Leader Guide

Bible Study

Ask different children to read the Bible passages, then lead a discussion with the questions below.

2 Kings 22:1–2:

¹ Josiah was eight years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem thirty-one years. His mother was Jedidah, the daughter of Adaiah from Bozkath. ² He did what was pleasing in the Lord’s sight and followed the example of his ancestor David. He did not turn away from doing what was right.

• How old was Josiah when he became king? Eight years old.
• What is today’s Super Verse reference? 1 Timothy 4:12.
• How can the SuperVerse be applied to Josiah? Even though he was young, he did the right thing.
• What do you think some people may have thought at the time? They may have thought he’s too young to know what is right.
• Looking at verse 2, do you think Josiah was a good example to follow; why? He did what was pleasing to the Lord. He did what was right.
• Was Josiah a good example to follow for only a few years? No, he reigned as king for 31 years.

2 Kings 23:25:

Never before had there been a king like Josiah, who turned to the Lord with all his heart and soul and strength, obeying all the laws of Moses. And there has never been a king like him since.

• What does this verse tell us about King Josiah? There never was a king like him. He obeyed God’s laws. He loved and served the Lord with his whole being; his heart, soul and strength.
• Does loving God with your heart, soul, and strength sound familiar? See Mark 12:29–31. Who said that this was the greatest commandment? Jesus.

Josiah was a wonderful example to follow. He became king at the age of 8 and served God faithfully for 31 years. He loved God with all of his heart, soul and strength. It is never too early to dedicate your life to the Lord as Josiah did. When we put God first in our lives, we can be a powerful example for others to follow.

Have two or three children read portions of John 6:8–13. A huge crowd of people followed Jesus. He asked His disciples to feed the crowd. A disciple named Philip told Jesus it was impossible to feed that many people.

⁸ Then Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, spoke up. ⁹ “There’s a young boy here with five barley loaves and two fish. But what good is that with this huge crowd?” ¹⁰ “Tell everyone to sit down,” Jesus said. So they all sat down on the grassy slopes. (The men alone numbered about 5,000.) ¹¹ Then Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks to God, and distributed them to the people. Afterward He did the same with the fish. And they all ate as much as they wanted. ¹² After everyone was full, Jesus told His disciples, “Now gather the leftovers, so that nothing is wasted.” ¹³ So they picked up the pieces and filled twelve baskets with scraps left by the people who had eaten from the five barley loaves.

• In verses 8–9, what are some things that Andrew may have been thinking? Andrew probably didn’t place much importance on the boy or value what he had. Still, Andrew told Jesus about the boy and his lunch, so he may have had some faith for a miracle.
• Did Jesus send the boy away and tell him to come back when he was older? No.
• How did the young boy serve Jesus that day? He offered all he had—his lunch.
• What was Jesus able to do with the boy’s unselfish offering? Perform a miracle by feeding 5,000 men plus women and children.
• Was there barely enough to go around for the people? No, everyone ate all they wanted, and there were twelve basketfuls left over!
• How can this inspire you to serve God today and not wait until you are older? Give God what you have now. He can work miracles with what we have.
• What do you think Jesus can do with what you have?

Close in Prayer: Dear God, thank You for this Bible story about the young boy who served Jesus—and more than 5,000 other people! Help us to live a life of faith and love and to be an example to others. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.