Teacher Bible Study Lesson Overview/Schedule

1st-3rd Grade Kids Bible Study Guide Unit 18, Session 3: Judah Was Taken Into Captivity

TEACHER BIBLE STUDY Warnings had come from the prophets for decades. God patiently waited for His people to turn from their sin. The prophet Jeremiah spared few details when he warned Judah what would happen if they did not turn from their evil ways. (See Jeremiah 25:1-14.)

The people of Judah did not change their ways. The kingdom had been declining for years, despite King Josiah’s efforts to prompt nationwide repentance. When King Josiah died, the people went back to their old ways, worshiping idols and disobeying the Lord.

The time of judgment had come. Like God had warned through Jeremiah, He used the king of Babylon—King Nebuchadnezzar—to deport the people from Judah to Babylon where they would live in exile for 70 years.

King Nebuchadnezzar went to Judah when Jehoiakim was king. He put Jehoiakim in chains and took him to Babylon. Jehoiachin became king, and Nebuchadnezzar came back for him too. Many of the people in Judah were taken, along with treasures from the Lord’s temple. Nebuchadnezzar put Zedekiah on the throne in Jerusalem.

The people of Judah were unfaithful to God. Zedekiah rebelled against King Nebuchadnezzar, and God poured out His wrath on Judah. Nebuchadnezzar showed no mercy to the people of Jerusalem. The Babylonians set fire to the Lord’s temple and the king’s palace. They destroyed the wall around Jerusalem. King Nebuchadnezzar’s armies carried most of the people away to Babylon as prisoners; only poor farmers were allowed to stay and work the land. The people were held captive in Babylon, serving the king for the next 70 years.

God did not abandon His people. The prophet Jeremiah told what would happen next: “The days are certainly coming … when I will restore the fortunes of My people Israel and Judah” (Jeremiah 30:3). God was going to save His people from captivity and raise up a new King—a forever King—from the line of David. (Jeremiah 30:9)

LESSON OVERVIEW/SCHEDULE Session Title: Judah Was Taken into Captivity Bible Passage: 2 Chronicles 36:1-21 Big Picture Question: How did God punish His people for their sin? God allowed their enemies to capture them and to destroy Jerusalem. Key Passage: Ezekiel 37:27 Unit Christ Connection: Though it appeared that sin prevailed, the covenant God promised would be fulfilled in Jesus Christ.

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1st-3rd Grade Kids Bible Study Guide Unit 18, Session 3: Judah Was Taken Into Captivity

Transition Time Welcome time Activity sheet/Table Centers Session starter (10 minutes)

Lesson Countdown Introduce the session (1 minute) Timeline Map (1 minute) Big picture question (1 minute) Sing (5 minutes) Key passage (4 minutes) Tell the Bible story (10 minutes) Discussion starter video (3 minutes) The Gospel: God’s Plan for Me (optional) Prayer (5 minutes)

Table Time Timeline map (1 minute) Bible story review (10 minutes)

Large Group Review / Activities Key passage activity (5 minutes) Activity choice (10 minutes) Prayer (5 minutes)

THE BIBLE STORY/OVERVIEW Judah Was Taken into Captivity 2 Chronicles 36:1-21

The last four kings of Judah came from King Josiah’s family. His three sons—Jehoahaz (jih HOH uh haz), Jehoiakim (jih HOY uh kim), and Zedekiah (ZED uh KIGH uh)—each ruled as king of Judah. Even Josiah’s grandson Jehoiachin (jih HOY uh kin) was king of Judah at one time. The people of Judah made Jehoahaz king, but he wasn’t king for very long. He did what was evil in the sight of God. The king of Egypt came and made Jehoahaz a prisoner. He made Jehoahaz give him lots of silver and gold. Then he put Jehoahaz’s brother Jehoiakim on the throne. The king of Egypt took Jehoahaz to Egypt. When Jehoiakim was king of Judah, he too did what was evil in the sight of God. The king of Babylon attacked Jehoiakim, put him in shackles, and took him to Babylon. The king of Babylon also took some of the things from the Lord’s temple and put them in his own

