In Jeremiah 25, children learn that God sends His messengers to call His people back to Him, and that He always keeps His promises, even the hard ones. This lesson suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Big Idea
God always tells us the truth, and when we listen to Him and turn away from doing wrong, we stay safe with Him.
Memory Verse
Jeremiah 25:5
Saying, “Return now everyone from his evil way, and from the evil of your doings, and dwell in the land that the LORD has given to you and to your fathers, from of old and even forever more.
(WEB)
Put one hand on your heart and turn your whole body around slowly, like you are turning away from something bad. Then hold your hands open in front of you, as if you are coming back home to God. Say the verse together while you move.
The Story: Jeremiah 25 for Kids
A long time ago, a man named Jeremiah lived in the land of Judah. God chose him to be His prophet, which means God gave him messages to share. For twenty-three years, Jeremiah spoke to the people of Judah and to the people living in Jerusalem. He woke up early every morning to tell them what God wanted them to hear.
God’s message was clear. He asked the people to stop running after other gods and to stop doing evil things. He told them to come back to Him, and He promised they could keep living in the good land He had given their families. God also sent other prophets to say the same thing, but the people did not want to listen.
Because the people kept turning away, God told Jeremiah about a hard thing that would happen. Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon, would come with his army and take the land. God said, “I will bring all my words against this land, just as I told you.” The people had been warned many times, and now God was keeping His word about what would happen if they did not change.
God also showed Jeremiah a picture using a cup of wine. God said, “Take this cup from my hand and give it to the nations.” Jeremiah did as God asked, and he gave the cup to Jerusalem, Judah, Egypt, and many other nations. The cup stood for God’s judgment, which means the fair punishment that comes when people do wrong and refuse to change.
Jeremiah ended by telling the people that God is powerful and fair. The shepherds, who were the leaders of the people, were told to cry and mourn because their time had come. God was the one speaking, and He was showing everyone that His words are always true.
Read It Together
Jeremiah 25:3
From the thirteenth year of Josiah the son of Amon, king of Judah, even to this day, these twenty-three years, the LORD’s word has come to me, and I have spoken to you, rising up early and speaking; but you have not listened.
(WEB)
Point out that God kept sending His word to His people for many years. Ask the children what it would feel like to have someone tell you the same important thing again and again. Show that God never gave up on the people.
Jeremiah 25:6
Don’t go after other gods to serve them or worship them, and don’t provoke me to anger with the work of your hands; then I will do you no harm.”
(WEB)
Help the children hear what God asked the people to do. Explain that God wanted them to stop worshiping things they made with their hands. Point out that God said He would do them no harm if they listened to Him.
Jeremiah 25:15
For the LORD, the God of Israel, says to me: “Take this cup of the wine of wrath from my hand, and cause all the nations to whom I send you to drink it.
(WEB)
Explain that this verse uses a picture of a cup to show what God’s judgment looks like. Tell the children that a cup in this story is a way of saying God is in charge of what happens to every nation. Remind them that God is the one who decides what is fair.
Talk About It
- What is one thing God asked the people of Judah to do in this story?
- Why do you think God kept sending messengers instead of waiting until the people were ready to listen?
- How does it help you to know that God always tells the truth?
- What is one way you can listen to God’s word at home or at church?
- When someone asks you to stop doing something wrong, what can you do to show you are listening?
Activity Ideas
Draw a Shepherd’s Staff
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a pencil. Ask each child to draw a tall shepherd’s staff with a curved top. Then have them draw a few simple sheep standing close to the staff. Talk about how a good shepherd keeps the flock safe, and how God is like a shepherd who cares for His people.
Turn Around Game
You need an open space and a clear voice. Have the children stand in a circle and face the leader. The leader calls out “Turn around!” and everyone turns their body in a full circle. Then the leader calls out “Come back to God!” and the children stop and face the center again. Play a few rounds to practice turning away from something and coming back.
Message Card for Home
You will need index cards, a pen, and a small envelope. Help each child write or draw one message from God, such as “God always tells the truth.” Have them place the card in the envelope and take it home. Encourage them to read it to their family during dinner or before bed.
Teacher Notes
Jeremiah 25 shows that God speaks clearly, sends His messengers patiently, and keeps His word, including the warnings. For adults, the chapter reminds us that God’s justice and God’s faithfulness belong together. The people had many chances to turn back, and God’s judgment was the honest result of their refusal.
When teaching children, avoid making the story sound like God enjoys punishing people. The chapter is about His patience and His warnings, and it is also about the sadness of people who would not listen. Keep the focus on God’s invitation to come back to Him, which is what the children need most to hear.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You for always telling us the truth. Help us listen when You speak to us, and help us turn away from doing wrong. Thank You for being patient with us and for loving us every day. Help us stay close to You. Amen.
