In this lesson, children learn that God sends messengers to tell people the truth, and that we should listen even when the message is hard. This lesson suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God sends people to tell us what is true, and when we listen and turn back to Him, He is kind and patient with us. We can trust God’s messages even when they are hard to hear.
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)
Have the children cup their hands behind their ears on the words “obey” and “listen,” then turn both palms upward and bring them toward their chests as if turning around to walk back home. Repeat the motion together three times until it feels natural.
The Story: Jeremiah 26 for Kids
A long time ago, a king named Jehoiakim ruled the land of Judah. God told a prophet named Jeremiah to go and stand in the courtyard of the Lord’s house, where many people came to worship. God wanted Jeremiah to give them an important message, and He told him not to leave out a single word.
Jeremiah told the people that God was asking them to stop doing wrong things and to listen to God’s words. He said that if they turned back to God, God would not punish them. The priests, the prophets, and all the people heard him, and they were not happy about what he said.
The priests and prophets grabbed Jeremiah and said, “You must die for saying these things!” The leaders of Judah heard about it and came to the Lord’s house to see what was happening. Jeremiah stood up calmly and said, “God sent me to speak these words. Do what you think is right, but know that if you hurt me, you will be hurting innocent people.”
Some of the leaders then spoke up for Jeremiah. They reminded everyone that a prophend named Micah had also given God’s warnings long before, and King Hezekiah had listened and prayed, and God had been merciful. So the leaders said that Jeremiah should not be put to death, and the people agreed with them.
Not everyone was so lucky. A prophet named Uriah also spoke God’s message, and when King Jehoiakim heard it, he became angry and wanted Uriah killed. Uriah ran away to Egypt, but the king sent men to bring him back, and Uriah was put to death. God still took care of Jeremiah, and Jeremiah was kept safe.
Read It Together
Jeremiah 26:2
“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.
(WEB)
Point out that God told Jeremiah to speak every word He gave him, and that the message was meant for everyone who came to worship. Ask the children why it matters that God’s message is complete and not changed.
Jeremiah 26:12-13
12 Then Jeremiah spoke to all the princes and to all the people, saying, “The LORD sent me to prophesy against this house and against this city all the words that you have heard. 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)
Show the children that Jeremiah was not speaking his own ideas but was sent by the Lord, and that God invited the people to change their ways so He could show them mercy. Notice how God’s kindness is offered right in the middle of the warning.
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 even in a frightening moment, God protected Jeremiah through the help of a friend named Ahikam. Remind the children that God takes care of His people even when things look dangerous.
Talk About It
- Why do you think God wanted Jeremiah to tell the people every single word?
- How does it feel when someone tells you something you don’t want to hear, and what can you do to respond well?
- What did the leaders of Judah remember about King Hezekiah, and why did that help them?
- What are some ways we can listen to God’s messages today, such as through the Bible or from our parents and teachers?
- What did God show us about Himself through this story, and how did He take care of Jeremiah?
Activity Ideas
Messenger Scroll Drawing
You will need a long strip of paper, crayons or markers, and two paper towel tubes or sticks. Have each child draw a picture of something God wants us to hear or do, such as being kind or telling the truth. Roll the paper onto the tubes so the children can unroll it like a scroll, and talk about how Jeremiah carried God’s message to the people.
Listen and Turn Game
Stand the children in a line facing you, and call out simple instructions like “Turn around” or “Sit down.” Each time you call out a command, they must listen carefully and move in the right direction. Explain that Jeremiah called people to listen and turn back to God, and that listening helps us follow Him.
Take-Home Reminder Card
You will need an index card, a pencil, and a small piece of tape or a magnet. Ask each child to write or draw a reminder such as “God’s words are true” on the card. Help them tape it inside a lunchbox or on the bathroom mirror so they can look at it during the week and remember to listen to God.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God’s word is the same whether it is welcome or not, and that a true prophet speaks what God commands rather than what people want to hear. Jeremiah’s courage and his trust in God’s protection give a picture of faithfulness under pressure, and God’s patience toward people who turn back to Him stands out as a steady theme.
Avoid overstating to children that obeying God always keeps us safe from danger or suffering, because Jeremiah himself faced real threats and his friend Uriah was killed. Instead, emphasize that God is faithful and that listening to Him is always right, even when the outcome is uncertain.
A Prayer to Close
Lord, thank you for sending messengers who tell us the truth. Help us to listen carefully to your words and to turn back to you when we make mistakes. Give us courage like Jeremiah, and remind us that you are always with us and always kind. Amen.
