In this lesson, children learn that God chose Jeremiah to be His prophet and promised to be with him, so they do not have to be afraid when God asks them to do something hard. This lesson suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God knows you, He can help you do hard things, and He is always with you. You never have to be scared alone.
Memory Verse
Jeremiah 1:8
Don’t be afraid because of them, for I am with you to rescue you,” says the LORD.
(WEB)
Have children stand tall with both hands on their hearts. As they say the verse together, have them slowly lift their arms out to the sides, like a bird spreading its wings to show that God is there to protect them.
The Story: Jeremiah 1 for Kids
A long time ago, there was a boy named Jeremiah who lived in a town called Anathoth, in the land of Benjamin. His father was a priest. Jeremiah loved God, and God had a special plan for him. Before Jeremiah was even born, God already knew him and had a job for him to do.
God said, “I have chosen you to be a prophet. You will speak My words to many nations.” Jeremiah was surprised. He said, “Lord, I do not know how to speak. I am just a child!” He felt small and unsure, the way many of you might feel when someone asks you to do something big.
God gently answered him. God said, “Do not say you are only a child. Go to everyone I send you to, and say what I tell you to say. Do not be afraid of them, because I am with you, and I will rescue you.” God even touched Jeremiah’s mouth and said, “I have put My words in your mouth.”
Next, God showed Jeremiah some pictures to help him understand. First, Jeremiah saw a branch from an almond tree. God said, “You have seen well, because I watch over My words to make them happen.” Then Jeremiah saw a boiling pot tipping away from the north. God told him that trouble would come from the north, because the people had turned away from Him and worshiped other gods.
God told Jeremiah to get ready for his work. He said, “Put on your belt, stand up, and tell the people what I command. Do not be scared of them, or I will make you afraid in front of them.” God said that Jeremiah would be like a strong city with walls of iron and bronze. The people would fight against him, but they would not win, because God was with him.
Read It Together
Jeremiah 1:5
“Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you. Before you were born, I sanctified you. I have appointed you a prophet to the nations.”
(WEB)
Point out that God knew Jeremiah before he was born. Explain that this means God knows every child too, and each person has a special purpose in His plan.
Jeremiah 1:7
But the LORD said to me, “Don’t say, ‘I am a child;’ for you must go to whomever I send you, and you must say whatever I command you.
(WEB)
Show children that God told Jeremiah not to say he was too young. Ask them to think about a time they felt too little to help, and remind them that God can use anyone who is willing.
Jeremiah 1:19
They will fight against you, but they will not prevail against you; for I am with you”, says the LORD, “to rescue you.”
(WEB)
Point out that God promised, “I am with you, to rescue you.” Explain that this promise was for Jeremiah, and it is still true for children who trust God today.
Talk About It
- What did God know about Jeremiah even before he was born?
- Why do you think Jeremiah said he was just a child, and what did God say to him?
- What is something hard that you might feel scared to do, and how can God help you with it?
- What did God touch Jeremiah’s mouth with, and what did He say He had put there?
- How can you remember that God is with you when you feel afraid?
Activity Ideas
Strong Walls Craft
You will need paper, crayons, cotton balls, and glue. Ask each child to draw a tall city wall or a tower on paper. Then have them glue cotton balls or colored paper scraps along the top to make it look strong. As they work, talk about how God said Jeremiah would be like a strong city that could not be knocked down.
Be Brave Movement Game
Clear a space in the room. Call out a simple action, such as “stand tall,” “put on your belt,” or “stretch out your hands,” and have children do it together. Then call out, “Do not be afraid!” and have them stomp their feet and cheer. Each time they hear the words, remind them that God is with them.
Take-Home Promise Card
Cut index cards or sturdy paper into small rectangles. Write “God is with me” on each one, and have children decorate the cards with stickers or markers. Encourage them to place the card by their bed or in a pocket. When they feel scared, they can read it and remember God’s promise.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God calls ordinary people into His work, even when they feel unprepared or unqualified. Jeremiah’s youth and fear did not disqualify him, because God’s presence and His words were what mattered. The chapter also shows God’s faithfulness: He promised to protect Jeremiah in a hard and often painful ministry.
Be careful not to suggest to children that God will always make hard things easy or that every fear will disappear. Jeremiah still faced opposition, and God did not promise that the people would agree with him. Focus instead on the truth that God is with His people in difficult moments, even when the challenges remain.
A Prayer to Close
Lord, thank You for knowing us before we were born. When we feel too small or scared to do something, help us remember that You are with us. Help us be brave and trust You, just as Jeremiah did. Amen.
