Teaching Time

Have the children sit in chairs or on the floor.

Encourage children to participate as much as possible as you tell the Bible story below. Emphasize the words in bold text. The words correspond to an action you model for the children to imitate. Vary your facial expression, voice, and volume level to hold children’s attention and interest.

● A long time ago, there was a king who wore a crown and ruled over a country named Persia. Take two hands and place an imaginary crown on your head.

● He had a trusted servant named Nehemiah, who was the king’s cupbearer. Hold your hand out as if gripping a cup.

● Nehemiah would bring the king’s cup to him whenever he wanted a drink. Lift an imaginary cup to your mouth and tip it as you drink (making gulping sounds).

● Nehemiah was usually happy, but one day he looked very sad. Make a happy face, then change to a sad face and look down.

● He was so sad that he began to cry (weep). Pretend to cry and wipe eyes.

● The king asked Nehemiah why he was so sad. Make a sad face.

● Nehemiah prayed to God for wisdom about what to tell the king. Fold hands in prayer.

● He sadly told the king about how the wall around Jerusalem had been destroyed. Pretend to talk while looking sad and motioning arms.

● Nehemiah asked the king permission to go to Jerusalem to rebuild the walls. Hold hands as if pleading and point in the distance.

● The king liked Nehemiah very much because he was a faithful servant. The king smiled, lowered his scepter, and said, "Yes"! Smile and nod your head. Lower scepter to point in the distance.

● Nehemiah began his journey to Jerusalem. Walk in place.

● After a long journey, Nehemiah finally arrived in Jerusalem. He inspected the wall and saw the job was much too big for him to do alone. Make binoculars with both hands and place over both eyes while looking around, then shake your head with an overwhelmed expression.

● Nehemiah needed help—and fast! So the Jewish people came from all over to help him! He was so happy and thankful to meet all of the people who came to work with him. Make a happy face and pretend to shake hands.

● The workers began to work on the wall. Bend over to pick up stones, lift and carry loads, and use hammers.

● Everyone was happy that work had begun on the wall. Well, almost everyone. The Israelites’ enemies were angry. They did not want Jewish people to move back to Jerusalem, and they did not want the city to be protected by a strong wall. Make an angry face.

● The enemies mocked the workers and threatened to fight them. They wanted to hurt Nehemiah to try to make him stop working. Laugh and point, then make an angry face and shake your fist.

● That must have been scary for Nehemiah and the workers! If you were them, would you give up? Children respond.

● God gave Nehemiah and the workers courage to keep working on the wall.

● Nehemiah trusted God and refused to stop, and Nehemiah had a plan. Point to the sky, smile, then look determined and shake your head "no."

● Nehemiah told half the people to keep working while the other half would stand guard with spears and armor, looking out for their enemies. The Israelites were brave and kept working together.

● Let’s all do this together to see how the wall grew. Have children kneel on the floor.

● The wall grew taller, taller, taller, taller… Children should follow your actions as you start by kneeling with your hand near the floor, then slowly stand up as you raise your hand about a foot each time you say “taller” until your hand is as high as you can reach over your head.

● Because the workers didn’t stop, the wall was finished in about five years, right? Smile.

● No, that isn’t right. How long did it take? 52 days!

● Yes, when the wall was finished, all of the people knew that God had helped them, and they celebrated together. Cheer, clap, jump up and down, and give high fives.

Conclusion: When we work together, we can celebrate our success together! Nehemiah trusted God and boldly worked together with the Israelites to rebuild the Jerusalem wall. God can do amazing things when we trust Him and work together.