This lesson teaches children that God is King over all the earth and that he keeps his promises, even when the day looks dark. It suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes, including a story, a memory verse, a short discussion and a simple activity.
Big Idea
God is the King of the whole world, and he is in charge even when things seem scary. He always takes care of his people, and he always keeps his promises.
Memory Verse
Zechariah 14:9
The LORD will be King over all the earth. In that day the LORD will be one, and his name one.
(WEB)
Put both hands up over your head like a crown, then slowly sweep your arms out wide, as if pointing to the whole world. Say “The LORD is King” while you make the motion so children connect the words with the picture of God ruling everywhere.
The Story: Zechariah 14 for Kids
Long ago, God’s people lived in the city of Jerusalem. The prophet Zechariah told them that a special day was coming, a day that belongs to the LORD. On that day, enemy nations would gather around the city to fight against it. Many people would be taken away, and it would be a frightening time for everyone who lived there.
But God had a plan. The prophet told the people that the LORD himself would go out and fight for them, just as he had fought for them in the past. His feet would stand on the Mount of Olives, and the mountain would split right in two, making a huge valley. God’s people could run through that valley to safety. Imagine how amazed they would be to see God act so powerfully on their behalf.
The story also tells us that the day would be unusual. It would not be like a normal day or a normal night. The LORD knows exactly when it will happen, and at evening time there would be light. Living water would flow out from Jerusalem, going both east and west, all year long. God is never confused by what is happening. He is always in control.
Then the prophet said something wonderful: “The LORD will be King over all the earth.” That means God is not only the King of one small place. He rules over every country, every family and every person. The people of Jerusalem would be safe, and they would live there in peace. The city would be holy to God, and even ordinary pots and bowls would be set apart for him.
People from many nations would come to Jerusalem each year to worship the King, the LORD of Armies. They would celebrate with a special feast. God wants everyone to know him and to worship him, so he invites people from all over the world to come and learn about him.
Read It Together
Zechariah 14:3
Then the LORD will go out and fight against those nations, as when he fought in the day of battle.
(WEB)
Point out that God does not stay quiet when his people are in danger. He goes out and fights for them. Ask children how they feel when they know someone strong is protecting them, and connect that feeling to God’s strength.
Zechariah 14:8
It will happen in that day, that living waters will go out from Jerusalem; half of them toward the eastern sea, and half of them toward the western sea; in summer and in winter will it be.
(WEB)
Explain that living water is clean, fresh and needed by everyone. Tell children that God’s blessings flow to his people all year long, in every season, just as this water flows in summer and in winter.
Zechariah 14:16
It will happen that everyone who is left of all the nations that came against Jerusalem will go up from year to year to worship the King, the LORD of Armies, and to keep the feast of tents.
(WEB)
Point out that people from many nations would come together to worship the King. Remind children that God welcomes everyone who wants to know him, no matter where they come from or what language they speak.
Talk About It
- What do you think it would feel like to see the mountain split in two and find a way to safety?
- Why do you think God wants people from every country to come and worship him?
- How can you remember that God is King even when something scary happens?
- What are some ways that God takes care of you every day, in summer and in winter?
- If everything around you were holy to God, even the pots and bowls, how might you treat ordinary things differently?
Activity Ideas
Crown of the King Craft
You will need paper strips, markers, glue or tape, and a few gold or colorful stickers. Let each child decorate a paper strip, then fit it around their head like a crown. As they wear their crown, have them say, “The LORD is King over all the earth.” Talk about how God is the King who rules every place and every person.
Mountain Split Movement Game
Clear some space in your room or outside. Have children stand close together, then slowly spread their arms and walk apart to make a big valley, just like the mountain splitting in two. Then have them run through the valley to a safe spot, pretending they are escaping to safety. Finish by reminding them that God protects his people.
Living Water Take-Home Card
You will need a sheet of paper, blue crayons or markers, and a small cup of water for the teacher to show. Have each child draw a wavy blue line that flows out from a small picture of a city. As they draw, remind them that God’s blessings flow to his people in every season. Let them take the card home to share with their family during dinner.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter is a picture of God’s final victory and his rule over all the earth. It speaks of God’s faithfulness to his people, his power over the nations, and his plan to bring all peoples to worship him. Scholars and churches read the details in different ways, so it helps to focus on the clear truths: God is King, he protects his people, and he invites everyone to know him.
Avoid overstating the exact details to children, such as the timing of the events or the precise geography of the valley. Children may become confused or fearful if you try to explain every symbol. Instead, keep the focus on God’s power and faithfulness, and let the wonder of the story lead them to trust him.
A Prayer to Close
Lord, you are the King over all the earth. Thank you that you are strong and that you take care of us, even when things feel scary. Help us to trust you every day and to remember that you are always in charge. Amen.
