This lesson teaches children that God keeps His promises, and that He wants His people to listen to Him and obey. It works well for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God keeps His promises, so we can trust Him and choose to listen and obey. When we ignore Him, we hurt ourselves, but He always stays faithful to His word.
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)
Ask the children to put one hand on their ear, then slowly move it to their heart. Say “Obey my voice” as they do it. Repeat the motion together three times so the words and the action stick.
The Story: Jeremiah 11 for Kids
A long time ago, God spoke to a prophet named Jeremiah. God had a message for the people of Judah and the city of Jerusalem. He told Jeremiah to read them the words of a special agreement God had made with their ancestors. This agreement was called a covenant.
God had brought the families of Israel out of Egypt, where they had been slaves for many years. He promised to be their God, and He told them to obey Him. He said that if they listened, they would be His people and live in a land full of good things. God told Jeremiah to say, “Listen to my voice and do what I command.”
But the people did not listen. They did what they wanted instead, following their own hard hearts. They even began worshiping other gods, like Baal, and they built altars all over the city. Because of this, God said He would bring trouble on them, and they would not be able to escape it.
When the trouble came, the people cried out to their false gods, but those gods could not help them. God said He would not listen to their prayers at that time, because they had turned away from Him. This was a sad and serious day for the people of Judah.
Jeremiah was a gentle man who loved God and His people. Some men from his own town of Anathoth wanted to hurt him, so they made plans against him. Jeremiah trusted God to know the truth and to take care of him, and he gave God his worries. He did not try to get even.
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 kept the promise He made to give the people a good land. Explain that God’s promises are always true, even when people do not keep theirs. Ask the children what promise God has made to them.
Jeremiah 11:8
Yet they didn’t obey, nor turn their ear, but everyone walked in the stubbornness of their evil heart. Therefore I brought on them all the words of this covenant, which I commanded them to do, but they didn’t do them.’”
(WEB)
Show the children that the people did not listen and chose their own stubborn way. Explain that a stubborn heart is one that refuses to bend to God. Ask how it feels when someone will not listen 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)
Point out that Jeremiah gave his problem to God and trusted Him to judge fairly. Explain that we can bring our hurts to God, just as Jeremiah did. Remind the children that God knows exactly what is in our hearts.
Talk About It
- What did God promise the people when He brought them out of Egypt?
- Why do you think the people chose to follow other gods instead of listening to God?
- How did Jeremiah respond when people made plans to hurt him?
- What is one way you can listen to God’s voice this week?
- Why is it good to know that God always keeps His word?
Activity Ideas
Draw a Promise Keeper
Give each child a sheet of paper and crayons. Ask them to draw a picture of something God has promised, such as His love, His help, or His presence. Let them write one word underneath, like “faithful” or “always.” Display the pictures on the wall as a reminder that God keeps His promises.
Listen and Move
Play a simple “Simon Says” style game. Call out commands like “Simon says stand up” or “Simon says turn around,” and have children follow only when you say “Simon says.” Afterward, explain that the people in Jeremiah’s time did not listen to God’s commands. Talk about how hard it can be to follow instructions when we want our own way.
Take-Home Promise Card
Cut index cards in half and give each child one. Have them write “God keeps His promises” on the front and draw a small heart on the back. Encourage them to place the card on their bedside table or in their backpack. Ask them to read it aloud each morning as a reminder to listen to God.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God’s covenant with His people is serious and that He calls them to faithful obedience. Jeremiah’s willingness to speak God’s hard words, while also trusting God with his own safety, is a model for believers today. Adults can see both God’s justice and His faithfulness in the text.
When teaching children, avoid overstating the idea that bad things happen only because people sin. The chapter describes a specific historical judgment on Judah, and young children may become fearful or confused if it is presented as a simple rule for every hardship. Keep the focus on God’s faithfulness and the invitation to listen.
A Prayer to Close
Lord, thank You for always keeping Your promises to us. Help us listen to Your voice and follow You every day. When we want our own way, remind us that You know what is best. Help us trust You like Jeremiah did. Amen.
