In this lesson, children learn that trusting God is like a tree planted by water: strong, green, and bearing fruit even when the weather is hard. This lesson is for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God is the one we can always trust. When we put our trust in Him, we grow strong and healthy, even when times are dry or hard.
Memory Verse
Jeremiah 17:7
“Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, and whose confidence is in the LORD.
(WEB)
Teach children to stand tall with both arms reaching up like branches, then slowly lower them to their sides like a tree standing firm. Each time they say the verse, they should stand tall and feel like a tree planted by the water.
The Story: Jeremiah 17 for Kids
Long ago, the people of Judah had a problem. They had forgotten about God. They had built altars to other gods and worshiped them on the high hills, under the green trees. Their children were watching and learning these same habits.
God was not pleased. He told the people that their sin was written deep, as if carved into stone with a sharp pen. Their wrong choices had hurt their hearts and their worship. God said that because of their choices, the people would lose the land He had given them and would live among their enemies for a long time.
God also spoke about two kinds of people. The first kind trusts in people and their own strength instead of God. God said that person is like a dry bush in a desert, living in an empty and salty place where nothing grows. The second kind trusts in the Lord. God said that person is like a tree planted by the river, with roots that reach deep into the water.
The prophet Jeremiah was sent to speak these words to the kings and people at the city gates. God told him to say, “Hear the word of the Lord.” God wanted the people to keep the Sabbath day holy, which means setting it apart as a day of rest and worship. He told them, “If you listen to me, this city will remain forever.” But the people did not listen, and their stiff necks showed that they would not turn back to God.
Even though the people were not faithful, God still loved them. He invited them to return to Him, the spring of living water, and promised that He would heal and save those who called on Him.
Read It Together
Jeremiah 17:5-6
5 The LORD says: “Cursed is the man who trusts in man, relies on strength of flesh, and whose heart departs from the LORD. 6 For he will be like a bush in the desert, and will not see when good comes, but will inhabit the parched places in the wilderness, an uninhabited salt land.
(WEB)
Point out the picture of a dry bush in the desert. Ask children what happens to a plant that has no water, and connect it to what happens when we put our trust in things that cannot truly help us.
Jeremiah 17:9-10
9 The heart is deceitful above all things and it is exceedingly corrupt. Who can know it? 10 “I, the LORD, search the mind. I try the heart, even to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his doings.”
(WEB)
Explain that our hearts can be tricky, but God always knows what is inside us. Reassure children that God searches our hearts and understands us completely, and that He loves us even when we make mistakes.
Jeremiah 17:14
Heal me, O the LORD, and I will be healed. Save me, and I will be saved; for you are my praise.
(WEB)
Show children that the prophet asked God for healing and rescue. Remind them that they can talk to God about anything, and that He is their praise and their help.
Talk About It
- What are some things people sometimes trust in instead of God, and why might those things let us down?
- How is a tree planted by the water like a child who trusts God every day?
- What does it mean to keep a day holy, and how can our families do that together?
- Why do you think God wants us to listen to Him, even when it is hard to do?
- When have you felt like God was your refuge or safe place?
Activity Ideas
Paint a Strong Tree
You will need paper, brown and green paint or crayons, a paintbrush or cotton swab, and a cup of water. Have each child paint a tree trunk and roots reaching down toward a blue stripe representing a river. Then add green leaves at the top. As children paint, talk about how the roots drink from the water and help the tree stay strong.
Tree and Desert Movement Game
Ask children to stand in an open space. When you call out “river,” they stand tall with arms stretched up like branches. When you call out “desert,” they crouch low and shake like dry, dusty leaves. Mix the calls quickly and celebrate each time they respond. Finish by saying together, “The Lord is my trust.”
Trust Tree at Home
You will need a small paper plate, markers, and a piece of string or tape. Have each child draw a tree on the plate and write one thing they can trust God with this week. Hang the plate on the fridge or by the bedroom door as a reminder. At dinner, ask each child to share what they wrote and how they might remember to trust God.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter contrasts two ways of living: relying on human strength and worldly security, or relying on the Lord as the source of life and stability. The image of the fruitful tree and the barren bush shows that trust shapes the whole of a person’s life. The chapter also reminds readers that God knows the heart completely and calls His people back to faithful worship and rest.
When teaching children, avoid suggesting that good things will always happen to people who trust God or that hardship is always a sign of disobedience. The passage speaks of God’s faithfulness and invitation, not a guarantee of an easy life. Focus instead on God’s love, His closeness, and the security of knowing Him.
A Prayer to Close
Lord, we thank You that You are our strong and steady tree root. Help us trust You every day, even when things feel dry or hard. Teach our hearts to rest in You and to keep Your day holy. Thank You for loving us and listening to us. Amen.
