Unit 15 • Session 2

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Unit 15 • Session 2

Use Week of: Unit 15 • Session 2 Hezekiah and Josiah

BIBLE PASSAGE: 2 Chronicles 29; 34–35

STORY POINT: Hezekiah and Josiah led the people back to God.

BIG PICTURE QUESTION: How did God plan to fix what sin broke? Before He created the world, God planned to send the Messiah to save sinners.

INTRODUCE THE STORY TEACH THE STORY APPLY THE STORY (10–15 MINUTES) (25–30 MINUTES) (25–30 MINUTES) PAGE 142 PAGE 144 PAGE 150

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Younger Kids Leader Guide 138 Unit 15 • Session 2 LEADER Bible Study After God’s people split into two kingdoms—the kingdom of Israel and the kingdom of Judah—each nation was ruled by a series of kings. The Southern Kingdom of Judah was ruled by mostly bad kings (like Ahaz who worshiped idols and did not respect God, God’s law, or God’s prophets) and a handful of good kings. Hezekiah and his great-grandson Josiah were two notable reformers who had a lasting impact on Judah.

Hezekiah took the throne after evil Ahaz. During Hezekiah’s reign, the 2 kingdom of Israel—which had endured more than 200 years of bad kings—was captured by Assyria and ultimately destroyed. Hezekiah “did what was right in the Lord’s sight just as his ancestor David had done” (2 Chron. 29:2) He destroyed the places of idol worship and cleansed the temple. The Lord was with Hezekiah, and Hezekiah prospered.

Then Hezekiah’s son Manasseh became king. For 55 years, he led the people of Judah away from God, essentially reversing the progress Hezekiah had made. Manasseh’s son Amon followed in his father’s evil ways but was assassinated by his own servants. The people of Judah made Amon’s son Josiah king when he was just 8 years old.

Unlike his father, Josiah began to seek God. He tore down the altars and idols of false gods, and he initiated the repairing of the Lord’s temple. During the temple repair, the discovery of the book of the law of the Lord led Josiah to make a covenant to follow God and obey His commands. Those who heard the law vowed to do the same. When Josiah died, he was remembered as the greatest king in Judah. (2 Kings 23:25)

Hezekiah and Josiah loved God and wanted to follow His commands. They wanted God’s people to love God and obey the law too. When Jesus came to earth, He fulfilled the law by obeying it perfectly.

The Southern Kingdom of Judah 139 The BIBLE Story

Hezekiah and Josiah Bible Storytelling Tips 2 Chronicles 29; 34–35 • Invite The Southern Kingdom of Judah had many kings. Most of the interaction: kings were evil; they did not follow God. Kings like Ahaz set up Instruct kids to give a thumbs-down when places to worship idols, and the people forgot about God. you describe a bad When King Ahaz died, his son Hezekiah became king. king and a thumbs-up Hezekiah was not like his father. Hezekiah did when you tell of a good king. what was right. He trusted God and obeyed • Role play: Wear His commands. Hezekiah made some a crown as you tell changes around the kingdom. He led about Josiah. Speak Josiah’s words loudly the people to worship God again, and move your and God blessed him. body to play out his After Hezekiah died, his son actions. Manasseh (muh NASS uh) became king. Manasseh was the most evil king of Judah. He set up the idols Hezekiah had destroyed and led the people to worship false gods. He ruled for 55 years. Then his son Amon (AM uhn) became king. He was evil too, and he ruled for two years. Then his son Josiah became king. Josiah was just eight years old when he became king. He was a good king like his ancestor David. Josiah lived in a way that pleased God. When Josiah was a teenager, he started to follow God. Then he made some changes around the kingdom. Josiah decided to get rid of the things that were not pleasing to God. He got rid of idols and the places where people worshiped false gods.

