Day 1 –  THE STORY

God’s people were in captivity for 70 years. The temple that God asked His people to build was destroyed by the world. The time had come for God’s people to rebuild it. Zerubbabel is who God asked to travel back to the place where the Jews had first built their temple and rebuild it so that they could worship God again. God was very specific in how He wanted His temple to be built. It had to be done an exact way so the temple could be what it was meant to be… a house of God. The people who lived in the land wanted to help Zerubbabel rebuild the temple. It seemed like they were being nice, but they were actually trying to build the temple their way. This meant they wanted to add their own gods. Zerubbabel said no because he knew he needed to build the temple the way God had instructed. Investigate what happens when he does.

Read Ezra 4:1-4

What did the people try to do to Zerubbabel and the others building the temple?

Have you ever been “picked on” or bullied because you did something that was right?

How did you respond?

Day 2 – THE WITNESSES

It’s easy to give up when someone tries to pull you down, but this didn’t stop Zerubbabel and the Jews.

Read Ezra 6:14-15

What did they do despite everyone trying to pull them down?

What can you learn from Zerubbabel about doing what is right?

What can you learn from Zerubbabel and the Jews about people trying to discourage you?

Did you know the temple that Zerubbabel rebuilt is not there anymore? It was destroyed many years later after Jesus had died. The good news is that you don’t need to go to the temple to worship God. Why? He has a new place that He lives… inside of you. Did you know that you were a temple of God? Read 1 Corinthians 6:19 to find out!

Day 3 – THE SOURCE

How can you, like Zerubbabel, keep doing what is right no matter how others may respond? The good news is that if you choose to do what is right and are discouraged by others, you are not alone. Jesus was bullied because He chose to do what God asked of Him. People hated Jesus so much that they crucified Him on the cross. They even bullied Him while He was on the cross.

Read 2 Thessalonians 3:3

What was Jesus’ attitude towards the people who were mocking Him?

Did Jesus respond in a hateful way or did He just keep doing what He was doing?

How does Jesus’ example encourage you to stand strong?

Day 4 – THE MOTIVE

Zerubbabel’s motive was to stand strong. Jesus is that ultimate example.

Read 1 Corinthians 16:13

Memorize this verse today. What are some ways you can do what is right no matter what others think or say?

Day 5 – CAUGHT IN THE ACT

Standing strong is a courageous thing to do these days. It is hard, but it’s worth it. Grab some friends who love Jesus as much as you do and decide together two ways you want to stand strong for the Lord. Help each other keep your goals. Come up with the way you want to stand strong on your own. Here are a few ideas to help you: Choose not to gossip, choose not to lie or cheat, and choose not to listen to music that is junk.