In this lesson, children learn that when we admit we have done wrong and turn back to God, He is merciful to us, even when we face the results of our choices. This lesson suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
When we are sorry and humble ourselves, God listens and shows us mercy. He always keeps His promises, even when we make mistakes.
Memory Verse
2 Chronicles 12:6
Then the princes of Israel and the king humbled themselves; and they said, “The LORD is righteous.”
(WEB)
Have the children place both hands on their chests as they say the first half of the verse, then lift their hands up high with palms open as they say the second half. The motion shows the humbling of the heart and the lifting up of praise to God.
The Story: 2 Chronicles 12 for Kids
A long time ago, a king named Rehoboam ruled the land of Judah from the city of Jerusalem. At first, Rehoboam was strong and his kingdom was growing. But he stopped following God’s rules, and many of the people did the same. They forgot to love and obey the LORD.
Because of this, a powerful king named Shishak from Egypt marched his huge army up to Jerusalem. He had many chariots and many soldiers. The people of Judah were worried and afraid. They knew they had turned away from God.
God sent a prophet named Shemaiah to speak to Rehoboam and the leaders. Shemaiah said, “The LORD says, ‘You have left Me, so I have let you be defeated by Shishak.'” The leaders felt sorry for what they had done. They knew they were wrong.
Rehoboam and his leaders bowed low and said that God was right to be fair and just. When God saw their hearts, He sent Shemaiah back with a message of mercy. God said He would not destroy them, even though they had to face the trouble that came from their choices.
Shishak still took away the golden shields and treasures from the Temple and the palace. Rehoboam made shields of bronze to replace them. God still cared for His people, and some good things were found in Judah because the king had humbled himself before the LORD.
Read It Together
2 Chronicles 12:7
When the LORD saw that they humbled themselves, the LORD’s word came to Shemaiah, saying, “They have humbled themselves. I will not destroy them; but I will grant them some deliverance, and my wrath won’t be poured out on Jerusalem by the hand of Shishak.
(WEB)
Point out that God saw their humble hearts and responded with mercy. Ask the children to notice that God did not destroy them, even though they had to face consequences.
2 Chronicles 12:12
When he humbled himself, the LORD’s wrath turned from him, so as not to destroy him altogether. Moreover, there were good things found in Judah.
(WEB)
Show the children that when Rehoboam humbled himself, God’s anger turned away from him. Explain that God is always ready to forgive when we come back to Him with sorry hearts.
2 Chronicles 12:14
He did that which was evil, because he didn’t set his heart to seek the LORD.
(WEB)
Help the children see that Rehoboam did what was wrong because he did not set his heart to seek God. Talk about how we can choose each day to seek God first.
Talk About It
- What did the leaders of Judah do when they realized they had made a mistake?
- How did God show kindness to His people, even though they had turned away from Him?
- Why do you think it is hard to say sorry, and why is it still the right thing to do?
- What are some ways we can show God that we want to follow Him each day?
- How can we remember that God is always willing to listen when we come to Him?
Activity Ideas
Humble Hearts Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a pencil. Ask each child to draw a picture of a heart with a small crown at the top. Then have them draw a little hand under the crown, showing that they have bowed low before God. Talk together about what it looks like to humble yourself before someone you love.
Shield and Sword Relay
You will need two cardboard tubes or rolled-up newspapers and some cushions or cones. Set up a short course in the room. Children take turns carrying a “shield” to the finish line, placing it down, then running back to tag the next player. Afterward, remind them that God is our true protection when we trust and obey Him.
Take-Home Prayer Card
You will need index cards, a marker, and a small clip or rubber band. Have each child write or draw one way they can say sorry to God or others this week. Encourage them to keep the card in a pocket or on the fridge. Ask them to read it aloud each evening and thank God for His mercy.
Teacher Notes
This passage shows that God is holy and just, so sin has real consequences. Yet He is also merciful, and when people humble themselves and turn back to Him, He spares them from total destruction. Adults can see here the pattern of pride leading to a fall and humility leading to grace.
When teaching children, avoid suggesting that God only forgives us if we perform a certain action or that every hard thing that happens is a punishment for sin. Keep the focus on God’s character: He is faithful, merciful, and willing to restore those who return to Him.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You for listening when we are sorry. Help us to humble our hearts and turn to You when we make mistakes. Thank You that You are kind and merciful to us every day. Help us to seek You first in everything we do. Amen.
