Grade Kids Bible Study Guide Unit 21, Session 4: … st-3 rd Grade Kids Bible Study Guide Unit 21, Session 4: Zechariah, Prophet to Judah 2012 LifeWay Christian Resources 3 would punish

1st-3rd Grade Kids Bible Study Guide Unit 21, Session 4: Zechariah, Prophet to Judah

2012 LifeWay Christian Resources

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TEACHER BIBLE STUDY Zechariah was a priest who had been born in Babylon. He had returned to Jerusalem with

Zerubbabel. At this time, the prophet Haggai was bringing God’s message to His people. The

Judean exiles were struggling to finish rebuilding God’s temple. In fact, several years had passed

without progress on the temple when God called Zechariah to prophesy to His people.

Zechariah’s message was twofold: first, look back and remember the past. Second, look forward

and prepare for the future. God wanted His people to learn from the mistakes of their parents and

grandparents who had ignored the prophets’ warnings. Zechariah set out to encourage the people.

The Book of Zechariah is organized into eight visions, four messages, and two oracles. The

visions Zechariah saw each symbolized something God would do—such as rebuild Jerusalem,

judge Israel’s enemies, and remove national sin. (See Zechariah 1–6.) A couple of years later,

God spoke to Zechariah again. This time, God spoke four messages to respond to a question the

people had about fasting. (Zechariah 7:3)

In the last six chapters, Zechariah changed the subject to the future of God’s kingdom. Chapters

9–12 are rich with Messianic prophecy; the words are quoted often in the New Testament.

Compare Zechariah 9:9 with John 12:15; Zechariah 11:13 with Matthew 27:9-10; and Zechariah

12:10 with John 19:37.

As you teach kids about Zechariah, emphasize God’s promise: “A king is coming.” Zechariah’s

visions were significant to the reality of God’s people at that time, but a greater reality awaited.

Zechariah pointed to Jesus, the coming deliverer who would be struck and pierced to take away

sin. God would deal with His people’s enemies. He would cleanse His people. “They will call

on My name, and I will answer them. I will say: They are My people, and they will say:

Yahweh is our God” (Zechariah 13:9). Under the rule of King Jesus, their future is incredibly

bright.

LESSON OVERVIEW/SCHEDULE Session Title: Zechariah, Prophet to Judah

Bible Passage: Zechariah 1–14

Big Picture Question: What was Zechariah’s message? Zechariah spoke about the coming

Messiah.

Key Passage: Zechariah 9:9

Unit Christ Connection: God saved His people who were in physical captivity as He would one

day send Jesus to save and restore His people who are in spiritual captivity.

Transition Time

Welcome time



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Activity sheet/Table Centers

Session starter (10 minutes)

Lesson

Countdown

Introduce the session (1 minute)

Timeline Map (3 minutes)

Big picture question (1 minute)

Sing (4 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 (4 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

Zechariah, Prophet to Judah

Zechariah 1–14

The exile in Babylon was over. A group of God’s people had returned to Jerusalem to

rebuild God’s temple. Zerubbabel the governor and Joshua the high priest led the people.

When they stopped rebuilding God’s temple, God sent prophets to give His people a

message. One of those prophets was named Zechariah (zek uh RIGH uh). God told Zechariah

what would happen in the future, and then Zechariah told the people what God said.

This was God’s message for His people: “Return to Me, and I will return to you.” God

reminded the people about their parents and grandparents and great-grandparents. “The

prophets told them to stop sinning,” God said, “but they did not listen.” So God had

punished the people for their sin. “Don’t be like them,” God said.

One night, God gave Zechariah some messages through visions. Zechariah saw eight

visions; each vision was a different message from God about something that was going to

happen. In the first vision, Zechariah saw a man riding on a red horse. Behind him were other

horses. They had been patrolling the earth. Everything was calm and quiet. But soon the Lord



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would punish His enemies. The Lord’s house would be rebuilt, and His cities would be blessed

again.

