In this lesson, children learn that God’s word is true even when many people say something different, and that we should listen to God rather than to what sounds nice. This lesson suits children aged 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God always tells the truth, so we should listen to Him even when it is hard to hear. Friends and crowds can be wrong, but God’s word is always right.
Memory Verse
2 Chronicles 18:13
Micaiah said, “As the LORD lives, what my God says, that will I speak.”
(WEB)
Have the children cup their hands around their mouths like they are speaking. Then have them put one hand flat on their heart. Say the verse together, and on the words “what my God says,” point up to heaven.
The Story: 2 Chronicles 18 for Kids
King Jehoshaphat was a good king who lived in Judah. He had lots of riches and great honor. But he made a friendship with King Ahab, who was a bad king who did not love God. One day Ahab asked Jehoshaphat to go to war with him against a city called Ramoth Gilead.
Jehoshaphat said yes to the war, but he had a good idea. He said, “Let’s ask God first what we should do.” King Ahab gathered four hundred prophets, who were men who said they spoke for God. They all said, “Go! God will give you the victory!” But Jehoshaphat was not sure these men were telling the truth.
Jehoshaphat asked, “Is there not another prophet of the LORD here?” Ahab said there was one more, a man named Micaiah. But Ahab did not like him. He said, “Micaiah never says good things about me.” Still, the king sent for Micaiah.
The messenger told Micaiah, “All the other prophets are saying good things. Please say the same.” But Micaiah answered, “I will only say what my God tells me.” When the king asked him, Micaiah told the truth. He said the army would be scattered, and Ahab would not come back. Ahab got angry and had Micaiah put in prison.
Ahab still went to battle, and he tried to hide by dressing in plain clothes. But a man shot an arrow at random, and it struck Ahab. He was hurt badly, and before the sun went down, Ahab died. God’s word had come true.
Read It Together
2 Chronicles 18:4
Jehoshaphat said to the king of Israel, “Please inquire first for the LORD’s word.”
(WEB)
Point out that Jehoshaphat wanted to ask God before he made a big choice. Ask the children what they could do before they make a choice, like praying or asking a parent or teacher for help.
2 Chronicles 18:14
When he had come to the king, the king said to him, “Micaiah, shall we go to Ramoth Gilead to battle, or shall I forbear?” He said, “Go up, and prosper. They shall be delivered into your hand.”
(WEB)
Show how Micaiah answered the king plainly and honestly, even when the king might not like it. Talk about how we can be brave and honest with the people we love.
2 Chronicles 18:31
When the captains of the chariots saw Jehoshaphat, they said, “It is the king of Israel!” Therefore they turned around to fight against him. But Jehoshaphat cried out, and the LORD helped him; and God moved them to depart from him.
(WEB)
Point out that Jehoshaphat cried out to God in trouble, and God helped him. Remind the children that they can call on God any time they are scared or need help.
Talk About It
- Why do you think Jehoshaphat wanted to hear from a prophet of the LORD before he went to war?
- What do you think it felt like for Micaiah to tell the king something the king did not want to hear?
- When everyone around you says something different from what you know is true, what can you do?
- How did God help Jehoshaphat when he called out for help?
- What is one way you can listen to God’s word this week?
Activity Ideas
Truth Telling Drawing
You will need paper, crayons, and a pencil. Ask each child to draw a picture of a crown on one side of the paper and a shepherd with sheep on the other. Talk about how Micaiah saw the people scattered like sheep without a shepherd. Let the children explain their drawing to a partner.
Whose Voice Do I Follow?
Gather the children in a circle. Have one child stand in the middle with eyes closed while the others call out different directions. The child must only follow the voice of the teacher, who says “God’s word.” Explain that just like the child listened for the right voice, we listen for God’s voice above all others.
Truth Card at Home
You will need index cards and markers. Have each child write the words “God tells the truth” on one card and place it somewhere they will see it each day, like on the refrigerator or a bedroom door. Encourage them to read it aloud at breakfast or bedtime as a reminder to listen to God.
Teacher Notes
This chapter shows that God’s word stands firm even when a king surrounds himself with people who tell him only what he wants to hear. Adults can see that faithfulness means being willing to speak the truth, even when it costs us, and that seeking God’s direction before we act is wise. The story also shows that God remains in control even when people choose poorly.
Be careful not to suggest that every hard situation ends with an immediate dramatic consequence, or that God always punishes bad choices right away. Keep the focus on listening to God and trusting Him, rather than making the lesson about a single outcome.
A Prayer to Close
Dear Lord, help us listen to Your true word every day. Give us courage to tell the truth and wisdom to know who to trust. Thank You that You are always with us and always tell the truth. Amen.
