This lesson teaches children that God’s words are never lost, even when people try to destroy them. It suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes, including a short story, Bible reading, and a simple activity.
Big Idea
God’s words last forever. The king tried to burn God’s message, but God simply gave Jeremiah a new scroll and told him to write it all again.
Memory Verse
Jeremiah 36:3
It may be that the house of Judah will hear all the evil which I intend to do to them; that they may each return from his evil way; that I may forgive their iniquity and their sin.”
(WEB)
Hold both hands out in front of you, palms up, then slowly turn them over. Say the verse together as your hands move, and ask children to copy you. Repeat it three times, getting a little quieter each time.
The Story: Jeremiah 36 for Kids
A long time ago, God spoke to His prophet Jeremiah. God said, “Take a scroll and write down every word I have given you.” Scrolls were long pieces of paper made from plant material, rolled up at both ends. Jeremiah could not go to the Temple himself, so he called his helper Baruch to write for him.
Baruch wrote down everything God said. Then he went to the Temple on a special day when people were fasting and praying. He read God’s words out loud so that the people could hear them. God hoped they would stop doing wrong and come back to Him.
Some important leaders heard about the scroll. They called for Baruch and asked him to read it to them. They were worried and said, “We must tell the king what is in this scroll.” They hid Baruch and Jeremiah so that the king could not find them.
The king sat by a warm fire in his winter house. His servant read the scroll to him. When the servant had read a few pages, the king grabbed a small knife, cut the scroll, and threw it into the fire. The king did not listen to God’s words, and he did not feel sorry.
God did not let His message disappear. He told Jeremiah, “Take another scroll and write everything again.” So Jeremiah and Baruch wrote all the words down once more, and they added even more to it. The king could burn the first scroll, but he could not burn God’s word.
Read It Together
Jeremiah 36:4
Then Jeremiah called Baruch the son of Neriah; and Baruch wrote from the mouth of Jeremiah all the LORD’s words, which he had spoken to him, on a scroll of a book.
(WEB)
Point out that Baruch wrote down exactly what Jeremiah said God had spoken. Ask children to notice that the message came from God, not from the two men. Explain that writing it carefully was a way of trusting God’s message.
Jeremiah 36:23-24
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. 24 The king and his servants who heard all these words were not afraid, and didn’t tear their garments.
(WEB)
Show children that the king did not respect God’s words, and his servants did not tremble either. Explain that this is a sad moment, and it teaches us that people can ignore God’s word. Help children see that the king’s action did not stop God’s plan.
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 second scroll, and even more words were added. Tell children that God’s message is never wasted, and He always has a way to keep His promises alive.
Talk About It
- What do you think Baruch felt when he read God’s words to all the people?
- Why do you think the king burned the scroll, and how do you think God felt about that?
- What could you do if someone said they did not want to hear God’s words?
- How does it make you feel to know that God’s words can never be destroyed?
- What is one of God’s words that you know by heart, and how can you share it with someone else?
Activity Ideas
Make Your Own Scroll
You will need a long strip of paper, two wooden dowels or pencils, and markers. Have children write or draw a favorite Bible verse across the paper, then roll each end around a dowel. Let them unroll it and share their message with the class, showing that God’s words can be carried anywhere.
Scroll Says Stop and Go
Give each child a small paper strip with a simple word from the lesson, like “listen,” “write,” or “trust.” Have children act out one word at a time while the group guesses what it is. This game helps children remember the main actions in the story and keeps everyone moving.
Take-Home Word Card
Cut index cards in half and give each child one card and a crayon. Ask them to draw a picture of God’s word that lasts forever, like a sun or a tree, and write the memory verse at the bottom. Encourage them to tape the card somewhere they will see it each morning this week.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God’s word is not stopped by human opposition. The king’s anger and the burning of the scroll did not change God’s purpose. God simply called for His message to be written again, with even more added, which reminds us that God is faithful even when people reject His words.
Avoid suggesting that the king was simply a bad person who could never change. Present him as someone who chose to ignore God’s message, and keep the focus on God’s faithfulness rather than on the king’s villainy.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You that Your words last forever. Help us listen to them, hold them close, and share them with others. When people do not want to hear Your truth, help us trust that You are still at work. Thank You for always keeping Your promises. Amen.
