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After nearly one hundred years in Jerusalem, the city walls were still in ruins. Nehemiah was the cupbearer to King Artaxerxes and successfully petitioned the king to go to Jerusalem and help. The neighbouring countries complained and threatened Nehemiah, trying to distract him, but he kept to his purpose and finished the job.
Bible verses used in this episode:
Nehemiah 1-8
Outline:
With King Cyrus’ support, Nehemiah travels to Jerusalem to rebuild the city wall. (Nehemiah 1:1-2:9)Despite opposition, Nehemiah oversees the rebuilding of the wall. (Nehemiah 2:10-6:14)The wall is completed and Jewish families are registered. (Nehemiah 6:15-7:73)Ezra reads the Law to the people which leads to celebration. (Nehemiah 8:1-)Tips for teaching children:
Have the children draw a wall of bricks. Follow up with conversation about words and thoughts from the story. Write these on the bricks, one word or thought per brick. For more explanation, follow this link: Drawing Out an Idea Nehemiah continued to build the wall despite opposition. Encourage older children to share situations and people that might distract them from doing what God wants them to do. Younger children can build walls with wooden blocks.Sing Building Up the TempleTips for teaching adults:
The Book of Nehemiah can be read to learn about real-life leadership, community rebuilding, and spiritual renewal. Have the class read Nehemiah 1-8 and make personal notes that relate to these three themes before the class. And ask them to bring their notes to class.When the class begins, divide the class up into three groups with each group focusing on only one of the three themes. Each group is to discuss where they see these themes in the book, collate their discussion in writing summarising their theme. Give each group about 30 minutes to discuss and write down their discussion.Have the three groups come together to share with the other groups what they have learned and written down.Following this have the class discuss the following questions: How can we incorporate more of these themes in our life in the classroom and in our personal lives? What can we learn personally from Nehemiah to help us to become more mature as a follower of Jesus?Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:
Bible Lesson: Return to Jerusalem-Rebuilding Walls
Scriptures quoted from The Holy Bible, International Children’s Bible® Copyright© 1986, 1988, 1999, 2015 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission.
Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.
Music: Upbeat Positive Culture (Acoustic Corporate Travel Promo Christian Rock), Individual License, Stock Media provided by HumansWin, pond5.com
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The Lord had always promised that the people would return to their land someday. After 70 years in exile, many of the Jewish people finally returned. Zerubbabel led one group back to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple. Ezra led another group back to teach the people and restore God’s Law.
Bible verses used in this episode:
Ezra 1-10
Outline:
A group of Jews leaves captivity and returns to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem. (Ezra 1-6)Ezra leads another group from captivity to restore the law in Jerusalem. (Ezra 7-10)Tips for teaching children:
Build a temple with wooden blocks or LegoHelp children make a scroll and write a letter to God thanking him for keeping his promises.Tips for teaching adults:
If you wish, you could show this brief video explaining some of the significance of The Cyrus Cylinder. This piece of archaeology directly connects with the story of the Bible in Ezra and in 2 Kings.Since this book is too long to read during the class time, encourage the class members to read it before they come to the class.Questions for discussion:What questions do you have for God about this story? Why is the rebuilding of the Temple in the book of Ezra important to the life of the community? What were some of the things in the book that stood out to you and why? Get the other class members to engage in the conversation.Have each class member write on a piece of paper a sin of unfaithfulness to God or the church, they want to confess. Wad these pieces up and throw them into a waste bin. Then call on someone to pray a prayer of confession for these sins but end the prayer with thankfulness, forgiveness and renewal.Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:
Bible Lesson: Return to Jerusalem-Temple & Law
Scriptures quoted from The Holy Bible, International Children’s Bible® Copyright© 1986, 1988, 1999, 2015 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission.
Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.
Music: Upbeat Positive Culture (Acoustic Corporate Travel Promo Christian Rock), Individual License, Stock Media provided by HumansWin, pond5.com
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King Xerxes now ruled Persia. Because he had deposed his queen in a drunken feast, a search was made throughout the kingdom for a new queen. Under the direction of her cousin, Mordecai, Esther was put forward and chosen. Not knowing that his beautiful queen was Jewish, Xerxes fell in with a plan to destroy the Jewish exiles living in his land. Queen Esther saved her people by revealing her Jewish origins to the king and convincing him to let the Jews defend and protect themselves.
Bible verses used in this episode:
Esther 1-10
Outline:
Esther becomes queen.(Esther chapters 1-2)Haman attempts to destroy Mordecai and all the Jews. (Esther chapter 3)Esther saves her people. (Esther chapters 4-8)The Jews defend themselves and celebrate. (Esther 9-10)Tips for teaching children:
Make a crown.Provide paints so that children can paint a portrait of Queen Esther.Write talents or gifts on individual cards (cooking, singing, money, etc.). Have children take turns picking a card and then explaining how that gift might be used to help God’s people.Tips for teaching adults:
Plan an evening together with the class that reflects 9:13 – feasting and giving of gifts. Traditionally the book of Esther is also read at Purim but have the class read it before the evening. On the designated evening, eat together and follow with the exchange of a gift that takes its theme from Esther. As host, prepare another traditional Feast of Purim food, Hamantaschen (ears of Haman) – triangular shaped pastries. Here’s a link to the recipe: https://bellyfull.net/hamantaschen-cookies/Just enjoy the evening together talking about what you have learned from your reading of the book. You may want to especially discuss 4:13-14 and 6:13 and what these verses have to do with the idea of the providence of God. Where else in the book is the providence of God possibly seen?End the time by reading Romans.8:28 and thanking God working in our lives.Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:
Bible Lesson: Queen Esther
Scriptures quoted from The Holy Bible, International Children’s Bible® Copyright© 1986, 1988, 1999, 2015 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission.
Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.
Music: Upbeat Positive Culture (Acoustic Corporate Travel Promo Christian Rock), Individual License, Stock Media provided by HumansWin, pond5.com
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The Medo-Persian Empire conquered the Babylonian Empire. Darius was the new ruler of Babylon. When he saw that Daniel had served Babylon well, he appointed him a government official for Medo-Persia. Soon, he considered putting Daniel in charge of the whole government. Other jealous officials plotted against Daniel and put Darius in a position where he was forced to have Daniel thrown to the lions. God saved Daniel from the lions and caused Darius to show respect toward the Lord.
Bible verses used in this episode:
Daniel 6Colossians 3:23Outline:
The king’s officials are jealous of Daniel and trick the king into making a law to trap him. (Daniel 6:1-9)The king reluctantly has Daniel thrown into the lion’s den. (Daniel 6:10-18)God protects Daniel’s life and the king punishes those who tricked him. (Daniel 6:10-18)Tips for teaching children:
Help the children make a craft depicting lions.Sing the song “Good Old Daniel”Discuss Daniel’s work ethic and how he was a good official for the king because he worked as if he were working for God. Talk about Colossians 3:23 and what our work ethic will be.Tips for teaching adults:
This is a story that should be read during class. Since there is quite a bit of dialogue, I would suggest dividing up the reading into parts. Choose someone to read the narration, and other class members to read the parts of Darius, the other advisors, and Daniel.If you know the song “Rescue Me” (by Keith Lancaster), I recommend singing it during class time. The theme of the song fits the lesson today. It even has lyrics about “lions."Praise & Harmony Singers "Rescue Me"Rescue Me by Tim Parish (with musical notes)Use these questions for discussion: 1) Why could Daniel continue his regular devotion to God in the face of this threat? 2) What can we learn about Daniel’s character from this story? What character or actions of Daniel do you need to imitate?Daniel’s courage didn’t begin in the lions’ den—it was formed long before. What spiritual discipline(s) can you practice regularly that will help shape your faith so that you can respond faithfully in times of crisis?End with a prayer asking God to help us rise to the challenge of practising our faith consistently and faithfully, so we can respond to times of crisis and threat as Daniel did.Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:
Bible Lesson: Daniel and the Lions
Scriptures quoted from The Holy Bible, International Children’s Bible® Copyright© 1986, 1988, 1999, 2015 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission.
Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.
Music: Upbeat Positive Culture (Acoustic Corporate Travel Promo Christian Rock), Individual License, Stock Media provided by HumansWin, pond5.com
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Belshazzar held a drunken banquet for royal guests. To add excitement to the party, he called for the gold goblets that had been taken from the temple in Jerusalem many years before. The revellers praised their false gods and used the holy temple objects to drink wine from. In the midst of this disrespect, a human hand mysteriously appeared from nowhere and wrote on the wall. The king’s court could not interpret the writing, so Daniel was brought to the feast. Daniel interpreted the writing to mean that Belshazzar and the kingdom would fall. That night, Belshazzar was killed, and Darius, king of the Medes, took over Babylon.
Bible verses used in this episode:
Daniel 5
Outline:
A mysterious hand writes words on the wall during King Belshazzar’s drunken party. (Daniel 5:1-9)Daniel is brought in to interpret the words. (Daniel 5:10-28)Daniel is promoted and the king falls to a new king. (Daniel 5:29=32)Tips for teaching children:
Spend time talking about respect for God in the light of the king’s disregard.Allow the children to show their best interpretations of the king’s partying and then extreme fear.Before class, use a white crayon to write “Mene, mene, tekal, parsin” on white paper. These words should not be visible to others. As you tell the story, brush dark paint over the words to make them appear.Tips for teaching adults:
Read the text, dividing up the reading according to outline in the show notes.Discuss the following questions: how did Belshazzar demonstrate his inability to rule over the kingdom? What can we learn about who he was from this story? What does Daniel do and say to demonstrate who God is and what God does or can do? What do you think is the primary point to this story?Hand out blank paper to the class members. Ask them to draw four lines in a row across the page. If God were to write four words to describe your life, what would he write? If appropriate, ask class members to share what they wrote..End the class with a prayer asking God to guide the political leaders of your nation and to guide your life into deeper obedience and trust.Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:
Bible Lesson: Writing on the Wall
Scriptures quoted from The Holy Bible, International Children’s Bible® Copyright© 1986, 1988, 1999, 2015 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission.
Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.
