Lifebridge Kids – Unit 17: The People Return
God’s time of disciplining His people had been completed, and true to His word, He returned them to the land of promise. Once there, they began to rebuild the temple—the important reminder that God was with them, that He is faithful, and that He can always be trusted.
Lifebridge Kids meets every Sunday during the 8:15a | 10a | 11:45a.
Sunday, July 13, 2025 – Zechariah Gave Hope
Zechariah spoke a message of hope to God’s people. God would one day set up a new and better kingdom with a new and better King. God kept His promise by sending Jesus. Because of Jesus, we can have hope and forgiveness of sins by trusting in Him.
On May 8, 1945, radio broadcasts and newspaper headlines announced that World War I had ended in Europe. Celebrations erupted all over the world as people heard the war had ended. After years of fighting, the people of Europe could celebrate this good news of peace!
God’s people had been in exile 70 years when they finally received the news that they could return home. How do you think they felt? Back in Jerusalem, the people began rebuilding the temple, but some of the neighbors in the land didn’t want them to finish the temple. God’s people continued to face struggles, so God sent a prophet named Zechariah to give the people hope. Zechariah told the people that a day was coming when God would give His people a new King and a new kingdom.
God sent Zechariah to deliver good news for His people. They could have hope for the future because they heard that God would be with them. God sent Jesus to be good news for all people! Everyone who believes in Him can now have peace and a hope for the future because He is the eternal King!
Zechariah spoke a message of hope to God’s people. God would one day set up a new and better kingdom with a new and better King. God kept His promise by sending Jesus. Because of Jesus, we can have hope and forgiveness of sins by trusting in Him.
Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord,
whose confidence is in Him.
Jeremiah 17:7
1. Why can we trust God when challenges come?
Lead kids to consider how God has an eternal plan. Remind kids that God does not see things the way we do. Help kids understand that God uses challenges to help us depend on Him and believe His words. Encourage the kids by telling them God knows everything, cares about His people, and will work everything out for our good.
2. What can we do so difficulties don’t discourage us?
Encourage kids to remember God’s faithfulness. Remind kids that even when difficulties try and discourage us, we can trust that God is with us and that He is in control. Lead kids to remember that God also cares for them and promises to give them strength and hope when they depend on Him.
3. Are troubles a surprise to God? Why not?
Remind kids that God is King over all the earth and knows the beginning from the end. Lead kids to understand that He rules with absolute certainty and that none of His plans can be stopped by challenging times. Remind kids that even Jesus faced troubles, but that God used those troubles to bring salvation to all who trust in Jesus as their Savior.
4. What do you think the new Jerusalem will look like?
Encourage kids to consider what the world might look like without sin. Remind kids that sin separates us from God, but accepting Jesus’ sacrifice on our behalf restores our relationship with Him. Read Rev. 21:1-4.
5. Zechariah told the people, ‘Sword, strike my shepherd, and the sheep will scatter.’ How did Zechariah’s prophecy come true in the New Testament?
Remind kids that Jesus was called the Good Shepherd and that God struck Him with the penalty for our sin when Jesus died on the cross. Lead kids to think of how Jesus’ disciples deserted Him and scattered when Jesus was arrested, under trial, and crucified. Encourage kids that Jesus will never desert them. Read Matt. 26:31.
6. How have trials or hard times caused you to trust God more?
Answers will vary. Remind kids that because we live in a fallen world, we will all face troubles. Encourage kids to remember that God uses suffering for our good and that one day sin will be no more. Read 1 Peter 4:12.
+ Use colored paper or scrapbooking supplies to make “Encouragement Cards” for friends and neighbors.
+ Write messages or Scriptures to give hope to each recipient.
+ Distribute the cards to share good news and give hope to neighbors and friends.
+ Talk with kids about how Zechariah’s message gave hope to God’s people and how Jesus brings hope to all who believe in Him!
