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Unlike his evil grandfather and father, King Josiah tried to lead the people of Judah back to God. He cleared Judah of all forms of idol worship. When he ordered the temple of the Lord cleaned and repaired, the high priest found the Book of the Law that had been lost and forgotten. Convicted by the words in the book, Josiah gathered all the people and read the Book of the Law to them. For the first time in hundreds of years, God’s people celebrated the Passover according to God’s law. Although the Word of God had been in the temple all along, it had not been read.

Bible verses used in this episode:

2 Kings 22-23:30

Outline:

1. The Book of the law is found when King Josiah orders the Temple repaired. (2 Kings 22:1-23:3)
2. Hezekiah orders the systematic removal of false worship in Judah and celebrates the Passover with the people. (2 Kings 23:4-25)
3. King Josiah dies. (2 Kings 23:26-30)

Tips for teaching children:

• King Josiah is the last good king of Judah. Children can decorate crowns.
• Create a “holy space” in the area where you are teaching. This is not to be a re-creation of the temple but an area the children know is “special”. This might be sitting on a beautiful blanket or cloth. It may be a table with a shiny tablecloth. In this space talk about God and how holy he is. 
  • First, enjoy and appreciate God’s presence. Read some scriptures. Talk about the amazing things he has done. Pray.
  • Next, introduce “idols” into the space. This could be as simple as writing the word “IDOL” on papers and then placing them in the holy space. Allow a few moments for the children to be offended by these being in an area devoted to God.
  • Finally, talk about Josiah being so angry because people had placed unholy things in God’s space. He set out to remove all of these throughout his kingdom. Allow children to crumple up and “destroy” the idols you introduced.

Tips for teaching adults:

• Begin class by asking for personal stories of finding something significant or interesting when doing repairs on something. 
• Prepare yourself to summarise the story: read the story through several times and use the outline in the show notes to guide you through the summary.
• Ask following discussion questions: What was successful about Josiah’s reform?  What was unsuccessful? Why?
• Organise a time and place for the class members to come together to share a meal together.  During the meal, ask each other to recommit themselves to one another – to love and honour one another and to commit themselves to continue to follow God.

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson:  King Josiah

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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