In this lesson, children learn that God’s word always comes true, even when people don’t want to hear it. This lesson works well for ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God always keeps his promises, so we can trust him and listen to what he says, even when it is hard to hear.
Memory Verse
Jeremiah 37:17
Then Zedekiah the king sent, and had him brought out. The king asked him secretly in his house, “Is there any word from the LORD?” Jeremiah said, “There is.” He also said, “You will be delivered into the hand of the king of Babylon.”
(WEB)
Have children stand up, then sit down slowly as they say the words. Ask them to hold their hands out flat, like they are holding a book, while they speak. Repeat it three times together, getting a little quieter each time.
The Story: Jeremiah 37 for Kids
Long ago, a king named Zedekiah ruled the country of Judah. He was not a good king. He did not listen to God, and neither did his servants or most of the people. God had sent a prophet named Jeremiah to tell them the truth, but they didn’t want to hear it.
The army of Babylon was coming to attack Jerusalem, the city where God’s people lived. King Zedekiah sent some men to Jeremiah and said, “Please pray to the LORD our God for us.” He wanted God to save them. But Jeremiah was not sure the king really wanted to listen to God.
For a while, an Egyptian army came to help Judah, so the Babylonian soldiers went away. The people felt happy and safe. But God gave Jeremiah a message for the king. He said, “Don’t fool yourselves. The Babylonians will come back, and they will win this city.” God’s words were not going to change.
Jeremiah then decided to walk out of the city to visit his family’s land. A guard named Irijah stopped him at the gate and said, “You are running away to join the enemy!” Jeremiah said, “That is not true, and I am not doing that.” But the guard did not believe him. The leaders were angry, so they hit Jeremiah and locked him in a dark prison.
Jeremiah stayed in that prison for many days. One day, King Zedekiah secretly sent for him. The king asked, “Do you have any word from the LORD?” Jeremiah answered honestly, “Yes. You will be handed over to the king of Babylon.” Then Jeremiah asked the king, “Why am I in prison? Where are your prophets who said that Babylon would never come?”
The king moved Jeremiah out of the dark prison and into the court of the guard, where he could have some daily bread until the bread ran out. God kept Jeremiah safe, and God’s word stayed true.
Read It Together
Jeremiah 37:2
But neither he, nor his servants, nor the people of the land, listened to the LORD’s words, which he spoke by the prophet Jeremiah.
(WEB)
Point out that King Zedekiah and his people did not listen to God’s words. Ask children why it is important to listen when God speaks through the Bible and through the people who love us.
Jeremiah 37:7-8
7 “The LORD, the God of Israel, says, ‘You shall tell the king of Judah, who sent you to me to inquire of me: “Behold, Pharaoh’s army, which has come out to help you, will return to Egypt into their own land. 8 The Chaldeans will come again, and fight against this city. They will take it and burn it with fire.”’
(WEB)
Show how God told the king exactly what would happen. Explain that God knows the future and always tells the truth, even when we would rather hear something else.
Talk About It
- How do you think Jeremiah felt when he was put in a dark prison, and what could he do to feel braver?
- Why did King Zedekiah not want to hear what God said through Jeremiah?
- What is one thing God has told us in the Bible that we can always count on?
- When is it hard for you to listen to a grown-up who is telling you the truth?
- How can you remember that God is with you when you feel scared?
Activity Ideas
Prison Window Drawing
You will need paper, crayons, and a pencil. Ask each child to draw a small, dark prison cell on one half of the paper, then draw a bright window with sunshine on the other half. Talk about how God’s light can reach into dark places. Let children color their pictures and take them home.
Stand Firm Game
You will need a open space and a few chairs. Set the chairs in a line to act as the city walls. Have children take turns being Jeremiah, standing firm while others try to push them gently out of the way, reminding them that God’s word stays strong. Keep the movement safe and gentle, and cheer for anyone who stands firm.
Truth Jar at Home
You will need a clear jar, paper strips, and a pen. Each day for a week, have your child write one thing God has promised or taught in the Bible on a strip of paper and drop it in the jar. At the end of the week, read the strips together and thank God for keeping his word.
Teacher Notes
This chapter shows that God’s word is trustworthy, even when people reject it or try to silence the messenger. Jeremiah was beaten and imprisoned for telling the truth, yet God’s promises still came true. For adults, it is a reminder that faithfulness to God can cost something, and that God remains faithful to us.
Be careful not to suggest that obeying God always brings an easy or comfortable life. Jeremiah suffered greatly. Keep the focus on God’s faithfulness and presence, rather than promising that good behavior will always lead to a happy outcome.
A Prayer to Close
Dear Lord, thank you for always keeping your promises. Help us to listen to your words and trust you, even when it is hard. Be with us when we feel scared, just like you were with Jeremiah. Amen.
