Jeremiah 14 teaches children that when life is hard, God is the one we can always turn to for help. This lesson suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
When everything feels dry and scary, we can run to God, because He is our Helper and He never stops caring for us.
Memory Verse
Jeremiah 14:22
Are there any among the vanities of the nations that can cause rain? Or can the sky give showers? Aren’t you he, the LORD our God? Therefore we will wait for you; for you have made all these things.
(WEB)
Cup your hands together like you are holding water, then lift them up high toward the sky. Say the words slowly as you lift your hands, showing that we look up to God for what we need.
The Story: Jeremiah 14 for Kids
Once there was a very long drought in the land of Judah. The rain did not fall for many days, and the ground became cracked and dry. The grass dried up, and the animals were hungry and thirsty.
The people of Jerusalem were very sad. The leaders sent their little children to find water, but the wells were empty. The children came back with empty jars, and they covered their heads in sadness. Even the farmers were disappointed, because nothing could grow.
God sent His message to the prophet Jeremiah. Jeremiah loved the people and wanted to pray for them. The people said, “Lord, we have done wrong, but please do not leave us. You are the one we belong to.”
God told Jeremiah that the people had wandered away from Him. Some prophets were telling the people lies, saying everything would be fine when God had not sent them. God wanted His people to know the truth, even though it was sad.
Jeremiah was very sad too, and he cried for his people night and day. He asked God the hard questions, and he waited for God to answer. Jeremiah trusted that God alone could bring real help.
Read It Together
Jeremiah 14:7
Though our iniquities testify against us, work for your name’s sake, the LORD; for our rebellions are many. We have sinned against you.
(WEB)
Point out that the people admitted they had done wrong and asked God to act for His own name’s sake. Explain that saying sorry to God is always the right first step.
Jeremiah 14:9
Why should you be like a scared man, as a mighty man who can’t save? Yet you, the LORD, are in the middle of us, and we are called by your name. Don’t leave us.
(WEB)
Show children the words about God being in the middle of His people. Explain that God is close to us even when we feel alone or afraid.
Talk About It
- What did the children of Jerusalem have to do when the wells were empty?
- How do you feel when you are thirsty or hungry and nothing seems to help?
- Why did the people say they were sorry to God?
- What do you think it means that God is in the middle of His people?
- Who can you turn to when you feel scared or worried, just like the people in the story?
Activity Ideas
Cracked Ground Painting
Gather paper, brown paint or crayons, and a little blue paint. Have children paint the ground brown, then use a fork or pencil to draw cracks in it. Add a small blue raindrop shape at the top, reminding them that God brings rain and hope when the ground is dry.
Thirsty Hands Game
Ask children to pretend they are the thirsty animals in the story, stretching their necks and panting like they are hot. Then call out “Rain!” and have them lift their arms high and wiggle their fingers like falling drops. Explain that we look up to God when we need Him.
Rain Jar at Home
Fill a clear jar with water and a few cotton balls for clouds. Let children take the jar home and talk with their family about one way they can ask God for help this week. Encourage them to add a note or drawing to the jar each day.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God’s people can be honest about their sin and their pain. Jeremiah’s grief and the people’s confession both point to a God who listens and who is faithful to His promises, even when judgment is real.
With children, avoid suggesting that every hard season is a direct punishment for something they did. Focus instead on the simple truth that God is near, He hears us, and He is the one we trust when life feels dry.
A Prayer to Close
Dear Lord, thank You that You are always near to us. When we feel thirsty, scared, or sad, help us to run to You. Thank You for being our Helper and for hearing every prayer we pray. Amen.
