This lesson teaches children that God wants His house and His people to come first, and that He is with us when we obey Him. It works well for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes, including the story, the discussion, and one activity.
Big Idea
God wants us to put Him first, and when we do, He promises to be with us. Our hearts and our choices matter to Him.
Memory Verse
Haggai 1:13
Then Haggai, the LORD’s messenger, spoke the LORD’s message to the people, saying, “I am with you,” says the LORD.
(WEB)
Have the children cup their hands over their hearts while they say the verse together. On the words “I am with you,” have them spread their arms wide, like a big hug. Repeat the motions three times and the verse will stick.
The Story: Haggai 1 for Kids
A long time ago, the people of Judah had come home from a faraway land. God’s people had been away from their home for many years. Now they were back in Jerusalem, and they had a big job to do. God wanted them to build His house, the Temple, where they could worship Him.
But the people did not want to start. They said to themselves, “The time has not yet come to build God’s house.” So they built nice homes for themselves and left God’s house in ruins. They were busy with their own things and forgot about God.
God sent a prophet named Haggai to speak to the leaders, Zerubbabel and Joshua, and to all the people. Haggai told them to think about what they were doing. God said, “Consider your ways.” He showed them that they worked hard and earned money, but it never seemed to be enough. Their food did not fill them, and their coins seemed to slip away.
God said that the reason was that they had put their own houses first. He asked them to go up to the mountain, bring wood, and build His house. He said, “I will take pleasure in it.”
The leaders and the people listened to God. They stopped thinking only about themselves. They feared the Lord, and they began to work on God’s house.
God was pleased with their obedience. Through Haggai, He told them, “I am with you.” God kept His promise, and the people went back to work with a happy heart.
Read It Together
Haggai 1:5
Now therefore this is what the LORD of Armies says: Consider your ways.
(WEB)
Point out that God asked the people to stop and think about how they were living. Ask the children what it means to “consider” something. Explain that God invites us to look honestly at our choices.
Haggai 1:8
Go up to the mountain, bring wood, and build the house. I will take pleasure in it, and I will be glorified,” says the LORD.
(WEB)
Show the children that God gave the people a clear job to do. He did not ask for something impossible. He asked them to gather wood and build. Remind children that God gives us ways to serve Him too.
Haggai 1:14
The LORD stirred up the spirit of Zerubbabel, the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and the spirit of Joshua, the son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and the spirit of all the remnant of the people; and they came and worked on the house of the LORD of Armies, their God…
(WEB)
Point out that God stirred up the hearts of the leaders and the people. Explain that when we obey God, He is the one who gives us the desire and the strength to do what is right.
Talk About It
- What did the people say when they did not want to build God’s house?
- Why do you think the people were busy with their own homes instead of God’s house?
- What are some ways you can put God first in your day?
- How do you think the people felt when they heard God say, “I am with you”?
- When is a time you knew God was with you, even when things were hard?
Activity Ideas
Build a Paper Temple
You will need construction paper, scissors, tape, and crayons. Help each child fold and cut paper to make a small house or temple with a door and a roof. Have them draw a cross or a heart on the front. As they build, talk about how God wants us to build our lives around Him.
Consider Your Ways Freeze Game
Play a simple freeze game. Call out “Consider your ways!” and the children freeze, then think about one good choice they made that day. Call out “Build God’s house!” and they walk in place like they are carrying wood. Keep the game short and cheerful.
Take-Home Promise Card
You will need index cards, markers, and a small sticker. Have each child write “God is with me” on one side and draw a simple picture on the other. Encourage them to put the card on their bedside table or in their backpack. Ask them to read it each morning this week.
Teacher Notes
Haggai’s message shows that God cares about how His people spend their time, their money, and their hearts. When we put our own comforts ahead of God’s work, we often feel empty even when we are busy. The good news is that God invites us to return to Him, and He promises His presence to those who obey.
Avoid suggesting to children that God withholds food or money as a punishment for every small mistake. The passage describes a specific situation in ancient Judah. Focus instead on God’s faithfulness and His desire for a close relationship with His people.
A Prayer to Close
Dear Lord, help us to think about what we do each day. Show us when we put our own things first, and help us put You first instead. Thank You that You are always with us. Help us to honor You in everything we do. Amen.
