The Prophet Zechariah
(Zechariah)
July 5th, 2026
Sunday Recap
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Sunday Recap •
Hey Fams!
Zechariah was a prophet during the same time as Ezra and Nehemiah. Zechariah’s words were an encouragement to the people of God as they rebuilt the temple.
Zechariah reminded people that they were building a temple to not only be a place of worship, but a temple that would serve as a reminder of God’s everlasting promises. Zechariah prophesied about the coming of the Messiah. He reminded people that God’s kingdom will last forever and that the coming Messiah will reign eternally.
More specifically, Zechariah prophesied that the Messiah would come to them humbly, riding on a donkey. Jesus fulfilled this prophecy on Palm Sunday when He entered Jerusalem to crowds carrying palm branches, declaring Him to be the one who comes in the name of the Lord. As Jesus entered the town that day, He came riding on a donkey. Jesus knew the prophecy from Zechariah would declare boldly and publicly that He is the Messiah.
Another prophecy in Zechariah 6:12-13 declares: “You are to tell him: This is what the Lord of Armies says: Here is a man whose name is Branch; he will branch out from his place and build the Lord’s temple. Yes, he will build the Lord’s temple; he will bear royal splendor and will sit on his throne and rule. There will also be a priest on his throne, and there will be peaceful counsel between the two of them.” In this prophecy, Zechariah reminded the people that the temple they were building was a foreshadowing of one who would come and bring the presence of God to us. Through Jesus' life, death, and resurrection, He made the way to bring people into God's presence forever. Jesus is now seated at the Father's right hand, exalted to reign forever.
The book of Zechariah reminds us that Jesus is fulfillment of God’s plan to send a Messiah who would save people from sin. Remind kids that Jesus invites them to trust in Him to be saved, and that one day, He will return to establish His kingdom forever.
***Next Week: Esther Saved Her People (Esther)
Family Discipleship Plan
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Family Discipleship Plan •
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Read the book of Zechariah from the Bible.
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On May 8, 1945, radio broadcasts and newspaper headlines announced that World War I had ended in Europe. Celebrations erupted all over the world as people heard this good news. After six years of fighting, the people of Europe could celebrate this good news of peace!
In this week’s Bible story, God’s people were finally able to celebrate as they returned home after 70 years of exile. They began rebuilding the temple, but some of the neighbors in the land didn’t want them to finish the temple. God’s people continued to face struggles. So, God sent a prophet named Zechariah to give the people hope. Zechariah told the people that a day was coming when God would give His people a new King and a new kingdom.
God sent Zechariah to deliver good news to His people. They could have hope for the future because they heard that God would be with them. God sent Jesus to be good news for all people! Everyone who believes and trusts in Him can now have peace and a hope for the future because Jesus is the eternal King!
Zechariah prophesied about the Messiah, saying He would be a humble King who would build a new and better kingdom. Jesus is the Messiah King. Those who trust in Him are forgiven of their sin and welcomed into His kingdom.
Pray: Thank You, God, for sending good news to us! While we were still sinners, Jesus died in our place to save us from sin. Help us know Him and trust in Him as Lord. We know that all who believe in Jesus can have hope and forgiveness of sins. Amen.
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Preschool:
“This is our God. We waited, and He saved us.”Isaiah 25:9
1st-5th:
“At that time they will say, “He is our God. We trusted in him, and he saved us. He is the Lord. We trusted in him. Let us be filled with joy because he saved us.”
Isaiah 25:9 (NIRV) -
Mornings
Pray for the community helpers and leaders who serve in your city. Pray specifically for the mayor, city council members, police, firefighters, and those who serve in less public ways. Ask God to protect them and give them wisdom as they lead the city.
Evenings
Thank God for the good news of Jesus and how it brings us hope for the future. How does Jesus’ resurrection give us hope for our future?
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For Fun
Use different-colored paper or scrapbooking supplies to make encouragement cards for friends and neighbors. Write messages or Bible verses to give hope to each recipient. Distribute the cards to share good news and give hope to those around you. Talk with kids about how Zechariah’s message gave hope to God’s people and how Jesus brings hope to all who believe in Him!
To Serve
Work as a family to clean up an area of your city. Collect litter, rake leaves, or plant flowers to beautify the area. Afterward, talk about how God’s people worked to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem. Remind kids of the promise God made to build a new city that brings all nations together and heals all of creation. Those who trust in Jesus can look forward to that day with hope!