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4th-6th Grade Kids Bible Study Guide Unit 18, Session 2: Jeremiah Warned of God’s Judgment TEACHER BIBLE STUDY What do you do when you need to remember something? Do you write it down? The people of Judah had forgotten God’s Word. Jehoiakim was king, and “He did what was evil in the Lord’s sight just as his ancestors had done” (2 Kings 23:37). The people of Judah were facing God’s judgment for their sin.

God told Jeremiah to write on a scroll all the words God had spoken about Israel, Judah, and all the nations. God was patient. He gave the people a chance to heed a warning and to turn from their sin and be forgiven.

Jeremiah’s scribe, Baruch, wrote the words Jeremiah received from God. Then Baruch read the scroll. But the people did not heed the warning. King Jehoiakim’s officials brought Jeremiah’s scribe, Baruch, to the king. Jehoiakim rejected God’s Word, cutting it up and throwing it into the fire.

God told Jeremiah to write another scroll. God said He would punish Jehoiakim for rejecting God’s word about the coming judgment. He would punish Jehoiakim’s descendants too. The disaster God warned about would come to the people who did not listen.

Scripture is a gracious gift from the Lord. In it we see the plan of God from before time began. We receive the gospel—good news of salvation. The Word is steadfast: constant and reliable. “The word of the Lord endures forever” (1 Peter 1:25).

John 1 says that Jesus is the Word. He is God in the flesh; Immanuel, God with us. By giving His people the written Word, God showed them His standard. We all fall short.

The people of Judah faced God’s judgment against sin. Years later, God sent His Son. Jesus came and lived a perfect life. He satisfied God’s righteous requirement and took the punishment we deserve. Those who trust in Him are forgiven. This is good news! This is the gospel—the word that was preached to us, the word that remains forever.

LESSON OVERVIEW/SCHEDULE Session Title: Jeremiah Warned of God’s Judgment Bible Passage: Jeremiah 36 Big Picture Question: Why did Jeremiah warn God’s people? God wanted His people to know they were in danger, to stop sinning, and to turn back to Him. Key Passage: Ezekiel 37:27 Unit Christ Connection: Though it appeared that sin prevailed, the covenant God promised would be fulfilled in Jesus Christ.

4th-6th Grade Kids Bible Study Guide Unit 18, Session 2: Jeremiah Warned of God’s Judgment

Transition Time Welcome time Activity Sheet/Table Centers Session starter (10 minutes)

Lesson Countdown Introduce the session (3 minutes) Big picture question (1 minute) Timeline map (1 minute) Tell the Bible Story (10 minutes) The Gospel: God’s Plan for Me (optional) Key passage (5 minutes) Sing (4 minutes) Discussion starter video (4 minutes) Prayer (2 minutes)

Table Time Bible story review & Bible skills (10 minutes) Key passage activity (5 minutes) Activity choice (10 minutes) Prayer (5 minutes)

THE BIBLE STORY/OVERVIEW

Jeremiah Warned of God’s Judgment Jeremiah 36

When Josiah’s son Jehoiakim (jih HOY uh kim) had been king of Judah for four years, God gave a message to Jeremiah. God said, “Take a scroll, and write on it everything I have told you about Israel, Judah, and the other nations.” God wanted Judah to hear about His plans to punish them for their sin. Maybe Judah would stop doing evil things and turn back to God. God wanted to forgive them for the wrong things they had done. Jeremiah obeyed God. He called for his friend Baruch (BAY rook) to be his scribe. A scribe is someone who writes down important events and messages. Jeremiah told Baruch what God had said, and Baruch wrote the words on the scroll. Then Jeremiah said to Baruch, “I am not allowed to go into the temple of the Lord, so you must go to the temple. Read the words from the Lord that you wrote on the scroll so that all the people of Judah can hear. Maybe they will turn from doing evil things when they hear how angry God is with them.” Baruch did what Jeremiah said. The people of Judah came into the capital city of Jerusalem, to the

4th-6th Grade Kids Bible Study Guide Unit 18, Session 2: Jeremiah Warned of God’s Judgment

