In this lesson, children learn that God sends messages to His people, and that listening to Him can save us from trouble. Jeremiah 26 is best for children ages 5 to 11, and the whole lesson takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Big Idea
God sends messages to help us, and when we listen and turn back to Him, He is kind and forgives us.
Memory Verse
Jeremiah 26:13
Now therefore amend your ways and your doings, and obey the LORD your God’s voice; then the LORD will relent from the evil that he has pronounced against you.
(WEB)
Cup both hands in front of you like you are holding a message, then slowly turn your palms upward as you say “turn back” together. Repeat it three times, each time a little louder, so the words stay in your heart.
The Story: Jeremiah 26 for Kids
A long time ago, a man named Jeremiah lived in the country of Judah. God chose Jeremiah to be His prophet, which means God gave him messages to share with the people. One day, Jeremiah stood in the courtyard of God’s house in the city of Jerusalem. Many people had come to worship God there, and God told Jeremiah to speak to all of them.
God’s message was simple but serious. He said, “Turn away from your evil ways and listen to me. If you turn back, I will change my plans and not bring the trouble I have planned.” Jeremiah told the people exactly what God had said, and he did not leave anything out. Some people did not like hearing this message at all.
The priests, the prophets, and many of the people were angry. They grabbed Jeremiah and shouted, “You must die for saying these things!” They gathered around him in God’s house. Then the leaders of Judah came up from the king’s house to see what was happening.
The priests told the leaders, “This man should die.” But Jeremiah spoke up bravely. He said, “God sent me to say these words. You can do what you think is right with me, but remember that killing an innocent man will bring trouble on yourselves.” Some of the leaders and people then said, “This man should not die, because he spoke to us in the name of the LORD our God.”
Some older leaders of the land reminded the crowd of a prophet named Micah. Long ago, Micah spoke God’s warnings, and King Hezekiah listened and prayed. Because the king humbled himself, God changed His plans. The leaders said, “We would do great harm to ourselves if we hurt this prophet.” Jeremiah was kept safe, and God protected him through a man named Ahikam.
Read It Together
Jeremiah 26:2-3
2 “The LORD says: ‘Stand in the court of the LORD’s house, and speak to all the cities of Judah, which come to worship in the LORD’s house, all the words that I command you to speak to them. Don’t omit a word. 3 It may be they will listen, and every man turn from his evil way; that I may relent from the evil which I intend to do to them because of the evil of their doings.’
(WEB)
Point out that God told Jeremiah to speak every word without leaving any out. Ask children why God wanted His people to hear everything, even the hard parts, and remind them that He hoped they would turn back.
Jeremiah 26:16
Then the princes and all the people said to the priests and to the prophets: “This man is not worthy of death; for he has spoken to us in the name of the LORD our God.”
(WEB)
Show children that the people finally said Jeremiah should not be killed. Explain that the people were willing to change their minds when they remembered that Jeremiah spoke in God’s name.
Jeremiah 26:24
But the hand of Ahikam the son of Shaphan was with Jeremiah, so that they didn’t give him into the hand of the people to put him to death.
(WEB)
Point out that God protected Jeremiah even when he was in danger. Tell children that God keeps watch over His servants, and that He can help us even when we feel afraid.
Talk About It
- What do you think Jeremiah felt when the crowd grabbed him and shouted at him?
- Why do you think God sent Jeremiah to tell people to change their ways?
- How can you tell when God is asking you to change something you do?
- What is one way Jeremiah stayed brave even when people were angry?
- When someone tells us something we do not want to hear, how can we respond the way God wants us to?
Activity Ideas
Paper Scroll Drawing
You will need two sheets of paper, two pencils, crayons, and tape. Roll each side of a sheet toward the middle to make a scroll, then have children draw a picture of God’s message on the scroll. Let them show a picture of people turning back to God, and tape the scroll closed so they can carry it home.
Turn Back Game
Clear some space in the room and have children walk around in a circle while you call out “Walk with God” for them to keep moving. When you call out “Turn back,” they should stop, turn around, and walk the other way. Play a few rounds so children learn that turning back to God means changing direction.
Message Card at Home
You will need index cards, markers, and a pen. Have each child write or draw one simple message they can share with a family member, such as “God loves you.” Encourage them to give the card to someone at home and talk together about how God helps us listen and turn back to Him.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this passage shows that God speaks clearly to His people and calls them to turn from wrongdoing. It also shows that God protects those who speak His truth, even when the message is unpopular. Jeremiah’s faithfulness stands as an example of courage rooted in trust in God.
Avoid suggesting to children that God will always change His plans just because they say sorry or behave well. In the story, God’s response depends on the people’s actual turning back, and God’s ways are higher than our simple cause-and-effect thinking. Focus instead on God’s kindness and faithfulness.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You for sending messages that help us know what You want. Help us listen carefully, turn back to You when we make mistakes, and be brave like Jeremiah. Keep us safe and close to You every day. Amen.
