Lifebridge Kids – Unit 14: Warnings To The People
As God’s people continued to rebel against Him, He continued to pursue them. God warned the people through the prophets who pleaded with them to turn from idolatry and turn back to God. God was ready to accept their repentance. But should they continue in their sin, God was ready to judge their rebellion.
Lifebridge Kids meets every Sunday during regular Gathering Times – 8:15a, 10a or 11:45a.
Sunday, March 30, 2025 – Joash Wanted to Obey God
Joash wanted to obey God. He honored God at first, but in time, his actions showed that there was still sin in his heart. Jesus wants to change our hearts. When we trust in Jesus as Lord and Savior, He gives us new hearts that want to live for His glory.
The mimic octopus is a very interesting creature. It has the amazing ability to change color and shape to look like other sea creatures. When the octopus feels threatened, it often mimics the appearance of a toxic animal like the lionfish or sea snake to scare away predators. When the danger has passed, the mimic octopus returns to her normal colors and goes on about her day.
As we learn more about the life of King Joash, we see that he wanted to follow God, but the sin in his heart led him to worship false gods. Joash turned away from God, so God turned away from Joash. Much like the mimic octopus, a person’s own ability to change their sinful heart is only temporary. We might try to do better and make wiser choices, but the sin in our hearts is too pronounced to hide.
The only real, lasting change for our hearts must come from Jesus. His death and resurrection have broken the power of sin. Everyone who believes in Him is forgiven and has been forever changed by His grace!
Joash wanted to obey God. He honored God at first, but in time, his actions showed that there was still sin in his heart. Jesus wants to change our hearts. When we trust in Jesus as Lord and Savior, He gives us new hearts that want to live for His glory.
Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out.
Acts 3:19
1. Why was it important that Joash had Jehoiada to help him lead God’s people?
Remind kids that Joash was only seven years old when he became king. He needed someone to show him the ways of God so he could lead the people. Jehoiada was a godly priest that loved God and showed King Joash what it meant to obey God.
2. Who are godly adults God has placed in your life? How do they help you follow God?
Answers may vary. Discuss how godly adults help kids to understand God’s Word and encourage them to follow Jesus. Lead kids to understand that godly adults will encourage them to be a part of a church, pray, read their Bibles, and tell others about Jesus.
3. What should Joash have done after God sent the prophets to warn him of his sin?
Explain that Joash should have turned away from his sin and turned back to God. Help kids understand that God is merciful and gives us opportunities to repent. Encourage kids that they can always turn away from their sin and turn to Jesus. Remind kids that Jesus died so that we could be forgiven of our sin.
4. Why is repentance important?
Challenge kids to consider their own sin and how it separates them from God. Discuss how unrepentant sin always leads to death. Remind kids that sin is an eternal offense against a holy God. Encourage kids to remember that Jesus’ death on the cross paid the cost of our sin if we choose to repent. Read Isaiah 53:5.
5. Why should we never be afraid to come to God in repentance?
Lead kids to understand that God loves us and always wants what is best for us. Discuss how God already knows their sin and has provided a way for their sin to be wiped away. Remind kids that God sent Jesus to rescue us from our sin so that we could be brought near to God. Read Ezekiel 18:23.
6. Why should we encourage other people to repent of their sin and turn to Jesus?
Remind kids that everyone has sinned and has a broken relationship with God until she accepts Jesus’ gift of salvation. Guide kids to discuss what they might say to a friend who does not believe in Jesus and does not think she needs to repent. Read Romans 6:23
+ Play hide-and-seek as a family.
+ After the game, talk with your kids about how we cannot hide our sin from God. The only hope we have is found in Jesus. When we place our trust in Him, He forgives our sin, changes our hearts, and gives us eternal life.
