In this lesson, children learn that God gives every person in His family a job to do, and that every job matters. This lesson is for ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God needs every one of His people, and every helper is important to Him. Some helpers live in the big city, and some live in small towns, but God sees them all.
Memory Verse
Nehemiah 11:2
The people blessed all the men who willingly offered themselves to dwell in Jerusalem.
(WEB)
Have children stand up when you read this verse. Ask them to raise both hands high, then clap once for every helper they can name from the story, to show that God gives people good work to do.
The Story: Nehemiah 11 for Kids
A long time ago, God’s people had come back home to Jerusalem after being away in a faraway land. The city was big and quiet, and many of its houses were still empty. The leaders of the people wanted Jerusalem to be full of families again, so they had an idea. They decided to choose some people by drawing lots, which was a way of letting God pick.
The people who drew the lucky papers moved into the holy city to live there. Those who did not move stayed in the towns around Judah, where they already had homes and fields. Everyone had a place, and everyone was needed.
The people of Jerusalem were glad when so many brave helpers said yes. They blessed the ones who chose to move into the city. One man named Joel was a leader over the people there, and another man named Judah was second in charge of the city. Each leader had his own job to do.
The priests were busy with the work of God’s house, the temple. The Levites helped too, and some of them kept watch at the gates. The singers sang songs of thanks to God every day. One of the leaders said to the people, in simple words, “Let’s make sure God’s house has what it needs every day.” Everyone got to work.
Read It Together
Nehemiah 11:1
The princes of the people lived in Jerusalem. The rest of the people also cast lots, to bring one of ten to dwell in Jerusalem the holy city, and nine parts in the other cities.
(WEB)
Point out that the leaders of the people chose to live in Jerusalem first, showing that someone has to go first. Ask children what it might feel like to be the first one to move somewhere new.
Nehemiah 11:20
The residue of Israel, of the priests, the Levites, were in all the cities of Judah, everyone in his inheritance.
(WEB)
Show children that the rest of Israel stayed in their own towns and cities, each one in his own inheritance. Explain that God wants people to serve Him in many different places, not only in one spot.
Nehemiah 11:23
For there was a commandment from the king concerning them, and a settled provision for the singers, as every day required.
(WEB)
Point out that the king made sure the singers had what they needed each day. Tell children that taking care of helpers is a way of honoring God and the work they do.
Talk About It
- What is one job that you think God gave you to do at home, at school, or at church?
- Why do you think the people in the story were so happy when others said yes to moving into Jerusalem?
- How did the priests, Levites, and singers each help God’s house in a different way?
- Who is someone you know who helps people in a quiet way that nobody notices?
- What could you do this week to help someone else feel like they belong?
Activity Ideas
Helper Hands Craft
You will need paper, crayons or markers, scissors, and glue. Have each child trace one of their hands on paper, cut it out, and write one job they can do to help God’s family on the fingers or palm. Then display the hands on a wall so children can see how many helpers there are.
Gate Keeper Game
Set up two chairs at the front of the room to be the city gates. Have children take turns walking through the gates while the other children sing a simple song of thanks. Each time someone walks through, the gatekeepers clap once to welcome them, which shows how the gatekeepers in the story kept watch over the city.
Take-Home Helper Card
Give each child a small index card and a pencil. Ask them to draw one thing they will do this week to help someone in their family, then tape the card to the fridge. Encourage children to share at dinner what they did and how it went.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God’s work is carried out by a community, not just by a few famous leaders. The people who lived in Jerusalem, the people who stayed in the towns, and the people who sang and kept watch all played a real part in restoring God’s city. Every role was valued because it served the same God.
Avoid overstating to children that God always picks people by drawing lots or that every helper will be famous or rewarded. The point is that God uses ordinary people in ordinary places, and that each person’s faithful service matters to Him.
A Prayer to Close
Lord, thank You for giving each of us a place in Your family. Help us to say yes when You ask us to help, and help us to honor the people who serve quietly around us. Show us the work You have for us today. Amen.
