In this lesson, children learn that God keeps his promises even when bad things are happening, and that they can always trust him. This lesson suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God is always fair and always faithful, so we can trust him even when we are scared. He tells us the truth, and he does what he says he will do.
Memory Verse
Jeremiah 21:12
House of David, the LORD says, ‘Execute justice in the morning, and deliver him who is robbed out of the hand of the oppressor, lest my wrath go out like fire, and burn so that no one can quench it, because of the evil of your doings.
(WEB)
Have the children stand up and stomp their feet once for each word as they say the verse together. Then have them put one hand on their heart and say it again, slower. Stomping makes the words stick, and the heart motion reminds them God cares about what is right.
The Story: Jeremiah 21 for Kids
A long time ago, there was a king named Zedekiah who ruled the people of Judah. A big, scary army from a country called Babylon was coming to fight them. King Zedekiah was worried, so he sent two men to ask a prophet named Jeremiah to pray for them. The men said, “Please ask God to help us. Maybe he will make the enemy go away.”
Jeremiah had a message from God, but it was not the answer the king wanted. God said the king’s own weapons would be turned around, and the army would not win. God was not going to protect the city because the people had chosen to do wrong things again and again.
God gave the people a choice. Jeremiah told them, “God says there are two ways. You can stay in the city and be hurt, or you can go out to the Babylonians and be safe.” God was telling the truth, even though it was hard to hear. He always tells the truth.
Jeremiah also spoke to the king’s family. He reminded them that God wants people to be fair and kind. He said they should help people who are being treated badly. God wanted his people to do what was right and good.
God is good and wise, even when we do not understand what he is doing. The people in this story were scared and did not listen. But God still loved them, and he still kept his word. He always does what he says.
Read It Together
Jeremiah 21:1-2
1 The word which came to Jeremiah from the LORD, when king Zedekiah sent to him Pashhur the son of Malchijah, and Zephaniah the son of Maaseiah, the priest, saying, 2 “Please inquire of the LORD for us; for Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon makes war against us. Perhaps the LORD will deal with us according to all his wondrous works, that he may withdraw from us.”
(WEB)
Point out that the people went to Jeremiah when they were scared. Ask the children who they go to when they feel afraid. Explain that God wants us to come to him and ask for help.
Jeremiah 21:8
“You shall say to this people, ‘The LORD says: “Behold, I set before you the way of life and the way of death.
(WEB)
Show the children that God gave the people a real choice between two ways. Explain that God always gives us a way to choose what is right, and he wants us to choose him.
Talk About It
- What did the king want God to do for him and his people?
- Why do you think the people did not like the message Jeremiah brought?
- What are some things that make you feel scared, and what can you do when you feel that way?
- How did God show that he cares about fairness and kindness in this story?
- What does it mean that God always keeps his promises, even when we do not understand?
Activity Ideas
Two Paths Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a pencil. Draw a line down the middle of the paper and label one side “Way of Life” and the other side “Way of Death.” Have each child draw things they think help people stay close to God on the first side, and things that lead away from him on the second side. Talk together about the choices we make every day.
Fair and Faithful Freeze
You will need an open space and a bell, whistle, or clap. Call out actions like “help a friend” or “stand strong.” When the children hear a signal, they do the action. Explain that God wants us to be fair and kind, and he helps us stand strong when we are scared. Play a few rounds until everyone is giggling and moving.
Trust Jar at Home
You will need a clean jar, paper slips, and a pen. Each day, the child writes one thing they were scared of and one way God helped them or one reason to trust him. Fold the slips and place them in the jar. At the end of the week, read the slips together and thank God for being faithful, just as he was to his people.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God is both just and merciful. He warned his people through Jeremiah, gave them clear choices, and kept his word even when they refused to listen. It also reminds us that God’s care for justice and for the vulnerable is central to his character.
With children, avoid suggesting that the Babylonian army or the people of this story are all bad or that any group of people is punished for simply being different. Focus on God’s faithfulness and the people’s choices, and keep the tone calm and hopeful.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank you that you always tell us the truth and keep your promises. When we feel scared, help us come to you and trust you. Help us choose what is good and fair, and help us be kind to others. We love you, Father. Amen.
