This lesson teaches children that trusting God is like a tree planted by a river, strong and full of fruit even when it is hot or dry. It suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Big Idea
When we trust God instead of ourselves, we stay strong and healthy, like a tree that always has water near its roots.
Memory Verse
Jeremiah 17:7
“Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, and whose confidence is in the LORD.
(WEB)
Cup your hands together like a tree trunk growing from the ground, then spread your fingers wide like branches. Say the verse slowly as you lift your arms, and swing your branches gently from side to side like leaves in the wind.
The Story: Jeremiah 17 for Kids
Long ago, the people of Judah had a problem. They had forgotten about God and had started to bow down to idols, which were statues made of wood and stone. They even carved their sins into their hearts and onto the altars where they worshiped. God knew what was happening, and He was not happy about it.
God told the people that trusting in other people and in their own strength would leave them like a dry bush in the desert. A bush like that does not see when rain comes, and it lives in a parched and empty place. Nothing good grows there, and the people who chose that path would find themselves in a dry, lonely land.
But God also said something wonderful. He said that a person who trusts in the LORD is blessed. That person is like a tree planted right beside a river. Its roots stretch down to the water, so when the sun is hot and the rain stops, the tree stays green. It keeps making fruit year after year.
God reminded the people that He searches every heart. He knows what is really inside each person, and He gives each one what their choices have earned. He also told the prophet Jeremiah to stand at the city gates and say, “Hear the word of the LORD.” God asked the people to keep the Sabbath day holy, to rest and honor Him, instead of carrying heavy burdens on that day.
Read It Together
Jeremiah 17:5-6
5 The LORD says: “Cursed is the man who trusts in man, relies on strength of flesh, and whose heart departs from the LORD. 6 For he will be like a bush in the desert, and will not see when good comes, but will inhabit the parched places in the wilderness, an uninhabited salt land.
(WEB)
Point out the picture of the dry bush in the desert. Ask the children what happens to a plant with no water, and help them see that trusting only in people or in our own strength leaves us feeling empty and alone.
Jeremiah 17:7-8
7 “Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, and whose confidence is in the LORD. 8 For he will be as a tree planted by the waters, who spreads out its roots by the river, and will not fear when heat comes, but its leaf will be green; and will not be concerned in the year of drought. It won’t cease from yielding fruit.
(WEB)
Show how the tree is planted by the water and keeps its leaves green. Explain that God is our water, and when we trust Him, He keeps us strong even when life feels hot or dry.
Jeremiah 17:10
“I, the LORD, search the mind. I try the heart, even to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his doings.”
(WEB)
Point out that God looks at our hearts, not just what we do on the outside. Tell the children that God knows us completely, and He loves us anyway, which is a reason to trust Him.
Talk About It
- What are some things people sometimes trust in besides God?
- How can a tree stay green when the weather is hot and dry?
- What does it mean to have roots that reach down to the water?
- How does it feel to know that God sees everything about our hearts?
- What is one way you can trust God this week when you feel worried?
Activity Ideas
Paint a Tree by the River
You will need paper, paints or crayons, and a cup of water. Have the children draw a tall tree with long roots, then paint a blue river curving beside it. Talk while they work about how the roots drink from the water and keep the leaves green. Hang the pictures where the family can see them.
Dry Bush, Green Tree Game
Clear a space in a room or yard. When you call “dry bush,” the children crouch low and shake like dry leaves. When you call “green tree,” they stand tall, spread their arms like branches, and sway. Play a few rounds, then remind the children that trusting God keeps us standing tall.
Tree Reminder Card
You will need a index card, markers, and a small plant or sprig of greenery. Have each child draw a tree on the card and write or draw the words “Trust God.” Let them take it home and tape it near their bed or on the fridge. Encourage them to show it to a family member and say the memory verse together.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter contrasts two ways of living. Trusting in human strength or in idols leaves a person spiritually parched, while trusting the LORD produces lasting life and fruitfulness. The chapter also shows that God knows the human heart completely and judges according to our actions, which is both sobering and comforting.
With children, avoid overstating the idea that blessings always come right away or that hardship means someone has done something wrong. Keep the focus on the simple truth that God is faithful and that trusting Him is a daily choice, and let them know that hard seasons are a normal part of life.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You for being like a river that never runs dry. Help us to trust You every day, and keep our roots deep in Your love. When things feel hot or dry, remind us that You are with us. Amen.
