In this lesson, children learn that God keeps His promises even when things look hopeless. Jeremiah 32 is a story for ages 5 to 11, and it takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach, including the story, the verses, and the activity.
Big Idea
God always keeps His promises, even when everything around us looks like it is falling apart. He can do what seems impossible.
Memory Verse
Jeremiah 32:17
“Ah Lord the LORD! Behold, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and by your outstretched arm. There is nothing too hard for you…
(WEB)
Ask children to stretch both arms out wide, like they are reaching for the sky, and say the verse together. Then have them touch their hearts and whisper, “God can do anything.” Repeat it three times, getting a little louder each time.
The Story: Jeremiah 32 for Kids
Jeremiah was a prophet, which means he spoke messages from God. At this time, the king of Babylon’s army had surrounded the city of Jerusalem. King Zedekiah of Judah was angry at Jeremiah for saying that the city would be taken, so he put Jeremiah in prison in the palace guard’s courtyard.
One day, God told Jeremiah to do something surprising. His cousin Hanamel was going to come and ask him to buy a field in a town called Anathoth. Jeremiah knew this was God’s plan. Even though the city was under attack, Jeremiah bought the field and paid seventeen silver coins for it.
Jeremiah carefully signed the papers, sealed them, and called witnesses to watch. Then he gave the papers to his friend Baruch. He told Baruch, “Put these papers in a clay jar so they will last a long time. One day, people will buy fields in this land again.”
Jeremiah prayed to God. He said, “Lord, you made the heavens and the earth. Nothing is too hard for you.” Then God spoke to Jeremiah and said, “I am the Lord, and nothing is too hard for me.” God told Jeremiah that He would bring His people back home one day.
God promised He would gather His people from every place they had been scattered. He said He would give them one heart, so they could love and follow Him. The field was a sign that God’s promise was true, even when it looked like the city would never be safe again.
Read It Together
Jeremiah 32:27
“Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh. Is there anything too hard for me?
(WEB)
Point out that God asks a question here: “Is there anything too hard for me?” Ask children to answer with you, “No, nothing is too hard for God.” Help them see that this is the same God who keeps every promise.
Jeremiah 32:38-39
38 Then they will be my people, and I will be their God. 39 I will give them one heart and one way, that they may fear me forever, for their good, and the good of their children after them.
(WEB)
Show children how God describes His people: “They will be my people, and I will be their God.” Explain that God wanted His people to be close to Him and to walk in His ways. Point out that God promised to give them one heart so they could follow Him.
Jeremiah 32:44
Men will buy fields for money, sign the deeds, seal them, and call witnesses, in the land of Benjamin, and in the places around Jerusalem, in the cities of Judah, in the cities of the hill country, in the cities of the lowland, and in the cities of the South; for I will cause their captivity to be reversed,” says the LORD.
(WEB)
Tell children that people would once again buy fields and houses in that land. Explain that this was a promise that life would return to the land. Remind them that God brings good things back after hard times.
Talk About It
- What did Jeremiah do even though the city was about to be taken, and why do you think he did it?
- How do you think Jeremiah felt when God asked him to buy a field during such a scary time?
- What is something hard in your life right now that you can trust God with?
- Why is it helpful to know that nothing is too hard for God?
- How can you show that you trust God to keep His promises this week?
Activity Ideas
Clay Jar Promise Craft
You will need a small paper cup, clay or play dough, markers, and a strip of paper. Have children color the cup and then write or draw one promise God has made on the paper strip. Let them roll the strip, place it inside the cup, and press a little clay on top to seal it, just like Jeremiah sealed the papers in a jar.
Nothing Is Too Hard Game
Set up a simple obstacle course with pillows, chairs, and blankets. Call out a movement like “hop,” “crawl,” or “spin,” and have children follow. Between each move, ask, “Is anything too hard for God?” and have everyone shout, “No!” This helps children remember the verse while moving and having fun.
Take-Home Promise Field
Give each child a small piece of green paper or a sticky note and a pencil. Ask them to draw a little field on the paper and write one thing they are praying for on it. Encourage them to tape it on their bedroom door or refrigerator as a reminder that God keeps His promises.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God’s promises stand firm even when the nation is in crisis and the prophet is in prison. Jeremiah’s purchase of a field was a visible act of faith in God’s future restoration, and God’s power to fulfill His word is the center of the passage.
With children, avoid suggesting that God will always rescue us from every hardship in the same way He did for Jeremiah’s people. Focus instead on God’s faithfulness and His good plans, and be honest that hard things can still happen while God remains trustworthy.
A Prayer to Close
Lord, thank You that nothing is too hard for You. Help us remember that You always keep Your promises, even when we are scared. Give us hearts that trust You and want to follow You. We love You, and we know You are faithful. Amen.
