In this lesson, children learn that King Jotham stayed strong because he followed God and did what was right. It is designed for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God helps us grow strong when we choose to do what is right and trust Him in everything we do.
Memory Verse
2 Chronicles 27:6
So Jotham became mighty, because he ordered his ways before the LORD his God.
(WEB)
Ask children to stand tall with their arms raised like strong trees, then slowly bend their knees and stand up again each time they say the word “strong.” Repeat it together three times so their bodies help them remember the message.
The Story: 2 Chronicles 27 for Kids
Once there was a young king named Jotham. He became king when he was twenty-five years old, and he ruled in the city of Jerusalem for sixteen years. His father, King Uzziah, had taught him how to love God, and Jotham tried hard to follow that example.
Jotham did what was right in the eyes of the LORD. He did not go into the LORD’s temple, but the people still did many wrong things. Jotham cared about the city and built a strong gate at God’s house. He also built walls and towers to keep his people safe.
Jotham went to war against the Ammonites and won the battle. The people he defeated gave him silver and grain for three years in a row. Jotham did not get strong by his own power alone. The Bible says he grew mighty because he kept his ways pointed toward God.
When Jotham had finished his work, he rested with his ancestors. He was buried in the City of David. His son Ahaz became the next king. The story reminds us that a good life matters, and that it is good to tell others how God helped us along the way.
Read It Together
2 Chronicles 27:2
He did that which was right in the LORD’s eyes, according to all that his father Uzziah had done. However he didn’t enter into the LORD’s temple. The people still acted corruptly.
(WEB)
Point out that Jotham did what was right in God’s eyes, just as his father had. Ask children who they look up to and how those people help them follow God.
2 Chronicles 27:3-4
3 He built the upper gate of the LORD’s house, and he built much on the wall of Ophel. 4 Moreover he built cities in the hill country of Judah, and in the forests he built fortresses and towers.
(WEB)
Show children how Jotham used his time to build and protect things for the people. Explain that caring for others and planning ahead are ways we can serve God.
2 Chronicles 27:5
He also fought with the king of the children of Ammon, and prevailed against them. The children of Ammon gave him the same year one hundred talents of silver, ten thousand cors of wheat, and ten thousand cors of barley. The children of Ammon also gave that much to him in the second year, and in the third.
(WEB)
Point to the word “prevailed,” which means he won. Explain that good leaders can face hard challenges, and God can help us as we face our own.
Talk About It
- What are some ways you can show God that you want to do what is right today?
- Why do you think Jotham built strong walls and towers for his people?
- How can a person stay strong when others around them are making wrong choices?
- Who is someone in your life who teaches you about God, and what have they taught you?
- What is one thing you can build or do to help someone else this week?
Activity Ideas
Paper Tower Drawing
Give each child a sheet of paper, crayons or markers, and a pencil. Ask them to draw a strong tower or wall, then write or draw one way they can build up their family or friends. Display the drawings on a wall to remind the class that God helps us build strong things.
Follow the Leader Walk
Set up a short path with pillows or chairs. Have one child lead while everyone else follows, copying each movement carefully. Explain that children follow a good leader when that leader follows God, and talk about how they can be good examples to others.
Take-Home Promise Card
Cut index cards in half and give each child one card. Ask them to write or draw one choice they will make this week to do what is right. Encourage them to place the card on their bedroom door or by their bed as a daily reminder to trust God.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that a leader’s faithfulness affects those who follow him. Jotham’s strength came from keeping his ways ordered toward God, and the chapter also notes that the people still acted corruptly, which reminds us that good leaders cannot force hearts to change. Adults can see both faithfulness and its limits in Jotham’s example.
Avoid suggesting that children will always be rewarded with success or wealth when they do what is right. The story simply tells what happened to Jotham, and children should learn that God’s faithfulness is steady even when life does not turn out as expected.
A Prayer to Close
Dear Father, thank You for helping us do what is right and for being with us every day. Help us to be strong in our choices and to follow You in everything we do. Thank You for loving us and for helping us grow. Amen.
