Looking Forward for Kids: The 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.

Watch the Full Story of Looking Forward

Watch Looking Forward in our 60-second video lesson. Your child can follow along and take a quiz after to check what they learned.

Watch "Looking Forward" on Faithful Kids

Part of our The Return Home series, 10 episodes covering rebuilding, courage, God's faithfulness, prayer.

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:

1. Who was the last prophet of the Old Testament?

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

400+ Bible Stories for Kids on Faithful Kids

Faithful Kids has 400+ Bible story videos covering the entire Bible from Genesis to Revelation. Every story is 60 seconds, 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 60 seconds 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 60-second 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 60-second 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.