This lesson teaches children that God chose Jeremiah while he was still young and gave him God’s own words to speak, and that God helps us when we feel too small for a big job. It is best for ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Big Idea
God knows us, He can call us to do good things, and He is always with us to help, even when we feel too little to do it.
Memory Verse
Jeremiah 1:8
Don’t be afraid because of them, for I am with you to rescue you,” says the LORD.
(WEB)
Teach the children to cup their hands over their ears, then point to their hearts and say “I am with you.” Have them do this motion each time they say the verse. Repeating it with the motions helps the words stick, even for the youngest in the room.
The Story: Jeremiah 1 for Kids
Long ago, there was a young man named Jeremiah who lived in a town called Anathoth, in the land of Benjamin. God had a special plan for Jeremiah. Before Jeremiah was even born, God already knew him and had chosen him to be a prophet, someone who speaks God’s messages to people.
Jeremiah felt small. He said, “Lord, I don’t know how to speak. I am only a child.” Many children feel this way when grown-ups ask them to do something big. But God did not agree that Jeremiah was too small. God told him, “Don’t say you are only a child. You must go wherever I send you and say whatever I tell you.”
God also told Jeremiah not to be afraid of the people who might be unkind to him. God promised, “I am with you to rescue you.” Then God reached out His hand and touched Jeremiah’s mouth. God said, “I have put my words in your mouth.” God was giving Jeremiah exactly what he needed.
Next, God showed Jeremiah two pictures to help him understand. The first was a branch from an almond tree. God said, “You have seen well, for I watch over my word to make it happen.” The almond tree was one of the first trees to wake up in spring, a sign that God keeps His promises.
The second picture was a boiling pot tipping away from the north. God explained that trouble would come from the north because the people had turned away from Him and worshiped other things. God told Jeremiah to get ready, to put on his belt, and to speak the truth without being scared.
God made Jeremiah strong like a fortified city, an iron pillar, and bronze walls. The people would fight against him, but they would not win, because God said, “I am with you to rescue you.” That is how Jeremiah’s story began.
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. Ask the children what it means that God knows them too. Help them see that God’s love for each child started long before they could do anything at all.
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 that God told Jeremiah not to say he was only a child. Explain that God sends us where He wants us to go, and He gives us the words we need when the time comes, even if we feel unsure.
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 to be with Jeremiah and rescue him. Remind the children that God’s promise to be with them is just as true, whether they are at school, at home, or on the playground.
Talk About It
- What did Jeremiah say when God asked him to be a prophet, and why do you think he felt that way?
- How did God answer Jeremiah when he said he was too young to speak for Him?
- Can you think of a time when you felt too small to do something important? What helped you feel brave?
- What did God promise Jeremiah in verse 8, and how does that promise help us today?
- What are some good things God might ask a child to do, even when the job feels big?
Activity Ideas
Draw the Almond Branch
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a small twig if you have one. Show the children the twig and explain that the almond tree was one of the first to bloom in spring, a reminder that God keeps His word. Have each child draw a branch with a few flowers, then write or draw one thing God promises to do for them.
Be Strong Like a Fortified City
You will need a few pillows, chairs, or cardboard boxes to make a simple wall in the room. Have one child stand inside the wall while the others gently try to push in, then switch roles. Afterward, talk about how God made Jeremiah strong like a fortified city, and how God is our strength when we feel weak.
Memory Verse Bracelet Card
You will need paper strips, a marker, and tape or a rubber band. Write the memory verse, “I am with you to rescue you,” on each strip and let the children decorate it. Help them tape or loop it into a bracelet or bookmark to take home, so they can see it and remember God’s promise during the week.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God calls people for His purposes before they feel ready, and that His call comes with His own power and presence. Jeremiah’s objection that he was only a youth is answered not by his own ability but by God’s promise to be with him. Adults can take comfort that God’s calling does not depend on our confidence.
When teaching children, avoid overstating the specifics of Jeremiah’s historical setting or the exact meaning of the two visions. Keep the focus on what the children can understand: God knows us, He sends us, and He is with us. Let children ask questions about the visions without pressing them to find a single interpretation.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You for knowing us before we were born. Help us remember that You are always with us, even when we feel small. Give us courage to do what You ask, and help us trust Your words. Amen.
