Sunday Spotlight is where we share our Calvary Kids Bible lesson topic each week for kids of all ages. Use this lesson for a Family Night devotion or a preview/review time to talk about what your children are learning at Calvary on Sundays. These lessons correspond to the take-home cards your child receives each week. We post a new lesson here every Wednesday.

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Sunday, January 25

Lesson Title: Judah Was Taken Captive

Bible Passage: 2 Chronicles 36

Key Passage: Psalm 145:9

Big Picture Question: What is God like? God is holy, good, and loving.

Lesson Summary

Growing up, you likely learned that disobedience has consequences. The people of Judah learned that the consequence for their disobedience to God was exile to Babylon. Despite their sin and unfaithfulness, God had been very patient with His people and was slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.

Not only had God sent the prophets to warn and encourage the people, but He also gave them good kings to help set an example. Still, the people continued to sin and worship idols. In today’s text, the people of Judah once again find themselves in the hands of evil kings.  

King Jehoahaz, son of the final good king, Josiah, was dethroned by King Neco of Egypt after only three months of ruling. King Neco made his brother, Jehoiakim, king in his place. Jehoiakim, however, was captured by King Nebuchadnezzar eleven years later. Next came his son, King Jehoiachin. He also did evil in the Lord’s sight and was quickly replaced by Zedekiah.

King Zedekiah ruled over Judah for eleven years. He is described as a hard and stubborn man who refused to turn to the Lord (2 Chronicles 36:13). In the same way, the people and priests became more and more unfaithful to God.

Because of the sin of the people and their disregard for the many warnings they received, God allowed the Babylonians to destroy the nation of Judah. The Babylonians took all the treasures from the temple and palace and burned them down. This all came to pass just as God had said through the prophet Jeremiah. God's people were captured and taken to Babylon. Yet, hope remained; after 70 years, God promised to rescue and restore His people to their land.

When we disobey God, we also face consequences. For those who have not trusted in Jesus, the consequence is eternal death in hell. The good news is that Jesus bore the consequences for all who trust in Him. The Bible shares how Jesus “bore our sins in his body on the tree; so that, having died to sins, we might live for righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed” (1 Peter 2:24). Our sin has been paid for by His death and defeated by His resurrection.

Remember that we serve a God who is faithful to keep His word. Pray for the children in your care to understand the consequences of their sin, so they can experience the gift of Jesus’ forgiveness and eternal life.

 
Christ Connection

This is the big idea of how this week’s Bible story points to Jesus.

• Babies & Toddlers: Jesus died for our sins and rose again. If we trust in Him, God forgives all our sins.
   
• Younger Preschool: Doing wrong things has consequences. But the good news is that Jesus took the punishment for our sins when He died for us, and He came back to life! If we trust in Him, God forgives all our sins.
   
• Older Preschool: Sin has consequences. The good news is that Jesus took the punishment for our sins when He died for us. Jesus came back to life, showing that if we trust in Him, all our sins are forgiven.
   
• Kids: The people of Judah continued to sin and were destroyed by Babylon. Even though God was patient, all sin deserves judgment. God's patience is meant to lead us to repentance. Those who repent and trust in Jesus will escape God's judgment.

Big Picture Question & Answer

This is an important biblical truth that your child will encounter each week of this unit.

• All ages: What is God like? God is holy, good, and loving.

Key Passage

Psalm 145:9  This is a Bible verse that relates to what your child will encounter each week of this unit.

• Babies & Toddlers: The LORD is good to everyone. Psalm 145:9
   
• Younger Preschool: The LORD is good to everyone. Psalm 145:9
   
• Older Preschool: The LORD is good to everyone; his compassion rests on all he has made. Psalm 145:9
   
• Kids: The LORD is good to everyone; his compassion rests on all he has made. Psalm 145:9

Next week: Ezekiel Gave Hope (Ezekiel 37)

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And check out our playlist on Spotify — these songs are featured in our Kid Zone and Zone 345 worship time on Sundays. Sing along at home or on the road!

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