In this lesson, children learn that God finished the rebuilding of His house in Jerusalem even when people had stopped working, and that God keeps His promises. The lesson suits children aged 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Big Idea
God keeps His promises, and He can finish the work He starts, even when it takes a long time and people feel discouraged.
Memory Verse
Ezra 6:22
And kept the feast of unleavened bread seven days with joy; because the LORD had made them joyful, and had turned the heart of the king of Assyria to them, to strengthen their hands in the work of God, the God of Israel’s house.
(WEB)
Have the children stand and raise their arms high like they are cheering, then slowly bring them down to their hearts as they say the word “joyful” together. Repeat it three times so they remember that God made His people joyful.
The Story: Ezra 6 for Kids
Many years before this, the people of Israel had been taken far away from their home to a land called Babylon. Later, a new king named Cyrus let them return to Jerusalem, and he said they could rebuild God’s house there. The people began the work, but after a while they stopped building because other people made it hard for them.
Years went by, and God sent two prophets, Haggai and Zechariah, to encourage the people. They said, “Get back to work and build God’s house.” So the people started again, and this time they did not give up. Nobody could stop them now.
When a governor named Tattenai came to ask who had told them to build, the leaders looked back at the old records. A scroll was found in the palace, and it said that King Cyrus really did want the house built. King Darius then sent a letter that told Tattenai, “Leave these people alone and help them finish the work.”
The house was finished on the third day of the month Adar. The people were so thankful that they held a great celebration. They offered many animals to God and gave thanks with a happy heart.
Then they celebrated the Passover together, and they ate bread with no yeast for seven days. The people said that God had made them joyful, because He had turned the heart of the king to help them. God had kept His word all along.
Read It Together
Ezra 6:14
The elders of the Jews built and prospered, through the prophesying of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the son of Iddo. They built and finished it, according to the commandment of the God of Israel, and according to the decree of Cyrus, Darius, and Artaxerxes king of Persia.
(WEB)
Point out that the people built and finished the house with help from the prophets, and that God was the one who made it happen. Ask the children who encouraged them to keep going.
Ezra 6:16
The children of Israel, the priests, the Levites, and the rest of the children of the captivity, kept the dedication of this house of God with joy.
(WEB)
Show the children that the people celebrated with joy. Explain that a celebration is a way of saying thank you to God when He has done something good.
Ezra 6:21
The children of Israel who had returned out of the captivity, and all who had separated themselves to them from the filthiness of the nations of the land, to seek the LORD, the God of Israel, ate…
(WEB)
Point out that people who wanted to know God joined in the celebration too. Talk about how God welcomes everyone who wants to seek Him.
Talk About It
- What did the people of Israel stop doing, and why do you think they stopped?
- Who did God send to help the people keep going, and how do you think that helped them?
- What made the people feel joyful at the end of the story?
- When have you wanted to give up on something, and what helped you keep going?
- How can you thank God for keeping His promises this week?
Activity Ideas
Build a Paper House
You will need paper, tape, markers, and some cardboard. Have each child draw a simple house or temple on paper and then tape it onto the cardboard. Talk together about how the people kept working until the house was finished, and remind the children that God finishes what He starts.
The Stop and Go Game
Ask the children to pretend they are builders. When you say “build,” they hammer and stack pretend blocks. When you say “stop,” they freeze. Then say “go” again, and talk about how the people started building again when the prophets encouraged them.
Celebration Jar at Home
You will need a jar, some slips of paper, and a pencil. Each day for a week, have your child write or draw one thing God did for them and drop it into the jar. At the end of the week, read the slips together and thank God for each one, just like the people celebrated God’s faithfulness.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this passage shows that God is faithful even when His people are slow to act or are hindered by others. The rebuilding of the temple was God’s work, and He used kings, prophets, and ordinary people to carry it out. It also shows that real joy comes from remembering what God has done.
Be careful not to overstate the king’s part to children, as if kings always help God’s people. Make sure they understand that God was the one who turned the king’s heart, and that God’s plans do not depend on people being perfect.
A Prayer to Close
Dear Father, thank You for keeping Your promises to us, just as You kept them for Your people long ago. Help us keep working on the good things You give us to do, and help us not to give up. Thank You for making us joyful. Amen.
