This lesson teaches children that God wants us to know Him and trust Him more than we trust our own cleverness, strength, or stuff. It is designed for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God is the one we should be proud of knowing. Being smart, strong, or rich is not the most important thing, because God is the one who loves what is right and fair.
Memory Verse
Jeremiah 9:24
But let him who glories glory in this, that he has understanding, and knows me, that I am the LORD who exercises loving kindness, justice, and righteousness, in the earth; for I delight in these things,” says the LORD.
(WEB)
Hold your hands up like you are showing off your muscles, then slowly lower them and place both hands over your heart. Say the verse together while you do it, so children connect pride with humility and remember where real boasting should go.
The Story: Jeremiah 9 for Kids
Long ago, a prophet named Jeremiah lived in the land of Judah. He loved God’s people very much, but he was sad. Many people had stopped listening to God. They told lies to their neighbors and did not treat each other fairly. Jeremiah cried so much that he wished his eyes were like a spring of water.
God told Jeremiah that these people were not walking in His ways. They had forgotten His law and followed idols called Baals instead. Because of this, God said He would allow hard times to come, so that the people would learn how serious their choices were. The land would become dry and empty, and the animals and birds would leave.
God also sent a message to the wise people, the strong people, and the rich people. He said, “Don’t let the wise man boast about his wisdom.” Everyone else was told the same thing about their strength and money. Those things are not what make a person special.
Instead, God said, “Let the one who boasts boast in this: that he understands and knows Me.” God shows love, fairness, and what is right all over the earth. God loves those things, and He wants His people to love them too.
Read It Together
Jeremiah 9:3-4
3 “They bend their tongue, as their bow, for falsehood. They have grown strong in the land, but not for truth; for they proceed from evil to evil, and they don’t know me,” says the LORD. 4 “Everyone beware of his neighbor, and don’t trust in any brother; for every brother will utterly supplant, and every neighbor will go around with slanders.
(WEB)
Point out how the people used their words to hurt others and told lies instead of truth. Explain that God noticed when people were unkind and dishonest, even if they seemed nice on the outside.
Jeremiah 9:23
The LORD says, “Don’t let the wise man glory in his wisdom. Don’t let the mighty man glory in his might. Don’t let the rich man glory in his riches.
(WEB)
Show children the three things people often brag about: being wise, being strong, and having lots of money. Ask them to notice that God says none of these should be our biggest pride.
Jeremiah 9:12-14
12 Who is wise enough to understand this? Who is he to whom the mouth of the LORD has spoken, that he may declare it? Why has the land perished and burned up like a wilderness, so that no one passes through? 13 The LORD says, “Because they have forsaken my law which I set before them, and have not obeyed my voice, neither walked therein, 14 but have walked after the stubbornness of their own heart, and after the Baals, which their fathers taught them.”
(WEB)
Explain that the people forgot God’s rules and chose their own stubborn ways. Help children see that forgetting God leads to trouble, and remembering Him leads us to better choices.
Talk About It
- What are some things people in our town like to brag about, and why might God think those things are not the most important?
- How can you tell when someone is being honest and when someone is telling a lie?
- Why did Jeremiah feel so sad about the way the people were acting?
- What is one way you could show that you know God better this week?
- How does it feel to know that God loves what is fair and kind?
Activity Ideas
Hearts of Truth Craft
You will need paper, crayons or markers, scissors, and glue. Have each child trace a heart shape on paper and cut it out. On one side, they draw something they are good at, and on the other side, they write or draw “I know God.” Talk about how the heart reminds us that knowing God matters more than being good at things.
Stop and Go Honesty Game
Gather a few classroom items like a ball, a cup, and a book. Call out a true statement or a silly lie about one of the items, and have children stand up for the truth and sit down for a lie. Explain that telling the truth is one way we show we love God’s way of doing what is right.
Take-Home Truth Card
You will need an index card and a pen. Write “Boast in knowing God” on one side and draw a small cross or heart on the other side. Ask each child to tape the card to a mirror or their bedroom door. Encourage them to read it each morning while they get ready, reminding them to put God first.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God takes sin seriously, especially lying, cruelty, and trusting in worldly things instead of Him. Jeremiah’s grief reveals God’s heart for His people, and the closing message points to a deeper relationship with God as the true basis for boasting.
With children, avoid overstating the idea of punishment or make it sound like God is always angry. Focus instead on God’s love for justice and kindness, and explain that He invites us to know Him and walk in His ways.
A Prayer to Close
Father, thank You for loving what is right and fair. Help us to know You more each day and to be honest with the people around us. Teach us not to brag about our own strength or stuff, but to be thankful that we know You. Amen.
