

Read the Scripture.

Ask:

• Why do you think God confused the languages of the people?

Say: God doesn’t want us to rebel like the people in our story, but he wants us to communicate with our family members and work together. Let’s ask God to help us communicate with our families.

Teresa Welch
Decatur, Illinois

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