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, April 19

Lesson Title: The Prophet Zechariah

Bible Passage: Zechariah

Key Passage: Isaiah 25:9

Big Picture Question: How did God plan to fix what sin broke? Before He created the world, God planned to send the Messiah.

Lesson Summary

Zechariah was a prophet during the same time as Ezra and Nehemiah. Zechariah’s words were an encouragement to the people of God as they rebuilt the temple. 
  
Zechariah reminded people that they were building a temple to not only be a place of worship, but a temple that would serve as a reminder of God’s everlasting promises. Zechariah prophesied about the coming of the Messiah. He reminded people that God’s kingdom will last forever and that the coming Messiah will reign eternally. 
  
More specifically, Zechariah prophesied that the Messiah would come to them humbly, riding on a donkey. Jesus fulfilled this prophecy on Palm Sunday when He entered Jerusalem to crowds carrying palm branches, declaring Him to be the one who comes in the name of the Lord. As Jesus entered the town that day, He came riding on a donkey. Jesus knew the prophecy from Zechariah would declare boldly and publicly that He is the Messiah. 
 
Another prophecy in Zechariah 6:12-13 declares: “You are to tell him: This is what the Lord of Armies says: Here is a man whose name is Branch; he will branch out from his place and build the Lord’s temple. Yes, he will build the Lord’s temple; he will bear royal splendor and will sit on his throne and rule. There will also be a priest on his throne, and there will be peaceful counsel between the two of them.” In this prophecy, Zechariah reminded the people that the temple they were building was a foreshadowing of one who would come and bring the presence of God to us. Through Jesus' life, death, and resurrection, He made the way to bring people into God's presence forever. Jesus is now seated at the Father's right hand, exalted to reign forever. 
  
The book of Zechariah reminds us that Jesus is fulfillment of God’s plan to send a Messiah who would save people from sin. Remind kids that Jesus invites them to trust in Him to be saved, and that one day, He will return to establish His kingdom forever.

 
Christ Connection

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

• Babies & Toddlers: God promised the King is coming. This promise came true with Jesus, who came to save us and be our King.
   
• Younger Preschool: Zechariah talked about a special King who would come to gently lead the people. This promise came true with Jesus, who came to save us and be our kind King.
   
• Older Preschool: Zechariah talked about a special King who would come gently and be a shepherd to His people. God’s promise came true with Jesus, who came to save us and be our humble King.
   
• Kids: Zechariah prophesied about the Messiah, saying He would be a humble King who would build a new and better kingdom. Jesus is the Messiah King. Those who trust in Him are forgiven of their sin and welcomed into His kingdom.

Big Picture Question & Answer

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

• Younger Preschool: How did God fix what sin broke? God sent Jesus.
   
• Older Preschool: How did God plan to fix what sin broke? God planned to send Jesus.
   
• Kids: How did God plan to fix what sin broke? Before He created the world, God planned to send the Messiah.

Key Passage

Isaiah 25:9  This is a Bible verse that relates to what your child will encounter each week of this unit.

• Babies & Toddlers: This is our God. He saved us. Let’s rejoice and be glad! Isaiah 25:9
   
• Younger Preschool: This is our God. We waited, and He saved us. Isaiah 25:9
   
• Older Preschool: “Look, this is our God; we have waited for him, and he has saved us." Isaiah 25:9
   
• Kids: “On that day it will be said, 'Look, this is our God; we have waited for him, and he has saved us. This is the LORD; we have waited for him. Let’s rejoice and be glad in his salvation.’” Isaiah 25:9

Next week: Esther Saved Her People (Esther)

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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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