Lord’s temple. They were fasting—not eating for a time so they could pray and figure out what God wanted them to do. Baruch read from the scroll so that all the people could hear the word of the Lord. A man named Micaiah (migh KAY yuh) heard the words of the Lord that Baruch read from the scroll. Micaiah went to the king’s palace and told the officials what he had heard. The officials asked Baruch to come to the palace and read the scroll to them, and Baruch did. The officials heard the words of the Lord, and they were afraid. God was angry because of the evil things they had done, and He was going to punish them! The officials said, “We need to tell King Jehoiakim this message.” The officials told Baruch and Jeremiah to hide, and then they went and told the king what they had heard. King Jehoiakim asked one of his messengers to read the scroll. The messenger read part of the scroll, and then the king cut it off and threw it into his fire. The messenger read some more, and then the king cut off some more and burned it until the whole scroll was burned up. King Jehoiakim was not afraid of the message from the Lord. He wanted to capture Jeremiah and Baruch, but no one could find them. God kept Jeremiah and Baruch hidden so they would be safe. Since King Jehoiakim burned up the first scroll, God told Jeremiah to write another scroll. This scroll would have the same words as the first scroll. God told Jeremiah to give the king an important message. This is what Jeremiah should say to the king: “You burned up the scroll that said the king of Babylon would come and destroy Judah. None of your sons will be king after you. God is going to punish you, your family, and your leaders for doing wrong things. Disaster will come to Judah just like God said it would, but you did not listen to the words of the Lord.” Jeremiah obeyed God. He gave another scroll to his scribe, Baruch. Baruch wrote down all the words of the Lord that King Jehoiakim had burned up in the fire.

Christ Connection: John 1 says that Jesus is the Word. Jesus showed people what God is like. God gives us His written Word, the Bible, to tell us what He is like too. The Bible has the most important message: the good news about Jesus. It tells us that God sent His Son, Jesus, to rescue us from our sin.

TRANSITION TIME Session Title: Jeremiah Warned of God’s Judgment Bible Passage: Jeremiah 36 Big Picture Question: Why did Jeremiah warn God’s people? God wanted His people to know they were in danger, to stop sinning, and to turn back to Him. Key Passage: Ezekiel 37:27 Unit Christ Connection: Though it appeared that sin prevailed, the covenant God promised would be fulfilled in Jesus Christ.

4th-6th Grade Kids Bible Study Guide Unit 18, Session 2: Jeremiah Warned of God’s Judgment

Welcome time Greet each kid as he or she arrives. Use this time to collect the offering, fill out attendance sheets, and help new kids connect to your group. Invite kids to share about a time someone sent them a letter or an email message. Was it for their birthday or other special event? What did they do with the message? Say • Today we will learn about a message Jeremiah sent to the king and people of Judah. Listen to discover what happened to the message.

Activity page Table Centers (Miscellaneous Activities) “Name That Sign” / “Island Search Part 1” activity page, 1 per kid pencils Bibles Direct boys and girls to identify each sign on the activity page “Name That Sign.” Assist kids as needed on signs they may not know. Say • What is the purpose of all of these signs? What happens if you ignore one of the signs? God sent a warning to the people of Judah. We will learn today about what happened to that warning when the king heard it.

As time allows, lead kids to complete the activity page “Island Search Part 1.” Guide kids to refer to the table of contents in the Bible to help them locate all 39 books of the Old Testament.

Session starter (10 minutes) Option 1: Draw It or Act It paper pencils dry erase board dry erase markers Invite kids to draw or act out a time they would warn someone of danger. (fire, traffic, dangerous animal, soccer ball coming toward someone who is not looking, and so forth) Say • Why would you warn someone about these situations or dangers? Jeremiah was called to be a prophet. Some of the messages he gave God’s people were messages of warning. Jeremiah gave the people of Judah a warning. Listen to today’s story to discover how they responded to the warning.

Option 2: Fireside Snack Allergy Alert pretzels cheese slices grapes, raisins or blueberries small plates Guide kids to wash their hands before participating. Help kids create a “fire” by tearing cheese into flame shapes and placing them in the middle of the “wood” (pretzels). Kids may wish to add grapes, raisins, or blueberries to their fireside snack.

4th-6th Grade Kids Bible Study Guide Unit 18, Session 2: Jeremiah Warned of God’s Judgment

Say • A fire played an important role in today’s Bible story. Something was burned up in a fire. Listen to discover what was burned up and if burning it was a wise decision. Allow kids to eat their snacks before large group time.

Transition to large group

LESSON Session Title: Jeremiah Warned of God’s Judgment Bible Passage: Jeremiah 36 Big Picture Question: Why did Jeremiah warn God’s people? God wanted His people to know they were in danger, to stop sinning, and to turn back to Him. Key Passage: Ezekiel 37:27 Unit Christ Connection: Though it appeared that sin prevailed, the covenant God promised would be fulfilled in Jesus Christ.

