In this lesson, children learn that God keeps His promises, even when people ignore His warnings and choose their own way. It suits ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes, including a short story, a memory verse, and a simple activity.
Big Idea
God always tells the truth, and when we turn away from Him, we need to turn back to Him. He still loves us and wants us to come home.
Memory Verse
Jeremiah 44:4
However I sent to you all my servants the prophets, rising up early and sending them, saying, “Oh, don’t do this abominable thing that I hate.”
(WEB)
Put one hand on your heart and the other hand up high, then wave your high hand gently like a messenger calling out. Say the words “Don’t do this, I hate it” together with the children, and then point to your heart to show God cares.
The Story: Jeremiah 44 for Kids
A long time ago, many people from Judah had moved to the land of Egypt. Their home city, Jerusalem, had been destroyed, and they were sad and scared. God had sent the prophet Jeremiah to remind them of something important. Before they left Judah, God had sent His servants again and again to tell the people to stop worshiping false gods. The people did not listen.
Jeremiah stood before the people in Egypt and told them what God had said. He reminded them that they had seen the terrible things that happened in Jerusalem. He told them that God had warned them many times. The people had burned incense to a false god called the queen of the sky, and God was not pleased with that.
The people did not want to hear it. They told Jeremiah, “We will not listen to you. We will keep doing what we have always done.” They believed that their trouble started when they stopped worshiping the queen of the sky. They were wrong about the cause, and they could not see that they were choosing their own way.
Jeremiah told them that God had seen everything, and that their choices had brought these hard days upon them. He said that God would keep His word, and that some people would not escape the trouble. It was not a happy message, but it was true. Jeremiah wanted the people to understand that God’s words always come true.
God also gave a sign to the people in Egypt. He said that King Pharaoh Hophra would be given into the hand of his enemies, just as King Zedekiah of Judah had been. This showed the people that God’s word would stand, even when they did not believe it.
Read It Together
Jeremiah 44:2
“The LORD of Armies, the God of Israel, says: ‘You have seen all the evil that I have brought on Jerusalem, and on all the cities of Judah. Behold, today they are a desolation, and no man dwells in them…
(WEB)
Point out that God reminded the people of all the trouble they had seen with their own eyes. Ask children what it might feel like to remember something sad that happened, and why God wanted them to remember.
Jeremiah 44:10
They are not humbled even to this day, neither have they feared, nor walked in my law, nor in my statutes, that I set before you and before your fathers.’
(WEB)
Show children how the people were not humbled and did not fear God or follow His ways. Explain that being humble means being willing to say we were wrong and to turn back to God with an open heart.
Jeremiah 44:25-26
25 The LORD of Armies, the God of Israel, says, ‘You and your wives have both spoken with your mouths, and with your hands have fulfilled it, saying, “We will surely perform our vows that we have vowed, to burn incense to the queen of the sky, and to pour out drink offerings to her.” “‘Establish then your vows, and perform your vows.’ 26 “Therefore hear the LORD’s word, all Judah who dwell in the land of Egypt: ‘Behold, I have sworn by my great name,’ says the LORD, ‘that my name will no more be named in the mouth of any man of Judah in all the land of Egypt, saying, “As the Lord the LORD lives.”
(WEB)
Point out that the people made promises to the queen of the sky, and they were determined to keep them. Help children see that promises to God matter, and that we should make sure our promises honor Him.
Talk About It
- Why do you think the people kept doing what they wanted, even after God warned them many times?
- How do you feel when someone you love tells you the truth, even when it is hard to hear?
- What is one way you can listen to God when He speaks to you through your family, your church, or the Bible?
- What does it mean to turn back to God, and what might that look like in your everyday life?
- How can you remember that God always keeps His promises, even when things feel scary or sad?
Activity Ideas
Drawing a Path Home
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a pencil. Ask each child to draw a winding path that starts in a dark place and leads to a bright house with a window. Along the path, they can draw small signs, like arrows or hearts, to remind them that God calls us back to Him. Talk together about the turns we might take on our own journey and how God welcomes us home.
Messenger Game
You will need a small bell or a shaker made from a clean cup and a few dried beans. Have the children stand in a line, and one child at a time walks to the front to deliver a short message like “Turn back to God.” Each child who hears the message must repeat it back with a gentle wave, like Jeremiah calling out. This helps children understand how God sent His messengers over and over again.
Take-Home Promise Card
You will need an index card, a pencil, and a bit of ribbon or tape. Ask each child to write or draw one promise they will keep to honor God this week, such as helping at home or speaking kindly. Tape the card to a bedroom door or the refrigerator as a reminder. At dinner, invite the family to share how they kept their promise and how God helped them.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God is holy and faithful. Even when people turn away and refuse to listen, God’s warnings and His promises both stand. The chapter also reminds us that real repentance means turning back to God, not just feeling sorry for our mistakes. Scripture teaches that God’s patience is great, yet His word always comes to pass.
With children, avoid suggesting that every hard thing in life is a direct punishment for a specific sin. The story is about a particular people in a particular time, and God’s relationship with each child is one of love and grace. Focus on the goodness of God who wants His people to come home, rather than on fear of His anger.
A Prayer to Close
Lord, thank You for always telling us the truth and for loving us even when we get lost. Help us listen to You and turn back to You when we wander away. Remind us that You keep every promise You make. Thank You for welcoming us home. Amen.
