In this lesson, children learn that God invites us to come back to Him, and when we do, He comes back to us with kindness. This lesson works well for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God says, “Come back to me,” and when we turn toward Him, He is ready to welcome us and bring us good things. God always keeps His promises, even when His people forget Him.
Memory Verse
Zechariah 1:3
Therefore tell them: The LORD of Armies says: ‘Return to me,’ says the LORD of Armies, ‘and I will return to you,’ says the LORD of Armies.
(WEB)
Have the children hold both hands out in front of them, then slowly bring their hands back toward their chests, as if they are pulling something close. Say the verse together with the motion, and do it again with a little more joy each time.
The Story: Zechariah 1 for Kids
A long time ago, God’s people, the Jewish people, had been living far away from their home in Jerusalem. Many of their parents and grandparents had turned away from God and done things that made Him sad. God sent His prophets to tell them to turn back to Him, but the people did not always listen.
God gave a message to a prophet named Zechariah. God told Zechariah to tell the people, “Come back to me, and I will come back to you.” God was not angry in a way that meant He would leave them forever. He wanted them to return, and He promised to be near them again.
Then Zechariah had a special dream, or vision, at night. In the dream he saw a man riding a red horse, standing among myrtle trees in a quiet valley. Behind him were other horses of red, brown, and white. Zechariah asked what they meant, and an angel told him that these were the ones God had sent to walk all over the earth.
The riders came back and reported that the whole earth was resting and at peace. But God’s people in Jerusalem were not yet safe and whole. The angel asked God how long He would wait before showing mercy to Jerusalem and the cities of Judah. God answered the angel with kind and comforting words.
God told Zechariah to say, “I care about Jerusalem very much. I have come back to Jerusalem with mercy, and my house will be built there again.” God also said that the cities would once again overflow with good things, and that He would comfort Zion and choose Jerusalem again.
Read It Together
Zechariah 1:16
Therefore the LORD says: “I have returned to Jerusalem with mercy. My house shall be built in it,” says the LORD of Armies, “and a line shall be stretched out over Jerusalem.”’
(WEB)
Point out that God says He has returned to Jerusalem with mercy. Ask the children what it means for God to come back to His people, and remind them that God’s mercy means He gives help we do not deserve.
Zechariah 1:17
“Proclaim further, saying, ‘The LORD of Armies says: “My cities will again overflow with prosperity, and the LORD will again comfort Zion, and will again choose Jerusalem.”’”
(WEB)
Show the children the words about cities overflowing with prosperity and God comforting Zion. Explain that God wanted His people to have happy, full lives again, and He loves to comfort those who feel sad.
Zechariah 1:13
The LORD answered the angel who talked with me with kind and comforting words.
(WEB)
Point out that God answered the angel with kind and comforting words. Tell the children that God’s words are always gentle when He speaks to His people, and He is never too far away to listen.
Talk About It
- What does it mean to turn back to God, and what are some ways we can do that this week?
- How did God show He still loved His people even after they had made Him sad?
- Why do you think God wanted the people to come back to Him instead of staying away?
- What makes you feel safe when you know God is near you?
- How can you help a friend or family member remember that God wants to be close to them?
Activity Ideas
Paper Horse Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a pencil. Ask each child to draw a horse in red, brown, or white, and then add a few green trees behind it to show the myrtle trees in Zechariah’s vision. Let them tell you one thing they imagine the horse is doing as it travels through the earth.
Come Back Game
You will need a open space and a few chairs or markers placed around the room. Have the children walk away from you, then call out “Come back to me!” and have them walk slowly back, giving them a high-five or hug when they arrive. Remind them that God is always ready to welcome us back.
Heart Reminder Card
You will need an index card or a small piece of paper, a pencil, and some tape or a rubber band. Have each child write or draw “Come back to God” on one side and a heart on the other. Let them take it home to put on a bedroom mirror or refrigerator as a reminder that God welcomes them every day.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this passage shows that God calls His people to return to Him, and He faithfully responds with mercy and renewed promises. The prophet’s visions reveal that God is watching over the world and that He will bring comfort and restoration to Jerusalem in His good time. Adults can see in these words the steady love of God that does not give up on His people.
When teaching children, avoid overstating the frightening or violent images in the vision, such as the horns and craftsmen. Keep the focus on God’s kindness, His invitation to return, and His promise to comfort and be near His people.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You for always inviting us to come back to You. We are sorry when we forget You or do things that make You sad. Thank You for being kind, for loving us, and for staying close to us every day. Help us turn toward You and trust Your good promises. Amen.