Countdown countdown video (insert provided DVD with lesson videos and worship) Show the countdown video as you clean-up table centers, set up classroom chairs for lesson and set it to end as large group time begins.

Introduce the session (3 minutes) swim tube floral shirt swim flippers [Large Group Leader enters carrying a swim tube. Wear an island-inspired floral shirt and swim flippers.] Leader • Hello, everybody! Welcome back to our island and our beach. I am ready to enjoy the water today. I have my swimming gear, and I already put on my sunscreen to protect my skin. Before I head out into the water, I have some more information about Jeremiah that I wanted to share with you. Jeremiah did not have a great big, fun time being a prophet. Being a prophet was hard. The people didn’t like the messages Jeremiah told them. Jeremiah was beaten up for sharing God’s message. Sometimes he had to do things that we might think are a little weird. Like the time he had to buy some underwear and bury it. Or the time he had to buy a jar and then break it. The people wanted to kill Jeremiah. God even told Jeremiah not to get married or have any kids because judgment was coming to the people of Judah. Things were going to be really bad and really sad when the people of Judah finally faced the consequences of their sin.

4th-6th Grade Kids Bible Study Guide Unit 18, Session 2: Jeremiah Warned of God’s Judgment

Big picture question (1 minute) 11x17 poster provided Bibles Leader • Even though the people of Judah sinned and deserved to be punished, God sent a message to the people. God told Jeremiah to warn the people, which leads me to today’s big picture question. As we listen to our Bible story, try to find the answer to our question, Why did Jeremiah warn God’s people?

Timeline map (1 minute) Timeline Map – small group visual pack (Additional copies provided for Table Time Review) Bibles Leader • Let me show you on our timeline map where we are. Our Bible story picture shows a king and a fire and a paper. Last week I told you that Jeremiah was a prophet for a long time. He was a prophet when Josiah was king, but in today’s story a new king was ruling Judah. His name was King Jehoiakim. Jehoiakim was Josiah’s son. What type of king was Josiah—good or bad? He was a pretty good king. He destroyed all of the idols and repaired the temple. When the priest found the book of the law, Josiah read it to the people so they would obey God’s law. Josiah followed God. Jehoiakim was different. Open your Bibles to Jeremiah 36 and let’s find the answer to our big picture question, Why did Jeremiah warn God’s people?

Tell the Bible Story (10 minutes) “Jeremiah Warned of God’s Judgment” video Bibles, 1 per kid Bible Story Picture – 11x17 poster provided Big Picture Question: “Why did Jeremiah warn God’s people?” – 11x17 poster provided

Tip: A Bible story script is provided at the beginning of every session. You may use it to guide you as you prepare to teach the Bible story in your own words. For a shorter version of the Bible story, read only the bolded text.

Open your Bible to Jeremiah 36 and tell the Bible story in your own words, or show the Bible story video “Jeremiah Warned of God’s Judgment.” Leader • What a crazy story! OK. Someone tell me what you think about King Jehoiakim. Was he a good king or a bad king, a wise king or a not-so-wise king? [Select one or two kids to respond.] King Jehoiakim was not wise. He did not follow God. When Jeremiah sent him a message from God, Jehoiakim did not respect God’s message. He cut up the scroll and burned it. He tried to have Baruch and Jeremiah arrested. Wow! Did that stop God’s message? No. Remember, God promised Jeremiah that He would protect him. God hid Baruch and Jeremiah so the king could not find them. God told Jeremiah to make another scroll. Jeremiah dictated the same words for Baruch to write down a second time. God also told Jeremiah that King Jehoiakim would be punished for his sin. His sons would not get to be kings.

4th-6th Grade Kids Bible Study Guide Unit 18, Session 2: Jeremiah Warned of God’s Judgment

God warned the people of Judah about the consequences that would come because of their sin. Judah was going to be defeated. Did you find the answer to our big picture question? Why did Jeremiah warn God’s people? God wanted His people to know they were in danger, to stop sinning, and to turn back to Him. Read all of that with me again. Why did Jeremiah warn God’s people? God wanted His people to know they were in danger, to stop sinning, and to turn back to Him. God loved His people and He wanted them to repent and follow Him. God wants us to know the same thing. That is why He sent Jesus to earth. That is why He gave us the Bible. God wants us to understand that we are in danger of spending eternity separated from God. We need to stop sinning. We need to turn back to God. God wants us to understand that He sent Jesus to pay the price for our sin. God wants us to repent and trust in Jesus as our Lord and Savior.

