This lesson teaches children that God invites us to call on Him, and He answers with good and surprising things. It is written for ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes, including the story, the verses, and a short activity.
Big Idea
When we call to God, He answers us, and He always keeps His promises, even when things look broken or quiet.
Memory Verse
Jeremiah 33:3
‘Call to me, and I will answer you, and will show you great and difficult things, which you don’t know.’
(WEB)
Cup your hands by your mouth like you are calling across a field, then open your hands wide like a flower blooming. Say the verse out loud together, and do the motions each time you say “call.”
The Story: Jeremiah 33 for Kids
Jeremiah was a prophet of God, and he was in trouble. The king of Judah had locked him up in the court of the guard, a yard inside the palace walls. The city of Jerusalem was surrounded by enemy soldiers, and houses had been torn down to build walls for defense. It looked like everything was falling apart.
While Jeremiah was still locked up, God spoke to him again. God said, “Call to me, and I will answer you.” God wanted Jeremiah to know that He could show him great and wonderful things that he did not yet know about.
God also told Jeremiah that He would bring health and healing to the city. He said He would bring back the people who had been taken away and build the towns up again, just as they were at the beginning. God promised to forgive every wrong thing the people had done.
God said that one day the streets that were empty and quiet would be full again. People would hear the voice of joy and the sound of a wedding. They would sing, “Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good, and His love lasts forever.” God wanted His people to know that the sadness would not last.
God also made a promise about a King who would come from David’s family. This King would do what is right and fair, and God’s people would be safe. God is faithful, and He keeps every promise He makes.
Read It Together
Jeremiah 33:6
‘Behold, I will bring it health and cure, and I will cure them; and I will reveal to them abundance of peace and truth.
(WEB)
Point out the words “health and cure” and “peace and truth.” Ask the children what they think it means for God to bring healing and peace to people who feel broken. Remind them that God is the one who makes things whole again.
Jeremiah 33:11
The voice of joy and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom and the voice of the bride, the voice of those who say, ‘Give thanks to the LORD of Armies, for the LORD is good, for his loving kindness endures forever;’ who bring thanksgiving into the LORD’s house. For I will cause the captivity of the land to be reversed as at the first,” says the LORD.
(WEB)
Show the children how the sounds change from sad to happy in this verse. Ask them to name the happy sounds they hear at home or church. Explain that God loves to hear His people give thanks to Him.
Jeremiah 33:14-16
14 “Behold, the days come,” says the LORD, “that I will perform that good word which I have spoken concerning the house of Israel and concerning the house of Judah. 15 “In those days and at that time, I will cause a Branch of righteousness to grow up to David. He will execute justice and righteousness in the land. 16 In those days Judah will be saved, and Jerusalem will dwell safely. This is the name by which she will be called: The LORD our righteousness.”
(WEB)
Point to the promise of a righteous Branch from David’s family. Explain that this is a promise about Jesus, who is the King who does what is right. Help the children see that God planned this long before it happened.
Talk About It
- What is something you would like God to show you, something you do not know yet?
- Why do you think Jeremiah kept trusting God even while he was locked up?
- What is one happy sound you hear when your family is together?
- How can you remember that God is faithful when you feel scared or sad?
- What is one way you can call out to God this week?
Activity Ideas
Paper Flower Craft
You will need construction paper, scissors, glue, and crayons or markers. Have each child draw a small circle in the center of a sheet of paper and write the words “Call to me” in the middle. Then have them cut out petal shapes around the circle and glue them into a bloom. Hang the flowers up as a reminder that God answers when we call.
Call and Answer Game
You will need a open space and a bell, a whistle, or a clap. One child stands at one end of the room and calls out “Jeremiah, Jeremiah!” The rest of the group answers, “Here I am, Lord!” Switch roles so every child gets a turn. Talk about how God listens and answers each time we call.
Take-Home Prayer Jar
You will need a clean jar, paper strips, and a pen. Give each child a few strips of paper to write or draw one thing they want to call to God about. Place the strips in the jar and ask the family to read one together each evening. Explain that God hears every prayer in the jar and answers in His good time.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God speaks hope into real ruin. Jeremiah was imprisoned while Jerusalem fell, yet God promised restoration, forgiveness, and a faithful King. The chapter points forward to Jesus as the righteous Branch, and it reminds us that God’s covenant faithfulness does not depend on our circumstances.
With children, avoid overstating the idea that calling on God always brings the exact answer we expect. The promise is that God answers, shows us great things, and keeps His word, but His timing and His ways are wiser than ours. Keep the focus on God’s faithfulness and love rather than on guaranteed outcomes.
A Prayer to Close
Lord, thank You that You hear us when we call to You. Help us to trust You when things feel hard, and help us to remember that You always keep Your promises. Fill our hearts with thanks and joy, and help us love You more each day. Amen.