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1st-3rd Grade Kids Bible Study Guide Unit 18, Session 3: Judah Was Taken Into Captivity

temple. When Jehoiakim was taken away, his son Jehoiachin became king of Judah. Jehoiachin was king of Judah for just three months. He too did what was evil in the sight of God, just like his father had done. The king of Babylon sent for Jehoiachin and brought him to Babylon. The king of Babylon made Jehoiachin’s uncle Zedekiah king of Judah. Zedekiah was just like his brothers; he did what was evil in the sight of God. He led the people of Judah to do evil things. The prophet Jeremiah warned Zedekiah that God’s judgment was coming, but Zedekiah did not listen. God was angry with the people of Judah. They did not obey God. They lived however they wanted to live. They sinned and were unfaithful to God. God loved His people. He didn’t want to destroy them. God sent prophets to warn the people to stop sinning and to turn back to God, but the people didn’t listen. They laughed at the prophets and made fun of them. Finally, it was time to punish the people of Judah for their sin. God sent His judgment. God brought the king of Babylon to Judah. The king and his armies attacked the people of Judah. Many people died. The king of Babylon took everything out of the Lord’s temple and carried it to Babylon. He took whatever he could find from the king of Judah and his leaders. Then the king and the Babylonian army burned the temple. They tore down the wall that protected the city of Jerusalem, and they burned the palaces. Anything they did not carry back to Babylon was destroyed. All the people who were still alive were taken back to Babylon. The king of Babylon forced them to be slaves. They served the king and his family for many years. All of this happened just as God said it would happen when He warned the people through the prophet Jeremiah.

Christ Connection: God righteously punished His people for their sin but remained faithful to them, keeping the promise He made to David to provide a king. Ultimately, God punished our sin through His Son, Jesus, and made Him our King forever.

TRANSITION TIME Session Title: Judah Was Taken into Captivity Bible Passage: 2 Chronicles 36:1-21 Big Picture Question: How did God punish His people for their sin? God allowed their enemies to capture them and to destroy Jerusalem. Key Passage: Ezekiel 37:27 Unit Christ Connection: Though it appeared that sin prevailed, the covenant God promised would be fulfilled in Jesus Christ.

Welcome time Tip: As kids arrive this is a great time to collect the offering, fill out attendance sheets, and help new kids connect to your group.

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1st-3rd Grade Kids Bible Study Guide Unit 18, Session 3: Judah Was Taken Into Captivity

Arriving Activity: Fair Punishment Talk to the kids about rules as they enter the room. Invite them to share rules they have at school, home, and other places. Ask the following questions about the rules: What is the punishment for breaking rules? Do you get any warnings before you are punished? Do you think people who break rules should be punished? Say • No one expects to keep breaking a rule without getting punished. The Israelites broke God’s rules over and over. Do you think they deserved to be punished?

Activities/Table Centers (5 minutes) Table centers (Miscellaneous Activities) “Leaping Letters” activity sheet / Bible Story Coloring Sheet, 1 per kid pencils, markers or crayons Guide boys and girls to complete the activity page. Say • These five kings were the last to rule over the nation of Judah. We will learn today what happened to them and to Judah.

If time remains, allow kids to complete the coloring page provided with this session.

Session Starter (10 minutes) Option 1: Capture the Crown paper crowns (x2 per classroom) masking tape Form two teams of kids, and tape a line down the center of the room. Each team will hide its crown on its designated side of the room. While one team hides its crown, guide the other team to face the opposite direction. Once both crowns are hidden, give the command to charge. Teams will switch sides and try to find the other team’s crown. The first team to do so wins. Say • God told the people of Judah that an enemy would attack Jerusalem if they didn’t turn back to God. Another nation was about to capture the land promised to God’s people.

