This lesson teaches children that God’s truth is worth listening to even when it is unpopular, and that we should not follow the crowd just because everyone agrees. It is written for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Big Idea
When we want to know what is right, we ask God first and tell the truth even when it is hard. Friends who only say what we want to hear are not always good friends.
Memory Verse
Psalm 46:10
“Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations. I will be exalted in the earth.”
(WEB)
Teach the children to hold both hands flat in front of them, then slowly lower them as they say “Be still.” Then cup their hands by their ears as if listening carefully. Repeat the motions twice so the words and actions stay together in their minds.
The Story: 2 Chronicles 18 for Kids
A long time ago, there was a good king named Jehoshaphat in the land of Judah. He was rich and well respected, and he made a friendship with a king named Ahab, who ruled the land of Israel. Ahab was not a good king, and he did not love God the way Jehoshaphat did.
One day Ahab asked Jehoshaphat to go with him to fight a battle at a town called Ramoth Gilead. Jehoshaphat said yes, but then he had a good idea. He said, “Please, let us ask God first what we should do.” Ahab called together four hundred prophets, and they all said, “Go! God will give you the victory!” Everyone was happy and cheering.
But Jehoshaphat was not sure. He asked, “Isn’t there another prophet of the LORD we can ask?” Ahab said there was one more, a man named Micaiah. Ahab said, “I do not like him, because he never tells me good news.” Still, Jehoshaphat wanted to hear what God really wanted to say.
When Micaiah came, the messenger told him, “Please say what everyone else is saying.” Micaiah answered, “I will only say what my God tells me.” When the king asked him, Micaiah told the truth. He said he saw Israel’s army scattered like sheep without a shepherd, and that the king would not come back from the battle.
Ahab did not like the truth. He put Micaiah in prison and went to battle anyway, and Ahab was hurt in the fight. He died that evening. Micaiah had told the truth, and God’s word came 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 asked for God’s word before going into the battle. Ask the children what it means to ask God first before making a big decision, and why that was a wise thing for Jehoshaphat to do.
2 Chronicles 18:12-13
12 The messenger who went to call Micaiah spoke to him, saying, “Behold, the words of the prophets declare good to the king with one mouth. Let your word therefore, please be like one of theirs, and speak good.” 13 Micaiah said, “As the LORD lives, what my God says, that will I speak.”
(WEB)
Show how the messenger asked Micaiah to say what the other prophets said, and Micaiah refused. Explain that Micaiah chose to be faithful to God even when it meant he might be in trouble.
2 Chronicles 18:33-34
33 A certain man drew his bow at random, and struck the king of Israel between the joints of the armor. Therefore he said to the driver of the chariot, “Turn your hand, and carry me out of the army; for I am severely wounded.” 34 The battle increased that day. However the king of Israel propped himself up in his chariot against the Syrians until the evening; and at about sunset, he died.
(WEB)
Help the children see that Ahab tried to hide from trouble, but a random arrow still found him. Remind them that we cannot hide from the truth, and that disobeying God does not turn out well.
Talk About It
- Why do you think the four hundred prophets all said the same thing as the king wanted?
- How did Jehoshaphat show that he wanted to listen to God?
- Why was it brave for Micaiah to tell the king something he did not want to hear?
- Can you think of a time when it was hard to tell the truth, even though you knew it was right?
- What can we do when we want to hear God’s voice in our everyday lives?
Activity Ideas
Crown and Scroll Craft
Give each child a strip of paper to make a simple crown and a small scroll with the word “Truth” written on it. Have them draw a picture of Micaiah standing before the king, telling the truth. Let them tape the scroll inside the crown as a reminder that God’s word is worth listening to. You will need paper, crayons, tape, and scissors.
Shepherd and Sheep Game
Choose one child to be the shepherd and the rest to be sheep. The shepherd calls the sheep to follow their voice, while the other children try to hear and follow only the true shepherd. Remind everyone that the sheep recognize the voice they trust. This game takes only an open space and a few minutes of playtime.
Take-Home Question Card
Give each child an index card with a question on it, such as “Who did I ask for help today?” or “Did I tell the truth when it was hard?” Encourage families to use the card at dinner or bedtime to talk about listening to God. Write the questions in large letters so younger children can see them clearly. Cards and a pencil are all you need.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this passage shows the danger of surrounding ourselves with voices that only affirm what we already want. Jehoshaphat’s willingness to ask a second question reminds us that God’s truth often comes from unexpected or uncomfortable sources. Faithfulness means speaking and listening to God’s word even when the crowd disagrees.
Avoid overstating the idea that bad things always happen to bad people or that telling the truth guarantees a happy ending. Micaiah was imprisoned for speaking truth, and the story is not simply a formula for success. Focus instead on God’s faithfulness and the value of honest, trusting hearts.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, help us to listen for your voice and to ask you first when we need help. Give us courage to tell the truth, even when it is hard, and help us trust that you are always with us. Amen.
