Looking Forward for Kids: Bible Story Explained Simply

Series: The Return Home (Episode 10 of 10) | Scripture: Ezra/Nehemiah/Esther | Ages 7+

Looking Forward is a Bible story from Ezra/Nehemiah/Esther in the Old Testament. This retelling is designed for kids ages 5 and up, using simple language they can understand and lessons they will remember.

What Is the Story of Looking Forward for Kids?

TITLE: Looking Forward SERIES: The Return Home — Episode 10 SCRIPTURE: Malachi; Isaiah 40, 9:6-7

This is it. The final episode. Not just of this series — but of the entire Old Testament story. Everything we've walked through together leads right here.

The people are back in the land. The temple is rebuilt. The walls of Jerusalem are standing. But things aren't perfect. The people start drifting again. They get sloppy with their worship. They stop giving their best to God. Sound familiar? Same pattern, over and over.

And then God sends one final prophet. His name is Malachi — and he carries the last message of the Old Testament.

This story comes from Ezra/Nehemiah/Esther and is part of the Old Testament.

What Does the Story of Looking Forward Teach Children?

The story of Looking Forward teaches children important lessons about rebuilding, courage, God's faithfulness, prayer:

• This story teaches children about rebuilding in a way they can understand
• God's love and faithfulness are visible throughout this story
• Every Bible story connects to the bigger picture of God's plan for the world

Key Bible Verse

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart." — Proverbs 3:5

Parent's Guide: Why This Story Matters

Every Bible story is an opportunity to talk with your child about faith in a natural, low-pressure way. After watching, ask an open-ended question like 'What was your favorite part?' or 'What do you think God was trying to teach us?' These conversations do not need to be long or perfect. The goal is simply to make the Bible feel like a living, relevant part of your family's life, not something dusty on a shelf.

Quiz: Test What Your Child Learned

After watching the video, see if your child can answer these questions:

Who was the last prophet of the Old Testament?

Malachi. Malachi was the final prophet to speak in the Old Testament. His name actually means "my messenger," and he delivered God's last words before centuries of silence.

What was God's opening message through Malachi?

"I have loved you". Even after all the people's failures and broken promises, God's first words through Malachi were "I have loved you." He started with love, not punishment.

What did Malachi prophesy God would send before the Lord's coming?

A messenger to prepare the way. Malachi prophesied, "I will send my messenger to prepare the way before Me." This was fulfilled by John the Baptist, who prepared the way for Jesus.

How long was the period of silence between the Old and New Testaments?

400 years. After Malachi's prophecy, there were 400 years with no prophets, no miracles, and no new messages from God — until the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem.

According to Isaiah's prophecy, what would the coming child be called?

Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 prophesied that the child would be called "Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace" — names that describe who Jesus truly is.

Discussion Questions for Families

Use these questions at the dinner table or during bedtime:

1. What was your favorite part of the story of Looking Forward?
2. What do you think God was teaching us through this story?
3. How can we be more like Looking in our own lives?
4. If you were in this story, what would you have done differently?
5. What does this story teach us about trusting God?

More Episodes in the The Return Home Series

This story is episode 10 of 10 in the The Return Home series:

• Cyrus Sets Them Free for Kids
• Rebuilding the Temple for Kids
• Ezra Reads the Law for Kids
• Nehemiahs Prayer for Kids
• Rebuilding the Walls for Kids
• The Wall is Finished for Kids
• Esther Becomes Queen for Kids
• Hamans Evil Plot for Kids
• Esther Saves Her People for Kids

300+ Bible Stories for Kids on Faithful Kids

Faithful Kids has 300+ Bible story videos covering the entire Bible from Genesis to Revelation. Every story is a short video lesson, designed for kids Ages 7+, with a quiz after each lesson. No ads, ever.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the story of Looking Forward about for kids?

Looking Forward is a story from Ezra/Nehemiah/Esther. TITLE: Looking Forward SERIES: The Return Home — Episode 10 SCRIPTURE: Malachi; Isaiah 40, 9:6-7

What age is the story of Looking Forward appropriate for?

This retelling of Looking Forward is designed for children Ages 7+. The language is simple and age-appropriate, and the video is just a few minutes long, perfect for young attention spans.

Where is Looking Forward found in the Bible?

Looking Forward is found in Ezra/Nehemiah/Esther in the Old Testament. It is part of the The Return Home series on Faithful Kids.

Is there a video of Looking Forward for kids?

Yes. Faithful Kids has a short video retelling of Looking Forward designed for children, with narration, visuals, and a comprehension quiz. Watch it here.

How can I use Looking Forward for Sunday School or homeschool?

Play the short Faithful Kids video as an introduction, then use the discussion questions above for group conversation. The built-in quiz checks comprehension. Many Sunday school teachers and homeschool parents use Faithful Kids as weekly curriculum.

What does Looking Forward teach kids?

The story of Looking Forward teaches children about rebuilding, courage, God's faithfulness, prayer. This story teaches children about rebuilding in a way they can understand.