This lesson teaches children that Nehemiah kept working on God’s job even when his enemies tried to scare him and stop him. It is best for ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Big Idea
When people try to stop what God has asked us to do, we can pray, keep our eyes on God, and keep building. God is stronger than any enemy.
Memory Verse
Nehemiah 6:9
For they all would have made us afraid, saying, “Their hands will be weakened from the work, that it not be done.” But now, strengthen my hands.
(WEB)
Put your hands on your hips and then stretch them out wide, like arms strong enough to build. Say the words slowly as you pull your arms in, then open them up again. Doing this motion each time you say it helps children remember that God makes our hands strong.
The Story: Nehemiah 6 for Kids
The people of Jerusalem had finished building the wall around their city. Nehemiah was the leader who had helped them do it. But the wall still had no doors in the gates yet, and some of their enemies were watching closely. Sanballat and Geshem wanted to stop the work, so they invited Nehemiah to meet with them out in the villages. Nehemiah knew they had a bad plan.
Nehemiah sent back a simple answer: “I am doing a great work, so I cannot come down.” Sanballat and his friends asked him four times, and four times Nehemiah gave the same answer. Then Sanballat sent a letter with lies in it, saying that Nehemiah wanted to be king. Nehemiah wrote back that the lies were made up in their own hearts.
Then a man named Shemaiah tried to scare Nehemiah. He said Nehemiah should hide in the temple because people were coming to hurt him. Nehemiah answered, “Should a man like me run away?” He knew God had not sent this man. He trusted God and did not hide.
Nehemiah prayed, asking God to remember how these enemies were trying to make the people afraid. Then the wall was finished in just fifty-two days. When the enemies saw it, they were afraid, because they could tell that God had helped build it.
Read It Together
Nehemiah 6:3
I sent messengers to them, saying, “I am doing a great work, so that I can’t come down. Why should the work cease, while I leave it, and come down to you?”
(WEB)
Point out that Nehemiah answered his enemies by saying he was doing a great work. Ask children what their own “great work” might be, like helping at home or learning a new skill. Show that Nehemiah kept his focus on the job God gave him.
Nehemiah 6:14
“Remember, my God, Tobiah and Sanballat according to these their works, and also the prophetess Noadiah, and the rest of the prophets, that would have put me in fear.”
(WEB)
Point out that Nehemiah took his worries to God in prayer. Show children that talking to God is a good first step when people try to scare us. Let them practice a short prayer in their own words.
Nehemiah 6:16
When all our enemies heard of it, all the nations that were around us were afraid, and they lost their confidence; for they perceived that this work was done by our God.
(WEB)
Point out that the enemies saw the finished wall and knew God had helped. Explain that God’s work can be seen by others when we trust him. Ask children how they think people could see God’s help in their own lives.
Talk About It
- What did Sanballat and Geshem want Nehemiah to do, and why did they want it?
- How did Nehemiah answer when his enemies asked him to come meet with them?
- Why do you think Nehemiah did not want to hide in the temple when Shemaiah told him to?
- What did Nehemiah do when he felt scared or when people said mean things about him?
- What is one job God has given you, and how can you keep doing it even when someone tries to stop you?
Activity Ideas
Build a Paper Wall
You will need construction paper, tape, scissors, and crayons or markers. Have children cut out rectangular “bricks” and draw one thing they can do to keep going when others discourage them, like praying or helping a friend. Tape the bricks together to form a wall across a table or hallway. Talk about how each brick is a choice to keep building for God.
Hands on Guard
You will need a open space and a few soft balls or beanbags. One child stands in the middle and holds up two hands like the wall of a city. Others try to toss balls at the wall to scare them, but the child keeps their hands up and calm. Switch roles so each child gets a turn. Afterward, remind children that God helps us stay strong when others try to make us afraid.
Prayer Card for Home
You will need index cards, markers, and a small ring or string. Have each child write Nehemiah 6:9 in simple words, such as “God, make my hands strong,” and draw a picture of hands. Punch a hole and tie the card to a ring so they can carry it. Encourage them to pull it out and pray whenever they feel nervous at school or at home.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that opposition is a normal part of doing God’s work, and that leaders like Nehemiah respond with prayer, clear focus, and trust rather than fear. The enemies used lies, invitations to a trap, and frightening words, but Nehemiah kept returning to what God had called him to do. The fast finish of the wall shows that God’s help is real even when the work is hard.
Avoid telling children that every obstacle will disappear once they pray or that doing right always brings quick success. The story shows Nehemiah facing real danger and deep opposition, and it is better to focus on trusting God’s faithfulness than on promising guaranteed outcomes.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, help us keep working on the good things you ask us to do. When people try to scare us or stop us, help us remember that you are stronger than anyone. Give us brave hearts and calm minds, and help us keep our eyes on you. Amen.
