Ezra 3:8-13; 4:1-5; 4:24 5:1-2; 6:16-19

Read Ezra 3:8-13; 4:1-5; 4:24 5:1-2; 6:16-19 

Helpful Background Information: 

• Zerubbabel was one of the leaders who guided the Jewish people back to Jerusalem after their exile in Babylon. The city and temple had been destroyed decades earlier, so returning home meant starting over. Zerubbabel helped lead the effort to rebuild the temple. At first, the people made good progress and laid the foundation, but the new temple looked small compared to Solomon’s temple. Some people celebrated, while others wept because they remembered just how much had been lost.

• The rebuilding effort soon faced opposition, discouragement, and delay. For years, the work stopped. Then God sent the prophets Haggai and Zechariah to challenge the people, Zerubbabel in particular, to begin the work again. Eventually, the temple was completed and dedicated to God. Zerubbabel’s life reminds us that God often accomplishes important work through steady obedience, small beginnings, and perseverance.
  

Reflection Questions: 

• Why do you think rebuilding the temple was so important for the Jewish people?

• Have you ever compared what God is doing now with something better from the past or even from someone else’s life? How can comparison keep you from being grateful? 

• God used Haggai and Zechariah to encourage Zerubbabel to begin again. 

  • Who has God used to challenge or encourage you when you wanted to give up? 

  • Who might God want you to encourage?