Return to Jerusalem: Rebuilding the Walls

After nearly one hundred years in Jerusalem, the city walls were still in ruins. Nehemiah was the cupbearer to King Artaxerxes and successfully petitioned the king to go to Jerusalem and help. The neighbouring countries complained and threatened Nehemiah, trying to distract him, but he kept to his purpose and finished the job. 

Bible verses used in this episode:

Nehemiah 1-8 

Outline:

1. With King Cyrus’ support, Nehemiah travels to Jerusalem to rebuild the city wall. (Nehemiah 1:1-2:9)
2. Despite opposition, Nehemiah oversees the rebuilding of the wall. (Nehemiah 2:10-6:14)
3. The wall is completed and Jewish families are registered. (Nehemiah 6:15-7:73)
4. Ezra reads the Law to the people which leads to celebration. (Nehemiah 8:1-)

Tips for teaching children:

• Have the children draw a wall of bricks. Follow up with conversation about words and thoughts from the story. Write these on the bricks, one word or thought per brick. For more explanation, follow this link: Drawing Out an Idea 
• Nehemiah continued to build the wall despite opposition. Encourage older children to share situations and people that might distract them from doing what God wants them to do. 
• Younger children can build walls with wooden blocks.
• Sing Building Up the Temple

Tips for teaching adults:

• The Book of Nehemiah can be read to learn about real-life leadership, community rebuilding, and spiritual renewal.  Have the class read Nehemiah 1-8 and make personal notes that relate to these three themes before the class.  And ask them to bring their notes to class.
• When the class begins, divide the class up into three groups with each group focusing on only one of the three themes.  Each group is to discuss where they see these themes in the book, collate their discussion in writing summarising their theme. Give each group about 30 minutes to discuss and write down their discussion.
• Have the three groups come together to share with the other groups what they have learned and written down.
• Following this have the class discuss the following questions: How can we incorporate more of these themes in our life in the classroom and in our personal lives?  What can we learn personally from Nehemiah to help us to become more mature as a follower of Jesus?

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson: Return to Jerusalem-Rebuilding Walls

Scriptures quoted from The Holy Bible, International Children’s Bible® Copyright© 1986, 1988, 1999, 2015 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission.

Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.

Music: Upbeat Positive Culture (Acoustic Corporate Travel Promo Christian Rock),  Individual License, Stock Media provided by HumansWin, pond5.com 

For questions or comments email: mary@missionbibleclass.org