In this lesson, children learn that King Josiah obeyed God’s word and led his whole nation to celebrate the Passover together. This lesson is for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
When we listen to God and obey what He says, we can help others to love and obey Him too.
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 stand tall, put both hands on their hearts, and then point up toward the ceiling on the words “serve the LORD.” Repeat it together three times, each time a little softer, until everyone can say it without help.
The Story: 2 Chronicles 35 for Kids
Long ago, there was a boy named Josiah who became king of Judah when he was only eight years old. Josiah loved God, and he wanted everyone in his kingdom to remember Him. He decided it was time to celebrate the Passover, a special feast that helped God’s people remember how He rescued them from Egypt long ago.
Josiah gave many gifts to make the celebration happen. He gave thirty thousand lambs and young goats, along with three thousand bulls, so that every family who came to Jerusalem could have an animal for the feast. His leaders and the priests also shared what they had. Everyone worked together to get ready.
The Levites, who helped with the temple work, were very busy. The priests offered sacrifices to God all day and into the night. The singers and gatekeepers stayed at their places too. Josiah told them to do all of it just as God had commanded through Moses, and they did.
The people kept the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread for seven days. Nobody had celebrated it like this since the days of the prophet Samuel. The whole nation was happy, because they were all listening to God together.
Later, a king named Neco came to fight against another nation. Josiah wanted to fight him too, even though Neco said, “God has told me to stop, so do not stand in my way.” Josiah did not listen. He went into battle, and he was badly hurt by archers. He died in Jerusalem, and all of Judah was very sad.
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 for the LORD, not just for himself. Ask children to notice who the celebration was really for, and remind them that everything we do can be done to honor God.
2 Chronicles 35:20-22
20 After all this, when Josiah had prepared the temple, Neco king of Egypt went up to fight against Carchemish by the Euphrates, and Josiah went out against him. 21 But he sent ambassadors to him, saying, “What have I to do with you, you king of Judah? I come not against you today, but against the house with which I have war. God has commanded me to make haste. Beware that it is God who is with me, that he not destroy you.” 22 Nevertheless Josiah would not turn his face from him, but disguised himself, that he might fight with him, and didn’t listen to the words of Neco from the mouth of God, and came to fight in the valley of Megiddo.
(WEB)
Show how Neco sent a message that God had told him to stop, and Josiah chose not to listen. Explain that even good people can make choices that do not follow God’s word, so we should always check what God says first.
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)
Point out that all of Judah and Jerusalem mourned for Josiah. Explain that when a good leader is gone, people feel sad, and that God cares about our feelings when we lose someone we love.
Talk About It
- What did King Josiah do to show that he loved God?
- How do you think the people felt when they celebrated the Passover together?
- Why is it important to listen to what God says, even when it is hard?
- What does it mean to work together, like the priests, Levites, and leaders did?
- How can you remember God’s word during your day at home or school?
Activity Ideas
Passover Lamb Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and cotton balls. Have each child draw a simple lamb outline, then glue on cotton balls for wool. As they work, talk about how the Passover lambs reminded God’s people of His care for them. Children can take their lambs home as a reminder.
Follow the Leader Obedience Game
Gather the children in an open space and choose one child to be Josiah. Josiah gives simple movement commands like “hop three times” or “touch your toes.” Everyone must obey carefully, just as the people followed God’s commands. Switch leaders so every child gets a turn.
Family Memory Verse Card
You will need an index card, a pencil, and a bit of ribbon or yarn. Help each child write the memory verse on the card, then punch a hole and tie the ribbon through it. Encourage them to hang it on their bedroom door or by the dinner table so they can read it each day this week.
Teacher Notes
This passage shows that God’s word guides His people, and that true worship happens when people come together to obey Him. Josiah’s careful preparation and his desire to honor God’s commands are a good example for adults. His death in battle also reminds us that even faithful leaders are human and can make mistakes, so we should always test our choices against Scripture.
Avoid suggesting that Josiah’s death was a direct punishment for a specific sin, since the text does not explain it that way. Keep the focus on his faithfulness and the people’s joy in worship, rather than offering a simple cause and effect for why he died.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You for giving us Your word to guide us every day. Help us to listen carefully and obey You, just like King Josiah tried to do. Help us to love You and to help others love You too. Amen.