In the second vision, Zechariah saw four horns—these stood for Israel’s enemies. Zechariah

also saw four craftsmen, who would defeat those enemies. Next, Zechariah saw a man going out

to measure Jerusalem, but the city could not be measured because it was too big for walls.

Instead, the Lord would be a wall of fire around it.

God then showed Zechariah how He would forgive His people if they would follow Him. In

the fifth vision, Zechariah saw a solid gold lampstand, which showed how all the Lord’s plans

would happen because of His Spirit.

Then, Zechariah saw a flying scroll, which was a curse on everyone who disobeyed God. In

the seventh vision, a woman sat inside a basket. She represented the wickedness of those who

worshiped false gods. She was lifted up and taken back to Babylon. In the eighth vision,

Zechariah saw four chariots. Like the horses of the first vision, they would patrol the earth.

God then told Zechariah to collect silver and gold from the people. “Use the gold and

silver to make crowns,” He said, “and place them on the head of Joshua, the high priest.”

The crowns on the head of Joshua were a sign to the people that a special king was

coming to bring peace for everyone. “Look, your King is coming to you; He is righteous

and victorious, humble and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey,” Zechariah

said.

God promised to bless His people and punish the rest of the nations for their sin. One

day everyone will worship the Lord.

Christ Connection: God was going to help His people and give them a different kind of king.

Jesus is the King who came and rode humbly on a donkey, just as Zechariah said. Because

Zechariah’s prophecy came true in Jesus, we can have hope and forgiveness of sins when we

trust in Jesus.

TRANSITION TIME Session Title: Zechariah, Prophet to Judah



Messiah.




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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Arriving Activity: How Wide or Tall? various items

measuring tape or ruler

paper

pencils

Measure the height or width of several small items. Use centimeters or inches. Place a piece of

paper in front of each item. Encourage the kids to guess the height or width of each item, and

write their names beside their guesses. Before the session begins, reveal the correct

measurements and applaud those with the closest guesses.

Say • In today’s Bible story, God shared several visions with a prophet named Zechariah. In one

vision, a man tried to measure Jerusalem. We’ll see what he found out.

Activities/Table Centers (5 minutes) Table centers (Miscellaneous Activities)

“Vision Search” activity sheet / Bible Story Coloring Sheet, 1 per kid

pencils, markers or crayons

Guide boys and girls to complete the activity page.

Say • Each word you found is part of today’s Bible story. Listen to see if you can find each one.

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

Session Starter (10 minutes) Option 1: Flying Scrolls paper

tape

Invite each kid to roll up a piece of paper and put a small piece of tape on it. Then, let the kids fly

the rounded papers. See who can get their scroll to fly the farthest.

Say • God gave a special message about those who had disobeyed God. He did it with a vision

about a flying scroll. We’ll talk more about this vision and several others in today’s Bible

story.

Option 2: Future Guessing construction paper, 4 colors

paper

marker

cup

Place a different colored sheet of construction paper in each corner of the room. Then, tear one

sheet of paper into four sections. Write one of the colors on each piece, fold them, and put them

into a cup or other container. Invite the kids to see if they can guess the “future” by standing near

the color you are going to draw out of the cup. After each kid has made a choice, draw out a

color. Play as time allows.

Say • Could you really know the future? No! You were just guessing. Only God knows the

future. However, He did share the future with several prophets in the Old Testament.



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These messages about the future were called prophecies. Today, we will hear about

several prophecies.

Transition to large group

LESSON Session Title: Zechariah, Prophet to Judah



Messiah.




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 the lesson

and set it to end as large group time begins.

Introduce the session (1 minute) wrench [Large group leader enters with a wrench.]

Leader • Does anyone know what this is? That’s right! It’s a wrench. What might you use a

wrench for? A wrench is used to tighten or loosen a nut or bolt. It’s a tool that can be useful

when building things. Do you know how it tightens and loosens? It wraps tightly around an

object, and you turn it around. That reminds me of the Israelites after they returned to the

promised land from Babylon. God was wrapping His love and protection around them. He

wanted them to turn from their past of disobedience and follow Him; however, the people

returned to a destroyed nation. Rebuilding takes time, so God encouraged them through a

prophet named Zechariah.

