The Walls Rebuilt
(Nehemiah 1-6)
July 19th, 2026
Sunday Recap
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Sunday Recap •
Hey Fams!
In the first chapter of Nehemiah, we learn that Nehemiah’s heart was broken when he heard that the walls around the city of Jerusalem were in disrepair. While Nehemiah was in a place of prestige and importance, he was willing to sacrifice that position, travel back to Jerusalem, and dedicate himself to rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. Nehemiah understood that without walls around the city, Jerusalem was in danger of being destroyed or ransacked again by other groups of people living around them.
Once Nehemiah began the work of getting the people together to rebuild the walls, opposition quickly came in the form of a neighboring group of people. The opposition leaders decided that they needed to stop the work by killing Nehemiah if necessary. When confronted with the opposition, Nehemiah refused to give up his place working on the wall. He said to his enemies, “I am doing a great work and cannot come down” (Nehemiah 6:3). The Bible tells us Nehemiah had to refuse their request five times. Despite this opposition and much more in the days ahead, God strengthened His people, and they completed the walls in only 52 days.
Nehemiah reminds us of the importance of staying focused on the task to which God has called us. It is so easy to get distracted in the world in which we live, and yet God has called us to be focused on doing His will. Point kids to see how they can ask God to help them remain focused on His will and His plan for their lives. Invite kids to ponder God's mercy and power, knowing He will help them to accomplish whatever He calls them to.
***Next Week: Ezra Taught God’s Law (Ezra 7-10; Nehemiah 8)
Family Discipleship Plan
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Family Discipleship Plan •
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Read Nehemiah 1-6 from the Bible.
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In October 2019, more than 1,600 students at Delaware State University set the Guinness World Record for the number of people making buzzing sounds at the same time. Such a record didn’t exist before that day, but Antonio Boyle, vice president for the university, came up with the idea and organized the students to set the record. The school’s mascot is the Hornets, so you could say the students were just “buzzing” with school spirit!
Even if they were only buzzing, you can imagine the thought and work it takes to get such a large group of people to work together. It takes a plan and a leader. When the time came for God’s people to rebuild the walls around Jerusalem, God gave Nehemiah a plan and called him to be the leader for the project.
The work was hard, and it was made harder by those who tried to stop Nehemiah and the people’s work. Through it all, God was with them. The people worked together to rebuild the walls around Jerusalem. The gates and walls were finished in only 52 days!
The amazing feat was another reminder of how powerful God is and how much He loves His children. God’s greatest demonstration of power and love is seen in Jesus. God loved the world so much that He sent Jesus to save sinners. Three days after Jesus died on the cross, He rose again and secured eternal life for all who trust in Him. This was God’s plan to rescue people from sin and to be with His people forever.
God’s enemies tried to stop His people, but they still rebuilt the wall. God’s enemies tried to stop Jesus by killing Him, but God planned for Jesus’ death and resurrection to be the only way for people to be saved.
Pray: God, we praise You because You are powerful and loving. Thank You for showing us Your power and love by sending Jesus to save people from sin. Help us to trust in Jesus and receive the salvation that comes from believing in Him. Amen.
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Preschool:
“These are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah.”John 20:31
1st-5th:
“But these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God. If you believe this, you will have life because you belong to him.” John 20:31 NiRV
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Mornings
Thank God for His power. Think of some of the stories and examples of God’s power found in Scripture. How do these examples show us God’s power? How does seeing God’s power help you trust in Him?
Evenings
Thank God for His love. Think of stories in Scripture that teach God’s love. Think of the ways you have felt God’s love. How does God demonstrate His love? Why is Jesus the greatest example of God’s love?
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For Fun
Use uncooked spaghetti noodles and marshmallows to see which family member can build the tallest and longest wall. If someone has trouble or gets frustrated, have other family members step in to help. By the end, have all family members work together for a greater result. As you build, talk about how the Israelites worked together to rebuild the walls. Because God was with them and they worked together, the walls were finished in 52 days!
To Serve
Volunteer to organize items for a local food pantry. Work together as a family and alongside other volunteers. Remind kids of how God’s people worked together and how their work protected the entire city from enemies. After organizing, pray for the food pantry and those who will receive food from it. Ask God to be with them and show them His love.