This lesson teaches children that God is faithful even when His people turn away from Him, and that He always keeps His word. It is designed for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God always keeps His promises, even when people forget about Him. He will never stop loving His people, and He will always bring them back to Him.
Memory Verse
Jeremiah 16:19
The LORD, my strength, and my stronghold, and my refuge in the day of affliction, the nations will come to you from the ends of the earth, and will say, “Our fathers have inherited nothing but lies, vanity and things in which there is no profit.
(WEB)
Hold both hands out in front of you, palms up, as if you are receiving a gift. Then lift your hands high over your head and say the verse with a big voice. This motion reminds children that God is their strong place to run to.
The Story: Jeremiah 16 for Kids
A long time ago, God sent a prophet named Jeremiah to speak to His people in the land of Judah. The people had stopped listening to God. They had started worshiping other gods made of wood and stone, and they had forgotten the God who rescued them from Egypt.
God told Jeremiah something very hard. He said that Jeremiah should not get married or have children in that place. This was a sign that very hard days were coming to the land. God wanted His people to understand how serious their choices had become.
God also told Jeremiah not to go to funerals or to places where people were sad. He said that He had taken His peace away from the people. Jeremiah was being asked to show the people how much they had turned away from God.
The people asked Jeremiah why God was sending such terrible things. Jeremiah answered them honestly. He told them that their parents had forsaken God and that they had done even worse. Jeremiah said that God wanted them to come back to Him.
Then God spoke words of hope. He said, “The days are coming when people will no longer say, ‘As the LORD lives, who brought us out of Egypt.’ They will say, ‘As the LORD lives, who brought us back from the north.'” God promised to bring His people home to the land He had given their fathers.
Even in the middle of the warnings, God reminded everyone that He is strong and that He is a safe place to hide. He is always watching over His people, and He never forgets His promises.
Read It Together
Jeremiah 16:14-15
14 “Therefore behold, the days come,” says the LORD, “that it will no more be said, ‘As the LORD lives, who brought up the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt;’ 15 but, ‘As the LORD lives, who brought up the children of Israel from the land of the north, and from all the countries where he had driven them.’ I will bring them again into their land that I gave to their fathers.
(WEB)
Point out that God says a time is coming when He will bring His people home. Ask the children to notice that God is still promising to rescue them, even after everything that happened. This shows that God’s love does not run out.
Jeremiah 16:17
For my eyes are on all their ways. They are not hidden from my face. Their iniquity isn’t concealed from my eyes.
(WEB)
Explain that God sees everything we do, even the things no one else sees. This can feel a little scary, but it also means God knows us completely. Remind children that God sees them with love and wants them to come back to Him.
Jeremiah 16:20-21
20 Should a man make to himself gods, which yet are no gods?” 21 “Therefore behold, I will cause them to know, this once I will cause them to know my hand and my might. Then they will know that my name is the LORD.”
(WEB)
Help children see that the false gods people made could never save anyone. Then show them that God wants everyone to know His name. Point out that God’s power is the only power that can truly help us.
Talk About It
- What did the people in Jeremiah’s time stop doing, and how do you think that made God feel?
- Why do you think God wanted Jeremiah to show the people how serious their choices were?
- What is one promise God makes in this chapter that gives you hope?
- How can we remember God when we feel far away from Him?
- What is something good that God has done for you that you can thank Him for today?
Activity Ideas
Paper Plate Shelter
You will need a paper plate, crayons, a pencil, and some tape or glue. Have each child draw a picture of a strong, safe place on the plate, such as a fortress, a tall rock, or a house with a sturdy roof. Then ask them to write the words “God is my refuge” along the edge. Let them take it home as a reminder that God protects them.
Bring Them Home Game
You will need a small open space and a few soft objects like rolled socks or beanbags. Scatter the objects around the room to represent people who have wandered away. Ask the children to gather the objects and bring them to a “home” spot in the middle of the room. Say, “God brings His people home,” each time they return an object. This game shows that God is always gathering His people back to Him.
Promise Keeper Jar
You will need a clear jar, some small slips of paper, and a pen. Ask each child to write or draw one promise that God keeps, such as God always loves us or God never forgets us. Fold the slips and place them in the jar. Keep the jar in your classroom or at home, and read one promise together each week. This helps children remember that God is faithful every day.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God’s judgment and God’s mercy are both real. Jeremiah lived during a time when the people had chosen to turn away from God, and the consequences were painful. Yet the chapter closes with a promise that God will restore His people and make Himself known. Adults can see both the seriousness of sin and the faithfulness of God in the same passage.
When teaching children, avoid overstating the sad or frightening parts of the story. Children may feel anxious about the idea of death or judgment, so keep the focus on God’s love, His faithfulness, and His promise to bring His people home. Let the hopeful message shine through clearly.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You that You always keep Your promises. Thank You that You are our strong place to hide and that You see us with love. Help us to come back to You whenever we wander, and help us to trust You every day. Amen.