Option 2: Human Tic-Tac-Toe masking tape clean sock Make a large tic-tac-toe board on the floor with tape. Form two teams, and instruct each team to line up single file. The first kid in the first line will toss a rolled up sock onto a square. She will then stand in that square. The first kid in the second line will then attempt to toss the sock into a square and stand there. Repeat until a team lines up three kids in a row or the game ends in a draw. If the sock lands where someone else is standing or outside of the gameboard, the kid who tossed it goes to the back of his team’s line, and the team loses that turn. A kid may need to toss the sock around a teammate or opponent; the kids on the gameboard may not move while someone is tossing the sock. If a player moves to block it, he must go to the back of the line, losing that spot for his team.

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1st-3rd Grade Kids Bible Study Guide Unit 18, Session 3: Judah Was Taken Into Captivity

Say • The people of Judah had won many battles against other nations because of God’s protection, but in today’s Bible story, God didn’t protect them because of their sin.

Transition to large group

LESSON Session Title: Judah Was Taken into Captivity Bible Passage: 2 Chronicles 36:1-21 Big Picture Question: How did God punish His people for their sin? God allowed their enemies to capture them and to destroy Jerusalem. Key Passage: Ezekiel 37:27 Unit Christ Connection: Though it appeared that sin prevailed, the covenant God promised would be fulfilled in Jesus Christ.

Countdown countdown video (on provided DVD with lesson videos and worship) Show the countdown video as you clean-up table centers, set up classroom chairs for lesson and set it to end as large group time begins.

Introduce the session (1 minute) beach attire seashell [Large group leader enters in appropriate beach attire, carrying a large sea shell.] Leader • How many of you have ever collected shells at the beach? Collecting shells is one of the things I enjoy most about the beach. Finding shells is so exciting! For us, they are souvenirs that we keep to remind us of our trip, but did you know that something once lived in those shells? Shells provide protection for a number of different creatures. Shells are their homes. Sometimes I wonder what happened that made a creature leave its home. You know what, that takes me back to another story from the Bible: the day that the people of Judah were taken from their homes.

Timeline Map (1 minute) Timeline Map (small group visual pack – copies provided for Table Time Review) Leader • Before we get too far into today’s Bible story, let’s look at what we’ve learned the last couple of weeks. Does anyone remember the prophet we learned about? It was Jeremiah. What job did God give Jeremiah? God chose Jeremiah before he was born to be a prophet to the nations. Jeremiah told the people that very soon an army was going to come from the north and punish

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1st-3rd Grade Kids Bible Study Guide Unit 18, Session 3: Judah Was Taken Into Captivity

the people of Judah for their sins. Did the people of Judah listen to the message God gave Jeremiah? No! They continued to sin anyway. The people didn’t want to listen to Jeremiah anymore, so God told Jeremiah to write down everything God had told him. Jeremiah asked a scribe to write it down and read it to the people. Why did Jeremiah warn God’s people? God wanted His people to know they were in danger, to stop sinning, and to turn back to Him. Even the king heard God’s message, but did he change? No! He cut up God’s words and burned them. Jeremiah told the king that he and his family would be punished for what he did. Today, we will learn how this warning came true.

Big picture question (1 minute) Big Picture Question: How did God punish His people for their sin? - 11x17 poster provided Leader • The Israelites had to deal with a lot of punishment because they refused to follow God and only God. The Israelites are a great reminder of how terrible sin is and how loving God is. God had every right to just give up on His people, but He didn’t! He had a plan to send a Savior named Jesus. That’s the big story of a very important book I hope you have with you today. Does anyone have a Bible? I can’t wait to use it for our Bible story. We’ve got a few other things to do first though. How about we discover our big picture question, How did God punish His people for their sin?

