In His providence, God raised up Ezra to be a leader who realized the people of God needed to do more than just rebuild the buildings and walls in Jerusalem. If all the buildings and infrastructure of Jerusalem were completely rebuilt, but the people did not know God and His good commands, then all their rebuilding would be in vain.
Ezra was a faithful scribe and priest who returned to Jerusalem with a clear mission: to teach the law of God to the people. Ezra 7:10 tells us that Ezra had determined to know the law, obey the law, and teach the law to the people of God in Jerusalem. Ezra’s commitment and desire to teach the law was not merely to speak its truth; he intended to live the truth of it as well.
From dawn until noon, Ezra read from the law of Moses, instructing God’s people in His commands and reminding them of God’s faithfulness. The response of the people to the reading of the law was overwhelming. They wept when they heard God’s Word because they were confronted with the reality of their sin. Ultimately, the people repented of their sins and made a commitment to follow God’s law.
Ezra’s commitment to living and teaching the law reminds us of the importance of devoting ourselves to knowing, understanding, and living out God’s Word. This opens our lives to God’s transformative work through His truth and the power of the Holy Spirit who conforms us into the image of Jesus. Through our study of God’s Word, we also realize our absolute need for Him. God’s Word reveals our sin and reminds us that we are incapable of saving ourselves. Because of God’s faithful love, He sent His Son to take our sin upon Himself so that we can be forgiven and receive eternal salvation.
Ezra’s ministry reminds us of the power of Scripture to transform lives. God’s Word reveals our sin, leads us to repentance, and shows us the way to restoration. Point kids to see how followers of Jesus are called to know, understand, obey, and share God’s words as they point others to the gospel.
Listen to the Weekly Leader Training for Preschool & Kids
Every week, members of The Gospel Project for Kids team offer guidance to help you as you prepare to teach every session to preschoolers and kids.
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