This lesson teaches children that God is in charge of every nation, and that he keeps his promises to his people even when powerful kingdoms seem unstoppable. It works well for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach, including the story, the verses, and the activity.
Big Idea
God is the boss of all the nations, and he always keeps his promises to the people who belong to him, even when everything around them looks scary.
Memory Verse
Jeremiah 46:27
“But don’t you be afraid, Jacob my servant. Don’t be dismayed, Israel; for, behold, I will save you from afar, and your offspring from the land of their captivity. Jacob will return, and will be quiet and at ease. No one will make him afraid.
(WEB)
Have children stand with their feet planted wide and hands on their hearts. On the words “don’t be afraid,” have them slowly raise both hands up high, like a friend saying “stop, it’s okay.” Repeat the motion together three times so the words and the gesture stick.
The Story: Jeremiah 46 for Kids
Long ago, God gave his prophet Jeremiah a message about the nations around Israel. The first message was about Egypt. Egypt had a strong king named Pharaoh Necoh, and his army was big and proud. Pharaoh Necoh marched his soldiers north to a place called Carchemish, near the river Euphrates, to fight against the king of Babylon, whose name was Nebuchadnezzar.
The Egyptian soldiers got ready for battle. They put on their shields, polished their spears, and harnessed their horses. But when the battle started, something went wrong. The Egyptian soldiers were scared, and they turned around and ran away. God had told Jeremiah that this would happen, and it did. Their strong men fell down, and they could not stand up.
The people of Egypt said to each other, “Let us go back home to our own land, away from the sword.” Even the Egyptian people were saying that Pharaoh was all talk and no power. God was in control the whole time. He was the one who let these things happen to show that he rules over every kingdom.
God gave a second message to Egypt. He said that Nebuchadnezzar would come and defeat the land of Egypt. Some of the cities that were famous and beautiful would be burned, and many people would be taken away. God was not happy with Egypt for trusting in its own power and its false gods instead of trusting him.
Then God spoke tenderly to his people Israel, whom he called Jacob, his servant. He told them, “Don’t be afraid. I will save you from far away, and I will bring your children home from the place where they were taken.” God promised that his people would come back and live in peace, with no one to make them afraid.
God also said that he would not destroy his people completely. He would correct them, but he would never leave them without help. God is faithful to his children, and his promises are true.
Read It Together
Jeremiah 46:5
Why have I seen it? They are dismayed and are turned backward. Their mighty ones are beaten down, have fled in haste, and don’t look back. Terror is on every side,” says the LORD.
(WEB)
Point out how the soldiers of Egypt were scared and ran away. Ask children what it feels like when they are afraid and want to run. Remind them that even strong soldiers can be afraid, but God is never afraid of anyone.
Jeremiah 46:10
For that day is of the Lord, the LORD of Armies, a day of vengeance, that he may avenge himself of his adversaries. The sword will devour and be satiated, and will drink its fill of their blood; for the Lord, the LORD of Armies, has a sacrifice in the north country by the river Euphrates.
(WEB)
Explain that the Lord of Armies is another name for God, and that he has power over all the armies in the world. Help children see that the day God acts is a day when he makes things right. Emphasize that God is the one who is really in charge.
Jeremiah 46:28
Don’t be afraid, O Jacob my servant,” says the LORD; “for I am with you; for I will make a full end of all the nations where I have driven you; but I will not make a full end of you, but I will correct you in measure, and will in no way leave you unpunished.”
(WEB)
Show children that God says “I am with you” to his people. Point out that God promised to correct his people with care, not to leave them alone. Encourage children to think of times when they felt God was close to them.
Talk About It
- What did the Egyptian soldiers do when they got scared, and why do you think they ran?
- How can knowing that God is in charge of every nation help you when you feel worried?
- What do you think it means that God said, “I am with you”?
- Why do you think God promised to bring his people home from far away?
- When is a time you felt safe because you knew someone was with you?
Activity Ideas
Draw Your Shield of Faith
You will need paper plates, crayons or markers, and a little tape or yarn. Have each child draw a picture of something that helps them feel brave, such as a family member, a pet, or a Bible verse. Tape a loop of yarn to the back so the child can hold the plate like a shield. Let them talk about what they drew and how God helps them stay brave.
Lord of Armies Freeze Game
You will need an open space and a timer or a clap. Choose one child to be the Lord of Armies, who calls out a movement such as “march” or “hop.” The other children do the movement until the leader says “Freeze,” and then everyone must stop still. Explain that God is always in charge and that everyone must listen to him, just as the children listen to the leader.
Don’t Be Afraid Reminder Card
You will need an index card, a pencil, and a marker. Have each child write “Don’t be afraid, God is with me” on the card and decorate the edges with stickers or drawings. Encourage them to take the card home and place it on the bathroom mirror or by their bed. Ask them to read it aloud each night before they go to sleep.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God rules over every nation, including those that seem most powerful. Egypt trusted in its armies, its gods, and its king, but none of these could save it when God decided to act. The chapter also reveals God’s tender heart toward his people, promising to save them from far away and to keep them even through correction. Adults can take comfort that God’s purposes stand firm regardless of the world’s events.
When teaching children, avoid overstating the violence in the chapter or framing God’s judgment on Egypt as something children should cheer about. Keep the focus on God’s faithfulness to his people and his care for the frightened. Let children feel the reassurance of the promises without making the judgment sound like a game.
A Prayer to Close
Lord, thank you that you are in charge of every nation and every army. When we feel scared, help us remember that you are with us and that you keep your promises. Please help us to be brave and to trust you each day. Amen.
