Lesson kit: The Return to Jerusalem
Everything you need to teach this story in Sunday school, kids' church or at home: lesson plan, questions and a printable sheet.
- Passage
- Ezra 1
- Ages
- 6 to 8
- Length
- 37 minutes
Lesson aim
God never forgets his people and keeps his promises, even using powerful kings.
Key verse
“This is what Cyrus, king of Persia, says: The Lord, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms on earth. He has appointed me to build a temple for him in Jerusalem in Judah.” Ezra 1:2
Lesson plan
- 1
Welcome · 5 minutes
Greet the children, sing a song they know and say a short prayer.
- 2
The story · 10 minutes
Tell the story with the illustrations on the big screen or by reading it aloud, page by page.
Open on the big screen → - 3
Talk · 10 minutes
Ask the questions below and let the children answer in their own words.
- 4
Activity · 10 minutes
Hand out the printed sheet: each child draws their favourite scene and practises the verse.
- 5
Closing prayer · 2 minutes
Close by thanking God for what you learned today. God never forgets his people and keeps his promises, even using powerful kings.
Discussion questions
- Who allowed the people to go back?
- What did the king give back to the people?
- How would you feel going home after such a long time?
Summary for the teacher
After many years of exile in Babylon, God moved the heart of Cyrus, king of Persia. He announced that God’s people could return to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple. Cyrus gave back the Temple treasures, the neighbors helped with gifts, and the people set out with great joy.
Child's sheet
Name: ______________________________
The Return to Jerusalem
Ezra 1
- Who allowed the people to go back?
- What did the king give back to the people?
- How would you feel going home after such a long time?
✂️ Cut out and take home
“This is what Cyrus, king of Persia, says: The Lord, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms on earth. He has appointed me to build a temple for him in Jerusalem in Judah.”
Ezra 1:2