This lesson teaches children that God cares for His people even when they make mistakes, and that He is faithful to bring them back to Him. It works well for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes. Use the figs and the story to help kids see God’s love in a surprising way.
Big Idea
God loves His people and keeps His promises. Even when His people are far away, God is still working to bring them home to Him.
Memory Verse
Jeremiah 24:7
I will give them a heart to know me, that I am the LORD. They will be my people, and I will be their God; for they will return to me with their whole heart.
(WEB)
Hold both hands out in front of you, palms up, like you are holding a basket. Then slowly bring your hands to your heart as you say the verse together. Repeat it three times, getting a little softer each time until the whole class is whispering it.
The Story: Jeremiah 24 for Kids
Long ago, the people of Judah were living in their own land, but they had stopped listening to God. The king of Babylon came with his army and took many of the people away from Jerusalem. They had to walk a long, sad road to a faraway land called Babylon. Their homes and their city were left behind, and many of them felt scared and forgotten.
After this happened, God showed the prophet Jeremiah a strange and interesting picture. In front of the Lord’s temple, there were two baskets of figs. One basket had very good, sweet figs, the kind that are ripe and ready to eat. The other basket had figs that were so spoiled that no one could eat them at all.
God asked Jeremiah, “What do you see?” Jeremiah answered, “I see figs. The good figs are very good, and the bad figs are so bad that they cannot be eaten.” God then explained what the baskets meant. He said that the people who had been taken away to Babylon were like the good figs. God would take care of them, bring them back to their land, and make them His own people.
But God also said that those who refused to follow Him were like the bad figs. Because they had turned away from Him, He would let hard things happen to them. These people would be scattered and would suffer many troubles, because they had chosen to ignore God’s warnings.
This story shows that God had a plan, even in a time that seemed very sad. The good figs were a reminder that God would keep His word and care for His people. God always keeps His promises, and He never forgets the people He loves.
Read It Together
Jeremiah 24:5
“The LORD, the God of Israel says: ‘Like these good figs, so I will regard the captives of Judah, whom I have sent out of this place into the land of the Chaldeans, for good.
(WEB)
Point out that God calls the people who were taken away “good figs” and says He regards them for good. Explain that God was thinking about His people’s good even while they were far from home. Ask the children what it feels like to know someone is thinking good thoughts about them.
Jeremiah 24:6
For I will set my eyes on them for good, and I will bring them again to this land. I will build them, and not pull them down. I will plant them, and not pluck them up.
(WEB)
Show the children how God uses words like “build” and “plant” to describe what He will do for His people. Explain that God was going to bring His people back and make their lives strong again. Talk about how gardeners plant things and take care of them so they can grow.
Jeremiah 24:10
I will send the sword, the famine, and the pestilence, among them, until they are consumed from off the land that I gave to them and to their fathers.’”
(WEB)
Be gentle with this verse, since it describes hard consequences. Explain that God’s warnings came because He cared about His people and wanted them to turn back to Him. Help children understand that God’s justice and God’s love both come from His good character.
Talk About It
- What did the two baskets of figs show about the people of Judah?
- How do you think the people felt when they had to leave their home and walk to Babylon?
- What is one way God showed He still cared for His people, even when they were far away?
- Why do you think God wanted His people to turn their hearts back to Him?
- What is one thing you can do this week to show God you want to follow Him?
Activity Ideas
Fig Basket Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a pencil. Draw two baskets on the paper, one labeled “Good Figs” and one labeled “Bad Figs.” Let each child draw figs in the baskets, using bright colors for the good figs and dark, spotted colors for the bad ones. As they draw, talk about how God loves His people and wants them to turn to Him.
Good Figs, Bad Figs Movement Game
You will need a open space in the room and a simple signal, like a clap. Call out “Good figs!” and have the children stand tall with their arms raised like a happy tree. Call out “Bad figs!” and have them crouch down low and shake their heads sadly. Mix up the commands quickly so children have to listen carefully, then finish by reminding them that God always keeps His promises.
Take-Home Fig Reminder
You will need a small paper bag or envelope, dried fruit or a real fig if available, and a marker. Write the memory verse on the bag and let each child decorate it. Place a piece of dried fruit inside as a sweet reminder that God loves His people. Encourage families to talk together about the story on the way home.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God’s judgment and God’s faithfulness are both real. The people taken to Babylon went through a painful exile, yet God promised to bring a remnant home and to give them a heart to know Him. The figs serve as a picture of two responses to God’s word: humble return and stubborn refusal.
When teaching children, avoid making the story about who is “good” and who is “bad” in a way that makes kids feel proud or fearful. Focus instead on God’s love, His promises, and the invitation to return to Him. Be careful not to suggest that God’s people will never face hard consequences for their choices.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You for loving us and keeping Your promises. Thank You that You never forget Your people, even when we make mistakes. Help us turn our hearts back to You every day, and help us trust that You are always working for our good. We love You, Lord. Amen.
