Zechariah Gave a Message of Hope

READ TOGETHER

Watch the Bible story video or read all or parts of Zechariah 13–14 from the Bible.

FAMILY DEVOTION

On May 8, 1945, radio broadcasts and newspaper headlines announced that World War I had ended in Europe. Celebrations erupted all over the world as people heard the war had ended. After years of fighting, the people of Europe could celebrate this good news of peace!

God’s people had been in exile 70 years when they finally received the news that they could return home. How do you think they felt? Back in Jerusalem, the people began rebuilding the temple, but some of the neighbors in the land didn’t want them to finish the temple. God’s people continued to face struggles, so God sent a prophet named Zechariah to give the people hope. Zechariah told the people that a day was coming when God would give His people a new King and a new kingdom.

God sent Zechariah to deliver good news for His people. They could have hope for the future because they heard that God would be with them. God sent Jesus to be good news for all people! Everyone who believes in Him can now have peace and a hope for the future because He is the eternal King!

Zechariah spoke a message of hope to God’s people. God would one day set up a new and better kingdom with a new and better King. God kept His promise by sending Jesus. Because of Jesus, we can have hope and forgiveness of sins by trusting in Him.

TALK ABOUT IT

• Thank God for the good news of Jesus and how it brings us hope for the future. Reflect on this question: How does Jesus’ resurrection give us hope for our future?
• What makes the new and better kingdom Jesus brings better? (Read Isaiah 65:17-19 and Revelation 21:1-4, 22:1-5 together.)

PRAY TOGETHER

Thank You, God, for sending good news to us! While we were still sinners, Jesus died in our place to save us from sin. Help us to know Him and trust in Him as Lord. All who believe in Him can have hope and forgiveness of sins. Amen.