This lesson teaches children that God is a good Shepherd who cares for His people and promises to gather them home, even when leaders let them down. It is built for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God is a good Shepherd. He takes care of His sheep, and He will always bring them back home when they are lost.
Memory Verse
Jeremiah 23:4
I will set up shepherds over them, who will feed them. They will no longer be afraid or dismayed, neither will any be lacking,” says the LORD.
(WEB)
Hold both hands out in front of you, palms up, like you are carrying a little lamb. Then slowly bring your hands in close to your chest as you say the words together, showing God gathering His sheep close.
The Story: Jeremiah 23 for Kids
Long ago, God gave His people a land to live in. They were His flock, and He loved them very much. But the shepherds, the leaders who were supposed to take care of them, were not doing their job. Some of them scattered the sheep and never came to check on them.
God was very sad and very angry about this. Through the prophet Jeremiah, God said, “Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture!” God wanted His people to know that He saw what was happening. He would not let the bad leaders get away with it.
But God did not stop there. He promised that He would gather His lost sheep from all the places where they had been scattered. He said He would bring them back to their own home, and they would grow strong and have many children. God Himself would be their true Shepherd.
God also promised to send a special King from King David’s family. This King would rule wisely and do what is fair and right. God said that in His days, the people would be saved and would live safely. This King would be called by a special name that means the Lord is our righteousness.
The people were used to saying, “As the Lord lives, who brought us out of Egypt.” God told them that one day they would say something new: “As the Lord lives, who brought us home from the north and from every land where we were scattered.” God’s love would be even bigger than before.
Read It Together
Jeremiah 23:1-2
1 “Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture!” says the LORD. 2 Therefore the LORD, the God of Israel, says against the shepherds who feed my people: “You have scattered my flock, driven them away, and have not visited them. Behold, I will visit on you the evil of your doings,” says the LORD.
(WEB)
Point out that God is upset with shepherds who scatter His sheep. Ask children what a shepherd should do for the sheep, and remind them that God cares about how His people are treated.
Jeremiah 23:23-24
23 “Am I a God at hand,” says the LORD, “and not a God afar off? 24 Can anyone hide himself in secret places so that I can’t see him?” says the LORD. “Don’t I fill heaven and earth?” says the LORD.
(WEB)
Show children that God is never far away. Explain that He can see everywhere and fills heaven and earth, so His people are never out of His sight.
Jeremiah 23:29
“Isn’t my word like fire?” says the LORD; “and like a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces?
(WEB)
Talk about how God’s word is powerful, like fire or a hammer. Explain that God’s words are strong and true, and they are worth listening to above any other voice.
Talk About It
- What did God say He would do for the sheep that had been scattered?
- Why do you think God was so upset with the shepherds who did not take care of His flock?
- How does it feel to know that God always sees where you are?
- Who are some people in your life who take care of you like a shepherd takes care of sheep?
- What is one way you can listen carefully to God’s words this week?
Activity Ideas
Paper Plate Sheep Craft
You will need a paper plate, cotton balls, glue, black paper, and markers. Have children glue cotton balls all over the paper plate to make a fluffy sheep. Then they can draw a face and legs on black paper and glue them on. As they work, talk about how God gathers His sheep close and keeps them safe.
Shepherd and Sheep Game
Choose one child to be the shepherd and have the others be sheep. Give the sheep blindfolds or have them close their eyes. The shepherd walks around the room and calls out, and the sheep must follow the sound of the shepherd’s voice. Afterward, explain that sheep know their shepherd’s voice, just like we can learn to know God’s voice.
Take-Home Promise Card
Cut a small piece of paper or cardstock into a card shape. Have each child write or draw one picture of a place they feel safe, like home or with family. Write the words “God is my Shepherd” on the front. Encourage children to take the card home and place it on their nightstand or in a pocket as a reminder that God is always watching over them.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God holds leaders accountable for how they care for His people, and that He is faithful to gather His people back to Himself. Jeremiah 23 also points forward to a righteous King who would reign with justice, a promise Christians see fulfilled in Jesus. Adults can find comfort in knowing that God is never absent from His people’s lives.
When teaching children, avoid overstating the idea that bad leaders always get punished right away. The chapter speaks of God’s judgment as His timing and purpose, and children may find that confusing. Instead, focus on the simpler truth that God cares for His sheep and will bring them home.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You for being our good Shepherd. Thank You for knowing where we are and for caring for us every day. Help us listen for Your voice and follow You. Gather us close and keep us safe. Amen.
