In this lesson, children learn that when people make wrong choices and hurt others, God still wants us to choose what is right and trust Him to bring justice. This lesson is for ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
Bad choices hurt many people, but God never stops caring about the people who are hurt, and He wants us to act with honesty and kindness.
Memory Verse
Jeremiah 41:8
But ten men were found among those who said to Ishmael, “Don’t kill us; for we have stores hidden in the field, of wheat, and of barley, and of oil, and of honey.” So he stopped, and didn’t kill them among their brothers.
(WEB)
Have the children hold both hands out flat, then bring them together slowly as they say the words, “Don’t kill us.” Then open their hands wide, showing how the tricky plan was stopped and the men were spared.
The Story: Jeremiah 41 for Kids
Gedaliah was a good man whom the king of Babylon had chosen to lead the people left in the land of Judah. Many people were still living in the town of Mizpah, and Gedaliah wanted them to be safe and to plant their fields again. He welcomed them and promised them that all would be well if they served the king of Babylon.
One day, a man named Ishmael came to visit Gedaliah. Ishmael was jealous and angry, and he had a dark heart. While they were sharing a meal together in Mizpah, Ishmael and ten men with him suddenly drew their swords and killed Gedaliah. Ishmael also killed many other people who were in the town, and he did it in secret.
A few days later, eighty men came to Mizpah on their way to the Lord’s house. They had shaved their beards and torn their clothes to show they were sad. Ishmael went out to meet them and pretended to be friendly. He said, “Come with me to see Gedaliah.” But once they were inside the town, he tricked them and killed them too, and he threw their bodies into a deep pit.
Ten of the men begged Ishmael, “Please don’t kill us! We have stores of wheat, barley, oil, and honey hidden in the field.” Ishmael listened to them and stopped. He did not kill those ten men. Then he took the people who were left in Mizpah and carried them away to go to the Ammonites.
When Johanan and the army leaders heard what Ishmael had done, they went after him. They found him beside the great waters in Gibeon. The people Ishmael had taken captive were glad to see Johanan and turned around to go back to him. Ishmael escaped with eight men and fled to the Ammonites, but the people were safe with Johanan.
Read It Together
Jeremiah 41:1-3
1 Now in the seventh month, Ishmael the son of Nethaniah, the son of Elishama, of the royal offspring and one of the chief officers of the king, and ten men with him, came to Gedaliah the son of Ahikam to Mizpah; and there they ate bread together in Mizpah. 2 Then Ishmael the son of Nethaniah arose, and the ten men who were with him, and struck Gedaliah the son of Ahikam the son of Shaphan with the sword and killed him, whom the king of Babylon had made governor over the land. 3 Ishmael also killed all the Jews who were with him, with Gedaliah, at Mizpah, and the Chaldeans who were found there, the men of war.
(WEB)
Point out how Ishmael pretended to be a friend while planning something terrible. Ask the children why it is important to be honest and trustworthy, even when someone seems kind.
Jeremiah 41:10-11
10 Then Ishmael carried away captive all the of the people who were left in Mizpah, even the king’s daughters, and all the people who remained in Mizpah, whom Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard had committed to Gedaliah the son of Ahikam. Ishmael the son of Nethaniah carried them away captive, and departed to go over to the children of Ammon. 11 But when Johanan the son of Kareah, and all the captains of the forces who were with him, heard of all the evil that Ishmael the son of Nethaniah had done…
(WEB)
Show the children that the people were taken away and hurt, and that Johanan heard about it and went to help. Remind them that God cares when people are treated unfairly and that He often uses good people to stand up for others.
Jeremiah 41:13-14
13 Now when all the people who were with Ishmael saw Johanan the son of Kareah, and all the captains of the forces who were with him, then they were glad. 14 So all the people who Ishmael had carried away captive from Mizpah turned about and came back, and went to Johanan the son of Kareah.
(WEB)
Point out the gladness of the people who were rescued. Tell the children that being rescued from danger is a joyful thing, and that God is the One who gives us hope when things look dark.
Talk About It
- Why do you think Ishmael pretended to be friendly before he hurt people?
- How did Gedaliah’s kindness help the people who lived in the land?
- What do you think the ten men did that helped them stay alive?
- How do you feel when someone tells you the truth, even when it is hard?
- What is one way you can show kindness to a friend this week?
Activity Ideas
Mizpah Map Drawing
Give each child a sheet of paper, crayons, and a pencil. Ask them to draw the town of Mizpah with houses, a field, and a deep pit to show where the people were. Let them label one place that shows safety, like a hiding spot or a friend’s house, and talk together about why safe places matter.
Stop and Go Game
Gather the children in an open room or outdoor space. Call out “Stop!” when they should freeze and “Go!” when they can move. Explain that the ten men were spared when they spoke up, so when you call “Stop,” everyone must freeze like the men who were spared. Play several rounds and talk about how a simple word can change what happens.
Peace Card for Home
Give each child an index card and crayons. Have them write or draw a picture of a kind action they can do at home this week, such as helping a sibling or telling the truth. Encourage them to place the card on the kitchen table or by their bed as a reminder to choose peace and honesty.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows how deep the damage of a single betrayal can be, and how trust can be broken by someone who appears friendly. It also reveals God’s concern for people who suffer unjustly and His provision for those who remain faithful. The chapter reminds us that God sees what happens in secret, even when human leaders fail.
Avoid suggesting to children that God will always protect us from harm or that every wrong will be instantly punished in this life. Keep the focus on trusting God’s faithfulness and choosing what is right, rather than promising outcomes that the text does not guarantee.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You for being fair and kind, even when people choose to do wrong. Help us to be honest and to care for others the way You care for us. Please help us make good choices each day and to trust You when things feel hard. Amen.
