This lesson teaches children that when we do wrong, we can run to God, say we are sorry, and trust that he is listening. It works well for children aged 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Big Idea
When we do wrong, we can tell God we are sorry, because he always hears us and wants us to come back to him.
Memory Verse
Ezra 9:6
And I said, “My God, I am ashamed and blush to lift up my face to you, my God; for our iniquities have increased over our head, and our guiltiness has grown up to the heavens.
(WEB)
Kneel down with your hands folded, then slowly lift your open hands up toward the ceiling as you say the words together. Let the motion remind you that God is ready to hear us.
The Story: Ezra 9 for Kids
A man named Ezra lived a long time ago, after the people of Israel had come home from a faraway land where they had been held captive. Ezra was a teacher who loved God’s law. One day some leaders came to him with bad news. Many of the people had married others who did not worship the Lord, and they had started doing the same wrong things as those around them.
When Ezra heard this, he was very sad. He tore his clothes and pulled at his hair. He sat down on the ground and did not say a word for a long time. Many other people who loved God gathered around him, feeling sad too.
When evening came, Ezra got up and went to his knees. He lifted his hands toward heaven and started to pray. He said, “My God, I am ashamed. We have done wrong, and our mistakes have piled up higher than our heads.” Ezra was not hiding what the people had done. He was telling God the truth.
Ezra remembered that God had been kind to his people. God had let some of them come home and had given them a new start. Ezra asked God what they should do now. He knew they could not hide from God or pretend the wrong did not happen.
Ezra’s prayer teaches us that God is faithful even when we fail. The people had a lot to be sorry for, but Ezra went to God with a sorry heart instead of running away from him.
Read It Together
Ezra 9:8
Now for a little moment grace has been shown from the LORD our God, to leave us a remnant to escape, and to give us a nail in his holy place, that our God may lighten our eyes, and revived us a little in our bondage.
(WEB)
Point out that Ezra says God had shown grace, meaning kindness the people did not earn. Ask the children to name a time someone was kind to them even though they did not deserve it.
Ezra 9:9
For we are bondservants; yet our God has not forsaken us in our bondage, but has extended loving kindness to us in the sight of the kings of Persia, to revive us, to set up the house of our God, and to repair its ruins, and to give us a wall in Judah and in Jerusalem.
(WEB)
Show the children that even while the people were in trouble, God had not forsaken them. Explain that God stays close to us even when we are in a hard place.
Ezra 9:15
The LORD, the God of Israel, you are righteous; for we are left a remnant that has escaped, as it is today. Behold, we are before you in our guiltiness; for no one can stand before you because of this.”
(WEB)
Help the children see that Ezra admits no one can stand before God on their own. Explain that we do not have to be perfect to come to God, because he is the one who makes us right.
Talk About It
- What did Ezra do when he heard that the people had done wrong?
- Why do you think Ezra said sorry for the whole group and not just for himself?
- How does it feel to tell someone you are sorry after you have made a mistake?
- What is one thing God has done for you that you did not earn?
- What can we say to God when we know we have disobeyed him?
Activity Ideas
Hands Up Prayer Drawing
You will need paper, crayons, and a pencil. Ask each child to trace both of their hands on the paper and write or draw one thing they want to say sorry for. Then have them draw a small heart in the middle of the hands to show that God hears them. Display the drawings on the wall as a reminder that we can always bring our mistakes to God.
Sorry Freeze Game
Play a simple game of freeze tag. When the teacher calls out a made-up wrong, like “forgot to share” or “said a mean word,” the children freeze and then slowly kneel down with hands open. Then the teacher calls out “forgiven,” and the children stand back up. This helps children practice the movement of coming to God and receiving his kindness.
Take-Home Prayer Card
You will need index cards, markers, and a hole punch with string. Have each child write the words “God hears me” on one side and draw a picture of themselves praying on the other side. Punch a hole in the corner and tie on the string so they can hang the card on a bedpost or tape it inside a cupboard door. Encourage them to read it each night before bed.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this passage shows a leader who takes responsibility for the sins of his community and brings them honestly before God. Ezra does not excuse the people or blame others. Instead, he grieves, confesses, and trusts in God’s mercy. This is a model of humble repentance that adults can carry into their own prayers and relationships.
Be careful not to overstate the story to children by suggesting that God always gives us the same consequences we deserve. Ezra’s prayer focuses on God’s faithfulness and kindness, not on a checklist of punishments. Keep the emphasis on God’s love and the invitation to come back to him.
A Prayer to Close
Lord, we know we make mistakes, and sometimes we try to hide them. Thank you that we can come to you just as we are and tell you the truth. Help us to be sorry for what we have done and to trust in your kindness. Thank you for always listening and for loving us. Amen.
