This lesson teaches children that God wants us to do what is right even when nobody is watching. It is written for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
King Jotham chose to do what pleased God, and God helped him grow strong. When we obey God and trust him, he helps us too. Even small choices to do right matter to God.
Memory Verse
2 Chronicles 27:6
So Jotham became mighty, because he ordered his ways before the LORD his God.
(WEB)
Teach the children to hold both hands up like a strong tower, then slowly raise them higher as they say the verse together. Each time you say “mighty,” have them flex their arms like they are showing off their muscles. Repeat it three times and ask them to try it with their eyes closed.
The Story: 2 Chronicles 27 for Kids
Long ago in the land of Judah, there lived a young king named Jotham. He was twenty-five years old when he became king, and he ruled in the city of Jerusalem for sixteen years. His father, King Uzziah, had served God, and Jotham wanted to follow in his footsteps. He knew that pleasing God was the most important thing a king could do.
Jotham did what was right in the eyes of the LORD. He did not go into the LORD’s temple, but he cared about God’s house anyway. He repaired the upper gate of the temple and built many things along the city wall. He wanted Jerusalem to be safe and strong for the people who lived there.
Jotham also built towns in the hill country and strong towers in the forests. He wanted his people to be protected from enemies. When the children of Ammon came to fight against Judah, Jotham won the battle. Afterward, the Ammonites gave him silver, wheat, and barley for three years in a row.
The Bible says that Jotham became mighty because he walked carefully with God. He did not become proud or forget where his strength came from. He kept choosing to follow God day after day. Someone might have said, “Who will ever know if you do the right thing?” but Jotham kept doing right anyway.
After sixteen years, Jotham died and was buried in the city of David. His son Ahaz became the next king. The Bible tells us about Jotham’s faithful life so that we can remember how God blesses those who choose to obey him.
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 done. Ask the children how they can follow the good example of people who love God. Remind them that doing right is something we choose, not something that happens by accident.
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)
Show the children that Jotham fought battles and won, and that the stories of kings and their enemies are real history. Explain that God helped Jotham be strong when he trusted him. Talk about how God helps us face hard things too.
2 Chronicles 27:9
Jotham slept with his fathers, and they buried him in David’s city; and Ahaz his son reigned in his place.
(WEB)
Point out that the chapter ends with Jotham dying and his son becoming king. Explain that even though people do not live forever, God’s care continues. Help the children see that a faithful life leaves a good memory behind.
Talk About It
- What did King Jotham do that made God happy?
- Why do you think Jotham wanted to keep Jerusalem safe and strong?
- How can you show God you love him at home or at school?
- What might have tempted Jotham to stop following God, and how did he stay faithful?
- Who is someone in your life who does what is right, and how do they help you?
Activity Ideas
Build a Strong Tower Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a pencil. Ask each child to draw a tall tower with a wall around it, like the towers Jotham built in the forests. Inside the tower, have them draw a small picture of something they can do this week to follow God. Let them share their drawings with the group.
Stand Strong Game
Clear some floor space and ask the children to stand tall like strong towers. Call out choices like “share your toys” or “tell the truth,” and have children take a big step forward when the choice is good. Explain that God wants us to make right choices, even when no one is watching. Keep the game lively but calm.
Take-Home Reminder Card
Give each child an index card and a crayon. Ask them to write or draw one way they will do what is right this week. Encourage them to put the card somewhere they will see it each morning, like on the bathroom mirror or by their shoes. Ask families to talk about the card together at dinner.
Teacher Notes
This chapter shows that a leader who loves God can make a real difference for his people. Jotham’s strength came from walking carefully with God, not from his own power or wealth. For adults, the passage reminds us that faithfulness is measured over a whole life, not in a single moment.
Be careful not to suggest to children that doing right always brings victory or riches. Jotham did well, but the Bible also says the people still acted corruptly. Help children understand that God is faithful even when life is hard, and that his goodness does not depend on how well we perform.
A Prayer to Close
Dear Lord, we thank you that you see everything we do. Help us choose what is right, even when no one is watching. Make us strong in you, like Jotham was, and help us trust you every day. Thank you for loving us. Amen.
