In Nehemiah 3, children learn that God uses every person’s work, big or small, to build something good together. This lesson suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes, including the story, a short activity, and a closing prayer.
Big Idea
Everyone in God’s family has a job to do, and every job matters. When we each do our part, we help build something strong together.
Memory Verse
Nehemiah 3:28
Above the horse gate, the priests made repairs, everyone across from his own house.
(WEB)
Ask children to stand tall, then bend their knees as if they are lifting a heavy brick. Stand back up and clap once for each person who helped build. Say the verse together while you lift and clap.
The Story: Nehemiah 3 for Kids
Long ago, the walls around the city of Jerusalem had been broken down for a long time. The people who lived there had no strong wall to keep them safe. God had put a man named Nehemiah in charge of building the walls again, and many families were ready to help him.
The workers did not all do the same job. A man named Eliashib, who was the high priest, and his fellow priests started at the sheep gate. They fixed the gate and hung its doors, so the sheep could come in and out again. Other families came next, each fixing a piece of the wall right beside the last one.
Some people were goldsmiths who made fine jewelry, and some were perfumers who mixed sweet smells. They did not usually build walls, but they picked up tools and got to work anyway. Everyone was needed, and everyone worked hard.
One group of workers did not want to help at all. Their leaders did not bend down to do the work God had given them. The Bible tells us about this in a simple way, and it reminds us that we should never think our job is too small or not our business.
Zadok was one of the workers who fixed the wall right in front of his own house. He did not have to go far to find his job. He simply looked at the part of the wall closest to him and got to work, one stone at a time.
When the work was done, the wall stood strong, and the people of Jerusalem could feel safe again. No one person built the whole wall alone. It took many hands, working side by side, to make it happen.
Read It Together
Nehemiah 3:1
Then Eliashib the high priest rose up with his brothers the priests, and they built the sheep gate. They sanctified it, and set up its doors. They sanctified it even to the tower of Hammeah, to the tower of Hananel.
(WEB)
Point out that the first builders were the high priest and the other priests. Explain that God’s leaders were willing to be the first to start, which shows children that leaders are not too important to get dirty with the work.
Nehemiah 3:12
Next to him, Shallum the son of Hallohesh, the ruler of half the district of Jerusalem, he and his daughters, made repairs.
(WEB)
Show children that Shallum and his daughters worked together on the wall. Point out that families can serve God side by side, and that even girls had an important part in the building.
Nehemiah 3:31
After him, Malchijah, one of the goldsmiths to the house of the temple servants, and of the merchants, made repairs opposite the gate of Hammiphkad, and to the ascent of the corner.
(WEB)
Explain that Malchijah was one of the goldsmiths, a person who usually made jewelry, yet he still helped build. Encourage children to think about the different talents God has given them and how each one can help.
Talk About It
- What job would you have wanted if you had been helping rebuild the wall?
- Why do you think the people all worked on the part of the wall closest to their own homes?
- How did the goldsmiths and perfumers help, even though building was not their normal job?
- What is one small thing you can do at home or school to help your family or class?
- How do you think the people felt when the wall was finally finished and strong?
Activity Ideas
Build a Paper Wall
You will need construction paper, scissors, tape, and crayons or markers. Have each child draw and cut out one brick, then write their name on it. Tape all the bricks together side by side to make a long class wall. Talk about how each brick is needed to make the wall strong.
Pass the Brick Game
You will need a small soft object, such as a sock rolled into a ball or a folded towel. Have children stand in a line and pass the object from one person to the next, saying “Everyone helps” each time they pass it. Explain that every person in the line is needed to get the object to the end, just like every worker was needed to finish the wall.
Take-Home Job Chart
You will need a sheet of paper, markers, and a pencil. Ask each child to write or draw one helpful job they can do at home this week, such as setting the table or feeding a pet. Encourage them to take the chart home and check off each job as they finish it. Remind them that God cares about even small jobs done with a loving heart.
Teacher Notes
For adults, Nehemiah 3 is a long list of builders that can seem dull at first, but it shows that God’s work is carried out by ordinary people, each working on their own section. The chapter also reminds us that some people chose not to join in, and that serving God means being willing to put our hands to the work He has given us.
When teaching children, avoid suggesting that God only cares about big jobs or that every helper was equally faithful. Focus on the encouraging truth that every part matters, without turning the chapter into a lesson about who worked hardest.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You for giving each of us a job to do in Your family. Help us to be willing to work hard, even when our job seems small. Show us how we can help the people around us today. Amen.
