In this lesson, children learn that God loves His people in Jerusalem, keeps His promises, and wants us to tell the truth and be kind to our neighbors. This lesson for ages 5 to 11 takes about 20 to 30 minutes, and it works well for a Sunday school class or a family devotion time.
Big Idea
God keeps His promises, and He wants us to be honest and kind to each other. When we do those things, we help make our world peaceful and full of joy.
Memory Verse
Zechariah 8:16
These are the things that you shall do: speak every man the truth with his neighbor. Execute the judgment of truth and peace in your gates…
(WEB)
Hold your hands out in front of you, palms up, as if you are receiving a gift. Then slowly bring them together and say the words “tell the truth” with each child, so the motion helps everyone remember to be honest.
The Story: Zechariah 8 for Kids
A long time ago, God’s people had come back home to Jerusalem after being away for many years. The city was quiet and sad, and the buildings were old and broken. The people were tired and worried about the future.
God sent a message through a prophet named Zechariah. God said, “I care about Jerusalem very much. I have come back to live in the middle of the city.” God also promised that the city would be called “The City of Truth,” and that His holy mountain would be a place of peace.
God gave a picture of a happy city. Old men and old women walked slowly through the streets, leaning on their walking sticks. Boys and girls ran and played in the open squares. God said, “If this seems wonderful to you, it is also wonderful to Me.”
God promised to bring His people home from the far east and the far west. He told them, “I will be your God, and you will be My people, and we will live together in truth and goodness.” The people had been a warning to other nations before, but now God would bless them. God told them, “Don’t be afraid. Let your hands be strong and get back to work.”
God asked His people to do three things. They should speak the truth to their neighbors, judge fairly at the city gates so that everyone had peace, and never make plans to hurt someone in their heart. God said, “These are the things I hate when people do not do them.”
At the end of the chapter, God said that many people from many different nations would come to Jerusalem. They would say, “Let us go and seek the Lord, because God is with His people!” The story shows that God’s kindness reaches everyone.
Read It Together
Zechariah 8:3
The LORD says: “I have returned to Zion, and will dwell in the middle of Jerusalem. Jerusalem shall be called ‘The City of Truth;’ and the mountain of the LORD of Armies, ‘The Holy Mountain.’”
(WEB)
Point out that God says He has returned to Zion and will live in the middle of Jerusalem. Ask the children what it means that God wants to live close to His people, and how they can remember that God is always near them.
Zechariah 8:5
The streets of the city will be full of boys and girls playing in its streets.”
(WEB)
Show the children how God describes a city full of kids playing in the streets. Explain that God delights in children being safe and happy, and invite them to name a place where they like to play.
Zechariah 8:13
It shall come to pass that, as you were a curse among the nations, house of Judah and house of Israel, so will I save you, and you shall be a blessing. Don’t be afraid. Let your hands be strong.”
(WEB)
Explain that God promised to turn a people who had been a curse into a blessing. Point out the words “don’t be afraid” and talk about what kinds of things make children feel scared and how God helps them feel brave.
Talk About It
- What did God promise to do for the people of Jerusalem?
- Why do you think God wants people to tell the truth to their neighbors?
- What would a city full of playing children and old friends walking together look like to you?
- How can you be brave when you feel afraid, like God told His people?
- What is one way you can help someone else feel peaceful this week?
Activity Ideas
Draw the Happy City
Give each child a sheet of paper, crayons or markers, and a pencil. Ask them to draw Jerusalem as God described it, with children playing in the streets and old people walking with their canes. Let them add a tall mountain in the background and write “City of Truth” across the top. Display the pictures together on a wall so the class can see the whole city.
Truth and Peace Walk
Set up two chairs at one end of the room to be the gate of the city. Ask one child to pretend to be a neighbor who has a problem, and another child to answer honestly and kindly. Let the children take turns trying different roles. After each turn, cheer for the honest answers and talk about how the words made everyone feel.
Peace Reminder Card
You will need index cards, markers, and a hole punch with yarn. Have each child write “Tell the truth and be kind” on one side and draw a small heart on the other. Punch a hole in the corner and tie the yarn so they can hang it on a backpack or bedpost. Encourage them to look at it each morning before school.
Teacher Notes
For adults, Zechariah 8 shows that God’s plans for His people are full of faithful love and hope after hard times. The chapter also connects God’s justice and truth with everyday honesty in relationships, and it reminds us that God’s mercy reaches people from every nation.
When teaching children, avoid overstating the meaning of the imagery in the chapter or turning it into a formula for guaranteed blessings. Keep the focus on God’s faithfulness and on simple, honest kindness toward others.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You for keeping Your promises and for loving us every day. Help us tell the truth, be kind to our neighbors, and not be afraid when we feel worried. Make our homes and our city places of peace and joy. Amen.
