In this lesson, children learn that God sent His messengers to His people again and again, and that listening to God and turning away from wrong ways matters. This lesson is for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God keeps calling His people back to Him, and He wants us to listen and follow Him instead of other things.
Memory Verse
Jeremiah 25:5
Saying, “Return now everyone from his evil way, and from the evil of your doings, and dwell in the land that the LORD has given to you and to your fathers, from of old and even forever more.
(WEB)
Stand up tall, then turn slowly to the left as if you are walking away from something bad. Then turn to the right and take a step forward, as if you are walking toward God. Do this motion each time you say the verse together.
The Story: Jeremiah 25 for Kids
A long time ago, God spoke to a prophet named Jeremiah. God told Jeremiah to tell the people of Judah and Jerusalem something important. For twenty-three years, Jeremiah had been speaking God’s words to them, getting up early each morning to share the message. But the people did not want to listen.
God had sent many prophets to His people. Each one said the same thing: turn away from your wrong ways and come back to God. God wanted His people to stop worshiping other gods and to live in the good land He had given them. He promised to take care of them if they listened.
But the people kept doing what they wanted. They did not listen to God, and they kept doing things that made Him sad. So God told Jeremiah that He would bring trouble on the land because of their choices. God said that a king named Nebuchadnezzar from Babylon would come, and that the land would be empty and quiet for many years.
God also told Jeremiah to take a cup full of wine, which stood for God’s anger, and give it to many nations to drink. Jeremiah did as God asked. He showed everyone that God is the one who rules over all nations, and that He is always fair. God said, “Drink from this cup of my anger, because you have not listened to me.”
The people were scared, and the shepherds who looked after them cried out in sadness. But God is not only a God who judges. He is also a God who calls His people home. The best thing anyone can do is to listen to God, turn from wrong, and trust Him.
Read It Together
Jeremiah 25:3
From the thirteenth year of Josiah the son of Amon, king of Judah, even to this day, these twenty-three years, the LORD’s word has come to me, and I have spoken to you, rising up early and speaking; but you have not listened.
(WEB)
Point out that God spoke to His people many times, morning after morning. Ask children what it means to really listen, and how it feels when someone keeps trying to talk to us and we do not pay attention.
Jeremiah 25:6
Don’t go after other gods to serve them or worship them, and don’t provoke me to anger with the work of your hands; then I will do you no harm.”
(WEB)
Show children that God asked His people not to chase after other gods or things made by their own hands. Explain that God wanted to protect them from harm, and that following Him was the safest path.
Jeremiah 25:30
“Therefore prophesy against them all these words, and tell them, “‘The LORD will roar from on high, and utter his voice from his holy habitation. He will mightily roar against his fold. He will give a shout, as those who tread grapes, against all the inhabitants of the earth.
(WEB)
Explain that this verse uses the picture of God roaring like a lion from His holy home. Remind children that God is powerful and holy, and that He is never caught off guard by what people do.
Talk About It
- What is one way we can show God that we are listening to Him?
- Why do you think God kept sending messengers to His people again and again?
- What are some things that can take our attention away from God?
- How does it feel to know God is strong and always in control?
- What is one step you can take this week to turn toward God?
Activity Ideas
Cup of God’s Word Craft
You will need paper cups, crayons or markers, and glue sticks. Have each child decorate a paper cup and write or draw one way they can listen to God on the outside. Inside the cup, they can draw a small heart to remind them that God loves them. Talk together about how the cup is a picture of God’s message to His people.
Turn Back Movement Game
Clear a space in the room and have children stand in a line facing one wall. Call out “Turn back to God!” and have them turn around and walk toward the other wall. Vary the game by calling out wrong ways like “Chase other gods!” so children turn away again. Each time they turn back, have them say the memory verse together.
Listening Walk at Home
Give each child a small card and a pencil. Ask them to walk around the house or yard for a few minutes and write or draw one thing that reminds them of God’s care. At dinner that evening, have each child share what they found and thank God for it. This helps children practice noticing and listening for God during their everyday life.
Teacher Notes
For adults, Jeremiah 25 shows that God is patient, persistent, and fair. He sent prophets for many years, calling His people back, and He also judges sin and acts with justice toward all nations. The chapter invites adults to hear God’s word today and respond with humble obedience.
When teaching children, avoid overstating the chapter’s warnings about destruction and judgment in ways that might frighten them. Focus on God’s loving invitation to listen and return to Him, and remind children that God’s character is kind as well as just.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You for always calling us back to You. Help us to listen closely when You speak, and help us to turn away from things that take our hearts away from You. Thank You that You are strong and good, and that we can trust You every day. Amen.
