In this lesson children learn that God is in charge of all nations, even when they seem strong, and that He keeps His promises to His people. It suits children aged 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God is the boss of every king and every army, and He always keeps His promises to the people He loves. Even when things look scary, we can trust Him.
Memory Verse
Jeremiah 46:27
“But don’t you be afraid, Jacob my servant. Don’t be dismayed, Israel; for, behold, I will save you from afar, and your offspring from the land of their captivity. Jacob will return, and will be quiet and at ease. No one will make him afraid.
(WEB)
Put one hand on your heart and raise the other hand high, like a flag. Say “Don’t be afraid” with a big smile, then hold your hands still together in front of you, as if you are holding something safe.
The Story: Jeremiah 46 for Kids
Long ago, God gave His message to a prophet named Jeremiah. God wanted Jeremiah to tell the nations what He was going to do. The first nation was Egypt, a land ruled by a king named Pharaoh Necoh. Egypt had a big army, and it marched north to fight.
The soldiers got ready for battle. They put on their shields and helmets, and they polished their spears. The horses were hitched to the chariots. But the army was not strong enough. Egypt’s soldiers ran away in fear. Some of them stumbled and fell down by the great river Euphrates.
God spoke to Egypt through Jeremiah. The Nile River rises and rushes, and Egypt said, “I will rise up and cover the earth!” But God was saying something different. He was saying, “The day of the Lord is coming, and Egypt’s proud army will be defeated.” The people of Egypt cried out, “Pharaoh is only a noise. He has missed his moment!”
God also told Egypt about what would happen to its city of Memphis. The city would be burned, and its people would be taken away. Egypt was like a beautiful cow, but trouble from the north was coming to it. Even the hired soldiers would run away from the fight.
Then God turned to His own people, Jacob and Israel. He said, “Don’t be afraid, my servant Jacob. I will save you from far away, and I will bring your children home.” God told them He would be with them, even when they were punished. He promised not to destroy them completely.
Read It Together
Jeremiah 46:5
Why have I seen it? They are dismayed and are turned backward. Their mighty ones are beaten down, have fled in haste, and don’t look back. Terror is on every side,” says the LORD.
(WEB)
Point out how the army was frightened and ran away. Explain that even strong soldiers cannot hide from God when He is in charge of what happens.
Jeremiah 46:10
For that day is of the Lord, the LORD of Armies, a day of vengeance, that he may avenge himself of his adversaries. The sword will devour and be satiated, and will drink its fill of their blood; for the Lord, the LORD of Armies, has a sacrifice in the north country by the river Euphrates.
(WEB)
Show children that God is the Lord of Armies, which means He commands every army. Ask them to say the name “Lord of Armies” together.
Jeremiah 46:28
Don’t be afraid, O Jacob my servant,” says the LORD; “for I am with you; for I will make a full end of all the nations where I have driven you; but I will not make a full end of you, but I will correct you in measure, and will in no way leave you unpunished.”
(WEB)
Talk about how God told His people, “I am with you.” Remind children that God is with them too, every day, wherever they go.
Talk About It
- Why do you think the Egyptian soldiers were so afraid?
- Who is stronger than any king or army, and how do you know?
- What did God tell His people not to be, and why?
- How can you remember that God is always with you?
- What is one promise God has made that makes you feel safe?
Activity Ideas
Shield and Helmet Craft
You will need paper plates, markers, and string. Have each child draw a shield on one paper plate and decorate it. Punch two holes near the edge and thread the string through to make a handle they can hold. As they craft, talk about how God protects His people like a shield.
Stand Firm Game
Lead the children in a game where one person is the “king” and the rest are “soldiers.” When you call “Stand firm,” everyone freezes and stands tall. When you call “Run,” everyone runs to a far corner. Explain that God is the one who makes the soldiers stand or run, and that His people can stand firm when they trust Him.
Promise Card for Home
You will need index cards and a pencil. Write “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you” on each card, and let children decorate the edges. Encourage them to place the card on their bedside table or in their backpack. Tell them to read it when they feel scared during the week.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God is sovereign over every nation and army, and that He keeps His promises to His people even when judgment falls on others. The promise to Jacob and Israel that God will save them and not destroy them completely reflects His steadfast covenant love.
Avoid suggesting to children that God is angry or eager to punish, since the chapter’s judgment falls on specific nations in a specific historical setting. Keep the focus on God’s faithfulness and presence rather than on the destruction of Egypt.
A Prayer to Close
Lord, thank You that You are bigger than every king and every army. Thank You that You keep Your promises to us. Help us not to be afraid, because You are always with us. We trust You today and every day. Amen.
