In this lesson, children learn that God’s plans always come true, even when people choose not to listen to Him. This lesson is for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God tells us the truth, and we can trust Him even when we don’t want to hear it. Obeying God is always the right choice, even when it is hard.
Memory Verse
Jeremiah 43:10
And tell them, the LORD of Armies, the God of Israel, says: ‘Behold, I will send and take Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon, my servant, and will set his throne on these stones that I have hidden; and he will spread his royal pavilion over them.
(WEB)
Ask the children to stand tall with their hands on their hearts, then slowly raise both arms up over their heads as they say the verse together. Repeat it three times, getting a little quieter each time, so the words stick.
The Story: Jeremiah 43 for Kids
Long ago, the people of Judah had a very hard time. Their city had been broken by the king of Babylon, and many of the people had been taken away. A few people were left in the land, and they were scared about what would happen next.
God had sent a prophet named Jeremiah to speak for Him. Jeremiah told the people what God wanted them to hear. God said, “Stay in this land and do not go to Egypt.” But some proud leaders did not like this message. Johanan and Azariah said to Jeremiah, “You are not telling the truth! You are just saying what Baruch wants you to say.”
Those leaders did not listen to God. They packed up their families and walked all the way to Egypt. Jeremiah went with them, even though he did not want to go. God knew they were making a mistake, and He was sad about it.
When they reached a town called Tahpanhes, God told Jeremiah to do something strange. He told Jeremiah to hide big stones in the brick wall at the entrance of Pharaoh’s house. The people watched him do it, and they must have wondered why.
Then God gave Jeremiah a message for the people. God said that the king of Babylon, Nebuchadnezzar, would come to Egypt. He would set his throne on those very stones. God was showing them that He was in control, even of kings.
The people of Egypt would learn that the gods they trusted could not save them. God wanted everyone to know that He is the one true God, and that His word always comes true.
Read It Together
Jeremiah 43:1
When Jeremiah had finished speaking to all the people all the words of the LORD their God, with which the LORD their God had sent him to them, even all these words…
(WEB)
Point out that Jeremiah finished telling the people everything God had asked him to say. He did not leave out the hard parts. Ask children why it is important to tell the whole truth, even when it is difficult.
Jeremiah 43:4-5
4 So Johanan the son of Kareah, and all the captains of the forces, and all the people, didn’t obey the LORD’s voice, to dwell in the land of Judah. 5 But Johanan the son of Kareah, and all the captains of the forces, took all the remnant of Judah, who had returned from all the nations where they had been driven, to live in the land of Judah…
(WEB)
Show the children that the leaders did not listen to God’s voice and chose their own way instead. Explain that disobeying God always leads to trouble, even when it looks like the safe choice.
Jeremiah 43:8-9
8 Then the LORD’s word came to Jeremiah in Tahpanhes, saying, 9 “Take great stones in your hand, and hide them in mortar in the brick work, which is at the entry of Pharaoh’s house in Tahpanhes, in the sight of the men of Judah…
(WEB)
Point out that God gave Jeremiah an unusual task, and Jeremiah obeyed. Talk about how God sometimes asks us to do things that seem strange, and we can trust that He has a good reason.
Talk About It
- Why do you think the leaders did not want to listen to Jeremiah?
- How would you feel if someone told you something you did not want to hear?
- What is one thing God has asked you to do that was hard to obey?
- How can you tell when God is speaking to you through the people who love you?
- What can you do this week to choose to obey God, even when it is hard?
Activity Ideas
Stone Wall Craft
You will need paper, crayons, glue, and a few small rocks or pebbles. Have each child draw a brick wall on paper and then glue a rock in the middle of the wall. Ask them to tell you what the rock reminds them of, and remind them that God’s word is solid and always true.
Follow the Leader Game
Choose one child to be Jeremiah and have the others be the people of Judah. Jeremiah gives a simple command, like hopping on one foot or touching their toes. The children must follow the command. Talk afterward about how it feels to follow the leader God gave us, and why we should listen to Him.
Take-Home Promise Card
Give each child an index card and a crayon. Have them write or draw one way they will choose to obey God this week. Encourage them to place the card on their bedroom door or by their bed, so they see it every morning and remember to trust God.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter reminds us that God’s word stands firm even when people reject it. The leaders chose their own plans over God’s clear command, and they paid a heavy price. God remains faithful to His promises, and He is always in control of history, including the rise and fall of nations.
With children, avoid overstating the idea that bad choices always lead to immediate punishment. Focus instead on the simple truth that God knows best and that trusting Him is always wise. Keep the emphasis on God’s faithfulness and love, not on fear.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You for telling us the truth. Help us listen to You, even when it is hard. Help us trust that Your plans are always good. We love You and want to follow You every day. Amen.