Sing (5 minutes) Worship Song: “Help Me Find It” (on provided DVD) Leader • God’s prophets warned the people of Judah over and over again. The people even saw their relatives in Israel taken from their land because of sin. Still they couldn’t seem to follow God and obey Him. That reminds me of our theme song. Let’s sing it out. Sing together “Help Me Find It.”

Key passage (4 minutes) Key Passage Poster: Ezekiel 37:27 (provided) Worship Song: “My Dwelling Place” (on provided DVD) Leader • God put off punishing His people for their sin because He is a loving and gracious God. He warned the people that punishment was coming, but He promised that the punishment would not last forever. God would one day bring His people back together. Show the slide or poster of the unit’s key passage, Ezekiel 37:27. Lead the boys and girls to read the verse together. Sing together “My Dwelling Place.”

Tell the Bible story (10 minutes) “Judah Was Taken Into Captivity” video (on provided DVD) Bibles, 1 per kid Bible Story Picture Slide or Poster

NOTE: The term brother used in 2 Chronicles 36:10 to describe Zedekiah means “another” or “kindred.” 2 Kings 24:7 and Jeremiah 27:1 clarify that Zedekiah is Josiah’s son and Jehoiachin’s uncle.

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1st-3rd Grade Kids Bible Study Guide Unit 18, Session 3: Judah Was Taken Into Captivity

Leader • So, what happened after God’s people kept sinning after the prophets’ warnings? Let’s find out. Turn to 2 Chronicles 36. Let’s look for the answer to the big picture question, How did God punish His people for their sin? Show the “Judah Was Taken into Captivity” video, or tell the Bible story in your own words using the script provided. For a shorter version of the story, read only the bolded text. Leader • Four kings came to the throne, but they all refused to obey God and put God first. God loved His people and warned them many times. Still, they didn’t listen, so God kept His promise to judge them. How did God punish His people for their sin? God allowed their enemies to capture them and to destroy Jerusalem. Just like Jeremiah warned, the Babylonian army came from the north. The people of Judah, just like the people in Israel, were forced to leave their homes. The enemy army destroyed the city walls and temple. They took anything valuable to Babylon. Everything Jeremiah and other prophets before him said came true. Ask the following questions: Who was the first king to rule after Josiah? (Jehoahaz, 2 Chronicles 36:1) What group of people did God use to punish Judah? (the Babylonians or Chaldeans, 2 Chronicles 36:17-20) How did God punish His people for their sin? God allowed their enemies to capture them and to destroy Jerusalem. What did the Babylonians do to Jerusalem? (They took anything valuable, destroyed the temple and wall, forced the Israelites to move, and burned the city; 2 Chronicles 36:17-20) What prophet had just warned the people of Judah that God was going to punish them? (Jeremiah, 2 Chronicles 36:21)

Discussion starter video (3 minutes) Unit 18, Session 3 - Discussion Starter Video (on provided DVD) Big Picture Question: How did God punish His people for their sin? - 11x17 poster provided Leader • Have you ever seen someone do something you knew was wrong? Watch this video. Show the “Unit 18 Session 3” video. Leader • How many of you would warn a friend if you caught him or her doing something wrong? Did God warn the people of Judah before Babylon destroyed Jerusalem? Yes. He warned them over and over again, but they didn’t listen. How did God punish His people for their sin? God allowed their enemies to capture them and to destroy Jerusalem. God didn’t forget about the people He loved. God kept His promise to send a Savior from Abraham and David’s family. God sent Jesus. Like the people of Judah, we deserve to be punished for our sin. However, Jesus took the punishment for sin. We can repent and trust in Him.

The Gospel: God’s Plan for Me (optional) Use Scripture and the guide provided with this session to explain to boys and girls how to become a Christian. Assign individuals to meet with kids who have more questions. If this is not

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1st-3rd Grade Kids Bible Study Guide Unit 18, Session 3: Judah Was Taken Into Captivity

possible, encourage boys and girls to ask their parents, small group leaders, or other Christian adults any questions they may have about becoming a Christian.

