The Gospel Project at Home: Judah's Good Kings

Read Scripture

​Read all or parts of 1 Kings 15; 2 Kings 18–19; 2 Chronicles 14–15; 22–24; 29–35 from your Bible or watch the Bible story video.

Preschool Bible Story Video

Elementary Bible Story Video

Talk About Scripture

The mimic octopus is a very interesting creature. It has the amazing ability to change color and shape to look like other sea creatures. When the octopus feels threatened, it often mimics the appearance of a toxic animal like the lionfish or sea snake to scare away predators. When the danger has passed, the mimic octopus returns to her normal colors and goes on about her day. 

Judah was blessed to have some good kings who chose to follow God and pointed the people back to God. Unfortunately, after these kings passed away, many of the people in Judah once again turned away from God and continued in their sinful ways. This cycle continued for many years.  

Much like the mimic octopus, a person’s ability to change their sinful hearts is only temporary. We might try to do better and make wiser choices, but the sin in our hearts is too pronounced to hide. 

The only real, lasting change for our hearts must come from Jesus. His death and resurrection have broken the power of sin. Everyone who believes in Jesus is forgiven and has been forever changed by His grace! 

Judah's good kings led the people to God and away from sin. Yet when they died, the people returned to their sinful ways. Jesus is our good King who died and rose again, and always leads us to God and away from sin.                      

Pray: God, help us to not trust in our own ability to change our hearts, but to trust in what Jesus has done to change our hearts. Help us know the eternal forgiveness and joy that comes from knowing Jesus as Lord. Amen.

---

Learn Scripture

Preschool Scripture Music Video

Elementary Scripture Music Video

Family Prayer

Mornings: Ask God to help you trust in Him in all situations today. Ask for His help in remaining faithful to Him as you interact with others. What did the good kings of Judah do to keep their attention on God? Why is important to trust in what God’s Word says is true rather than trust in what others might say? 

Evenings: Thank God for His faithfulness to us even when we are not faithful to Him. Praise Him for the patience He showed the people of Judah when they turned away from Him and for the patience He has shown to you. How was God patient with the people of Judah? Why does God show patience to those who turn away from Him?  

---

Family Activities

For Fun: Play hide-and-seek as a family. After the game, talk with kids about how our sin cannot be hidden from God. The good kings helped the people follow God, but it was only temporary. In a greater way, Jesus has come to reconcile us to God. When we place our trust in Him, He forgives our sin, changes our hearts, and gives us eternal life.     

To Serve: Work as a family to plant evergreen shrubs in flower beds or your yard. You may also want to add seasonal plants or flowers to beautify the property. Afterward, talk as a family about the differences between plants and how evergreen shrubs will remain green throughout the year. Talk about the way our good works might make us feel better, but that is only a temporary change. Jesus is the only one who can eternally change our hearts.  

This is a resource provided by LifeWay. For more great resources, click here.