In this lesson, children learn that God’s words last even when people try to destroy them. The story of Jeremiah 36 is suitable for ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach, including the story, the Bible reading, and the activity.
Big Idea
God’s message is true and strong, and no king can burn it up or make it disappear. God keeps His promises even when people refuse to listen.
Memory Verse
Isaiah 40:8
The grass withers, the flower fades; but the word of our God stands forever.”
(WEB)
Have the children stand and slowly raise both arms up high, then bring them down to their sides like grass drying out. On the word “stands,” have them stretch tall and hold still with their arms straight out, showing that God’s word stands forever.
The Story: Jeremiah 36 for Kids
Long ago, God spoke to a prophet named Jeremiah. God told him to write down everything God had said to him on a long scroll, so the people of Judah could hear it and turn back from doing wrong. Jeremiah could not go to the temple himself, so he called his friend Baruch to do the job. Baruch wrote every word on the scroll while Jeremiah spoke.
Then Baruch walked to the temple on a day when the people were fasting, and he read the scroll out loud. Many people heard God’s warning. Some of the leaders heard about it too, and they sent for Baruch to read the scroll to them as well. When they heard the words, they were afraid. They said, “We must tell the king about this.” They told Baruch and Jeremiah to go and hide, because they did not know what the king would do.
The king was sitting by a warm fire in his winter house. His servant Jehudi read the scroll to him. Each time Jehudi finished a few columns, the king took a small knife, cut off that piece, and threw it into the fire. He kept doing this until the whole scroll had burned. The king and his servants were not scared, and they did not tear their clothes, even though they heard God’s warning.
God was not pleased. God told Jeremiah to take a new scroll and write all the words again. Jeremiah and Baruch wrote the message a second time, and they added even more words. God showed that His message could not be destroyed by fire, and that the king would face the results of his choice.
Children, this story teaches us that God’s words are very important. People may try to ignore them or throw them away, but God always has a way to keep His message alive. We should listen carefully when God speaks to us.
Read It Together
Jeremiah 36:2
“Take a scroll of a book, and write in it all the words that I have spoken to you against Israel, and against Judah, and against all the nations, from the day I spoke to you, from the days of Josiah, even to this day.
(WEB)
Point out that God told Jeremiah to write down every word. Ask the children why God wanted His message written in a book instead of only spoken aloud. Explain that a written message can be read again and again by many people.
Jeremiah 36:23
When Jehudi had read three or four leaves, the king cut it with the penknife, and cast it into the fire that was in the brazier, until all the scroll was consumed in the fire that was in the brazier.
(WEB)
Show the children how the king burned the scroll piece by piece. Help them see that the king was trying to get rid of God’s message, but his action did not stop God’s plan. Remind them that people cannot erase what God has said.
Jeremiah 36:32
Then took Jeremiah another scroll, and gave it to Baruch the scribe, the son of Neriah, who wrote therein from the mouth of Jeremiah all the words of the book which Jehoiakim king of Judah had burned in the fire; and many similar words were added to them.
(WEB)
Point out that God gave Jeremiah a new scroll with even more words added. Explain that God’s word cannot be destroyed, and it keeps growing and speaking to people in every generation.
Talk About It
- What did God tell Jeremiah to do, and why do you think God wanted the words written down?
- How do you feel when someone tries to ignore something important that you say?
- Why do you think the king burned the scroll, and what do you think he was hoping would happen?
- What would you do if you heard a message from God that you did not like?
- How can we make sure we listen carefully to God’s words in our own lives?
Activity Ideas
Scroll Craft
You will need two sheets of paper, two pencils or crayons, and tape or glue. Have each child write a short verse or favorite word from God on one paper. Roll the paper up from both ends, tie it with yarn or ribbon, and keep it as a small scroll to show how God’s words were written down.
Stand Strong Game
You will need a small open space and a few chairs. Read the story out loud, and when you say “God’s word stands,” the children must freeze in a strong pose. When you say “the fire burns,” they sit down on the floor. Play a few rounds, then talk about how God’s word stands even when things seem to be falling apart.
Take-Home Word Card
You will need index cards, markers, and a small envelope for each child. Have each child draw a picture of a scroll and write “God’s words last forever” on the card. Encourage them to place the card in their bedroom or by their bed as a reminder to listen to God and to remember that His word never fades.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God’s word is not dependent on human approval or on the survival of any particular copy. Even when the king tried to silence God, God simply commanded Jeremiah to write the message again, and it became even larger. Adults can see that God’s faithfulness holds steady even when people reject or destroy His message.
When teaching children, avoid suggesting that the king was punished in a specific way that the chapter does not describe. The text says God would bring judgment on him, but it does not give extra details about how it would happen. Keep the focus on God’s word lasting and on the choice to listen.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You that Your words are true and last forever. Help us listen carefully when You speak to us, and help us trust You even when others do not want to hear Your message. Keep Your word in our hearts every day. Amen.
