This lesson teaches children that God takes away our dirty sin and gives us clean new clothes, and it is ideal for ages 5 to 11. Plan about 20 to 30 minutes, including a short story, a Bible reading, a few questions, and a simple activity.
Big Idea
God takes away our sin and dresses us in clean, forgiven clothes. We cannot clean ourselves up, but God can, and He loves to do it.
Memory Verse
Zechariah 3:4
He answered and spoke to those who stood before him, saying, “Take the filthy garments off him.” To him he said, “Behold, I have caused your iniquity to pass from you, and I will clothe you with rich clothing.”
(WEB)
Hold your arms out like you are wearing a big, fluffy coat. Then slowly brush your hands down your sleeves, as if wiping away dirt. Say the verse together while you do the motions, and repeat it three times.
The Story: Zechariah 3 for Kids
A long time ago, God’s people had come back home to Jerusalem after being away for many years. Their great temple was being rebuilt, and God sent a prophet named Zechariah to tell them good news. In one special vision, Zechariah saw a man named Joshua, the high priest, standing before God’s angel. Joshua was the leader who helped the people worship God, and he had an important job.
But Joshua was not wearing nice clothes. He was dressed in filthy garments, dirty and stained. That was a picture of sin, the wrong things we all do. Right beside Joshua stood Satan, who wanted to accuse him and point at his dirty clothes.
Then God spoke. He told Satan, “The LORD rebuke you!” God had chosen Jerusalem, and He saved Joshua like a stick pulled out of a fire. Joshua was not thrown away, because God had something better planned for him.
God’s helpers took off Joshua’s dirty clothes. Then they dressed him in clean clothes and put a clean turban on his head. God said, “I have taken away your sin, and I will give you new clothes.” Joshua was made clean and ready to serve God.
God also made a promise. He would send His special servant, called the Branch, and He would remove the sin of the land in one day. God said that one day, neighbors would be safe and happy together, sitting under their vines and fig trees.
Read It Together
Zechariah 3:1-2
1 He showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the LORD’s angel, and Satan standing at his right hand to be his adversary. 2 The LORD said to Satan, “The LORD rebuke you, Satan! Yes, the LORD who has chosen Jerusalem rebuke you! Isn’t this a burning stick plucked out of the fire?”
(WEB)
Point out that Satan is the one who accuses, but God is the one who rebukes Satan. Ask children who they think is stronger, and help them see that God protects His people even when the enemy is loud.
Zechariah 3:5
I said, “Let them set a clean turban on his head.” So they set a clean turban on his head, and clothed him; and the LORD’s angel was standing by.
(WEB)
Show how the people quickly put clean clothes on Joshua. Explain that God wants us to be clean, and that He is the one who makes us ready to come close to Him.
Zechariah 3:9
For, behold, the stone that I have set before Joshua; on one stone are seven eyes: behold, I will engrave its engraving,’ says the LORD of Armies, ‘and I will remove the iniquity of that land in one day.
(WEB)
Point to the promise that God will remove the sin of the land in one day. Tell children that God keeps His promises, and that He planned to make a way for sin to be taken away.
Talk About It
- What did Joshua’s dirty clothes remind you of?
- How do you feel when someone helps you clean up a mess you made?
- What did God do for Joshua, and what do you think He wants to do for you?
- Why do you think Satan wanted to point out Joshua’s dirty clothes?
- What would it look like to live with your neighbor happily under a fig tree?
Activity Ideas
Clean Clothes Paper Doll
You will need paper, crayons, scissors, and a few cotton balls. Have each child draw a simple person, then color a set of dirty clothes with brown or gray crayon. Let them glue cotton balls onto the paper as clean clothes and talk about how God gives us new, clean garments when He forgives us.
Wash Away the Dirt Game
Set up two bowls, one with a little dirty water or brown paint on a sponge, and one with clean water. Have children take turns moving a sponge from the dirty bowl to the clean bowl while you count to five. As they play, remind them that God cleans away our sin, and sing the memory verse together.
Clean Clothes Reminder Card
Give each child an index card and a marker. Ask them to write or draw a picture of a clean shirt or a turban. Encourage them to take it home and place it on a mirror or by their bed as a reminder that God forgives and dresses us in new clothes each day.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God is the one who saves and cleanses His people. Joshua could not fix his own dirty clothes, and the people had to trust God to make a way forward. The passage points ahead to God’s servant, the Branch, and to a day when sin would be removed completely.
With children, avoid overstating the details of the visions, such as the meaning of the seven eyes or the exact identity of the Branch. Keep the focus on God’s forgiveness, His faithfulness, and the simple truth that He makes His people clean.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You for taking away our sin and giving us clean clothes. Help us to trust You when we feel dirty or unsure. Thank You for keeping Your promises and for loving us so much. Help us to live as Your clean, happy people every day. Amen.
