Lesson 26 - Rebuilding Jerusalem
For Ezra had set his heart to study the Law of the Lord, and to do it and to teach his statutes and rules in Israel. (Ezra 7:10)
The Call to Rebuild Jerusalem
Parent Explanation:
The city where God’s people lived was broken, and they needed to fix it to be safe. Ezra and Nehemiah wanted to help rebuild their city because they cared about their people and listened to God.
Questions to Ask:
What was broken in Jerusalem? (Answer: The walls)
Who wanted to fix the city? (Answer: Ezra and Nehemiah)
Hand Motions:
Building Gesture: Use hands to mimic stacking blocks or bricks.
Listening Ear: Cup hand to ear, showing how Ezra and Nehemiah listened to God.
Activities:
Building Blocks: Use building blocks to construct a simple wall, understanding the effort of rebuilding.
Interactive Question: How do you help when something is broken at home?
Nehemiah Builds the Walls
Parent Explanation:
Nehemiah helped everyone work together to fix the walls. Each family had a special part to fix, and working together, they made their city strong again.
Questions to Ask:
How did the people rebuild the walls? (Answer: By working together)
Why is teamwork important? (Answer: It helps us do things better and faster)
Hand Motions:
Teamwork Clap: Clap hands together, then with someone else, to show teamwork.
Wall Building: Pretend to lay bricks with sweeping hand motions.
Activities:
Collaborative Mural: Create a large mural with paper bricks where each child adds their part, showing how each contribution matters.
Question: What is something you like to do with others?
Ezra Teaches the Law
Parent Explanation:
Ezra read from God’s book to the people so they could learn how to live better and follow God’s ways. He taught them about loving and taking care of each other.
Questions to Ask:
What did Ezra teach the people? (Answer: God’s laws)
Why is it important to learn and follow rules? (Answer: They help us live well together)
Hand Motions:
Book Reading: Open hands like a book.
Heart Touch: Place hands on heart after reading the book to signify taking the lessons to heart.
Activities:
Rule Review Game: Discuss simple family or classroom rules and why they are important, making it a fun review session.
Question: What is a rule you remember and follow?
Overcoming Opposition
Parent Explanation:
While fixing the city, Ezra and Nehemiah had to deal with people who didn’t want them to succeed. But they didn’t give up and kept working hard.
Questions to Ask:
What problems did the builders face? (Answer: People trying to stop them)
What did they do about it? (Answer: Kept working and didn’t give up)
Hand Motions:
Shield Gesture: Use arms to form a shield, showing protection against opposition.
Continue Motion: March in place, showing perseverance.
Activities:
Obstacle Course: Set up a simple obstacle course that requires persistence to complete, symbolizing overcoming challenges.
Question: How do you keep going when something is hard?
Celebration and Dedication
Parent Explanation:
After the walls were finished, everyone in Jerusalem had a big party to celebrate their hard work and thank God. It was a happy time because they had done something great together.
Questions to Ask:
What did the people do after the walls were finished? (Answer: They celebrated)
Why is it good to celebrate after finishing a big job? (Answer: It makes us feel happy and thankful)
Hand Motions:
Celebration Dance: Dance on the spot, showing happiness.
Hands Together: Clasp hands together in prayer to show dedication.
Activities:
Celebration Party: Host a small party to celebrate the completion of the curriculum, mirroring the celebration in Jerusalem.
Favorite Part: What was your favorite part of learning about rebuilding Jerusalem?