Teach children how young King Josiah chose to follow God, led a national revival, and restored the temple. A powerful lesson on obedience and devotion, with printable activities in English and Spanish.
Learning Objectives
- Children will learn that they can serve and honor God no matter their age.
- Children will understand the importance of God’s Word and obedience.
- Children will see how one person’s faithfulness can impact many.
Introductory Activity
Ask your class: “Do you think a kid can be a leader?” Let children share ideas. Then say: “Today we’ll learn about a boy who became king at only eight years old, and how he helped a whole nation turn back to God!”
Memory Verse
2 Kings 23:25 (NIV)
“Neither before nor after Josiah was there a king like him who turned to the Lord as he did—with all his heart and with all his soul and with all his strength.”
Let the children create “Josiah’s Heart” bookmarks with this verse as a reminder of full devotion to God.
Bible Story Summary
Josiah became king of Judah when he was just eight years old (2 Kings 22:1). Unlike many of the kings before him, Josiah wanted to do what was right in the eyes of the Lord. Even though he was very young, he sought to honor God.
When Josiah was in his teenage years, he began to make big changes in the nation. He ordered that the idols and pagan altars be destroyed. He tore down the false temples and cleaned up God’s house, the Temple in Jerusalem.
During the temple repairs, the high priest Hilkiah found a lost copy of the Book of the Law, God’s instructions to Israel. When Josiah heard God’s Word read aloud for the first time, he was shocked and heartbroken. He realized that the people had not been living as God had commanded. He tore his robes in grief and humbled himself before God (2 Kings 22:11).
Josiah immediately took action. He gathered the people and had the entire law read to them. Then he led a national covenant renewal, promising that they would follow the Lord. He reinstituted the Passover celebration, which had been neglected for many years (2 Kings 23).
Josiah removed all signs of idol worship, smashed altars to false gods, and even traveled through the land to cleanse the nation spiritually. He loved God with all his heart, soul, and strength, and God honored him.
Although Josiah died in battle later on, the Bible says there was no king like him in terms of wholehearted devotion to the Lord.
Lessons from the Story
- You’re never too young to follow God: Josiah was just a boy, but he chose God’s way.
- The Bible transforms lives: When Josiah heard God’s Word, he acted.
- Courage to do what’s right: Josiah stood up for truth even when it was hard.
- Leadership means obedience: Josiah’s devotion led an entire nation to repentance.
Creative Teaching Ideas
- Fun and engaging worksheets: Use worksheets that promote learning and independent work.
- Crown Craft: Create paper crowns with the words “I will follow God’s word.”
- Bible Scroll Discovery: Hide a “scroll” in the room and let students “discover” it like Hilkiah did.
- Act It Out: Have kids perform scenes of Josiah tearing down idols and restoring the temple.
- “Heart Check” Activity: Discuss things that can become idols today and write down ways to stay devoted to God.
Closing Encouragement
King Josiah reminds us that God uses people of all ages to do great things. Even when others forget God, we can choose to seek Him, love His Word, and lead by example. Ask God to help you be brave, obedient, and faithful, just like Josiah.
Looking for more?
Dive deeper into the inspiring life of King Josiah with this Bible Lesson Activity Pack! It’s filled with fun worksheets, coloring pages, crafts, and Bible-based activities to reinforce the lesson—available in English and Spanish.
