In 2 Chronicles 35, King Josiah leads the people of Judah in a big celebration of the Passover, and he shows them that God’s Word matters more than anything else. This lesson works well for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Big Idea
When we put God first and follow what his Word says, we honor him, and he is pleased with us.
Memory Verse
2 Chronicles 35:3
He said to the Levites who taught all Israel, who were holy to the LORD, “Put the holy ark in the house which Solomon the son of David king of Israel built. It will no longer be a burden on your shoulders. Now serve the LORD your God, and his people Israel.
(WEB)
Ask children to cup their hands over their hearts while they say the verse, then lift their arms up high on the words “serve the LORD.” Repeat it together three times, moving a little faster each time. The motions help the words stick.
The Story: 2 Chronicles 35 for Kids
Long ago, there was a boy king named Josiah. He became king of Judah when he was only eight years old, and he loved God very much. Josiah wanted the whole nation to remember the LORD and celebrate the Passover, a special feast that reminded everyone how God had rescued his people from Egypt.
Josiah gave the priests and Levites jobs to do, and he asked them to get ready. He told the Levites who taught the people, “Serve the LORD your God.” He wanted them to be holy and to do everything the way God had said. The priests and Levites got busy preparing the animals and the offerings.
Josiah gave many lambs and goats and bulls from his own flocks so that everyone could have a Passover meal. His leaders gave gifts too. Soon the Passover was ready, and the people gathered in Jerusalem to remember what God had done for them. The people kept the feast for seven days, and it was a happy time.
The Bible says that no Passover like this one had been kept since the days of Samuel the prophet. Everyone was together, honoring God with their whole hearts. Josiah was a king who did what was right in God’s eyes.
Later, King Neco of Egypt wanted to fight a battle. He sent a message to Josiah, telling him to stay out of the fight. Josiah did not listen. He went to fight anyway, and he was badly hurt by archers. Josiah died, and all of Judah and Jerusalem were very sad. Jeremiah the prophet wrote songs of sadness for him.
Read It Together
2 Chronicles 35:1
Josiah kept a Passover to the LORD in Jerusalem. They killed the Passover on the fourteenth day of the first month.
(WEB)
Point out that Josiah kept the Passover to the LORD. Ask the children to notice that he did it on purpose, because he wanted to honor God, not just because it was something to do.
2 Chronicles 35:18
There was no Passover like that kept in Israel from the days of Samuel the prophet, nor did any of the kings of Israel keep such a Passover as Josiah kept, with the priests, the Levites, and all Judah and Israel who were present, and the inhabitants of Jerusalem.
(WEB)
Show the children that the Passover was special in a way no other had been for a very long time. Explain that people remember special times when they put God first together.
2 Chronicles 35:24
So his servants took him out of the chariot, and put him in the second chariot that he had, and brought him to Jerusalem; and he died, and was buried in the tombs of his fathers. All Judah and Jerusalem mourned for Josiah.
(WEB)
Help children see that Josiah’s story ended in sadness, and that all the people mourned. Talk about how sad it is when a good leader dies, and how God still cares for his people.
Talk About It
- What did King Josiah do to show that he loved God?
- Why do you think the people were so happy to keep the Passover together?
- How did Josiah’s leaders help him get everything ready for God?
- What happened to Josiah when he chose not to listen to King Neco’s warning?
- What is one way you can put God first in your day this week?
Activity Ideas
Passover Lamb Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and cotton balls. Have each child draw a simple lamb outline and glue cotton balls on for the wool. Talk about how the lamb reminded the people that God had saved them. Let children take their drawings home to show their families.
Follow the Leader Game
Choose one child to be King Josiah and everyone else to be the people of Judah. The king makes simple movements, like clapping or hopping, and the people copy him only when he says “Serve the LORD.” This shows how we follow God’s leading and listen carefully to his instructions.
Family Feast Card
You will need an index card and a pencil. Ask each child to write or draw one thing their family can do together to honor God this week, such as praying before dinner. Encourage them to put the card on the fridge as a reminder. Ask family members to check in on it together.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows a leader who wanted God’s people to return to his Word and worship him fully. Josiah’s zeal came from taking God’s law seriously, and the chapter describes the whole community taking part in obedience together. It also reminds us that faithfulness does not always protect us from hardship, and that God’s people still grieve when a good leader is lost.
With children, avoid overstating the idea that obeying God always leads to a happy outcome. Josiah’s story ends in a battle and a death, and it is wise to be honest about that without making it frightening. Focus on the truth that God is worth honoring, whatever happens.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, we want to put you first, just like King Josiah did. Help us listen to your Word and follow it every day. Thank you for loving us and for always being with us. Amen.
