This lesson teaches children that God sees every wrong thing people do and will not let sin stay in his land forever. It works well for ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes, including the story, questions and one activity.
Big Idea
God sees all wrong choices, and he is able to remove them from his world. He is in charge, and he cares about what is right and fair.
Memory Verse
Zechariah 5:3
Then he said to me, “This is the curse that goes out over the surface of the whole land; for everyone who steals shall be cut off according to it on the one side; and everyone who swears falsely shall be cut off according to it on the other side.
(WEB)
Teach children to hold both arms out flat, then slowly sweep them down from the shoulders to the sides, like a big scroll being rolled out and carried over the land. Say the words together as you sweep, and the motion will help them remember that God’s word reaches everywhere.
The Story: Zechariah 5 for Kids
Zechariah was a prophet who lived after the people of Israel returned home from being far away in another land. One night, God let Zechariah see a series of pictures that showed God’s plans. In the first picture, Zechariah saw a giant scroll flying through the air. It was very big, and it was flying over the whole land.
An angel was talking with Zechariah and asked him what he saw. Zechariah told him about the flying scroll. The angel explained that the scroll was a curse, and it was going into the houses of people who stole or told lies. God said he would make it go into those homes and destroy the wrong that was hidden there.
Then Zechariah saw a basket called an ephah, which was used to measure grain. The angel said this basket showed how wrong things had spread all over the land. A heavy round lid of lead was lifted up, and inside the basket sat a woman. The angel said her name was Wickedness.
The angel pushed Wickedness back down into the basket and closed the heavy lead lid over her. Then Zechariah looked up again and saw two women with wings like a stork. The wind was moving their wings, and they lifted the basket high up between the earth and the sky.
Zechariah asked the angel where they were taking the basket. The angel said they were carrying it to the land of Shinar, where a house would be built for it. Wickedness would be set down there in her own place, far away from God’s people.
Read It Together
Zechariah 5:1-2
1 Then again I lifted up my eyes, and saw, and behold, a flying scroll. 2 He said to me, “What do you see?” I answered, “I see a flying scroll; its length is twenty cubits, and its width ten cubits.”
(WEB)
Point out that Zechariah had to look and then tell what he saw. Ask children to notice that God showed him a picture so he could understand the message. Explain that God often teaches us through things we can see and think about.
Zechariah 5:4
I will cause it to go out,” says the LORD of Armies, “and it will enter into the house of the thief, and into the house of him who swears falsely by my name; and it will remain in the middle of his house, and will destroy it with its timber and its stones.”
(WEB)
Show children that God says he will bring the scroll into the house of the thief and the house of the liar. Explain that God knows exactly where wrong choices happen and that nothing is hidden from him. Help them see that this should make us want to choose honesty.
Zechariah 5:10-11
10 Then I said to the angel who talked with me, “Where are these carrying the ephah basket?” 11 He said to me, “To build her a house in the land of Shinar. When it is prepared, she will be set there in her own place.”
(WEB)
Point out that Zechariah asked a question and got an answer that told him what would happen next. Remind children that God is in control of what happens with sin, and that he moves it far away from his people. Let them know that God is strong enough to handle every wrong thing.
Talk About It
- What did Zechariah see first, and how do you think he felt about a scroll flying over the land?
- Why do you think God wanted the people to know that he sees when someone steals or tells a lie?
- What kinds of wrong choices do children sometimes make, and how can we choose differently?
- Why is it good to know that God can remove wickedness from the world?
- How can you remind yourself this week that God is always watching and always fair?
Activity Ideas
Draw a Flying Scroll
You will need paper, markers or crayons, and a ruler. Have children draw a long rectangle shaped like a rolled scroll, then add words or pictures on it that show God’s truth, such as “God sees everything.” Let them tape the ends to the paper so it looks like it is flying across the page. Hang the drawings where the family or class can see them during the week.
Carry the Basket Game
You will need a shoebox with a lid, a few small toy blocks or paper balls for the “wickedness,” and a bowl. Set the box on the floor, let children take turns putting a block inside and closing the lid firmly. Then have them carry the box across the room and set it down in a corner, saying that God takes wrong things far away. Keep the movement calm and fun.
Honesty Reminder Card
You will need an index card, a pencil, and a small piece of tape or a clip. Have each child write one simple promise about telling the truth or being kind, like “I will tell the truth today.” Help them tape the card to the fridge or bedroom door. Encourage them to read it each morning and talk about it with their family at dinner.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God is holy and cannot ignore sin. The picture of the scroll reveals that theft and false oaths are taken seriously before him, while the basket and the woman show that wickedness is not allowed to stay in the land. The final scene reminds us that God deals with evil and moves it away from his people, which gives hope that he will bring justice in his time.
With children, be careful not to make the lesson mainly about being scared of God or getting caught. Keep the focus on God’s faithfulness and his desire for his people to live truthfully and kindly. Avoid suggesting that God is looking for reasons to punish, and instead help them see that he is good and wants what is right.
A Prayer to Close
Father, thank you that you see everything and that you are always fair. Help us to choose what is true and kind today. When we make mistakes, help us to come to you. Thank you that you are strong and good, and that you care about your whole world. Amen.
