Unit 21, Session 2: Zerubbabel Led the Captives Home
Ezra 1:1–2:2;, 2:64–3:13
Christ Connection: Zerubbabel led God's people back to the temple to rebuild it. The temple was the place where God met with His people on earth. Jesus came to earth to rescue God’s people. One day Jesus will return to restore a greater home for all of God's people, and we will spend eternity with Him.
Adult Connection Point:
Peter pointed to Jesus’ demeanor during suffering and then encouraged Christians to live the same way. The distinguishing mark of a Christian is that we rejoice in our suffering. Think about it. We don’t merely endure suffering but we also rejoice through the pain because we know of the resurrection that is coming. For us to be a witness to Jesus in this world, we should remember that God doesn't deliver us out of sufferings in this life; He delivers us into them and through them.
How can we show a world in the midst of tribulation, distress, persecution, famine, nakedness, danger, or sword that there is hope? Not by standing on the outskirts and yelling that there is hope but by stepping into the misery of others—just as Jesus did for us—and showing there is hope. The Christian is not called to a life of no suffering but to a life of suffering in hope. (See 1 Peter 2:21-25.)
Family Devotion:
Materials: stones or building materials
Instruct your kids to build an altar with the stones. Show them a picture from your Bible or computer to help them get started.
If it is nice outside, take your family for a walk and talk about the Bible story. (Otherwise, just walk around your house.) As you return to your house direct them to the altar you built. Ask, “How long had the Israelites been away from home? Why were they taken captive?”
Remind your family that God had promised His people He would bring them back home and finally, the Israelites were back in Jerusalem! When they returned they rebuilt the altar and the foundation for the temple. The temple was the place where God met His people.
Ask, “What did the people do after the work had been completed on the foundation and the altar?” Even though many were not pleased with the unfinished temple, the people sang and shouted praises to God.
Repeat the litany several times with your family saying it louder each time:
Leader: The Lord is good
Family: His faithful love will last forever.
Pray, thanking God that someday He will restore a greater home for you, and you will spend eternity with Him. Play a praise song and make your own praise dance.
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