The Gospel: God’s Plan for Me (optional) Using Scripture and the guide provided, explain to boys and girls how to become a Christian. Tell kids how they can respond, and provide counselors to speak with each kid individually. Guide counselors to use open-ended questions to allow kids to determine the direction of the conversation. Because some kids are not comfortable responding during a large group time, encourage boys and girls to ask their parents, small group leaders, or other adults any questions they may have about becoming a Christian.

Key passage (5 minutes) Key Passage Poster: Ezekiel 37:27 (11x17 poster, provided) Worship Song: “My Dwelling Place” (on provided DVD)

OPTION: For kids who have memorized the key passage, challenge them to also memorize Ezekiel 37:26, 28 Leader • Does our key passage describe how the people of Judah were behaving? No. The people of Judah were behaving like they didn’t care if God was with them. They were sinning. They weren’t following God and His law. They thought that they could sin and, because they were God’s people, they wouldn’t face the same consequences as everyone else. Why did Jeremiah warn God’s people? God wanted His people to know they were in danger, to stop sinning, and to turn back to Him. Read our key passage with me. Join girls and boys in reading the key passage. Invite a couple of kids to say the key passage from memory. Lead kids to sing “My Dwelling Place.”

Sing (4 minutes) Worship Song: “Help Me Find It” (on provided DVD) Leader • Our song mentions trusting God. Do you think Jeremiah ever wondered what in the world was going on? How could all of those events be a part of God’s plan? Jeremiah’s message was not a happy message. Jeremiah had to trust God. Our song also talks about trusting God. Lead boys and girls to sing “Help Me Find It.”

4th-6th Grade Kids Bible Study Guide Unit 18, Session 2: Jeremiah Warned of God’s Judgment

Leader • My prayer is that each of you will find God’s plan for your life and follow it completely. It is not always easy to trust God, but He will help us accomplish any task He instructs us to complete. God was with Jeremiah and helped him. He will be with you and help you too.

Discussion Starter Video (4 minutes) Unit 18, Session 2 discussion starter video (on provided DVD) Leader • How do you decide if someone is a hero? How do you decide whom to follow? Think about that while you watch this video. Show the “Unit 18 Session 2” video. Leader • So how do you decide whom to follow? How do you decide if someone is setting an example you want to be like? Who is the only person to live without sinning? Jesus. Jesus showed us what God is like and died to save us from sin.

Prayer (2 minutes) Leader • Hey, it’s time for you to go to your small group—and time for me to enjoy that water! In your small group, you are going to review our Bible story and study our big picture question some more. Why did Jeremiah warn God’s people? God wanted His people to know they were in danger, to stop sinning, and to turn back to Him. I am going to close our group in prayer. Remember that after I pray, your small group leader will lead you to your small group. I am really glad you were here today. I hope you will come back next time! Close in prayer, thanking God for giving us the Bible to help us understand His plan of redemption through Jesus.

Dismiss to small groups for Table Time

The Gospel: God’s Plan for Me Ask kids if they have ever heard the word gospel. Clarify that the word gospel means “good news.” It is the message about Christ, the kingdom of God, and salvation. Use the following guide to share the gospel with kids. God rules. Explain to kids that the Bible tells us God created everything, and He is in charge of everything. Invite a volunteer to read Genesis 1:1 from the Bible. Read Revelation 4:11 or Colossians 1:16-17 aloud and explain what these verses mean. We sinned. Tell kids that since the time of Adam and Eve, everyone has chosen to disobey God. (Romans 3:23) The Bible calls this sin. Because God is holy, God cannot be around sin. Sin separates us from God and deserves God’s punishment of death. (Romans 6:23) God provided. Choose a child to read John 3:16 aloud. Say that God sent His Son, Jesus, the perfect solution to our sin problem, to rescue us from the punishment we deserve. It’s something we, as sinners, could never earn on our own. Jesus alone saves us. Read and explain Ephesians 2:8-9.

4th-6th Grade Kids Bible Study Guide Unit 18, Session 2: Jeremiah Warned of God’s Judgment

Jesus gives. Share with kids that Jesus lived a perfect life, died on the cross for our sins, and rose again. Because Jesus gave up His life for us, we can be welcomed into God’s family for eternity. This is the best gift ever! Read Romans 5:8; 2 Corinthians 5:21; or 1 Peter 3:18. We respond. Tell kids that they can respond to Jesus. Read Romans 10:9-10,13. Review these aspects of our response: Believe in your heart that Jesus alone saves you through what He’s already done on the cross. Repent, turning from self and sin to Jesus. Tell God and others that your faith is in Jesus. Offer to talk with any child who is interested in responding to Jesus.

