This lesson teaches children that God wants us to do what is right, even when others around us do not. It is designed for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach, including the story, the activity and a short prayer.
Big Idea
God is pleased when we do what is right, and we can trust Him to keep His promises even when people make mistakes.
Memory Verse
2 Kings 14:3
He did that which was right in the LORD’s eyes, yet not like David his father. He did according to all that Joash his father had done.
(WEB)
Ask the children to stand tall with their hands at their sides, then raise both arms up high on the word “right.” Repeat the verse together while they march in place, lifting their knees with each phrase.
The Story: 2 Kings 14 for Kids
A long time ago, there was a king named Amaziah who ruled the land of Judah. He was twenty-five years old when he became king, and he ruled in the city of Jerusalem for twenty-nine years. Amaziah did many things that pleased God, and he was a good leader for his people. He was not as faithful as his great-great-grandfather David, but he still tried to do what was right.
One day, Amaziah had a fight with his neighbors in the land of Edom. He led his soldiers into a valley and won a great battle. Afterward, he was so proud that he thought he could fight anyone. He sent a message to Jehoash, the king of Israel, and said, “Come, let us face each other!” Jehoash sent back a story about a thistle that wanted to marry a cedar tree. He warned Amaziah, “Stay at home and enjoy your victory. Do not go looking for trouble.”
Amaziah did not listen. He chose to fight, and he lost the battle. Jehoash took Amaziah as a prisoner and broke down part of the wall around Jerusalem. He also took the gold and silver from God’s house and from the king’s palace. Amaziah had not listened to the warning, and his pride led him into trouble.
Later, some people in Jerusalem made a plan against Amaziah. He ran away to a city called Lachish, but they followed him there and killed him. His son Azariah became king in his place. Even though Amaziah had made mistakes, the story shows us that God still kept His promises to His people.
Read It Together
2 Kings 14:10
You have indeed struck Edom, and your heart has lifted you up. Enjoy the glory of it, and stay at home; for why should you meddle to your harm, that you fall, even you, and Judah with you?’”
(WEB)
Show the children how Amaziah’s pride got him into trouble. Explain that thinking too highly of ourselves can make us ignore good advice, and it is always wise to listen to people who care about us.
2 Kings 14:27
The LORD didn’t say that he would blot out the name of Israel from under the sky; but he saved them by the hand of Jeroboam the son of Joash.
(WEB)
Point out that even when the people of Israel had been unfaithful, God saw their suffering and rescued them. Remind the children that God never forgets His people and always keeps His promises.
Talk About It
- What did Amaziah do that pleased God, and what did he do that did not?
- Why do you think Amaziah did not listen when Jehoash warned him?
- How can you tell when someone is being proud, and how can you stay humble?
- What is a time when you chose to listen to good advice, and how did it help you?
- Why is it good to know that God keeps His promises even when people make mistakes?
Activity Ideas
Crown of Humility Craft
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and scissors. Cut strips of paper long enough to fit around each child’s head and staple them into a band. Have the children decorate their crowns with words or pictures of ways they can be humble, like helping, sharing or saying sorry. Talk together about how a crown can remind us that we serve God first.
Follow the Leader Game
Choose one child to be the king and the rest to be his soldiers. The king makes a simple movement, like clapping twice or stomping, and the soldiers copy it. Afterward, talk about how it is wise to follow good leaders who love God. You can switch roles so every child gets a turn being the leader and practicing kindness.
Take-Home Memory Card
You will need index cards or pieces of cardstock, a pencil, and tape or a ribbon. Write the memory verse on one side of the card and draw a simple picture of a king on the other. Let each child decorate their card and take it home. Encourage them to read it with their family each night during the week.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God’s people can be faithful in some ways while still falling short in others. Amaziah did what was right in God’s sight, yet his pride led him to reject wise counsel and bring disaster on himself. The passage also reminds us that God remains faithful to His promises, even when His people struggle.
When teaching children, avoid making the story seem like a simple lesson that doing right always brings success. Amaziah’s story includes defeat and death, and it is more honest to say that God is faithful even when life is hard. Focus on the character of God and the value of humility rather than promising outcomes.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You for being faithful to us even when we make mistakes. Help us to do what is right, to listen to those who love us, and to stay humble before You. Keep our hearts close to You every day. Amen.
