This lesson teaches children that God wants us to keep doing what is right, even when people around us stop. Children ages 5 to 11 can enjoy this story, and it takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach with a short activity.
Big Idea
God is always with us, so we should keep choosing to do what is right, every day, even when it is hard.
Memory Verse
2 Chronicles 24:2
Joash did that which was right in the LORD’s eyes all the days of Jehoiada the priest.
(WEB)
Stand up tall and then sit down slowly, as if you are a good king sitting on a throne. Each time you say the verse, do the same movement. Children remember words best when their bodies help them remember.
The Story: 2 Chronicles 24 for Kids
A boy named Joash became king of Judah when he was only seven years old. He was a young king, so a wise priest named Jehoiada helped him. For many years, Joash did what was right in God’s eyes, and the people of Jerusalem were glad to have a good king who loved God.
One day, Joash saw that God’s house, the Temple, was broken and needed fixing. He told the priests and Levites, “Go to all the towns and collect money to repair God’s house.” But the Levites were slow and did not hurry to gather the money. Joash noticed their slowness and called for Jehoiada to ask what was wrong.
So the people made a special wooden chest and put it near the Temple gate. Everyone was happy to bring their gifts. The princes and the people gave generously until the chest was full. Then the workers used that money to hire builders and carpenters, and they fixed God’s house carefully, just as it was meant to be.
Jehoiada grew very old and died at the age of one hundred and thirty. After he died, some of the princes came to Joash and talked him into following idols instead of God. The people turned away from God’s house, and sadly, Joash listened to them.
God sent prophets to remind the people to come back to Him. One of them, Zechariah, son of Jehoiada, stood before the people and told them, “Why do you disobey God? Because you have left Him, He has left you.” Instead of listening, the king ordered the people to stone Zechariah, even though Zechariah had been a faithful friend to him.
Later, enemy armies came to Judah, and the people suffered greatly. Joash was hurt, and his own servants turned against him and took his life. Because he had stopped doing what was right, his story ended sadly.
Read It Together
2 Chronicles 24:4-5
4 After this, Joash intended to restore the LORD’s house. 5 He gathered together the priests and the Levites, and said to them, “Go out to the cities of Judah, and gather money to repair the house of your God from all Israel from year to year. See that you expedite this matter.” However the Levites didn’t do it right away.
(WEB)
Point out that Joash wanted to take care of God’s house, which shows that he cared about worship. Ask children how they can take care of the places where they worship God, like their church or their home prayer corner.
2 Chronicles 24:17-18
17 Now after the death of Jehoiada, the princes of Judah came, and bowed down to the king. Then the king listened to them. 18 They abandoned the house of the LORD, the God of their fathers, and served the Asherah poles and the idols, so wrath came on Judah and Jerusalem for this their guiltiness.
(WEB)
Show children how the princes who came after Jehoiada’s death led the people away from God. Explain that the king chose to listen to them, and that choosing whom to listen to matters a great deal.
2 Chronicles 24:20
The Spirit of God came on Zechariah the son of Jehoiada the priest; and he stood above the people, and said to them, “Thus says God, ‘Why do you disobey the LORD’s commandments, so that you can’t prosper? Because you have forsaken the LORD, he has also forsaken you.’”
(WEB)
Point out that God’s Spirit came upon Zechariah to speak the truth, even though it was not welcome. Remind children that God still sends people to tell us the truth, and that God is always faithful to speak.
Talk About It
- What is one good thing Joash did when he was young, and how could you copy him?
- Why do you think the people were so happy to bring their money for God’s house?
- Who in your life helps you remember to do what is right, the way Jehoiada helped Joash?
- What do you think Zechariah felt when he had to tell the people the hard truth?
- When someone asks you to do something wrong, what can you say or do to stay close to God?
Activity Ideas
Build a Giving Chest
You will need a shoebox, construction paper, tape, and crayons. Cover the box with paper, decorate it, and write “God’s House” on the front. Let each child draw a small picture of something they can give to help others, then place it in the box as a reminder of the giving that filled the chest in the story.
Stay Strong Like Joash
You will need a open space and a few soft pillows or cushions. Set the cushions in a row, and have children walk across them one at a time while balancing on each one, pretending each cushion is a step of doing what is right. Remind them that staying steady takes practice, just like following God takes practice each day.
Thank You Card for Your Helper
You will need paper, markers, and an envelope. Ask each child to think of someone who helps them stay good, like a parent, grandparent, or teacher. Have them draw a picture and write or dictate a short note saying thank you, then take it home to give to that person this week.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that a good start does not guarantee a good finish. Joash served God well while Jehoiada guided him, but after his mentor died he turned away, and the chapter records the cost of that choice. It also shows God’s patient mercy, as He sent prophets again and again to call His people home.
With children, avoid suggesting that God punishes every mistake with war or sudden harm. Keep the focus on the simple truth that turning away from God leads to sadness, and that God always invites us back. Be careful not to make the story about frightening outcomes.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You for being with us every day. Help us to do what is right, even when it is hard, and help us listen to the people who love You. Keep our hearts close to You all our lives. Amen.
