This lesson teaches children that God stays with His people even when they feel scared, tired, or alone. It is designed for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach, including the story, the memory verse, and the activity.
Big Idea
God is with us, even when people are unkind and we feel like giving up. We can always talk to Him, and He is strong enough to keep us safe.
Memory Verse
Jeremiah 20:11
But the LORD is with me as an awesome mighty one. Therefore my persecutors will stumble, and they won’t prevail. They will be utterly disappointed, because they have not dealt wisely, even with an everlasting dishonor which will never be forgotten.
(WEB)
Teach children to stand tall with feet apart and both fists raised like a strong tree trunk when they say “The LORD is with me.” Then have them slowly lower their arms to show that God holds them steady. Repeat it together three times.
The Story: Jeremiah 20 for Kids
Jeremiah was a prophet who told the people of Judah what God wanted them to hear. Not everyone liked his message. One day a priest named Pashhur heard Jeremiah speaking and became very angry. He had Jeremiah hit and put in the stocks, which were wooden frames that held a person’s feet and hands still, near the gate of the Lord’s house.
The next morning, Pashhur let Jeremiah out. Jeremiah looked at him and said, “The LORD has not named you Pashhur anymore. Now your name is Magormissabib, which means ‘terror on every side.'” Jeremiah told Pashhur that bad things would happen to him and to his friends. He said that Pashhur would go to Babylon and would not come back home.
Jeremiah was sad and discouraged. He felt like everyone was laughing at him. He told God, “You are stronger than I am. I feel like I am the joke of the whole day.” He even wished he had never been born. Many people were whispering about him and waiting for him to fail.
But Jeremiah remembered something important. Even when he wanted to stop speaking for God, he felt a fire inside that would not let him stay quiet. He knew God was on his side. He said that the LORD was with him like a mighty warrior, and that the people who were trying to hurt him would not win.
At the end of this hard chapter, Jeremiah sang out, “Sing to the LORD! Praise the LORD, for He has rescued the poor from the hands of those who do wrong.” Even in his worst day, Jeremiah chose to trust God and praise Him.
Read It Together
Jeremiah 20:7
The LORD, you have persuaded me, and I was persuaded. You are stronger than I, and have prevailed. I have become a laughing-stock all day. Everyone mocks me.
(WEB)
Point out that Jeremiah talks honestly to God about how he feels. Children learn that they can tell God when they are upset, tired, or confused, just like Jeremiah did.
Jeremiah 20:9
If I say, I will not make mention of him, or speak any more in his name, then there is in my heart as it were a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I am weary with holding it in, and I can’t.
(WEB)
Show children how Jeremiah could not stop talking about God, even when he wanted to quiet down. Ask them what things make them want to share good news about God with others.
Jeremiah 20:13
Sing to the LORD! Praise the LORD, for he has delivered the soul of the needy from the hand of evildoers.
(WEB)
Help children notice the word “Sing” at the start of this verse. Explain that praise can come even in the middle of a hard day, because God is faithful and rescues His people.
Talk About It
- What did Jeremiah do when people made fun of him for telling the truth about God?
- Why do you think Jeremiah felt like he could not stop talking about God?
- When have you felt alone or scared, and how did you remember that God was still near you?
- What is one thing you can tell God when you feel sad or worried?
- How can you be brave like Jeremiah when your friends say unkind things?
Activity Ideas
Strong Tree Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a pencil. Ask each child to draw a big tree with thick roots and strong branches. Write the words “The LORD is with me” across the trunk. Explain that the roots show how God holds us steady, even when storms come.
Stand Strong Game
Clear a small space in the room and have children stand in a line. Call out a sad or scary feeling, like “I feel alone” or “People are mean to me.” When children hear it, they stand tall with their feet apart and fists up, saying “The LORD is with me!” Keep the game short and cheerful.
Take-Home Prayer Card
You will need index cards, a pen, and tape or a rubber band. Help each child write one thing they might feel scared or sad about on one side of the card. On the other side, write “God is with me.” Children can keep the card in a pocket or backpack and read it when they feel lonely during the week.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that faithful people can feel discouraged, mocked, and exhausted, yet still trust God. Jeremiah’s honesty with God is a model for prayer, and his continued praise even in pain reminds us that God’s faithfulness does not depend on our circumstances.
When teaching children, avoid suggesting that following God will always bring popularity or easy days. Jeremiah suffered greatly for his faithfulness, so present God’s presence as a source of courage and comfort rather than a promise that all trouble will disappear.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You that You are with us every day, even when we feel scared or alone. Help us to be honest with You and to trust You when things are hard. Thank You for being strong when we are weak. Help us sing Your praise, even on hard days. Amen.