Music: Upbeat Positive Culture (Acoustic Corporate Travel Promo Christian Rock), Individual License, Stock Media provided by HumansWin, pond5.com
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King Nebuchadnezzar ordered a huge golden statue to be built. All the people were ordered to bow down to this idol or be thrown into a blazing furnace. The king heard that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused to bow. They had been educated in the king’s palace and now served as government officials, but they told the king they only worshipped the true God and would not bow down. They were thrown into the furnace but did not die. When they walked safely out of the furnace, the king was impressed by the power of God. He promoted these Jewish men to even higher positions.
Bible verses used in this episode:
Daniel 3
Outline:
King Nebuchadnezzar commands everyone to bow before his gold statue. (Daniel 3:1-7)Shadrach, Meshach and Abedgego refuse to bow and are thrown in a fiery furnace as a result. (Daniel 3:8-23)King Nebuchadnezzar witnesses God saving the men from the fire. (Daniel 3:24-30)Tips for teaching children:
Challenge older children to spell the name Nebuchadnezzar.Provide a paper and crayons (red, yellow, orange, brown, black) and let the children draw fire. Follow this up by adding drawings of four simple “people” in the fire.Sing the song: Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego.
Three young men lived very long ago.
Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego.
To an idol, they would never bow.
Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego.
Into a fiery furnace, they were therefore cast.
Nebuchadnezzar said they’d never last.
God was there and He never let them go.
Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego.Tips for teaching adults:
If you can bring a clay brick to class or a clay-fired piece of pottery. Ask the class to guess how hot a furnace or kiln had to be to fire pottery in the ancient world? The answer is about 1000o C (1800o F). Ask if anyone knows the melting temperature of various metals (silver – 960, lead – 330, glass softens at 800 and is workable at 1000).Read chapter 3 dividing the reading according to the outline in the show notes. As you are reading you can show a slide of the famous Ishtar Gate found here: https://www.britannica.com/topic/Ishtar-Gate Tell the class that this gate that led into the city of Babylon was built by King Nebuchadnezzar and represents his wealth and power. You may want to ask these discussion questions: What could these three have done before this that prepared them to face this threat? What can we do to prepare ourselves to act faithfully before we are faced with a crisis? What is the primary point of the story – the faithfulness of these three men from Judah or the honour of the God of these three men? Why?How is this story an illustration of what Jesus says in Matthew 5:16? What is one thing you can do this week to demonstrate your faith in a public way that will not draw attention to you but to God?Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:
Bible Lesson: The Fiery Furnace
Scriptures quoted from The Holy Bible, International Children’s Bible® Copyright© 1986, 1988, 1999, 2015 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission.
Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.
Music: Upbeat Positive Culture (Acoustic Corporate Travel Promo Christian Rock), Individual License, Stock Media provided by HumansWin, pond5.com
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When the Kingdom of Judah turned away from God, God allowed the enemy nation of Babylon to capture the Jews and take them away to Babylon. The temple and the city walls of Jerusalem were destroyed. King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon commanded that the brightest and most handsome captives be educated and taught to serve in the Babylonian courts. When Daniel and three other young Jews were told to eat the king’s food, they refused because it was food that God had forbidden Jews to eat. When the officials saw that these young men were healthier and stronger when they obeyed God’s food laws, they allowed them to continue obeying the Lord. These four young men impressed the king because they were smarter than all the men in the king’s court.
Bible verses used in this episode:
Daniel 1
Outline:
The King of Babylon captures Jerusalem and takes captives. (Daniel 1:1-2)Daniel and three other young men honour God by refusing to eat the king’s food. (Daniel 1:3-17)The king recognises that Daniel and his friends are the best of his servants. (Daniel 1:18-21)Tips for teaching children:
To tell the story, use this slideshow made by young men. Link to slideshow.Provide a large piece of paper. Have the children write the following along the bottom of the page, “I will honour God with my body. 1 Corinthians 6:20”. Then decorate the poster with drawings of body parts. Add footprints, fingerprints and handprints. Children could even glue on a lock of hair.Place vegetables in two small plates. One should be clean and the other should have crumbled chocolate cookie on it so it appears to be dirt. Talk about how the food God approved was clean and the king’s food was unclean. Which food would they want to eat? Be sure and let them eat the clean vegetables.Tips for teaching adults:
Use the same vegetable activity as for the children above.Read Daniel chapter one, dividing the reading up into outline provided in the show notes.After the reading, use some or all of the following questions to begin a discussion:What are some lessons you see the text teaching? How is Daniel being faithful to God by not eating the king’s food? What is the point of eating only clean food, not unclean.Follow up with these:What kinds of things sets Christians apart from the world or what marks us off as being followers of Christ? Challenge the class to generate a list of boundary markers that should separate Christians from the world.Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:
Bible Lesson: Daniel and the King’s Food
Scriptures quoted from The Holy Bible, International Children’s Bible® Copyright© 1986, 1988, 1999, 2015 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission.
Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.
