The Gospel Project at Home: Rebuilding the Temple

Read Scripture

​Read all or parts of Ezra 4–6 or Haggai 1–2 from your Bible or watch the Bible story video.

Preschool Bible Story Video

Elementary Bible Story Video

Talk About Scripture

Have you ever combed through a search-and-find book? A British artist made a fun series of books filled with big, busy pictures. In each one, kids get to play a game by finding a character wearing a red-and-white striped outfit hiding in the crowd. These books have been shared all around the world and have been read by millions of people. That’s a lot of eyes looking for one tiny person! 

Unlike someone who hides in a picture book, God never wanted to hide from His people. In the Old Testament, God gave His people a special place where they could find Him—first the tabernacle, and then the temple. These were the places where the priests could meet with God and where God would dwell with His people. 

After returning from exile, the high priest, Zerubbabel, and the people worked to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem. The people celebrated and made offerings to God because the temple was complete. Instead of searching for an unseen God, the temple was a reminder that God was dwelling with them. 

The Bible says that everyone who trusts in Jesus receives His Spirit. We don’t have to search like we’re looking for Waldo, and we don’t have to build a temple. The Holy Spirit is God living with and in Christians. If we believe and trust in Jesus, we can have the Holy Spirit as our reminder that God is with us always and forever! 

God’s people rebuilt the temple so they would have a place to worship God. Years later, God sent His Son, Jesus, to be with His people. Jesus provides something better than the temple; He gives us Himself.                            

Pray: God, thank You for sending Your Spirit to everyone who believes in Jesus. We are glad we don’t have to search for You or wonder where You are. Thank You that the Holy Spirit is our Helper, our Comforter, and our reminder that You are living with and in those who trust in You. Amen.

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Learn Scripture

Preschool Scripture Music Video

Elementary Scripture Music Video

Family Prayer

Mornings: Ask God to help you feel His presence today. Ask Him to remind you that He is close and not hiding from His people. What are some ways you can be reminded of God’s presence? How does Bible reading, prayer, and worship help you feel closer to God?    

Evenings: Thank God for sending His Spirit to all who trust in Jesus. How is the Holy Spirit our Helper? How does the Spirit remind us of God’s promise to never leave us?  

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Family Activities

For Fun: Purchase a search-and-find book or search for illustrations online. Track how long it takes for each family member to find the object or person. Award a prize for the family member who is the quickest to find it. Talk with kids about how God dwelt with the Israelites in the tabernacle and the temple. Remind kids that God, through His Spirit, now dwells directly with those who believe in Jesus.   

To Serve: Ask your church if there are any cleaning, maintenance, or beautification projects your family can complete for the church. Work as a family to gather supplies, organize volunteers, and complete the project. Reminds kids that the church building is not where God dwells (He lives inside of Christians, who make up the church), but it is a place where we can connect with Him and with other believers. We attend, serve, and invite others to church because it is a place where we can hear the good news of Jesus.  

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