The Gospel Project at Home: God Brought His People Home

Read Scripture

Read all or parts of Ezra 1–3 from your Bible or watch the Bible story video.

Preschool Bible Story Video

Elementary Bible Story Video

Talk About Scripture

Have you ever been to a family reunion? It’s like a big party where cousins, aunts, uncles, grandparents—even people you’ve never met—come together to laugh, play games, share stories, and eat food. But did you know these get-togethers don’t just happen? Someone has to plan it all! They pick the place, choose the food, order the matching T-shirts, and make sure everyone knows when and where to show up. That person is the family-reunion planner—the person who brings the whole family back together for fun and memories that last a lifetime.  

God used a king named Cyrus to bring His people out of captivity so they could be reunited in their homeland. King Cyrus decided to let God’s people return to Jerusalem to build God a temple there. Cyrus sent gold, silver, animals, and much more to help the people. Just as God had promised, the people were free to return to their homes after 70 years in exile.  

The Bible tells us that all people are slaves to sin and have no power to free ourselves from its consequences. God loves us and sent Jesus as our Deliverer. Jesus is the One who came to free us from the chains of sin. If we trust in Jesus, we have freedom and a new home with Him forever and ever.  

Just as God promised, He brought His people back from exile to Jerusalem. One day, God will bring all His people together—all who trust in Jesus to save them from sin. There will be no crying that day. The people will worship Him in the new heaven and new earth.                           

Pray: Jesus, thank You for loving us with such an amazing love. When it was our sin that led us into slavery, You sent Your Son, Jesus, to free us! We know that it is Jesus' death that has paid the price for our freedom, and it is His resurrection that promises a new life and eternal home with You for all who believe. Amen.

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Learn Scripture

Preschool Scripture Music Video

Elementary Scripture Music Video

Family Prayer

Mornings: Thank God for the freedom He has provided for all who believe in Jesus. What price did Jesus pay for our freedom?     

Evenings: Praise God for the way He uses ordinary people to accomplish His plans. How did God use King Cyrus to fulfill the promise to His people? Who has God used in your life to help you know Him and learn more about Him?  

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Family Activities

For Fun: Hide a stuffed animal or favorite toy of each child. Give them a list of funny activities they must do to free the item. Think of silly tasks like hopping on one foot while singing “Happy Birthday,” whistling while eating three saltine crackers, or walking across the kitchen while balancing an egg on a spoon. After the tasks are complete, give them the stuffed animal or toy. While this was silly and fun, talk with kids about the seriousness of what Jesus did to purchase our freedom from sin.    

To Serve: Take some time as a family to create “coupon books” of kind acts or favors you can do for one another. Exchange the coupon books at the beginning of the week and try to complete as many of the acts and favors as possible by the end of the week. Discuss how the act or favor costs something for the giver, but it is free for the recipient. Remind kids that Jesus paid the penalty for sin so that we could experience freedom.     

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