Timeline Map (3 minutes) Timeline Map (small group visual pack – copies provided for Table Time Review)

Leader • The Israelites were responsible for their situation. They continued to disobey God.

God had better plans for the people He loved, but they refused to follow His plans. After 70

years in exile, they were getting a new start in the promised land.

God prepared the people for their return by promising to punish those who didn’t help them

when they needed help. The prophet Obadiah told the people of Edom that they should have

fought for the Israelites. Instead, they thought they were better than God’s people. This was



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proof of their pride. Why did God judge Edom’s pride? Pride steals God’s glory.

Obadiah also promised that the Israelites would be allowed to return to their land. A Persian

king named Cyrus released the Israelites so they could go home. It was the answer to a promise

God made to His people even before they were taken to Babylon. How did God keep His

promise to the Israelites? God changed King Cyrus’s heart so the Israelites could go home.

The Israelites started off well. They began to rebuild the temple as soon as they returned.

However, some of the people living in the area didn’t want the temple rebuilt. They made work

difficult for the Israelites, so they stopped. They built houses and forgot about the temple. God

sent a prophet named Haggai to remind them that God wanted His people to put Him first.

How can we honor God? We can put God first in our lives.

Now, we turn our attention to Zechariah.

Big picture question (1 minute) Big Picture Question: What was Zechariah’s message? - 11x17 poster provided

Leader • We are getting closer and closer to the end of the Old Testament. That means we are

getting closer to the birth of Jesus! The people in Zechariah’s day were still a few hundred

years away from Jesus’ coming, but God was already preparing His people for Jesus. If you

want to know more, you must have a Bible. Hold up your Bible if you have it today.

Meanwhile, let’s check out the big picture question, What was Zechariah’s message?

Sing (4 minutes) Worship Song: “Broken Hallelujah” (on provided DVD)

Leader • God’s messages to His people always offered hope for the future. Even in difficult

times, God promised that He would rescue them. That’s really what our theme song says. God

wants us to respond with praise for Him even during the tough times. Let’s praise Him right

now.

Sing together “Broken Hallelujah.”

Key passage (4 minutes) Key Passage Poster: Zechariah 9:9 (provided)

Worship Song: “Look” (on provided DVD)

Leader • Our key passage offers a clue to the answer to the big picture question. Let’s see who

knows it.

Show the slide or poster of the unit’s key passage, Zechariah 9:9. Lead the boys and girls to read

the verse together. Sing together “Look.”

Tell the Bible Story (10 minutes) “Zechariah, Prophet to Judah” video (on provided DVD)

Bibles, 1 per kid

Bible Story Picture Slide or Poster

Leader • Open your Bible to the Book of Zechariah. It’s the next to last book in the Old

Testament. Listen closely for the answer to the big picture question, What was Zechariah’s

message?



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Show the “Zechariah, Prophet to Judah” video, or choose to 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 • God’s message to Zechariah came about the same time as His message to Haggai. The

people were struggling with life in Jerusalem and other parts of Judah. It wasn’t the same place

they had left. Rebuilding was a struggle. God first encouraged His people to obey and worship

Him better than their parents and grandparents.

God made several other promises through the visions He gave to Zechariah. He promised

they would become a great city again. He would punish their enemies and protect them. God

promised to bless those who followed Him and punish those who did not.

These were great promises, but the best promise was God would raise up a new High Priest.

This High Priest would be welcomed as a King. He would be righteous and bring the people

victory. He would be the promised Messiah. Who was Zechariah talking about? That’s right!

He was talking about Jesus. What was Zechariah’s message? Zechariah spoke about the

coming Messiah.