Music: Upbeat Positive Culture (Acoustic Corporate Travel Promo Christian Rock), Individual License, Stock Media provided by HumansWin, pond5.com
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Ezekiel was a Jewish priest who was captured and taken to Babylon a few years after Daniel. God chose him to prophesy about all of the things that were happening back in Jerusalem. After Jerusalem was destroyed, Ezekiel began prophesying about the hope that God would restore the Jews to their land someday. God showed Ezekiel how he could bring a bunch of old dry bones to life. In the same way, God could bring His people back to life if they would turn to Him.
Bible verses used in this episode:
Ezekiel 37:1-14
Outline:
In a vision, Ezekiel witnesses God bringing dry bones back to life. (Ezekiel 37:1-10)God explains that, in the same way, he will bring life back to his people. (Ezekiel 37:11-14)Tips for teaching children:
Collect items so that children can learn about bones. These might be toy skeletons or x-rays. Make a point to have children feel their bones through their skin.Show pictures of bones, muscles, flesh and skin.Discuss hope and how it is more than a wish. It is a belief that something will happen.Tips for teaching adults:
Have the text read in the class. Use outline in show notes to divide up the reading.Ask the class to think about the following questions and then get a few people to share their responses with the class. Have you ever felt hopeless? Why? What happened to move you from hopelessness to hope? This story is one of the most powerful texts on hope in the OT. Another one is in Ephesians 2:1-10. Read these verses and ask class to compare this text with Ezekiel 37. How are they similar? What’s the message of hope in the Ephesians text?Write down some of the promises God has made to us as his people? Close in prayer by thanking God for his promises and the hope we have in Jesus.Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:
Bible Lesson: Ezekiel & the Valley of Dry Bones
Scriptures quoted from The Holy Bible, International Children’s Bible® Copyright© 1986, 1988, 1999, 2015 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission.
Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.
Music: Upbeat Positive Culture (Acoustic Corporate Travel Promo Christian Rock), Individual License, Stock Media provided by HumansWin, pond5.com
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Jeremiah continued to warn the people of Judah that their nation would be destroyed if they did not repent (say they were sorry and change their ways) and follow God. The Lord commanded Jeremiah to write these warnings on a scroll and read them to the people. Jeremiah dictated the words to his secretary, Baruch, and then told him to go to the temple and read it to the people. Eventually, the scroll was read to King Jehoiakim. He did not want to repent, so he cut the scroll into pieces and threw the pieces into a fire. He wanted Baruch and Jeremiah arrested, but the Lord kept them safely hidden. Jeremiah and Baruch wrote the scroll again and began preaching that the nation of Judah would be destroyed because the king and the people did not repent.
Bible verses used in this episode:
Jeremiah 36
Outline:
Baruch transcribes Jeremiah’s words onto a scroll and then reads it before the people. (Jeremiah 36:1-10)King Jehoiakim burns the scroll. (Jeremiah 36:11-26)God has Jeremiah and Baruch recreate the scroll. (Jeremiah 36:27-32)Tips for teaching children:
Make a scroll. Children can write “Jeremiah 36:2” on the scroll. Older children can write out part or all of the verse: ““Jeremiah, get a scroll. Write on it all the words I have spoken to you about Israel and Judah and all the nations. Write everything I have spoken to you since Josiah was king until now.”Research Hebrew letters and copy them onto the scrollTalk about the concept of repentance and turning to God. It may be helpful to use a road sign that depicts a “U-turn”.Tips for teaching adults:
As a teacher I would plan on using props for this story. You may use a PowerPoint slide of a fire burning in a brazier. And bring a large sheet of paper with writing on it and rolled up as a scroll, and a box-cutter knife.Divide the reading up into sections. You can use the outline in the show notes. Choose a few readers to read the story. When the reading gets to the place where Jehoiakim cuts the scroll, one person will cut strips from the scroll and let them fall to the floor. He can keep cutting as the text is read until the whole scroll is cut.Here are some questions for discussion: 1) what do you think Jehoiakim was thinking when he was cutting up the scroll and throwing the strips into the fire? 2) Why did he respond like this instead of fear?Read Jeremiah’s comment on King Jehoiakim in 22:13-19. What did God expect the king of Judah to be like? What would make him a good king? What can we learn about this for our lives?Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:
Bible Lesson: Jeremiah and the Scroll
Scriptures quoted from The Holy Bible, International Children’s Bible® Copyright© 1986, 1988, 1999, 2015 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission.
Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.
Music: Upbeat Positive Culture (Acoustic Corporate Travel Promo Christian Rock), Individual License, Stock Media provided by HumansWin, pond5.com
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Jeremiah continued to preach and prophesy the word of the Lord as he watched the Kings of Judah lead the kingdom to its downfall. God sent Jeremiah to watch a potter at work. In watching the potter mold the clay, Jeremiah learned that Judah was in the hands of God just as the clay was in the hands of the potter. Later, the Lord told Jeremiah to destroy one of the potter’s clay jars by smashing it in front of the leaders of Judah. This showed how the Kingdom of Judah would be destroyed if the people did not turn to God.