Prayer (5 minutes) Big Picture Question: How did God punish His people for their sin? - 11x17 poster provided Show the big picture question slide or poster. Leader • Let’s see who discovered the answer to the big picture question, How did God punish His people for their sin? God allowed their enemies to capture them and to destroy Jerusalem. Choose two volunteers. Explain that each must “capture” another kid by tapping her on the shoulder and bringing her to the front of the room. One pair of kids must say the question and the other should say the answer. Repeat as time allows. Before transitioning to small group, make any necessary announcements. Lead the kids in prayer. Pray that God will help the kids understand that sin deserves to be punished, but God offers salvation in Jesus.

Dismiss to small groups for Table Time

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.

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1st-3rd Grade Kids Bible Study Guide Unit 18, Session 3: Judah Was Taken Into Captivity

Offer to talk with any child who is interested in responding to Jesus.

TABLE TIME LEADER Session Title: Judah Was Taken into Captivity Bible Passage: 2 Chronicles 36:1-21 Big Picture Question: How did God punish His people for their sin? God allowed their enemies to capture them and to destroy Jerusalem. Key Passage: Ezekiel 37:27 Unit Christ Connection: Though it appeared that sin prevailed, the covenant God promised would be fulfilled in Jesus Christ.

Bible story review (10 minutes) Tip: Divide children into small groups for table time. Each group should include an adult leader at the table. Bibles, 1 per kid Timeline (small group visual pack – extra copies provided for Table Time Review) Big Picture Question: How did God punish His people for their sin? (11x17 poster provided in classroom) “King” cards Encourage the kids to find 2 Chronicles 36:1-21 in their Bibles. Help them as needed. Say • Is 2 Chronicles in the Old Testament or New Testament? (Old Testament) In which division of the Bible is 2 Chronicles found? (History) Second Chronicles tells us about the kings who ruled after King David. Use the small group visual pack to show kids where today’s Bible story is on the timeline. Review the Bible story provided using the bolded text, or summarize the story in your own words. Play “Name That King.” Place a sign with one of the names of the four kings in each corner of the room. Ask a question and encourage the kids to move to the corner they think has the correct answer. Here are some sample questions: Who was the only king out of the last five who followed God? (Josiah) Who ruled right after Josiah? (Jehoahaz) Who ruled for only three months? (Jehoahaz and Jehoiachin) Which king was taken to Babylon in shackles or chains first? (Jehoiakim) Who was king when the Babylonians forced the people to leave? (Zedekiah) Say • For hundreds of years, God told the Israelites to make Him first in their lives. When they obeyed, God blessed them. When they did not, God punishment them. They would ask for forgiveness, and God would forgive them. They would follow Him, and He would bless them again. After Josiah, the next four kings refused to follow God. God punished the people by taking them away from the land God promised to Abraham. Just like Jeremiah said, the Babylonians came from the north and destroyed Jerusalem, the capital of Judah. They forced the Israelites to leave. Show the big picture question slide or poster.

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1st-3rd Grade Kids Bible Study Guide Unit 18, Session 3: Judah Was Taken Into Captivity

Say • Let’s look at the answer to our big picture question, How did God punish His people for their sin? God allowed their enemies to capture them and to destroy Jerusalem. This wasn’t the end though. God promised to bring His people back and save them. We have that same promise. When we repent and trust Jesus, we have a relationship with God too.

LARGE GROUP REVIEW AND ACTIVITIES

Key passage activity (5 minutes) “Verse Challenge” Instructions Key Passage Poster: Ezekiel 37:27 (provided) dry erase board and markers (optional) Make sure the key passage, Ezekiel 37:27, is visible for each child, either as the printed poster or written on a dry erase board. Read the verse together. Say • That sounds like the opposite of what happened in today’s Bible story. God’s message in this verse is to the people of Judah and Israel after they were taken from their homes. God told the people that He had not forgotten them. God had a plan to bring them back to Himself. Kids will probably know the verse by this point. If so, cover or remove the poster. Challenge the kids to say the verse from memory. Then, challenge them to quote the verse while jogging in place. After that, invite them to quote the verse while jogging in place and clapping their hands. Continue to add to the challenges, or create new challenges. Continue as time allows.

