This lesson teaches children that God’s people can keep doing good work even when other people ask hard questions or try to slow them down. It is best for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes, including the story, the reading, and the activity.
Big Idea
God’s people keep building what God asked them to build, even when others ask questions. God is watching over them the whole time.
Memory Verse
Ezra 5:5
But the eye of their God was on the elders of the Jews, and they did not make them cease, until the matter should come to Darius, and an answer should be returned by letter concerning it.
(WEB)
Hold both hands up like a roof over your head, then slowly lower them to your sides. Say “God is watching” as you lower them, and repeat it with the children a few times.
The Story: Ezra 5 for Kids
A long time ago, God’s people had been taken far away from their home in the land of Judah. Some of them came back to Jerusalem, and they wanted to rebuild God’s house, the temple. God sent two prophets, Haggai and Zechariah, to encourage them. The prophets told the people that God wanted them to get to work.
Zerubbabel and Jeshua led the people as they started to build. The prophets of God stood beside them and helped. The walls began to rise, and the people worked hard every day. Their hearts were full of hope because they knew God wanted this house built again.
Soon a governor named Tattenai came to see what was happening. He came with his friends and asked, “Who told you to build this house and this wall?” He also wanted to know the names of the men doing the work. The people did not stop building. They knew God was watching over them.
The people answered him kindly. They said, “We serve the God of heaven and earth, and we are rebuilding the house a great king of Israel built long ago.” They told how their fathers had made God angry, and how the house was destroyed. But they also told how King Cyrus had given permission to build it again.
Tattenai wrote a letter to the king, Darius, and asked him to search the royal records. He wanted to see if King Cyrus had really given that command. The building work was not stopped while the letter was on its way. God’s people kept going, trusting that the king would find the answer.
This story shows us that when people ask questions, we can answer honestly and keep doing what God has asked us to do. God takes care of His people, even in the middle of hard questions.
Read It Together
Ezra 5:1-2
1 Now the prophets, Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the son of Iddo, prophesied to the Jews who were in Judah and Jerusalem. They prophesied to them in the name of the God of Israel. 2 Then Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua the son of Jozadak rose up and began to build God’s house which is at Jerusalem; and with them were the prophets of God, helping them.
(WEB)
Point out that God sent prophets to encourage the people, and that the builders were not working alone. Ask the children who helped Zerubbabel and Jeshua, and what it means that God’s prophets were there with them.
Ezra 5:11-12
11 Thus they returned us answer, saying, “We are the servants of the God of heaven and earth, and are building the house that was built these many years ago, which a great king of Israel built and finished. 12 But after that our fathers had provoked the God of heaven to wrath, he gave them into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, the Chaldean, who destroyed this house, and carried the people away into Babylon.
(WEB)
Explain that the people told the governor the truth about who they served and why they were building. Show the children how honest answers can help others understand what we believe.
Ezra 5:17
Now therefore, if it seems good to the king, let a search be made in the king’s treasure house, which is there at Babylon, whether it is so, that a decree was made of Cyrus the king to build this house of God at Jerusalem; and let the king send his pleasure to us concerning this matter.”
(WEB)
Point out that the people asked the king to check the records, which means they trusted God and the king to do what was right. Talk about how we can trust God even when we are waiting for an answer.
Talk About It
- What did God’s people do when the governor asked them hard questions?
- Why do you think the people kept building while they waited for an answer?
- Who were the prophets Haggai and Zechariah, and what did they help the people do?
- How can you answer someone kindly when they ask you about what you believe?
- What is one good thing God has asked you to keep doing, even when it feels hard?
Activity Ideas
Build a Paper Temple
You will need construction paper, scissors, tape, and crayons. Have each child cut out rectangles for walls and a triangle for a roof, then tape them together into a small temple. As the children build, remind them that God’s people kept building their temple even when others asked questions.
Stack the Stones Game
Gather a pile of blocks, cups, or soft toys to act as stones. Divide the children into two teams and have them race to stack the stones into a wall. Every few minutes, shout “Question!” and have the children keep stacking while calling out “God is watching!” to show that the work continues.
Take-Home Verse Card
Give each child an index card or a folded piece of paper. Ask them to write “God is watching” on one side and draw a small house or wall on the other. Encourage them to show the card to their family at dinner and say the memory verse together before bedtime.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this passage shows that God’s people can keep faithfully doing God’s work even when outside authorities question them. The builders did not wait for permission before they worked, and they answered honestly when asked. The chapter also reminds us that God is not absent from hard seasons; He is watching over His people and His purposes.
With children, avoid suggesting that every question from others must be answered in full detail, or that obeying God always brings an easy result. The story does not promise a quick answer from the king, and it is wise to let children see that waiting can be part of faithfulness.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank you for watching over us every day. Help us keep doing the good things you ask us to do, even when people ask hard questions. Help us answer kindly and trust you to take care of us. Amen.
