Josiah

2 Chronicles 34

A long time ago, there was a boy named Josiah. He became king when he was only eight years old! Even though Josiah was still young, he loved God and wanted to do what was right.

As Josiah grew older, he prayed to God and learned more and more about what pleased God. He looked around and saw that some people were doing wrong things. They were worshiping statues instead of worshiping the one true God. That made Josiah very sad.

So, Josiah told his helpers, “Let’s clean up our land. Let’s take down all the things that don’t make God happy.” And they did! They broke down the statues and took away the things that were not good. Josiah wanted everyone to love God and follow Him.

Then one day, while people were fixing God’s temple, they found a very special book. It was God’s Word! They brought the book to Josiah and read it out loud.

Josiah listened carefully. His eyes got big. He knew that some of the people had not been obeying what the book said. He wanted to help! So he called all the people together and said, “Let’s listen to God’s Word and do what it says!”

All the people said, “Yes! We will obey God, too!”

Josiah was a good king who helped people love God. And he started doing that when he was still a kid—just like you!

Even kids can love and follow God! Like King Josiah, you can choose to do what is right and help others love God too.


Dear God,

Thank You for loving us and giving us Your Word. Thank You for the story of King Josiah, who followed You even when he was young. Help us listen to You, obey Your Word, and do what is right. We want to love You with all our hearts. We love You, God.

In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.





Bible Verse: Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. — Psalm 119:105, BSB

Paraphrase: God’s Word shows me the way.



Activities

These activities help preschoolers engage with the story through movement, crafts, music, and storytelling, making the lesson fun and memorable.


1. Tear-and-Glue Scroll Craft

Objective: To help children understand that the Bible is God’s special Word.

Materials: Brown paper bags or construction paper, glue sticks, markers or crayons.

Activity: Pre-cut strips of brown paper to look like scrolls. Let children “age” their scrolls by crumpling and flattening them. Help them glue the scrolls onto another sheet and draw simple symbols like hearts, Bibles, or crowns to decorate. Say, “King Josiah found God’s Word on a scroll! God’s Word tells us how to love Him.”

Talk About It: Say, “What are some things the Bible tells us? Can we listen and obey like Josiah?”


2. Clean-Up Time Game

Objective: To connect Josiah’s actions with doing what is right.

Materials: Toys or blocks scattered on the floor.

Activity: Tell the children, “Just like Josiah cleaned up the temple, let’s clean up this room!” Set a timer or play music as children work together to pick up and organize items. Applaud their teamwork.

Talk About It: “Josiah cleaned the temple because he loved God. When we help clean up, we are showing love too!”


3. Follow the Leader: Bible Way

Objective: To demonstrate listening and following God’s Word.

Materials: None.

Activity: Play a short game of “Follow the Leader,” where the leader does simple motions (clap, jump, turn, etc.). Say, “Let’s pretend the leader is like God’s Word, showing us the right way!”

Talk About It: Say, “Josiah followed what God said. When we listen and follow, we’re obeying God too!”


4. Sing-and-Move: “I Will Obey” (Tune: Jesus Loves Me)

Objective: To teach the joy of obeying God through song and movement.

Materials: None.

Activity: Sing the following song with simple motions (pointing to ears, nodding, heart hands, etc.):

        I will listen, I will pray,
        I will follow every day.
        Like Josiah, I will say,
        “Yes, dear God, I will obey!”

        Yes, I will obey!
        Yes, I will obey!
        Yes, I will obey—
        Because I love You, God!”

Talk About It: Say, “When we sing and follow the motions, we’re remembering to obey God with joy—just like King Josiah!”

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Story illustrations are the copyright of James M. Thomas. All rights reserved.
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