Younger Kids Leader Guide 140 Unit 15 • Session 2 Hezekiah and Josiah When Josiah was a young man, he wanted to repair Bible Storytelling Tips 2 Chronicles 29; 34–35 the Lord’s temple. As the temple was being repaired, the high priest found a very important document. “I have • Invite The Southern Kingdom of Judah had many kings. Most of the found the book of the law in the Lord’s temple!” the high interaction: kings were evil; they did not follow God. Kings like Ahaz set up priest said. When King Josiah heard the words of the law, Instruct kids to give a thumbs-down when places to worship idols, and the people forgot about God. he tore his clothes! “God is very angry with us!” Josiah you describe a bad When King Ahaz died, his son Hezekiah became king. said. “Our ancestors did not obey God!” king and a thumbs-up Hezekiah was not like his father. Hezekiah did A prophetess brought a message from God. God said, “I when you tell of a good king. what was right. He trusted God and obeyed am going to punish the people of Judah because they turned • Role play: Wear His commands. Hezekiah made some away from me and worshiped other gods.” But God had a a crown as you tell changes around the kingdom. He led special message for Josiah: “Because you were humble and about Josiah. Speak were sorry for your sin when you heard the law, you will die Josiah’s words loudly the people to worship God again, and move your and God blessed him. in peace. You will not see the punishment I am bringing on body to play out his After Hezekiah died, his son the people.” actions. Manasseh (muh NASS uh) Josiah went to the temple and read the words of the became king. Manasseh was law to all the people. Then Josiah promised to follow the most evil king of Judah. God and obey Him like the book of the law said to do. He set up the idols Hezekiah The people at the temple also agreed to follow God had destroyed and led the and obey Him. As long as Josiah was king, the people people to worship false gods. followed God and obeyed Him. He ruled for 55 years. Then his son Amon (AM uhn) became Christ Connection: Hezekiah and Josiah loved God and king. He was evil too, and he wanted to follow His commands. They wanted God’s people to ruled for two years. Then his son love God and obey the law too. When Jesus came to earth, He Josiah became king. fulfilled the law by obeying it perfectly. Josiah was just eight years old when he became king. He was a good king like his ancestor David. Josiah lived in a way that pleased God. When Josiah was a teenager, he started to follow God. Then he made some changes around the kingdom. Josiah decided to get rid of the things that were not pleasing to God. He got rid of idols and the places where people worshiped false gods.

The Southern Kingdom of Judah 141 INTRODUCE the Story

SESSION TITLE: Hezekiah and Josiah BIBLE PASSAGE: 2 Chronicles 29; 34–35 STORY POINT: Hezekiah and Josiah led the people back to God. KEY PASSAGE: 2 Chronicles 7:14 BIG PICTURE QUESTION: How did God plan to fix what sin broke? Before He created the world, God planned to send the Messiah to save sinners.

Welcome time Greet each kid as he or she arrives. Use this time to collect the offering, fill out attendance sheets, and help new kids connect to your group. Prompt kids to talk about how they could tell if a person values God’s Word. SAY • If someone said she loved God and cared about what He said in His Word, would you expect her to obey God’s Word? What if that person saw many people disobeying God? What do you think she might do? Today we will hear about a king of Judah who saw the disobedience of God’s people and was very sad. He even tore his clothing to show how upset he felt.

Activity page (5 minutes) • “Temple Reforms” Invite kids to complete the “Temple Reforms” activity page. activity page, Challenge kids to compare the two versions of the Bible 1 per kid • pencils or markers story art to find the seven changes. Some may be harder to spot than others. SAY • Today we will learn about a king in Judah who made a lot of changes in the temple. His changes were not random though; they were to help people obey God.

Younger Kids Leader Guide 142 Unit 15 • Session 2 Session starter (10 minutes) OPTION 1: Obey right away Invite the kids to stand on one side of the room. Select a kid to stand on the opposite side of the room. He will issue commands. The other kids must obey the commands as quickly as they can. The last kid to obey will be out. Play until one kid remains. She will issue commands in the next round. Play as time allows. SAY • To win that game, you had to listen carefully and obey as soon as you heard the command. In our story today, we will learn that God’s people had been disobeying Him for a long time. As soon as a certain king saw how disobedient God’s people had been, he made changes to help the people obey.

OPTION 2: Hide the scroll Roll up a piece of light brown construction paper to look • light brown like a scroll. Use string to tie it closed. Hide the scroll construction paper, somewhere in the room and task the kids with finding the 1 sheet • string hidden scroll. Whoever finds it may hide it for the second round. Play as time allows. SAY • Great job finding the scroll. Today we will learn about a time God’s people had lost the scrolls containing His law. They disobeyed because they did not know what God’s commands said. Thankfully, when the lost book of the law was found, a young king named Josiah led the people to obey God again. We’ll learn more soon.