Activity Choice (10 minutes) Option 1: Capture Tag Select two volunteers and give each one a “home base” in opposite corners. Explain that they are going to “capture” as many kids as they can. The leader will give a command like “Capture someone with brown eyes.” The two volunteers will then search among the other kids for those with brown eyes. If a volunteer tags a kid with brown eyes, he captures her, and she must stand in his corner. If a volunteer tags a kid who doesn’t fit the command, the tagged kid goes to the other volunteer’s corner. Encourage the other kids to try to keep from being tagged. However, they may only move side to side. After about 15 seconds, give a new command. The volunteer with the most captives at the end of the game wins. Play again as time allows. Say • Just like God warned through Jeremiah, Judah was attacked and the people in Jerusalem were forced to leave their homes. God punished His people because they refused to repent of their sins. How did God punish His people for their sin? God allowed their enemies to capture them and to destroy Jerusalem.

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1st-3rd Grade Kids Bible Study Guide Unit 18, Session 3: Judah Was Taken Into Captivity

Option 2: Warning Bells chenille stems, 1 per kid 12-inch lengths of yarn, 3 per kid jingle bells Provide each kid with a chenille stem, three 12-inch lengths of yarn, and three jingle bells. Demonstrate how to form a circle with the chenille stem. The kids will then tie the bells on one end of each piece of yarn and tie the yarn to the chenille stem. Say • You can slip this over your doorknob. When someone enters, you will hear the bells ring. It will be a warning that someone is coming. Did God warn the Israelites in Judah that someone was coming? Yes! God warned them many times, but they did not listen. How did God punish His people for their sin? God allowed their enemies to capture them and to destroy Jerusalem.

Prayer and Clean-Up (5 minutes) Say • Let’s see who remembers the answer to the big picture question. How did God punish His people for their sin? God allowed their enemies to capture them and to destroy Jerusalem. If time remains, take prayer requests. Pray, thanking God for giving people many chances to repent. Pray for each child by name, asking God to help the kids understand that He is right to punish His people, but God wants everyone to be saved.

Clean-Up Room

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Instructions: Today’s Bible story includes five kings in Judah. To discover their names, mark out the second letter and then every other letter. Write the remaining letters on the line below to discover each king’s name.

UNIT 18 • Session 3 • Younger Kids Activity Pages The Exile Began

© 2013 Lifeway Family Journal Page The Exile Began Judah Was Taken into Captivity If your family had to move from your home right now, what 2 Chronicles 36:1-21 one item would each person want to take with them? Why Preschool would they want that item? Take a picture of all the items Key Passage: Ezekiel 37:27 and attach it below. Discuss the Southern Kingdom’s capture Big Picture Question: Why were God’s people in and exile. Invite family members to think about how it would Judah captured? God punished His people for their sin. feel to be forced from your home as a punishment for your sin. Christ Connection: God was right to punish His people because they sinned. But God still loved them, Close with a prayer of thankfulness to God for sending His Son and He was going to give His people a good king, just to take the punishment for sin. like He said He would. Many years later, God sent His Son, Jesus, to be our King forever. Jesus took the punishment we should get for our sin.

Kids Key Passage: Ezekiel 37:27 Big Picture Question: How did God punish His people for their sin? God allowed their enemies to capture them and to destroy Jerusalem. Christ Connection: God righteously punished His people for their sin but remained faithful to them, keeping the promise He made to David to provide a king. Ultimately, God punished our sin through His Son, Jesus, and made Him our King forever.