In this lesson, children learn that God wants us to be fair and kind to people who are in need, and not to take advantage of them. This lesson is for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God wants us to be fair and kind, and to help people instead of taking advantage of them when they are struggling.
Memory Verse
Nehemiah 5:9
Also I said, “The thing that you do is not good. Shouldn’t you walk in the fear of our God, because of the reproach of the nations our enemies?
(WEB)
Put your hand on your heart when you say the verse, then open both hands wide, as if you are giving a gift to a friend. Say it together three times, getting a little louder each time.
The Story: Nehemiah 5 for Kids
A long time ago, God’s people lived in the land of Judah, and they had a wall around their city called Jerusalem. Nehemiah was the governor, which means he was in charge of helping the people. Nehemiah was working hard to rebuild that wall, and many families were helping him.
One year, there was not enough food because of a famine. Many families had to borrow grain and money from others, and they used their fields, their vineyards, and even their houses to pay for it. Some families had to sell their own children to work for other people. The people were crying out because they were so hungry and so sad.
When Nehemiah heard their cries, he was very upset. He called a big meeting with the rich leaders and said, “You are charging your own brothers and sisters interest. We already bought back our Jewish brothers who were sold to other nations. Why would you sell them again?” The leaders were quiet. They did not have an answer.
Nehemiah told them, “What you are doing is not good. Please walk in the fear of our God, and show the other nations that we love and obey Him.” Then he said, “Let’s stop this. Give back their fields, their vineyards, and their houses today.” The leaders agreed and promised to do it.
Nehemiah even made them promise in front of the priests, and he shook out his robe to show how serious the promise was. Everyone said, “Amen,” and they praised the Lord. Nehemiah did not take the special food the governor was allowed to have, because he did not want to make the poor people pay for it. He was fair and kind, and he trusted God to take care of him.
Read It Together
Nehemiah 5:1
Then there arose a great cry of the people and of their wives against their brothers the Jews.
(WEB)
Point out that the people were crying out because they were hurting and needed help. Ask the children to notice that sometimes people in our own family or church are in need, and God notices too.
Nehemiah 5:10-11
10 I likewise, my brothers and my servants, lend them money and grain. Please let us stop this usury. 11 Please restore to them, even today, their fields, their vineyards, their olive groves, and their houses, also the hundredth part of the money, and of the grain, the new wine, and the oil, that you are charging them.”
(WEB)
Show the children that Nehemiah asked the leaders to stop taking advantage of the people and to give back what was taken. Explain that fairness means making things right when we have hurt someone.
Nehemiah 5:15
But the former governors who were before me were supported by the people, and took bread and wine from them, plus forty shekels of silver; yes, even their servants ruled over the people; but I didn’t do so, because of the fear of God.
(WEB)
Point out that Nehemiah did not take the special food from the people, because he wanted to honor God. Ask the children how they can show God’s love by sharing and not taking more than their share.
Talk About It
- What did the people in the story need, and how did they feel when they asked for help?
- Why do you think the rich leaders were taking advantage of the poor families?
- What did Nehemiah say to the leaders to help them see what was wrong?
- How can you be fair to your friends or brothers and sisters when you have something they need?
- What is one way you can help someone who is hungry, sad, or left out this week?
Activity Ideas
Draw a Helping Hand
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and scissors. Have each child trace one hand on paper and cut it out. On the hand, they can draw or write one way they can help someone who needs it. Hang the hands on the wall as a reminder that God wants us to help others.
Share the Snacks Game
You will need a plate of crackers or small snacks and a few cups. Give one child a bigger share and the others smaller shares, then talk about how that feels. Then practice sharing evenly so everyone gets a fair amount. Talk about how Nehemiah made sure the people were treated fairly.
Fair Share Take-Home Card
You will need an index card, a pencil, and a small envelope. Have each child write or draw one fair thing they will do this week, such as sharing a toy or helping a sibling with chores. Place the card in the envelope and ask them to share it with their family at dinner. Encourage them to check on it together during the week.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God cares deeply about justice, especially for the poor and vulnerable. Nehemiah’s example teaches leaders to use their power to protect others rather than exploit them, and to lead by fear of God rather than personal gain.
When teaching children, avoid overstating the idea that everything in life will always be fair if we behave well. Instead, focus on the simpler truth that God wants us to treat others kindly and fairly, and that He will help us do what is right.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You for caring about people who are hurting. Help us to be fair and kind to everyone, to share what we have, and to never take advantage of others. Give us hearts like Nehemiah’s, that love You and love our neighbors. Amen.
