In this lesson, children learn that God welcomes us back whenever we turn to him, and that he loves to hear us come home. This lesson suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Big Idea
God is kind, and he always makes room for us when we turn back to him. Coming home to God is good, and he welcomes everyone who wants to find him.
Memory Verse
2 Chronicles 30:9
For if you turn again to the LORD, your brothers and your children will find compassion before those who led them captive, and will come again into this land, because the LORD your God is gracious and merciful, and will not turn away his face from you, if you return to him.”
(WEB)
Teach the children to put both hands on their hearts, then slowly open their arms wide like a door swinging open. Say the words together while you move. The motion reminds them that God’s arms are always open to them.
The Story: 2 Chronicles 30 for Kids
A long time ago, a good king named Hezekiah ruled the land of Judah. Many of the people had wandered away from God. They had forgotten how to worship him in the right way, and the Temple in Jerusalem had been neglected for a long time.
King Hezekiah decided it was time for a big celebration. He wanted everyone to come to Jerusalem and keep the Passover feast together. He sent messengers all across the land, even to the towns in the north, with letters inviting people home. The messengers said, “Turn back to the LORD, and he will turn to you.”
Some people laughed at the messengers and made fun of them. But some humble people from the northern tribes listened, and they came to Jerusalem anyway. God helped the people of Judah to agree together, so many of them came too. The city was filled with a very great crowd.
The people cleaned up the Temple area and got ready for the feast. Many of the priests were not yet fully prepared, so the Levites helped with the work. Some people were not clean according to the rules, but King Hezekiah prayed for them. He asked God to forgive everyone who truly wanted to seek him, and God heard his prayer and healed the people.
Then the whole city celebrated for seven days with great joy. They sang loud songs, praised God every day, and gave gifts to one another. The celebration was so happy that they decided to keep it going for seven more days. Jerusalem had not seen such joy since the days of King Solomon.
Read It Together
2 Chronicles 30:6
So the couriers went with the letters from the king and his princes throughout all Israel and Judah, and according to the commandment of the king, saying, “You children of Israel, turn again to the LORD, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, that he may return to the remnant of you that have escaped out of the hand of the kings of Assyria.
(WEB)
Point out the messengers carrying the invitation. Ask the children what the messengers were asking the people to do. Explain that turning again means turning around and walking back toward God.
2 Chronicles 30:19
Who sets his heart to seek God, the LORD, the God of his fathers, even if they aren’t clean according to the purification of the sanctuary.”
(WEB)
Show the children that King Hezekiah prayed for people who were not perfectly ready. Point out that God pardons everyone whose heart is set on seeking him. This helps children see that God looks at the heart.
2 Chronicles 30:26
So there was great joy in Jerusalem; for since the time of Solomon the son of David king of Israel there was nothing like this in Jerusalem.
(WEB)
Help the children notice how much joy filled the city. Explain that when people come back to God together, there is real gladness. Ask them to name a time they felt that kind of happiness.
Talk About It
- What did the messengers invite the people to do, and how did they feel about coming home to God?
- Why do you think some people laughed at the messengers, and what could you do if someone laughs at you for following God?
- How did King Hezekiah show that he cared about the people who were not perfectly ready?
- What does it tell you about God that he welcomed people back even when they had made mistakes?
- When you pray, how can you come back to God when you have done something wrong?
Activity Ideas
Open Door Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and scissors. Have each child draw a door on a sheet of paper, then cut the door so it can open on one side. Inside the door, they can draw a picture of God welcoming them home. Let them open and close the door while they tell you what they drew.
Coming Home Relay
You will need two chairs and a small bell or a clap of your hands. Set up the chairs at one end of the room as the “Temple” and have the children start at the other end. When you ring the bell, they walk or skip toward the chairs, saying “I am coming home to God.” This game gets children moving and reminds them that every step toward God counts.
Welcome Home Card
You will need a sheet of construction paper, glue, and some stickers or cut-out hearts. Fold the paper in half to make a card and have the children write or draw “Welcome Home” on the front. Inside, they can add a sticker or heart and a short note of thanks to God. Encourage them to share the card with a family member at home.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God invites his people to return to him and to worship him together. It also shows that God’s grace is not limited by people’s failures, because he answers Hezekiah’s prayer for those who sought him with a sincere heart. The chapter encourages us to see restoration as a shared, joyful community work.
Avoid overstating to children that God will always give them whatever they ask for or that everyone who comes to church will feel joy every time. Keep the focus on God’s welcoming character and his willingness to forgive those who turn to him, rather than promising particular outcomes.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank you for welcoming us home whenever we turn back to you. Help us to listen when you call us, and to be humble when we make mistakes. Thank you for forgiving us and for filling our hearts with joy. Help us to share that welcome with others. Amen.
