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When evil Athaliah heard that her son, King Ahaziah (6th king of Judah), had been killed, she declared herself Queen of Judah. She was so evil that she killed her own grandchildren so that they would not try to be kings or queens in her place. Baby Joash was hidden in the temple by his aunt, so he was not killed. Jehoiada, the priest, cared for Joash and taught him about God. When Joash was seven years old, Jehoiada led the people in crowning Joash as the new king in Athaliah’s place. During his reign, Joash organised the work of the temple and had it repaired to its former glory. Sadly, in his later years, Joash turned away from God.

Bible verses used in this episode:

2 Kings 11-12

Outline:

1. Baby Joash is secretly kept safe in the temple. (2 Kings 11:1-10)
2. Seven-year-old Joash is crowned King, and evil Athaliah is killed. (2 Kings 11:11-21)
3. Repairing the temple. (2 Kings 12:1-16)
4. Joash’s last days. (2 Kings 12:17-21)

Tips for teaching children:

• For younger children, hide a doll and have everyone find it.
• Clean a room in the church building or your house. Repair something if it is appropriate.
• Use the “God’s Story” page to reflect on this story.

Tips for teaching adults:

• The story today covers two chapters. Read chapter 11 and then summarise chapter 12.  Read chapter 11 in a dramatic way, adding depth to the story. Assign class members to read each character’s speech in the story.  Don’t forget to choose someone to read the narrator’s part..
• This story has brave characters.  Who were they? How did they show their bravery?  What was at stake?  How did their bravery fulfil God’s purposes for his people?
• Jehoiada was a positive and powerful influence for good on Joash’s life.  Who has been a positive influence in your life?  How have they been a positive influence on you?  How has this impacted your life?
• There are people in your congregation who are a positive influence in the congregation.  Identify those people, write a note of encouragement and gratitude and give the note to them. Pray for them by name.

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson:  Joash – the Boy Who Became King

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

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