In this lesson, children learn that when we do wrong, we can admit it, say sorry to God, and turn back to Him, just as the people of Israel did in Ezra 10. This lesson is for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
When we have done wrong, we can tell God we are sorry and choose to do what is right. God wants us to come back to Him.
Memory Verse
Ezra 10:11
Now therefore make confession to the LORD, the God of your fathers, and do his pleasure; and separate yourselves from the peoples of the land, and from the foreign women.”
(WEB)
Have children stand tall, then slowly bow their heads as they say the words “make confession.” Then have them lift their hands up high while saying “do his pleasure,” showing how they turn back toward God.
The Story: Ezra 10 for Kids
Long ago, the people of Israel had come back home to Jerusalem after being away for many years. Ezra was a priest who loved God very much. One day, Ezra prayed and cried in front of God’s house because he knew the people had done something wrong. Many of the men had married women from other nations who did not worship God.
A man named Shecaniah came to Ezra and said, “We have done wrong against our God, but there is still hope for Israel.” Shecaniah wanted the people to make a promise to God and put away the wrong that had come into their families. Ezra asked everyone to swear that they would do what God’s law said.
Then all the people gathered together in Jerusalem. They sat outside God’s house, and they were sad and worried. It was raining hard, and the people were cold. Ezra stood up and said, “You have done wrong, so now make things right with the LORD your God.”
The people answered, “We will do what you have said.” They knew it would take time, so they agreed to sort out the problem together, one step at a time. Some people even stood up to help, and others worked to make sure everything was done fairly.
Over the next few months, the leaders looked carefully at each family. They made a list of who had done wrong and worked to set things right. It was hard work, but the people stayed together and kept trying to honor God.
Read It Together
Ezra 10:1
Now while Ezra prayed and made confession, weeping and casting himself down before God’s house, there was gathered together to him out of Israel a very great assembly of men and women and children; for the people wept very bitterly.
(WEB)
Point out how Ezra prayed and cried in front of God’s house. Show children that when we feel sad about our wrongs, we can bring those feelings to God in prayer.
Ezra 10:2-3
2 Shecaniah the son of Jehiel, one of the sons of Elam, answered Ezra, “We have trespassed against our God, and have married foreign women of the peoples of the land. Yet now there is hope for Israel concerning this thing. 3 Now therefore let us make a covenant with our God to put away all the wives, and those who as are born of them, according to the counsel of my lord, and of those who tremble at the commandment of our God. Let it be done according to the law.
(WEB)
Point out how Shecaniah admitted the people had done wrong and that there was still hope. Explain that admitting a mistake is the first step to making it right.
Ezra 10:16-17
16 The children of the captivity did so. Ezra the priest, with certain heads of fathers’ households, after their fathers’ houses, and all of them by their names, were set apart; and they sat down in the first day of the tenth month to examine the matter. 17 They finished with all the men who had married foreign women by the first day of the first month.
(WEB)
Point out that the people took time to work through the problem carefully and did not rush. Explain that making things right can take patience, and God is with us through every step.
Talk About It
- What is one thing that people did in this story that was wrong?
- How did Ezra show that he was sad about the wrong choices?
- Why do you think the people needed to make a promise to God?
- What is a way you can say sorry to someone you have hurt?
- How can God help us when we want to do what is right?
Activity Ideas
Hearts of Repair Craft
You will need paper, crayons or markers, scissors, and glue. Have each child draw a large heart on paper and cut it out. On one side, they can write or draw something they want to make right, and on the other side, they can draw a picture of how they will do better. Let them glue the heart onto a sheet of paper as a reminder that God wants to help us turn back to Him.
Turn Back Movement Game
Ask the children to stand in a line facing one wall. Call out a “wrong” action like “grab a toy from a friend,” and then call out “turn back” so everyone turns around and walks the other way. Explain that turning back to God is like this, and every time we choose to do right, we are turning toward Him. Play a few rounds, cheering for the children who change direction quickly.
Say Sorry Card to Take Home
You will need index cards, a pencil, and a small envelope for each child. Write a short sentence on each card such as “I am sorry, God, and I want to do right.” Have the children decorate their cards and place them inside the envelope. Encourage them to take the card home and read it with their family during the week as a reminder that God always welcomes us back.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that sin matters to God and that repentance is a real, costly process. The people did not simply feel bad; they confessed, made commitments, and worked together to make things right. Ezra’s grief also teaches that caring about the wrongs of a community is a form of love for God and for others.
With children, avoid overstating the harsh details of the story, such as the separation of families. Keep the focus on the themes of admitting wrong, turning back to God, and receiving His welcome, and leave more complex historical questions for older students.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You for loving us even when we make mistakes. Help us to be honest about the wrong things we do and to say we are sorry. Show us how to turn back to You and do what is right each day. Thank You for always being ready to welcome us home. Amen.
