In this lesson, children learn that God is always faithful to His people, even when they turn away, and that He promises to rescue those who come back to Him. This lesson suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God never stops loving His people, and He promises to rescue us when we come back to Him. Even when we make mistakes, He stays close and keeps His word.
Memory Verse
Jeremiah 15:20
I will make you to this people a fortified bronze wall. They will fight against you, but they will not prevail against you; for I am with you to save you and to deliver you,” says the LORD.
(WEB)
Teach children to cup both hands together like a shield, then slowly raise them up high. Say the words together as they move, so the shield becomes a picture of God protecting them.
The Story: Jeremiah 15 for Kids
Long ago, God’s people in Judah had wandered far away from Him. They had stopped listening to God and had started doing things that hurt others and dishonored Him. God sent His prophet Jeremiah to tell them the truth, but the people did not want to change their hearts.
Jeremiah was sad, and he felt tired from speaking to people who would not listen. He cried out to God and said that he had been treated badly for telling the truth. Jeremiah felt like his pain would never end, and he felt like God had let him down.
God answered Jeremiah with a promise. God said that if His people turned back to Him, He would bring them home. God told Jeremiah that He would make him strong, like a wall made of bronze that cannot be knocked down. God said, “I am with you to save you and to deliver you.”
God also promised to rescue Jeremiah from people who wanted to hurt him. God said, “I will deliver you out of the hand of the wicked.” Jeremiah could trust that God would keep him safe, even when things felt scary and hard.
God’s words were a joy to Jeremiah. Jeremiah said that God’s words made his heart glad, because he belonged to God. Jeremiah learned that God’s love was stronger than his fears.
Read It Together
Jeremiah 15:16
Your words were found, and I ate them. Your words were to me a joy and the rejoicing of my heart, for I am called by your name, the LORD, God of Armies.
(WEB)
Point out how Jeremiah said God’s words made him happy. Ask children what kinds of words make them feel loved and glad, and explain that God’s words are the best words of all.
Jeremiah 15:19
Therefore the LORD says, “If you return, then I will bring you again, that you may stand before me; and if you take out the precious from the vile, you will be as my mouth. They will return to you, but you will not return to them.
(WEB)
Show children that God says, “If you return, then I will bring you again.” Explain that God always welcomes us back when we turn to Him, just like a loving parent waiting at the door.
Jeremiah 15:21
“I will deliver you out of the hand of the wicked, and I will redeem you out of the hand of the terrible.”
(WEB)
Point to the promise that God will rescue us from the hand of the wicked. Tell children that God keeps His promises and is always able to keep us safe.
Talk About It
- What did the people of Judah do that made God sad?
- How do you think Jeremiah felt when people would not listen to him?
- What did God promise to do for Jeremiah?
- What is one thing you can do when you feel scared or sad?
- How does it feel to know that God always welcomes you back to Him?
Activity Ideas
Bronze Wall Craft
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and tape. Have children draw a tall wall of bricks on their paper, then color the bricks in gold or brown to look like bronze. Write “God is with me” along the top of the wall. Tape the finished pictures on the classroom or fridge door as a reminder that God protects them.
Come Back Home Game
Choose one child to be the shepherd and the rest to be lost sheep spread around the room. The shepherd calls out “Come back home” and the sheep walk slowly back to a chosen spot. Each time a sheep returns, cheer and remind everyone that God welcomes us back when we turn to Him.
Take-Home Promise Card
You will need index cards and a pencil. Write “God will bring me back and keep me safe” on each card. Let children decorate the edges with stickers or drawings. Send the cards home so families can read the promise together at bedtime.
Teacher Notes
This chapter shows that God remains faithful to His people even when they reject Him and suffer the consequences of their choices. For adults, Jeremiah’s honest complaints show that it is good to bring our pain and frustration to God, and that God answers with a promise to restore and protect those who return to Him.
Avoid overstating the harsh judgments in the early verses of this chapter for young children. Focus instead on God’s promise to bring His people back and to protect those who trust Him, and keep the tone gentle and hopeful.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You for always loving us and welcoming us back when we turn to You. Help us remember that You keep Your promises and that You are always with us to keep us safe. We trust You today and every day. Amen.
