This lesson teaches children that God hears us when we call to Him and keeps His promises even when things look very sad. It works well for ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Big Idea
When we call to God, He answers us. He always keeps His good promises, even when we are scared or things look broken.
Memory Verse
Jeremiah 33:3
‘Call to me, and I will answer you, and will show you great and difficult things, which you don’t know.’
(WEB)
Cup your hands by your mouth like you are calling across a field, then open them wide like you are receiving a gift. Say the verse together, and do the motions each time you say the word “call.”
The Story: Jeremiah 33 for Kids
Jeremiah was a prophet of God, and he had been in trouble for telling people the truth. The king of Judah had put him in a prison called the court of the guard. Jeremiah could not go anywhere, and the city around him was in great danger. Enemy soldiers were coming to fight, and many houses had already been broken down.
While Jeremiah was still locked up, God spoke to him again. God said, “Call to me, and I will answer you. I will show you great things that you do not know yet.” God wanted Jeremiah to know that he could trust Him, even in a dark prison.
God told Jeremiah that one day the people would come home. He promised to bring health and peace to the city. He said He would forgive all the wrong things the people had done, and the city would be a place of joy and praise. Other nations would hear about the good things God was doing for His people.
God also said that the streets of Jerusalem, which were quiet and empty, would be full again. People would sing and say, “Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good, and His love lasts forever.” Shepherds would once more lead their flocks through the hills.
God made another promise that day. He said that one day a Branch from King David’s family would grow up. This special King would do what is right and fair in the land. God kept His word to His people, and He always will.
Read It Together
Jeremiah 33:6
‘Behold, I will bring it health and cure, and I will cure them; and I will reveal to them abundance of peace and truth.
(WEB)
Point out that God says He will bring health and cure. Ask children to name a time they felt sick or hurt and how it felt to know someone could help. Remind them God cares about every hurt.
Jeremiah 33:11
The voice of joy and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom and the voice of the bride, the voice of those who say, ‘Give thanks to the LORD of Armies, for the LORD is good, for his loving kindness endures forever;’ who bring thanksgiving into the LORD’s house. For I will cause the captivity of the land to be reversed as at the first,” says the LORD.
(WEB)
Show children the words about joy and gladness. Explain that the people were going to sing again after a very sad time. Ask them to think of a song they love singing with their family or friends.
Jeremiah 33:14-16
14 “Behold, the days come,” says the LORD, “that I will perform that good word which I have spoken concerning the house of Israel and concerning the house of Judah. 15 “In those days and at that time, I will cause a Branch of righteousness to grow up to David. He will execute justice and righteousness in the land. 16 In those days Judah will be saved, and Jerusalem will dwell safely. This is the name by which she will be called: The LORD our righteousness.”
(WEB)
Point out the promise of a Branch who would do what is right. Explain that God planned a special King long before He sent Jesus, and that Jesus is the one who fulfills this promise. Help children see that God keeps every promise.
Talk About It
- What did Jeremiah do when he was locked in the prison, and what did God tell him to do?
- How does it make you feel to know that God hears you when you call to Him?
- What good thing did God promise the people would hear again in the city?
- Can you tell about a time when you waited a long time for something good to happen?
- Why do you think God keeps His promises even when people are not always faithful?
Activity Ideas
Paper Plate Prayer Chain
You will need paper plates, markers, string, and a hole punch. Have each child draw something they want to call to God about on one side of a plate. On the other side, they write or draw a happy thing God has done. Punch holes at the top and tie the plates together with string to make a chain that hangs in the classroom or at home.
Call and Answer Game
Choose one child to stand at one end of the room and be the one who calls. Everyone else stands at the other end and listens. When the caller says “Call to me,” the others answer, “I will answer you!” Then switch roles. Play a few rounds, and talk about how God is always ready to hear us.
Take-Home Promise Card
You will need an index card, a pencil, and some crayons. Help each child write “God answers when I call” on the front and draw a small picture of something they might pray about. Encourage them to place the card by their bed and read it together at bedtime for one week.
Teacher Notes
This chapter reminds adults that God keeps His word even when His people are in exile, afraid, and far from home. The promises of restoration, forgiveness, and a righteous King point ahead to Jesus, the true Branch from David’s line. Adults can receive the same comfort that God hears and will fulfill what He has promised.
Avoid telling children that God will always give them exactly what they ask for, or that bad things will never happen to them. The promise here is that God answers and keeps His word, not that every hard situation will end the way we hope. Help children understand that God’s answers are always good, even when they come in ways we do not expect.
A Prayer to Close
Lord, thank You for hearing us when we call to You. Help us remember that You always keep Your promises, even when we feel scared or sad. Teach us to trust You every day, and to sing with joy because You are good. Amen.
