This lesson teaches children that God is with His people and they can be strong and keep working because He is with them. It is meant for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God is with us, so we can be strong and keep doing what is right, even when things look small or hard.
Memory Verse
Haggai 2:4
Yet now be strong, Zerubbabel,’ says the LORD. ‘Be strong, Joshua, son of Jehozadak, the high priest. Be strong, all you people of the land,’ says the LORD, ‘and work, for I am with you,’ says the LORD of Armies.
(WEB)
Have children stand tall, make two fists, and pump their arms slowly on the word “strong.” Then have them point to their hearts on the words “I am with you,” so they connect strength with God’s presence.
The Story: Haggai 2 for Kids
Many years before, the Jewish people had come back home from a faraway land. They wanted to build the house of God again in Jerusalem. The people had started the work, but they had become tired and discouraged.
One day God sent a prophet named Haggai to speak to the leaders. Zerubbabel was the governor, and Joshua was the high priest. Haggai also spoke to all the people who were left. God asked them a question. Who remembered how beautiful the first house of God had been? The new house looked small next to it, and the people felt sad.
God told them not to lose hope. He said, “Be strong, Zerubbabel. Be strong, Joshua. Be strong, all you people. Keep working, because I am with you.” God reminded them that He had kept His promise to them when they left Egypt, and His Spirit was still among them.
God also made a big promise. He said that one day He would fill this house with glory, and the new house would be even greater than the old one. He said that the silver and gold all belong to Him, and that He would give peace in that place.
Later God spoke to Haggai again about the priests and about the people’s work. God told them that they had been struggling because they had not turned back to Him. But from that day on, God said He would bless them. Then God gave one more message to Zerubbabel. God said He had chosen him and would make him like a signet ring, something very special that belongs to the king.
Read It Together
Haggai 2:5
This is the word that I covenanted with you when you came out of Egypt, and my Spirit lived among you. ‘Don’t be afraid.’
(WEB)
Point out that God reminded the people of what He had already done for them. Ask children to think about how remembering God’s past help can encourage us today.
Haggai 2:7
And I will shake all nations. The precious things of all nations will come, and I will fill this house with glory, says the LORD of Armies.
(WEB)
Show children that God promised to fill the house with glory. Explain that God’s promises are bigger than what we can see right now, and He keeps them.
Haggai 2:23
In that day, says the LORD of Armies, will I take you, Zerubbabel, my servant, the son of Shealtiel,’ says the LORD, ‘and will make you as a signet, for I have chosen you,’ says the LORD of Armies.”
(WEB)
Tell children that God called Zerubbabel His servant and chose him. Point out that God chooses and cares for each of His people in special ways.
Talk About It
- What did God tell the people to be when they felt tired and sad?
- Why do you think God reminded the people that He was with them?
- How can you be strong when a task at school or home feels too hard?
- What is something God has done for you that you can remember?
- How can you tell someone else that God is with them today?
Activity Ideas
Build a Paper House
You will need paper cups, cardboard, glue, and crayons. Let each child decorate a small paper house with bright colors and stars. As they work, talk about how God wanted His people to keep building and keep working. Let them place their houses on a shelf to remind them of God’s promise.
Be Strong Freeze Game
Gather the children in an open space. When you call out “Be strong,” they stand tall with their fists up. When you call out “God is with you,” they hug themselves. Play a few rounds, changing the speed each time. This helps children practice the memory verse with their bodies while having fun.
Strong Hands Reminder Card
You will need index cards, markers, and tape. Have each child trace their hand on a card and write “God is with me” in the center. Let them take the card home and tape it somewhere they will see it each day, such as a mirror or bedroom door. This gives them a simple reminder to be strong all week.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this passage shows that God does not forget His people when they feel weak or discouraged. The rebuilding was slow and the old temple was grander, yet God promised His presence, His Spirit, and a future glory that would surpass the past. The chapter also reminds us that faithfulness and obedience matter in everyday work.
Avoid overstating to children that God will make every hard task easy or that doing good always brings quick rewards. Keep the focus on God’s presence and faithfulness rather than promising specific outcomes.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You that You are with us every day. Help us to be strong and keep doing what is right, even when things feel hard. Remind us that You keep Your promises and that You love us. Amen.