Transition to teach the story

The Southern Kingdom of Judah 143 TEACH the Story

Countdown • countdown video Show the countdown video as you transition to teach the story. Set it to end as the session begins.

Introduce the session (3 minutes) • leader attire [Leader enters wearing casual clothing. He or she walks to the • mailbox mailbox and opens it, withdrawing a letter from within.] • letter LEADER • Howdy, neighbors! I’m just checking my mail Tip: If you prefer again. I love getting mail. [Glance at letter.] Hmmm, not to use this is an official letter from the city council. [Open themed content the letter and pretend to read.] It says here they are or characters, adapt or omit this changing the city bylaws to provide larger bins for introduction. recycling. I can expect the city to deliver the larger bin next week, or I can go pick up a bin if I have a way to transport it. Normally, mail from the city is a little boring, but this is pretty great. I can really get behind this kind of reform. Reform means to change something in a way that improves it or makes it right again. I’m a big fan of recycling. God created this beautiful world for us to enjoy, and I think it’s important to take care of it and use resources responsibly.

Younger Kids Leader Guide 144 Unit 15 • Session 2 You know, God’s Word is like a letter to people. It tells us about His love for us, and it also tells us His laws. Today, I want to tell you a story about a time God’s people had wandered far from Him, and about the kings who helped lead the people back.

Big picture question (1 minute) LEADER • To guide our learning, let’s review our big picture question and answer. How did God plan to fix what sin broke? Before He created the world, God planned to send the Messiah to save sinners. God knew all along that we would reject Him and choose sin. He created the world anyway because He is glorious and loving. When Adam and Eve sinned, He did not abandon the world but continued His plan to fix the brokenness caused by sin.

Giant timeline (1 minute) Show the giant timeline. Point to individual Bible stories as • Giant Timeline you review. LEADER • God’s people were living in two kingdoms, the Northern Kingdom of Israel and the Southern Kingdom of Judah. In both kingdoms, the effects of sin were causing all kinds of problems. Last week, we learned that the prophet Isaiah told about the Messiah. God saw His people’s sin and brokenness and refused to leave them there. Despite God’s good promise, the kings of Judah were still leading the people away from God to worship false gods and idols. That’s where our story picks up today. It’s called “Hezekiah and Josiah.”

The Southern Kingdom of Judah 145 Tell the Bible story (10 minutes) • Bibles Open your Bible to 2 Chronicles 29; 34–35. Use the Bible • “Hezekiah and storytelling tips on the Bible story page to help you tell the Josiah” video • Big Picture Question story, or show the Bible story video “Hezekiah and Josiah.” Poster LEADER • Most of Judah’s kings were evil men. But God raised • Bible Story Picture up some kings who loved Him. Hezekiah was one of Poster those good kings. He loved God and led the people • Story Point Poster to love God too. Sadly, when Hezekiah died, his son became another evil king, as did Hezekiah’s grandson. Hezekiah’s great-grandson was different, though. Josiah, though only a boy when he became king, went on to be a very good king, who passed a lot of laws to lead the people back to God. But despite all the good things Josiah did, God’s people eventually would turn away from God again. Hezekiah and Josiah led the people back to God, but good kings were not good enough. God’s people needed a perfect King. God’s people needed a Savior! You see, God had a plan to fix the damage caused by sin. Good kings passing good laws to help people obey God was not the end of God’s plan; that was just one small step toward the completion of God’s plan. How did God plan to fix what sin broke? Note: You may use Before He created the world, God planned to send this opportunity to the Messiah to save sinners. use Scripture and the guide provided to explain how to Christ connection become a Christian. LEADER • Hezekiah and Josiah loved God and wanted to Make sure kids follow His commands. They wanted God’s people know when and to love God and obey the law too. When Jesus came where they can ask questions. to earth, He fulfilled the law by obeying it perfectly.

Younger Kids Leader Guide 146 Unit 15 • Session 2 Then, despite having no sin, Jesus died on the cross as a sinner should die. He paid the penalty for our sin. When Jesus rose again on the third day, it proved that His sacrifice was enough to defeat sin once and for all. Everyone who trusts in Jesus will be forgiven and receive new life from God.