Ask the following review questions:

Who were the Israelites told not to be like? (their ancestors, or parents and

grandparents; Zechariah 1:4)

What did Zechariah’s vision of the man riding the horse mean? (God was going to

punish Israel’s enemies, bless Israel, and rebuild Jerusalem; Zechariah 1:12-17)

How many visions did God give Zechariah? (eight, Zechariah 1–6)

What was Zechariah’s message? Zechariah spoke about the coming Messiah.

Who is the Messiah Zechariah talked about entering Jerusalem riding on a donkey?

(Jesus, Zechariah 9:9)

Discussion starter video (3 minutes) Unit 21, Session 4 - Discussion Starter Video (on provided DVD)

Big Picture Question: What was Zechariah’s message? - 11x17 poster provided

Leader • Have you ever had an important message, but no one seemed to hear it? Maybe it was

something like this.

Show the “Unit 21 Session 4” video.

Leader • Have you ever ignored an important message from a parent or teacher? Do you ever

feel like no one is listening to you? Messages are very important. God always made sure His

people heard His messages, but they didn’t always listen. Zechariah’s message was very

important. What was Zechariah’s message? Zechariah spoke about the coming Messiah.

Zechariah described the exact details of Jesus as He entered Jerusalem just days before He died

for the sins of the world.

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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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 (4 minutes) Big Picture Question: What was Zechariah’s message? - 11x17 poster provided

Show the big picture question slide or poster.

Leader • Let’s see who knows the answer to the big picture question now. What was

Zechariah’s message? Zechariah spoke about the coming Messiah.

Say the big picture question and call out a kid’s name. Toss a paper wad toward that kid. Her

goal will be to say as much of the big picture answer as possible while the paper wad is in the air.

Before transitioning to small group, make any necessary announcements. Lead the kids in

prayer. Pray that God will help the kids recognize Jesus as Messiah in their lives.

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.

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



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TABLE TIME LEADER

Session Title: Zechariah, Prophet to Judah



Messiah.




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: What was Zechariah’s message? (11x17 poster provided in classroom)

paper

marker

Encourage the kids to find the Book of Zechariah in their Bibles. Help them as needed.

Say • Zechariah is in the Old Testament. Only one book comes after Zechariah in the Old

Testament. What is it? (Malachi) Which division of the Bible is Zechariah in? (Minor

Prophets) Zechariah is quoted in the Gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John—more

than any other Old Testament prophet.

Use the small group visual pack to show kids where today’s Bible story is on the timeline. Write

the numbers one through eight on separate pieces of paper and scatter them throughout the room.

Review the Bible story provided using the bolded text, or summarize the story in your own

words. As you tell the story, encourage the kids to travel to the number of the vision you are

talking about.

Say • God wanted to encourage His people as they rebuilt Jerusalem. He wanted them to realize

how those who had once lived there had failed to obey and worship only God. God gave

Zechariah eight visions, each with its own message, but one message was the most

important for them and us.

Show the big picture question slide or poster.

Say • What was Zechariah’s message? Zechariah spoke about the coming Messiah. Jesus was

the King who would come into Jerusalem riding on a donkey.



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LARGE GROUP REVIEW

AND ACTIVITIES

Key passage activity (5 minutes) “King’s Crown”

Key Passage Poster: Zechariah 9:9 (provided)

dry erase board and markers

Key Passage “crown” pieces (grouped as sets)

scissors

tape

Make sure the key passage, Zechariah 9:9, is visible for each child, either as the printed poster or

written on a dry erase board. Read the verse together.

Say • This verse is actually one of several verses that help us understand that Jesus is the

promised Messiah. Jesus came to earth humbly, but He left as the forever King in victory

over sin. When we repent and trust Jesus, He becomes our King and Savior.

Form groups of two or more kids. Several sets of Key Passage papers are provided in your

classroom. Provide each group with a set of the key passage papers, a few pairs of scissors, and a

roll of tape. Invite them to make a large crown by cutting in between the words on each piece of

paper in a squiggly line. This will create two crowns. They must then tape the crowns in the

order of the verse to form a large crown. When a group finishes the crown, direct them to stand

together inside of it.

