In this lesson, children learn that God keeps His promises and asks His people to keep theirs too. The Bible story of Jeremiah 11 is best for children ages 5 to 11, and the lesson takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Big Idea
God always keeps His promises, and He wants us to listen to Him and obey Him, just as we promised to. When we don’t listen, we get hurt, but God still wants us to come back to Him.
Memory Verse
Jeremiah 11:4
Which I commanded your fathers in the day that I brought them out of the land of Egypt, out of the iron furnace,’ saying, ‘Obey my voice, and do them, according to all which I command you; so you shall be my people, and I will be your God…
(WEB)
Have the children cross their arms over their chest, then open their hands wide like they are giving a gift. Say the verse together, and on the word “obey,” have everyone raise one finger like they are listening carefully.
The Story: Jeremiah 11 for Kids
Long ago, God had a special agreement with the people of Israel. He had rescued their families out of a hard place in Egypt, where they had been made to work with no rest. God told them that if they listened to His voice and obeyed Him, He would be their God and they would be His people. It was a promise made between them.
God sent a prophet named Jeremiah to speak to the people of Judah and to the people who lived in the city of Jerusalem. God told Jeremiah to tell them to listen to the words of this agreement and to do what God asked. Jeremiah did as God said, and he said, “Amen,” which means yes, that is true.
But the people did not listen. They wanted to do what they wanted, not what God asked. They started worshiping other gods, and they built altars to a false god named Baal. God was very sad, and He told Jeremiah that bad things would come because the people had broken their promise.
Jeremiah was a gentle man, like a lamb. Some of the people made plans to hurt him, and they wanted to stop him from speaking God’s words. But God knew what was happening, and God told Jeremiah that He would take care of the situation. Jeremiah trusted God, even when it was hard.
God told the people that when trouble came, they would cry out to their false gods, but those gods could not save them. God still wanted them to come back to Him. This story shows that God is faithful even when His people are not.
Read It Together
Jeremiah 11:5
That I may establish the oath which I swore to your fathers, to give them a land flowing with milk and honey,’ as it is today.” Then answered I, and said, “Amen, the LORD.”
(WEB)
Point out that God was keeping the promise He made to their families long ago. Ask the children how God keeps His word even when people forget theirs.
Jeremiah 11:7
For I earnestly protested to your fathers in the day that I brought them up out of the land of Egypt, even to this day, rising early and protesting, saying, “Obey my voice.”
(WEB)
Show the children that God kept calling His people to listen, again and again, early in the morning. Explain that God is patient and keeps reaching out to us.
Jeremiah 11:20
But, the LORD of Armies, who judges righteously, who tests the heart and the mind, I will see your vengeance on them; for to you I have revealed my cause.
(WEB)
Tell the children that Jeremiah trusted God to judge fairly, even when people were being unkind to him. Explain that we can give our hurt feelings to God, just as Jeremiah did.
Talk About It
- What is a promise you have made to someone, and how did you keep it?
- Why do you think God wanted His people to listen to His voice?
- How did Jeremiah act when people were unkind to him?
- What did the people do that made God sad, and what could they have done instead?
- How can you show God that you want to listen to Him this week?
Activity Ideas
Promise Keeper Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and tape. Have each child draw a picture of something they promised God or someone else they want to keep. Hang the pictures on the wall as a reminder that God keeps His promises and asks us to keep ours too.
Listen and Obey Game
Play a simple version of Simon Says, but call it “God Says.” Give movement instructions like “God says touch your nose” or “God says clap three times.” Children should only move when you say “God says” first. Explain that listening carefully helps us obey.
Take-Home Promise Card
Cut index cards in half and give one to each child. Ask them to write or draw one way they will listen to God and obey Him this week, such as helping at home or being kind to a sibling. Have them keep the card in a pocket or on the fridge and share it with a parent at dinner.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God made a covenant with His people, and He faithfully held to His side even when they repeatedly turned away. Jeremiah’s role as a prophet, speaking God’s warnings and enduring rejection, reveals both God’s justice and His patient love. The people’s worship of other gods was a serious breach of the relationship God had established with them.
When teaching children, avoid overstating the idea that bad things always happen because of specific sins, or that God will always punish wrongdoing immediately. The chapter focuses on a particular historical moment and God’s covenant with Israel. Keep the focus on God’s faithfulness and His invitation to listen and return to Him.
A Prayer to Close
Lord, thank You for keeping Your promises to us every day. Help us to listen carefully to Your voice and to obey You, just as we promised. When we forget, please help us come back to You and trust You more. Thank You for always loving us. Amen.