Bible verses used in this episode:
Jeremiah 18-19
Outline:
Jeremiah observes a potter at work and then delivered a message to the people (Jeremiah chapter 18)A message about a broken jar (Jeremiah chapter 19)Tips for teaching children:
Younger children can play with playdough and form various shapes. Older children can make a simple bowl from clay or dough.Sing He’s Got the Whole World in His HandsTips for teaching adults:
Supply Play-Doh (or clay if available) for each class member and ask them to make a piece of pottery.As they are making their pieces of pottery, have both of these chapters read if time allows. Otherwise read 18:1-18 and 19:1-15.After the pieces are finished, you, the teacher, can hold your piece of pottery you made for all to see and name one good about it and one thing that didn’t go right in the making of the piece. Ask each class member to do the same with their piece.Follow up with challenging each class member to state one good thing about themselves and one thing they would like to change with God’s help..End with a prayer asking God to be the potter and each class member to be his pliant clay to make us into what he desires for his glory.Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:
Bible Lesson: Jeremiah- Lessons from a Potter
Scriptures quoted from The Holy Bible, International Children’s Bible® Copyright© 1986, 1988, 1999, 2015 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission.
Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.
Music: Upbeat Positive Culture (Acoustic Corporate Travel Promo Christian Rock), Individual License, Stock Media provided by HumansWin, pond5.com
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Unlike his evil grandfather and father, King Josiah tried to lead the people of Judah back to God. He cleared Judah of all forms of idol worship. When he ordered the temple of the Lord cleaned and repaired, the high priest found the Book of the Law that had been lost and forgotten. Convicted by the words in the book, Josiah gathered all the people and read the Book of the Law to them. For the first time in hundreds of years, God’s people celebrated the Passover according to God’s law. Although the Word of God had been in the temple all along, it had not been read.
Bible verses used in this episode:
2 Kings 22-23:30
Outline:
The Book of the law is found when King Josiah orders the Temple repaired. (2 Kings 22:1-23:3)Hezekiah orders the systematic removal of false worship in Judah and celebrates the Passover with the people. (2 Kings 23:4-25)King Josiah dies. (2 Kings 23:26-30)Tips for teaching children:
King Josiah is the last good king of Judah. Children can decorate crowns.Create a “holy space” in the area where you are teaching. This is not to be a re-creation of the temple but an area the children know is “special”. This might be sitting on a beautiful blanket or cloth. It may be a table with a shiny tablecloth. In this space talk about God and how holy he is. First, enjoy and appreciate God’s presence. Read some scriptures. Talk about the amazing things he has done. Pray.Next, introduce “idols” into the space. This could be as simple as writing the word “IDOL” on papers and then placing them in the holy space. Allow a few moments for the children to be offended by these being in an area devoted to God.Finally, talk about Josiah being so angry because people had placed unholy things in God’s space. He set out to remove all of these throughout his kingdom. Allow children to crumple up and “destroy” the idols you introduced.Tips for teaching adults:
Begin class by asking for personal stories of finding something significant or interesting when doing repairs on something. Prepare yourself to summarise the story: read the story through several times and use the outline in the show notes to guide you through the summary.Ask following discussion questions: What was successful about Josiah’s reform? What was unsuccessful? Why?Organise a time and place for the class members to come together to share a meal together. During the meal, ask each other to recommit themselves to one another – to love and honour one another and to commit themselves to continue to follow God.Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:
Bible Lesson: King Josiah
Scriptures quoted from The Holy Bible, International Children’s Bible® Copyright© 1986, 1988, 1999, 2015 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission.
Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.
Music: Upbeat Positive Culture (Acoustic Corporate Travel Promo Christian Rock), Individual License, Stock Media provided by HumansWin, pond5.com
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King Hezekiah became deathly ill, and the prophet Isaiah delivered a message from God that he would die. Hezekiah knew there was still much work to do in Judah. He wanted to help the country be better and teach the people to love God. Hezekiah could not do that if he were dead! Hezekiah prayed that the Lord would give him a longer life. The Lord stopped Isaiah before he had even left Hezekiah’s palace. He told Isaiah to go back and tell Hezekiah that he would live 15 more years. A sign of this healing was a miraculous moving of a shadow on steps.
Bible verses used in this episode:
2 Kings 20:1-11Isaiah 38 (Isaiah’s version)Outline:
Hezekiah’s Illness and Healing (2 Kings 20:1-7)The Sign of the Shadow on the Steps (2 Kings 20:8-11)Tips for teaching children:
Talk about how Hezekiah prayed, and God heard him. God always hears our prayers, and he answers our prayers according to what he knows is best for us. A simple song about this can be found at God Answers Prayer.Guide the children in writing prayer requests on index cards or paper. They can shuffle the cards and then select one card at a time and pray.Take time to notice shadows caused by lights or the sun. Making shadow figures with hands is fun. Guide children to notice how shadows are caused by an object blocking the sun or light. A shadow cannot form behind a light. When God gave Hezekiah a sign with a shadow, the shadow defied science. It was a miracle.Tips for teaching adults:
Read this text read in the classroom. Choose two people to read the two sections outlined in the show notes.Ask these discussion questions: What makes Hezekiah’s prayer so powerful? What does this say about our prayers? What can we learn about prayer from Hezekiah? God changed his mind as a result of Hezekiah’s prayer. What do we learn about God? What can we learn about our relationship to God?Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:
Bible Lesson: King Hezekiah Prays for Health
Scriptures quoted from The Holy Bible, International Children’s Bible® Copyright© 1986, 1988, 1999, 2015 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission.
Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.
Music: Upbeat Positive Culture (Acoustic Corporate Travel Promo Christian Rock), Individual License, Stock Media provided by HumansWin, pond5.com
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Hezekiah (the 13th king of Judah) had just begun to rule. He was a good king and restored true worship among his people. The Assyrian king, Sennacherib, attacked Judah. He mocked God and King Hezekiah. Hezekiah prayed for God’s protection. Isaiah, the prophet, told Hezekiah that the Lord had heard his prayer. Just as Isaiah prophesied, Sennacherib was defeated. The angel of death wiped out his army, and he ended up being murdered by his own sons.
Bible verses used in this episode:
2 Kings 18-19
Outline:
The kingdom of Israel falls, and good King Hezekiah rules Judah. (2 Kings 18:1-12)The Empire of Assyria besieges Judah’s capital, Jerusalem, and pressures the people to accept its rule. (2 Kings 18:13-37)Isaiah prophesies Assyria’s defeat. (2 Kings 19:1-7)Assyria increases the pressure, and King Hezekiah prays. (2 Kings 19:8-19) Isaiah prophesies, and then God causes the army to retreat. (2 Kings 19:20-37)Tips for teaching children:
Younger children can make a crown and talk about good King Hezekiah.Talk about praying when we are afraid. Experiment with a new kind of prayer method. Click here for Prayer Methods.For older children: Draw a vertical line down the centre of a whiteboard or piece of paper to form two columns. In the left column, list the ways the Assyrians made fun of God and his followers in 2 Kings 18:19-25; 28-33. Then, ask the children to list ways that people today might make fun of God and his followers. Allow the children to express their reactions to these and suggest possible coping strategies if appropriate. Complete this activity with a prayer to God to ask for his help.Tips for teaching adults:
Summarise these two chapters (2 Kings 18-19) in the classroom time. Before the class, read the chapters two or three times to get familiar with how the story develops. Using the outline in the show notes, add sub-points to help you retell the story. You could choose important verses to read as you present. Take about 15 minutes to summarise. Here is a link to an article that will give some context for the story we read in the Bible.Using Hezekiah’s prayer as a model, rewrite this prayer in your context (as a class or as individuals – whichever you choose). Have someone volunteer to pray their prayer on behalf of the class members. Ask the class members to name several things that people in our culture put their trust in to save them (i.e. money, jobs, pleasure, etc.). Lead the class in prayer and renounce these false gods and reaffirm your trust in the true and living God and promise to follow him.Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:
Bible Lesson: God Protects King Hezekiah and His People
Scriptures quoted from The Holy Bible, International Children’s Bible® Copyright© 1986, 1988, 1999, 2015 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission.
Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.
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Nineveh was the capital city of Israel’s enemy, Assyria. The Lord commanded Jonah to go and tell the people in Nineveh that their city would be destroyed if they did not repent of their wickedness. Jonah did not want to teach the people of Nineveh because he thought they would never change. He headed in the opposite direction – away from Nineveh – to try to hide from God. When the boat he boarded ran into a storm, Jonah was thrown overboard and swallowed by a big fish. Jonah spent three days praying inside the fish, and then he was spit out. When Jonah finally went to Nineveh and preached, the wicked people repented and turned to God. The Book of Jonah ends with Jonah still resentful that these evil people received God’s mercy.
Bible verses used in this episode:
Jonah 1-4
God calls Jonah but Jonah runs from God. (Jonah 1:1-16)Jonah’s three days inside a fish. (Jonah 1:17-2:10)Jonah goes to Ninevah. (Jonah chapter 3)God’s mercy makes Jonah angry. (Jonah chapter 4)
Outline:
Guide children in drawing a fish. Once they have finished, they can add a stick figure inside the fish to represent Jonah.Make a boat from paper.Talk about the fact that all people deserve to hear about God. Make a collage or draw pictures of different kinds of people.
Tips for teaching children:
Read the book of Jonah during the class session. Choose an easy to read from a simple translation such as the English Standard Version or the International Children's Bible and select four people to read the four chapters.This story confronts us with our prejudices and smug privileges as God’s people. Make a list of people groups that would be very different (ethnically, socially, morally) from the group in the classroom. Pray for them for God to bless them.This story confronts the church, too. Is your church a welcoming church? How would the church respond if someone from the list you created in the previous question came into your assembly? As a class, brainstorm different ways to make your congregation more welcoming to outsiders? In other words, think about how you can communicate to visitors that you were expecting them and you are so glad they came.
Tips for teaching adults:
Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:
Bible Lesson: Jonah and the Big FishScriptures quoted from The Holy Bible, International Children’s Bible® Copyright© 1986, 1988, 1999, 2015 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission.
Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.