Questions from kids video (3 minutes) Show the “Unit 15, Session 2” questions from kids video. • “Unit 15, Session 2” Prompt kids to think about when and how to read the Questions from Kids video Bible. Guide them to discuss why the God’s Word is important to them.

Missions moment (3 minutes) Show the “10:12 Sports (Part 1)” missions video. • “10:12 Sports (Part 1)” LEADER • Hezekiah and Josiah led people back to God. missions video That’s what missionaries today do, too. They lead people to Jesus. A football coach in Baltimore, Coach Sean, loves football. Football is the way he builds relationships with teenagers. Then he teaches them the Bible and tells them that Jesus loves them.

Key passage (5 minutes) Show the key passage poster. Lead the boys and girls to read • Key Passage Poster together 2 Chronicles 7:14. Then sing “I Will Hear.” • “I Will Hear” song LEADER • Our key passage comes from the time right after Solomon finished building the temple. God reminded Solomon that, even though the people would not be faithful to Him, He would love them and restore them whenever they called out to Him. He remains faithful even when we do not. He sent Jesus to rescue us while we were His enemies.

The Southern Kingdom of Judah 147 Sing (4 minutes) • “Come, Thou Fount of LEADER • Let’s sing to God to praise Him for His mercy Every Blessing” song and grace. He loves us and sent Jesus to rescue us. He has had a plan all along. Sing together “Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing.”

Pray (2 minutes) Invite kids to pray before dismissing to apply the story. LEADER • God, thank You that Jesus loves You and leads us back to You. Help us trust You and obey You. Fill us with the Holy Spirit to guide us and help us glorify You. Give us courage to tell others about You and lead them to love and obey You. Amen.

Dismiss to apply the story

Younger Kids Leader Guide 148 Unit 15 • Session 2 The Gospel: God’s Plan for Me Ask kids if they have ever heard the word gospel. Clarify that the word gospel means “good news.” It is the message about Christ, the kingdom of God, and salvation. Use the following guide to share the gospel with kids.

God rules. Explain to kids that the Bible tells us God created everything, and He is in charge of everything. Invite a volunteer to read Genesis 1:1 from the Bible. Read Revelation 4:11 or Colossians 1:16-17 aloud and explain what these verses mean.

We sinned. Tell kids that since the time of Adam and Eve, everyone has chosen to disobey God. (Romans 3:23) The Bible calls this sin. Because God is holy, God cannot be around sin. Sin separates us from God and deserves God’s punishment of death. (Romans 6:23)

God provided. Choose a child to read John 3:16 aloud. Say that God sent His Son, Jesus, the perfect solution to our sin problem, to rescue us from the punishment we deserve. It’s something we, as sinners, could never earn on our own. Jesus alone saves us. Read and explain Ephesians 2:8-9.

Jesus gives. Share with kids that Jesus lived a perfect life, died on the cross for our sins, and rose again. Because Jesus gave up His life for us, we can be welcomed into God’s family for eternity. This is the best gift ever! Read Romans 5:8; 2 Corinthians 5:21; or 1 Peter 3:18.

We respond. Tell kids that they can respond to Jesus. Read Romans 10:9-10,13. Review these aspects of our response: Believe in your heart that Jesus alone saves you through what He’s already done on the cross. Repent, turning from self and sin to Jesus. Tell God and others that your faith is in Jesus.

Offer to talk with any child who is interested in responding to Jesus. Provide I’m a Christian Now! for new Christians to take home and complete with their families.

The Southern Kingdom of Judah 149 APPLY the Story

Key passage activity (5 minutes) • Key Passage Poster Print the “Key Passage Flip Cards” printable double sided • “Key Passage Flip onto heavyweight paper using the translation of your Cards” printable • heavyweight paper choice. Then cut them apart. Help the kids fold the cards • scissors in half so that only one level is visible at a time. The kids • pencils will start on level one and fill in the missing words. After completing each level, kids will flip the card and fold back the completed levels to work on the next level without peeking at the completed levels. SAY • Great job filling in the missing words on those flip cards! Our key passage reminds us that God wants to forgive us. He wants us to repent of, or turn away from, our sin and follow Jesus. When we trust in Jesus, God forgives our sin and gives us new life.