Activity Choice (10 minutes) Option 1: Was it a Vision?

Describe a situation, and the kids must decide if it was one of Zechariah’s visions. Those who

believe it is not should close their eyes. Those who believe it is should keep their eyes open.

Here are some examples:

Zechariah saw a man in a basket. (No, a woman in a basket)

Zechariah saw a gold lampstand. (Yes)

Zechariah saw a valley of dry bones. (No, Ezekiel)

Zechariah saw four chariots. (Yes)

Zechariah saw three horns. (No, four)

Zechariah saw a man riding a horse. (Yes)

Zechariah saw a flying squirrel. (No, a scroll)

Say • These visions all had slightly different meanings, but Zechariah ultimately pointed to Jesus.

What was Zechariah’s message? Zechariah spoke about the coming Messiah.



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Option 2: Lampstand foam cups

yellow paper or yellow construction paper

red, yellow, and orange tissue paper or napkins

markers

stickers (optional)

Invite each kid to punch out the bottom of a foam cup. Instruct him to roll up a piece of yellow

paper or construction paper and push one end of the rolled paper into the cup while it is upside

down. Kids should stuff red, yellow, and orange tissue paper or napkins into the top like a flame.

The kids can decorate the lampstand with markers or stickers.

Say • One of the visions God gave Zechariah was of a gold lampstand. God gave Zechariah

eight visions. The visions were about things that were going to happen in the future. What

was Zechariah’s message? Zechariah spoke about the coming Messiah.

Prayer and Clean-Up (5 minutes) Review the visions God gave Zechariah.

Say • One more time, what is the answer to the big picture question? What was Zechariah’s

message? Zechariah spoke about the coming Messiah.

If time remains, take prayer requests. Pray, thanking God for giving us so much proof that

Jesus is the promised Messiah throughout the Old Testament. Pray for each child by name,

asking God to help each one see Jesus as his or her Messiah and share His message with friends.

Clean-Up Room

KEY: scroll, crown, silver, donkey, gold, lampstand,horse

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Zechariah, Prophet to JudahZechariah 1–14

© 2013 LifeWay

Family Journal Page

Unit 21 • Session 4OK TO PRINT

Find Zechariah 9:9 in the Bible and read it as a family. Remind

family members that many of the prophets spoke about the

coming Messiah. Invite kids to share their favorite Bible story

about Jesus. You may want to have a kid’s storybook Bible

handy to help younger kids pick out a story. Note each story on

the journal page. Review the Christ Connection and close your

time together in prayer.

The Exiles ReturnedZechariah, Prophet to JudahZechariah 1–14

Preschool Key Passage: Zechariah 9:9

Big Picture Question: What did Zechariah say about

Jesus? Zechariah said Jesus is coming.

Christ Connection: God showed Zechariah many

visions about things God was going to do. God was

going to help His people and give them a special king.

Jesus is the King who came humbly on a donkey, just

like Zechariah said. Because God kept His promise to

send Jesus, we can trust in Jesus to forgive our sins.

KidsKey Passage: Zechariah 9:9

Big Picture Question: What was Zechariah’s

message? Zechariah spoke about the coming

Messiah.

Christ Connection: God was going

to help His people and give them a

different kind of king. Jesus is the King who

came and rode humbly on a donkey, just as

Zechariah said. Because Zechariah’s prophecy

came true in Jesus, we can have hope and

forgiveness of sins when we trust in Jesus.

Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O

daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming

to you; righteous and having salvation is he, humble and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.

Zechariah 9:9

Unit 21 • Key Passage Poster (ESV)OK TO PRINT The Exiles Returned

Grade Kids Bible Study Guide Unit 21, Session 4: … st-3 rd Grade Kids Bible Study Guide Unit 21, Session 4: Zechariah, Prophet to Judah 2012 LifeWay Christian Resources 3 would punish

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