Music: Upbeat Positive Culture (Acoustic Corporate Travel Promo Christian Rock), Individual License, Stock Media provided by HumansWin, pond5.com
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When evil Athaliah heard that her son, King Ahaziah (6th king of Judah), had been killed, she declared herself Queen of Judah. She was so evil that she killed her own grandchildren so that they would not try to be kings or queens in her place. Baby Joash was hidden in the temple by his aunt, so he was not killed. Jehoiada, the priest, cared for Joash and taught him about God. When Joash was seven years old, Jehoiada led the people in crowning Joash as the new king in Athaliah’s place. During his reign, Joash organised the work of the temple and had it repaired to its former glory. Sadly, in his later years, Joash turned away from God.
Bible verses used in this episode:
2 Kings 11-12
Outline:
Baby Joash is secretly kept safe in the temple. (2 Kings 11:1-10)Seven-year-old Joash is crowned King, and evil Athaliah is killed. (2 Kings 11:11-21)Repairing the temple. (2 Kings 12:1-16)Joash’s last days. (2 Kings 12:17-21)Tips for teaching children:
For younger children, hide a doll and have everyone find it.Clean a room in the church building or your house. Repair something if it is appropriate.Use the “God’s Story” page to reflect on this story.Tips for teaching adults:
The story today covers two chapters. Read chapter 11 and then summarise chapter 12. Read chapter 11 in a dramatic way, adding depth to the story. Assign class members to read each character’s speech in the story. Don’t forget to choose someone to read the narrator’s part..This story has brave characters. Who were they? How did they show their bravery? What was at stake? How did their bravery fulfil God’s purposes for his people?Jehoiada was a positive and powerful influence for good on Joash’s life. Who has been a positive influence in your life? How have they been a positive influence on you? How has this impacted your life?There are people in your congregation who are a positive influence in the congregation. Identify those people, write a note of encouragement and gratitude and give the note to them. Pray for them by name.Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:
Bible Lesson: Joash – the Boy Who Became King
Scriptures quoted from The Holy Bible, International Children’s Bible® Copyright© 1986, 1988, 1999, 2015 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission.
Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.
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Naaman, a wealthy military man from Aram (Syria), had leprosy. The servant of Naaman’s wife was a young girl who had been captured from Israel and taken away from her parents. The girl suggested that Naaman go to the prophet Elisha in Israel to be healed. When Naaman followed Elisha’s instructions and dipped in the Jordan River seven times, he was then healed of his leprosy.
Bible verses used in this episode:
2 Kings 5
Outline:
Naaman sought healing in Israel. (2 Kings 5:1-7)Naaman was healed of his skin disease. (2 Kings 5:8-19)Gahazi lied and took money from Naaman. (2 Kings 5:20-27)Tips for teaching children:
Craft: Have children draw a picture of Naaman on a thick piece of paper. Glue or tape a craft stick to the back, with only a small portion remaining behind the picture and most protruding from the bottom. Poke a hole in the bottom of a plastic or paper cup. Stick the craft stick inside the cup through the hole so that the picture of Naaman can slide in and out of the cup. The children can push the stick in and out of the hole to “dip Naaman in the water” seven times. Decorate the cup if you wish.The young servant girl helped Naaman. Talk about ways children can help people. Ask children to draw pictures of these.Tips for teaching adults:
Begin the class with sharing stories about the different kinds of rivers the class members have swam in and for them to describe what kind of river these were. Were they clear blue or brown and muddy? Did you feel clean afterward or not?Read the story in a dramatic way with different people reading the different characters in the story. Including the narrator, there will be eight readers with each one reading their character's speech. . This story has several characters. On a white board write down each one. You should have: Naaman, servant girl, King of Aram, King of Israel, messenger/Gehazi, Elisha, Namaan’s servants (7). Ask the class to describe each one (their emotions, actions, etc). Which one do you identify with today? Which one have you identified with in the past? How is Naaman a model to us? What do we learn about God in this story?Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:
Bible Lesson: Naaman is Healed
Scriptures quoted from The Holy Bible, International Children’s Bible® Copyright© 1986, 1988, 1999, 2015 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission.
Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.
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A wealthy woman had an extra room built onto her house and furnished it comfortably for Elisha. Elisha and his servant used the room whenever they passed through the area of Shunem. In thanks for her help in preaching the word of God, Elisha told the woman that she would give birth to a son even though her husband was very old. She did give birth to a son, but after a few years, he died. The woman placed the boy’s body in Elisha’s special room and then went to find Elisha. Elisha came and raised her son from the dead.
Bible verses used in this episode:
2 Kings 4:8-37
Outline:
An important woman shows hospitality to Elisha. (2 Kings 4:8-10)The woman and her husband have a baby boy. (2 Kings 4:11-17)The son becomes sick and dies. (2 Kings 4:18-21)The woman fetches Elisha to save her son. (2 Kings 4:22-37)Tips for teaching children:
Discuss how we can bless those we know who preach and teach. Perhaps make cards or prepare cookies for the preacher in your church.Craft: Use a box (like a shoe box) to make a bible times house. Create a room on the roof like the woman did for Elisha.The boy in the story sneezed. For fun, take turns sneezing and choose who has the funniest sneeze.Tips for teaching adults:
Read this story dramatically with different class members reading the parts of the different characters in the story. Choose someone to be the narrator, one to read each of the characters in the story.Although hospitality is not the main point of the story, it is an obvious component of it. In what ways did this woman demonstrate hospitality? Why is hospitality so important? How does it demonstrate the character of God?One of the primary characters in this story is the woman. Spend some time describing her. What does this story tell us about this woman? Especially note verses 25-30. What are some of the qualities of this woman that are worthy of imitating?Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:
Bible Lesson: Elisha Raises a Boy from the Dead
Scriptures quoted from The Holy Bible, International Children’s Bible® Copyright© 1986, 1988, 1999, 2015 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission.
Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.
Music: Upbeat Positive Culture (Acoustic Corporate Travel Promo Christian Rock), Individual License, Stock Media provided by HumansWin, pond5.com
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A prophet died, leaving debts his widow and two sons could not pay. The creditor decided to take the two sons as slaves to pay the debt. When the widow begged for Elisha’s help, the Lord miraculously provided them with enough oil to sell and pay off the debt.
Bible verses used in this episode:
2 Kings 4:1-7
Outline:
The desperate widow of a prophet approaches Elisha. (2 Kings 4:1)Elisha directs a miracle that multiplies oil and saves the widow’s sons. (2 Kings 4:2-7)Tips for teaching children:
Ask the children to think about how they would have felt if they had been the sons in this story.Provide olives and olive oil so the children can touch, smell and even taste them.Draw pictures of jars in various shapes and sizes.Provide jars and water so younger children can reenact the pouring of oil into jars.Tips for teaching adults:
Read the story aloud from three or four different translations.Bring a small jar of olive oil to the classroom and bring various kinds of olives for the class to enjoy tasting. Divide the class into groups of three or four and challenge them to write down all the different ways the ancient world utilised oil from the olive tree. Asking Google or AI is encouraged. After a short period of time, ask each group to share what they came up with. Compare each group's answers. Did any group come up with a use that no other group did?Discuss the following:God uses what we have to bless – even if it's just one jar of olive oil. How has God used you or what you have to bless others? God protects and provides for the vulnerable. Why is God so concerned for those who are vulnerable, such as widows, children and the poor?Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:
Bible Lesson: Elisha and the Widow’s Oil
Scriptures quoted from The Holy Bible, International Children’s Bible® Copyright© 1986, 1988, 1999, 2015 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission.
Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.
Music: Upbeat Positive Culture (Acoustic Corporate Travel Promo Christian Rock), Individual License, Stock Media provided by HumansWin, pond5.com
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We are taking a couple of weeks off to rest, relax and spend time with family. May God grant you a blessed Christmas and Happy New Year.
David and MaryScriptures quoted from The Holy Bible, International Children’s Bible® Copyright© 1986, 1988, 1999, 2015 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission.
Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.
Music: Upbeat Positive Culture (Acoustic Corporate Travel Promo Christian Rock), Individual License, Stock Media provided by HumansWin, pond5.com
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Elijah continued to be a prophet in Israel during the times of Kings Ahab, Ahaziah and Joram (7th, 8th, and 9th kings of Israel). Elisha became Elijah’s helper. When Elijah’s work as a prophet came to an end, a chariot and horses of fire appeared, and Elijah was taken up to heaven in a whirlwind. Elijah’s special gifts were passed on to Elisha to continue the work of the prophets. Elijah was one of a handful of people in the bible that went straight to heaven without dying.
Bible verses used in this episode:
2 Kings 2:1-18
Outline:
Elijah’s farewell tour and departure (2 Kings 2:1-12)Elisha takes up Elijah’s ministry (2 Kings 2:1-12)Tips for teaching children:
Take the children outside to look at clouds. Find clouds that like things in today’s lesson (horses, chariot, Elijah or Elisha, a coat). Use this opportunity to talk about heaven.Teach young children how to draw loops that increase in size to form a whirlwind.Use paints or markers to illustrate the story.Tips for teaching adults:
This story can be read during the class time. This can be organized as a dramatic reading, assigning different characters in the story to different readers or one person could read the narrative part, another be the voice of Elijah, another Elisha, and another could be the group of prophets.Spend several minutes discussing aspects of this text. You could help start conversation by choosing some of the following discussion prompts: Describe the relationship between Elijah and Elisha. What can we learn from this relationship? Why do you think the fiery chariot and horses come between Elijah and Elisha just before Elijah was taken up in a storm? What does the coat of Elijah represent? When Elisha asks for a ‘double-portion’ of Elijah’s spirit, what is he really asking for?What legacy of faith do you want to leave? What legacy of faith do you want to leave your children and others?What can you do to pass your faith to others who come after you? What can you do now to make this happen?Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:
Bible Lesson: Elijah and the Whirlwind
Scriptures quoted from The Holy Bible, International Children’s Bible® Copyright© 1986, 1988, 1999, 2015 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission.
Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.
Music: Upbeat Positive Culture (Acoustic Corporate Travel Promo Christian Rock), Individual License, Stock Media provided by HumansWin, pond5.com
For questions or comments email: [email protected] - Visa fler