Discussion & Bible skills (10 minutes) • Bibles, 1 per kid Distribute a Bible to each kid. Help kids find • Story Point Poster 2 Chronicles 34. Remind the kids that 1 and 2 Chronicles are part of the Old Testament History division, which tells the story of God’s people from when they entered the promised land until they returned from exile. You may select a strong reader to read a portion of the passage.

Younger Kids Leader Guide 150 Unit 15 • Session 2 Ask the following questions. Lead the group to discuss: Option: Retell or 1. Who was king before Hezekiah? (Ahaz, review the Bible 2 Chron. 28:27) story using the bolded text of the 2. How old was Josiah when he became king? (eight, Bible story script. 2 Chron. 34:1) 3. What did Josiah do when he heard the words written in the book of the law? (felt very sad, tore his clothing; 2 Chron. 34:19) 4. Why is obeying God so important? Guide kids to discuss obedience as a picture of our love for God and our trust in God’s plans. Remind kids that God made us, loves us, and has perfect plans for us. Obedience to God means doing things God’s way, which is the best way. Obeying God both glorifies God and benefits us. 5. Why can’t we obey God the way we should? Guide kids to discuss the sin nature we are all born with. We are broken by sin and cannot always tell right from wrong. Even when we can, we often choose wrong because it seems easier or better at the time. Remind kids that sin affects every part of our lives. 6. How can we have hope despite our sin? Remind kids that God sent Jesus to die for our sin and rise again. Help them see that when we repent and trust in Jesus, not only does God forgive our sin, but He sends the Holy Spirit to fill us with power and help us love and obey God. We also have hope that Jesus will return someday and fix everything sin has broken. SAY • Hezekiah and Josiah led the people back to God. But despite their efforts, God’s people still turned back to sin eventually. They needed more than a few good kings; they needed a perfect, eternal King. King Jesus saves us from sin and will fix all sin has broken.

The Southern Kingdom of Judah 151 Activity choice (10 minutes) OPTION 1: Pass the ball • playground ball • Bible Form two teams and assign the teams opposite walls as their “end zones.” Guide each team to spread out on the floor and sit. Each team will score points by rolling the ball to hit its end zone. Teammates will need to roll the ball Tip: Use this activity option to one another and cooperate. The other team can block to reinforce the or intercept the ball. Encourage both teams and all kids as missions moment they play. After a few minutes of play, declare the team with found in Teach the Story. the most points the winner. Play again as time allows, and consider switching up the teams in subsequent rounds. SAY • In sports, it is not always easy to score points. In our game, the other team kept getting in your way! It’s like that in missions. It isn’t always easy to share the gospel with others. Things get in our way. Coach Sean in Baltimore uses football to try to make it easier to share Jesus. He spends a lot of time with his players and teaches them about Jesus and the Bible. The football league is called 10:12. This name comes from 2 Samuel 10:12. [Read the verse.] How did God plan to fix what sin broke? Before He created the world, God planned to send the Messiah to save sinners.

OPTION 2: Lost without you Select a volunteer to stand in front of the group and describe a person who is very important to her. Allow the kids a minute or two to ask yes-or-no questions about the person to figure out who the volunteer is describing. Whoever guesses correctly will describe an important person in the next round. SAY • Certain people—such as our moms, dads,

Younger Kids Leader Guide 152 Unit 15 • Session 2 grandparents, or teachers—can have a really big impact on our lives. But no one has as big of an impact on our lives as God. God’s people had wandered far from Him, and their nation was a mess. God’s people needed God to help them love and obey Him. We need God in the same way. When we trust in Jesus, He gives us new life. Our hearts can then love and obey God. We’d be lost without God!

Reflection and prayer (5 minutes) Distribute a sheet of paper to each child. Ask the kids • pencils and crayons • paper to write about or draw a picture to answer the following • Bible Story Coloring questions: Page, 1 per kid • What does this story teach me about God or about the gospel? • What does this story teach me about myself? • Whom can I tell about this story? Make sure to send the sheets home with kids alongside the Tip: Give parents activity page so that parents can see what their kids have this week’s Big been learning. Picture Cards for If time remains, take prayer requests or allow kids to Families to allow families to interact complete the Bible story coloring page provided with this with the biblical session. Pray for your group. content at home.

The Southern Kingdom of Judah 153