In this lesson, children learn that God uses everyone to do His work, and every person has a special part to help build. This lesson is for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God gives every person a job to do, and when we each help with our part, great things get built together.
Memory Verse
Nehemiah 3:28
Above the horse gate, the priests made repairs, everyone across from his own house.
(WEB)
Ask the children to stand up and pretend to hammer nails one at a time, saying “Each one, his own house” as they tap. This motion helps them remember that every builder worked on the part right in front of them.
The Story: Nehemiah 3 for Kids
A long time ago, the walls around the city of Jerusalem had been broken down, and the gates had been burned. The people who lived there were sad and unsafe. God had called a man named Nehemiah to help rebuild the walls, and many people came to work alongside him.
Eliashib, the high priest, was one of the first to start. He and the other priests built the Sheep Gate and blessed it. Then the men of Jericho, the goldsmiths, the perfume makers, and many others each took a piece of the wall right beside their own homes to fix.
Not everyone worked gladly. The people from Tekoa did not help with the work the Lord had given. That was sad, because everyone was needed for the big job to get done.
Some builders worked on the fish gate, others on the old gate, the valley gate, and the dung gate. Each gate got its doors, its bolts, and its bars put back in place. A daughter named Shallum also helped, which shows that even children and families had a part in the work.
When the work was finished, the walls were strong again, and the city could be safe. Every person who had picked up a tool had helped make that happen, one section at a time.
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 priests, and that they began right at the Sheep Gate. Explain that God’s work started with the people closest to Him, and it spread out from there.
Nehemiah 3:5
Next to them, the Tekoites made repairs; but their nobles didn’t put their necks to the Lord’s work.
(WEB)
Point out that some nobles did not help. Explain that it is sad when people choose not to join in, and ask the children how they can be ready to help when God calls them.
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)
Point out that Shallum and his daughters made repairs together. Show the children that families and kids can work side by side, and that every helper matters.
Talk About It
- What kind of work did the people in this story do to help rebuild the walls?
- Why do you think God wanted everyone to help, even people who were not builders?
- How did the people feel when the wall was finished, and how do you think they felt when they worked together?
- What is one job you can do at home or school to help the people around you?
- What happened when some people refused to help, and why do you think it matters that we join God’s work?
Activity Ideas
Build a Paper Wall Craft
You will need construction paper, glue, scissors, and crayons. Have each child draw and color one brick or gate, then glue it onto a long strip of paper to make a shared wall. Hang the finished wall up and talk about how each brick helps make the whole wall strong.
Passing the Brick Game
You will need a small soft object, like a sock rolled into a ball, and a few chairs. Have children sit in a line and pass the “brick” down the row, saying “Everyone helps” each time they pass it. This game shows how the work moves from one builder to the next.
Take-Home Helper Chart
You will need a sheet of paper and markers. Ask each child to write or draw one way they helped someone that week, like setting the table or cleaning up toys. Send the chart home so families can see how their child is building with God’s help.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter is a long list of names and gates, but it teaches that God values every person’s contribution, whether they are a priest, a goldsmith, a merchant, or a family member. The text shows that the work was shared, and each builder repaired a section near their own home. It reminds us that God’s work often happens in ordinary places, close to the people we love.
Avoid overstating to children that they must build something big or perform impressive tasks to matter to God. The point is faithfulness in the part God gives each person, not measuring who did the most.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You for giving each of us a part to help with Your work. Help us to be ready and willing, just like the builders in Jerusalem. Show us how to help at home, at school, and in our church. Amen.
