In this lesson, children learn that God’s words always come true, even when people do not want to hear them. This lesson is for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God always keeps His promises, even when people ignore Him. We can trust what God says and listen to Him, even when it is hard.
Memory Verse
Jeremiah 37:2
But neither he, nor his servants, nor the people of the land, listened to the LORD’s words, which he spoke by the prophet Jeremiah.
(WEB)
Have children cover their ears with their hands for a moment, then slowly open them wide. Explain that the people did not listen to God, so we want to be ready to hear Him every day.
The Story: Jeremiah 37 for Kids
A long time ago, there was a king named Zedekiah who ruled over the land of Judah. King Zedekiah was not a good king, and he did not listen to God. He also did not listen to the prophet Jeremiah, who was God’s messenger. God had been sending Jeremiah to tell the people the truth.
One day, King Zedekiah sent some men to Jeremiah. They said, “Please pray to the LORD our God for us.” The king wanted Jeremiah to ask God to help them. But the people had not listened to God’s words for a long time, so they were not ready to hear what God would say.
At that time, an army from Babylon was attacking the city of Jerusalem. Then an army from Egypt came to help Judah, and the Babylonian soldiers left Jerusalem for a while. The people were happy and thought they were safe. But God sent Jeremiah to tell them the truth: the Babylonian army would come back, and they would win the city.
Jeremiah went out of the city to visit the land of Benjamin. But a soldier at the gate stopped him and said, “You are running away to join the enemy!” Jeremiah said, “That is not true. I am not running away.” But the soldier would not listen. He took Jeremiah to the leaders, and they were angry. They hit Jeremiah and put him in a dark prison.
Jeremiah stayed in that prison for many days. Then King Zedekiah called for him in secret and asked, “Is there any word from the LORD?” Jeremiah said, “Yes, there is. You will be handed over to the king of Babylon.” Jeremiah also asked the king why he had been put in prison. Then the king moved Jeremiah to a safer place, where he was given bread every day.
Read It Together
Jeremiah 37:7-8
7 “The LORD, the God of Israel, says, ‘You shall tell the king of Judah, who sent you to me to inquire of me: “Behold, Pharaoh’s army, which has come out to help you, will return to Egypt into their own land. 8 The Chaldeans will come again, and fight against this city. They will take it and burn it with fire.”’
(WEB)
Point out that God told the king the truth, even though it was not what the king wanted to hear. Ask children how it feels when someone tells them something they do not want to hear.
Jeremiah 37:17
Then Zedekiah the king sent, and had him brought out. The king asked him secretly in his house, “Is there any word from the LORD?” Jeremiah said, “There is.” He also said, “You will be delivered into the hand of the king of Babylon.”
(WEB)
Show children that the king was secretly asking God’s messenger for help. Remind them that God still hears us when we ask Him for help, even when we feel scared or unsure.
Jeremiah 37:21
Then Zedekiah the king commanded, and they committed Jeremiah into the court of the guard. They gave him daily a loaf of bread out of the bakers’ street, until all the bread in the city was gone. Thus Jeremiah remained in the court of the guard.
(WEB)
Point out that even in prison, God took care of Jeremiah by giving him bread every day. Explain that God takes care of His people, even in hard times.
Talk About It
- Why do you think the people did not want to listen to Jeremiah?
- How did God take care of Jeremiah even when he was in trouble?
- What is something God has told us in the Bible that is hard to do?
- How can we show that we want to listen to God’s words?
- What is one way you can trust God when you feel scared?
Activity Ideas
Draw a Thankful Bread Basket
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and scissors. Have each child draw a basket and fill it with pictures of bread or things they are thankful for. Explain that God gave Jeremiah bread every day, and we can thank Him for what He gives us. Children can color their basket and take it home to remind them of God’s care.
Listen and Move Game
You will need a small bell, a spoon, and an open space in your room. Tell children to walk around the room while you ring the bell. When you stop ringing, they must freeze. Explain that the people in the story did not listen to God, so we practice listening carefully to His words. Play a few rounds, then talk about how listening helps us know what God wants.
Take-Home Promise Card
You will need index cards, a pencil, and a marker. Write a short promise on each card, such as “God always keeps His promises.” Ask children to decorate the card and place it somewhere they will see it each day, like on the refrigerator or by their bed. Encourage them to read it each morning and remember that God’s words always stand firm.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God’s word is trustworthy even when it is unpopular or costly to speak. Jeremiah faced rejection, false accusations, and imprisonment, yet he remained faithful to what God had revealed. The chapter also reminds us that God’s care can come through unexpected means, even in the midst of hardship.
With children, avoid suggesting that God punishes every person who is put in prison or that suffering always means someone did something wrong. Keep the focus on God’s faithfulness and on the truth that His word can be trusted.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You that Your words are always true. Help us to listen to You, even when it is hard. Thank You for taking care of us every day, just like You took care of Jeremiah. Amen.
