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Rebuilding the Temple (Ezra 4-6; Haggai 1-2)
Like many projects, rebuilding the temple began with enthusiasm and purpose, but eventually the work stopped. Upon their return from exile, God’s people were excited about rebuilding the temple and having a place to worship their God. Eventually their passion for rebuilding diminished due to the opposition they faced from their enemies. Instead, the people turned their efforts to work on their own dwellings.
God used the prophet Haggai to remind His people of the importance of rebuilding the temple. Specifically, the prophet asked the people why their houses were completed and adorned beautifully when the house of the Lord lay in ruins. Because of the encouragement of the prophet, the people returned to rebuilding the temple. This time, they would persevere through all of the challenges to complete the rebuild.
So why was the rebuilding of the temple so important for the people of God who had returned from exile? For them, the temple was the place where the presence of God dwelt among them. Following the Exodus, God’s manifest presence was experienced by His people in a number of ways. He dwelt with His people in the cloud and fire that guided and protected the Israelites on their journey. He dwelt with His people in a movable tabernacle where they were able to worship. And eventually, God dwelt with His people in Solomon’s temple in Jerusalem. When the temple was destroyed, it was symbolic of God removing His presence from His people. When God's people returned, the rebuilding of the temple demonstrated God was with His people, inviting them to return to Him in prayer and worship (2 Chronicles 6:36-39).
Today, we are reminded that our God does not dwell in a house made by the hands of people. When Jesus died on the cross, a symbolic act occurred in the temple. At the moment of Jesus’ death, the curtain in the temple separating the people from God’s presence split from top to bottom.
The splitting of the curtain demonstrated our new reality that Jesus’ death and victory over sin and the grave gives us direct access to the Father. This is good news!
Let’s pray together, God, we praise You because You have kept Your promise to send Jesus to save us from sin. Give us the confidence to share the joy of salvation with those who don’t know Jesus. Amen.
Family Discussion Questions
- The plans to rebuild the temple came to a sudden stop when God’s enemies wrote a letter to the king. Can you remember what King Artaxerxes did when he received the letter?
- [Parent prompt] King Artaxerxes ordered God’s people to stop building the temple. For sixteen years no one worked on the temple. But even when it looked like the temple would not be completed, God’s plans cannot be stopped. God was working in His perfect timing.
- Who was the prophet God sent to His people, and what did he say?
- [Parent prompt] God instructed Haggai to remind the people to obey Him and keep rebuilding the temple! God had protected His people from other kings and rulers, and He protected His people from those who tried to stop them from finishing the temple.
- Why were God’s people able to continue rebuilding the temple?
- [Parent prompt] King Darius discovered that King Cyrus had given an order to rebuild the temple many years before. God had provided the way for the temple to be finished years before! Our God is able to use people, both mighty and small, to accomplish His plans.
- How did God plan to fix what sin broke?
- [Parent prompt] Before He created the world, God planned to send the messiah, Jesus. Everyone who trusts in Jesus as their savior receives the Holy Spirit, He is our Helper, our Comforter, and gives us the strength and desire to obey God’s commands.
Key Passage
Isaiah 25:9 - On that day it will be said, “Look, this is our God; we have waited for him, and he has saved us. This is the LORD; we have waited for him. Let’s rejoice and be glad in his salvation.”
Christ Connection
- Babies & Toddlers: God’s people built a house to be with God. We can be with God forever when we trust in Jesus.
- Younger Preschool: Long ago, people built a temple to meet with God. We do not need to go to a temple anymore to be close to God because God sent Jesus to be with us always.
- Older Preschool: God’s people rebuilt the temple so they would have a place to worship God. Years later, God sent His Son, Jesus, to be with His people on earth. When we trust in Jesus, He is with us wherever we go.
- Kids: God’s people rebuilt the temple so they would have a place to worship God. Years later, God sent His Son, Jesus, to be with His people. Jesus provides something better than the temple; He gives us Himself.
Check out The Gospel Project At Home , Content by Lifeway Christian Resources, link here.
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