In this lesson, children learn that God is like a potter who can reshape us when we let Him, and that He is patient with us even when we go wrong. It suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Big Idea
God is the potter and we are the clay. He loves to make us into something good, and He is always ready to help us change when we turn back to Him.
Memory Verse
Jeremiah 18:6
“House of Israel, can’t I do with you as this potter?” says the LORD. “Behold, as the clay in the potter’s hand, so are you in my hand, house of Israel.
(WEB)
Hold both hands out like you are holding a lump of clay. Slowly turn your hands around, as if you are shaping a bowl. Say the words “Like clay in the potter’s hand” each time your hands turn.
The Story: Jeremiah 18 for Kids
God told a man named Jeremiah to go down to a potter’s house. Jeremiah walked down the street and found the potter hard at work. The potter sat at his wheel, and the wheel spun round and round.
The potter was making a pot out of wet clay. But something went wrong. The pot was bent and spoiled in his hands. So the potter squished the clay down and started again. He made a new pot, just the way he wanted it to look.
God spoke to Jeremiah and said, “Can I not do with you what this potter does? You are like the clay in my hand, people of Israel.” God was showing that He can shape His people, just as the potter shapes his clay.
God also said that the people of Judah had turned away from Him. They had forgotten Him and worshiped false gods. God was sad about this. He wanted them to come back and change their ways.
But the people did not want to listen. They said, “We will do whatever we want.” They even made plans to hurt Jeremiah, because he was telling them the truth. Jeremiah felt hurt by this, and he prayed to God about it.
Read It Together
Jeremiah 18:2
“Arise, and go down to the potter’s house, and there I will cause you to hear my words.”
(WEB)
Point out that God told Jeremiah to go and see the potter, and that God was going to speak to him there. Ask children what it might look like to watch someone work with clay all day.
Jeremiah 18:4
When the vessel that he made of the clay was marred in the hand of the potter, he made it again another vessel, as seemed good to the potter to make it.
(WEB)
Show how the potter made the spoiled pot into a new one. Explain that God can take what has gone wrong in our lives and make something new from it.
Jeremiah 18:11
“Now therefore, speak to the men of Judah, and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, saying, ‘The LORD says: “Behold, I frame evil against you, and devise a plan against you. Everyone return from his evil way now, and amend your ways and your doings.”’
(WEB)
Point out that God asked the people to turn from their evil ways. Remind children that God always invites us to come back to Him and change our hearts.
Talk About It
- What do you think the potter felt when the clay got spoiled, and what did he do next?
- How is God like the potter, and how are we like the clay?
- What is one thing God might want to change in your heart or your choices?
- Why do you think God wants people to turn back to Him instead of staying far away?
- How can you let God shape you this week, at home or at school?
Activity Ideas
Clay Pot Craft
You will need modeling clay or play dough, and a small plate for each child. Let each child make a simple bowl or pot. If it gets lopsided, show them how to squish it down and try again. Talk about how God helps us start over.
Potter and Clay Game
Pair the children up. One child is the potter and the other is the clay. The clay child stands still while the potter gently moves their arms and shoulders into a new shape. Then switch roles. Ask each child how it felt to be shaped by someone else.
Take-Home Reminder Card
Cut a piece of paper into a small card and write “God is the Potter, I am the clay” on it. Add a drawing of a pot or a bowl. Encourage children to put it on the fridge or by their bed, so they can remember that God is still shaping them every day.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God is sovereign over His people and that He is free to shape and reshape us in His purposes. It also shows His patience, as He calls His people to turn from sin and warns them of the consequences of refusing. Jeremiah’s suffering at the hands of his opponents reminds us that faithful speaking of God’s word can bring hardship.
Avoid telling children that God will punish every mistake they make, or that bad things happen only because people are bad. The passage deals with a whole nation in a specific historical moment. Keep the focus on God’s love, His patience, and His desire for people to come back to Him.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You for being our Potter. Thank You for making us and for never giving up on us. Help us to let You shape our hearts, and help us to turn back to You when we get things wrong. We love You and trust You to make us new. Amen.
