Activity for the Jesus Storybook Bible: Ezra, Nehemiah and the Return from Exile

I can’t believe we’re halfway through our series on the Jesus Storybook Bible. A bunch of other bloggers and I have been coming up with supplementary activities for each and every Bible event included in this awesome book. Our story this week (Ezra, Nehemiah and the Return from Exile) may seem obscure, but it spelled out the gospel in a way my son could understand.

(Sorry if I sound emotional. We just did this activity a couple minutes ago, and my son is starting to really grasp just what Jesus has done for him. I’m overwhelmed by the grace extended to me and the joy it is to share it with my children. Wow.)

This post contains affiliate links for your convenience. Please read my full disclosure policy here. 

Supplies: 

Jesus Storybook Bible

A Hand-held mirror

Coconut Oil

Wash Cloth

Cotton Swabs

Something dark, skin-safe, and difficult to remove but certainly not impossible: We used Organic Mascara because I had just run over my tub with the car so it was demolished anyway. I’m not sure what else would fit the bill, maybe charcoal? Be sure to use common sense and don’t endanger your kids or their surroundings!

 

Instructions: 

Read the story “Get Ready!” on page 170.

Have your child close their eyes. Use the cotton swabs to rub the “dark stuff” on their face.

I wish I could have gotten the mascara on his face without him even having a clue. But I down played it as much as possible. I wanted him to be surprised at just how messy he really was.

Hand your child a mirror so they can see what they really look like.

I reminded Loopy that God’s Word is like a mirror. When the Exiles returned to Israel and read the law, they were appalled at how far they had gone in their disobedience. They wept because of how “unclean” they were and they KNEW they couldn’t fix themselves.

Have your child attempt to clean themselves up with nothing but their hands.

At first, Loopy thought he could easily remove the mascara from his face. But he soon saw (because of the mirror) that he was actually making things worse.

He asked for help.

And I gave him the gospel.

As I used coconut oil and a cloth to gently wipe away the soot, I told my son what God has done for all of us. He gave us the law to act like a mirror; to show us how messed up and hopeless we really are. It’s not pretty and we can’t do anything about it.

That’s the bad news. But the good news. Oh the good news…

is that Jesus came to die on our behalf so we wouldn’t have to suffer the full consequence of our sin. He doesn’t just forgive sin, he wipes it away. It’s been paid in full.

I desperately want my kids to understand that they can’t do a darn thing to save themselves. It’s all grace. An over-the-top all-sufficient grace. They don’t deserve it but it’s theirs if they ask for it.

 

When Loopy looked in the mirror and saw a nice clean face, he was full of thankfulness, not pride.

This has been my favorite activity that I’ve EVER posted. I saw so many concepts that I’ve explained a million times, really start to click in Loopy’s mind. It is my number one priority that my kids understand the gospel. I’m just marveling right now and the privilege it is to raise kids.

If you’d like a further explanation of the gospel or to ask any questions, I’d be beyond honored to talk with you. You can email me privately here or comment below. Please know I’ve already been praying for you!

Want more activities that bring the Bible to life and show your kids what God is really like??? Check out our 40+ other posts!

 

I’m crazy excited to share a giveaway with you generously sponsored by Zonderkidz.  One of our family’s all-time favorite books is the Jesus Storybook Bible. And we want to share the joy with you! One lucky winner will receive the Collector’s Edition of the Jesus Storybook Bible valued at $44.99. This package includes  a beautiful copy of the book, the audio rendition of every story (extremely well done!), and a DVD collection with animated versions of the stories. What a great gift to give a child for Easter! Be sure to follow The Jesus Storybook Bible Facebook Page for more information, and stay tuned for the rest of the Jesus Storybook Bible Hands On Activity Series.

The giveaway is open to the US only and ends at 12:00 am CST on April 1, 2015. Please enter using the Rafflecopter form below. If you have trouble seeing the entry form on a mobile device switch to the classic version or click here to enter.
a Rafflecopter giveaway