TABLE TIME LEADER Session Title: Jeremiah Warned of God’s Judgment Bible Passage: Jeremiah 36 Big Picture Question: Why did Jeremiah warn God’s people? God wanted His people to know they were in danger, to stop sinning, and to turn back to Him. Key Passage: Ezekiel 37:27 Unit Christ Connection: Though it appeared that sin prevailed, the covenant God promised would be fulfilled in Jesus Christ.

Bible story review & Bible skills (10 minutes) Bibles, 1 per kid Timeline – small group visual pack “King Jehoiakim” Crown

Option: Retell or review the Bible story using the bolded text of the Bible story script.

Add the “King Jehoiakim” crown to the “Southern Kingdom” chart in your classroom. The heart on the crown has an “X” over it to show that King Jehoiakim did not love God. Discuss the following questions about sin: How do people define sin? How does God define sin? Do people always understand the true definition of sin? Why do we think we can sin and still be OK? Do we make excuses for our sin? Guide girls and boys to locate and read Jeremiah 36:1-3. Discuss why God instructed Jeremiah to dictate the scroll. Say • Why did Jeremiah warn God’s people? God wanted His people to know they were in danger, to stop sinning, and to turn back to Him. Why did God send Jesus? (God sent His Son, Jesus, to rescue us from our sin.) Why is the Bible important? (God gives us His written Word, the Bible, to tell us what He is like. The Bible has the most important message: the good news about Jesus.) How would you tell a friend about Jesus?

4th-6th Grade Kids Bible Study Guide Unit 18, Session 2: Jeremiah Warned of God’s Judgment

Allow several kids to respond. Review the timeline in the small group visual pack. Invite kids to select a story and share how it is connected to Christ. If you choose to review with boys and girls how to become a Christian, explain that kids are welcome to speak with you or another leader if they have questions. God rules. God created and is in charge of everything. (Genesis 1:1; Revelation 4:11; Colossians 1:16- 17) We sinned. Since Adam and Eve, everyone has chosen to disobey God. (Romans 3:23; 6:23) God provided. God sent His Son, Jesus, to rescue us from the punishment we deserve. (John 3:16; Ephesians 2:8-9) Jesus gives. Jesus lived a perfect life, died on the cross for our sins, and rose again so we can be welcomed into God’s family. (Romans 5:8; 2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Peter 3:18) We respond. Believe that Jesus alone saves you. Repent. Tell God that your faith is in Jesus. (Romans 10:9-10,13)

Key passage activity (5 minutes) “Pocket Scroll” Instructions Key Passage Poster: Ezekiel 37:27 (provided) adding machine or calculator tape or long strips of paper markers or pens Invite each kid to write the key passage on a strip of calculator tape to form a scroll. Encourage girls and boys to carry the scrolls with them throughout the week so they can read the passage and think about what it says. Say • Why do you think God wants to be with His people? Why does He want His people to worship Him? Instruct boys and girls to partner up and practice saying the key passage to their partner. Encourage them to practice saying the key passage from memory.

Activity choice (10 minutes) Option 1: Dictate It calculator tape or piece of paper masking tape pens or markers Bible reference cards (x6 sets per classroom) Bibles Form teams or adapt the game to play as one group. Unroll a long piece of calculator tape and secure it to the top of a table. Prepare one piece for each team. Place the pens by the paper. Position Bibles on the opposite side of the group area. The following references are provided on cards: Mark 10:45; Luke 10:27; John 3:36. Create one set per team. Explain to kids that a team must locate one of the Scriptures. One person must go to the paper, and the rest of the team should dictate the Scripture for him to write down. The team should repeat this process for the remaining Scriptures. Encourage kids to allow different teammates to write and dictate. Say • Baruch was a scribe or a secretary. His job was to write down exactly what Jeremiah dictated. What was the king’s response to the message Jeremiah sent him? He cut it up and burned it. King

4th-6th Grade Kids Bible Study Guide Unit 18, Session 2: Jeremiah Warned of God’s Judgment

Jehoiakim did not respect God’s Word. God wanted Jeremiah to warn the people of Judah. God wanted the people to repent and follow Him. God sent Jesus to help us understand what God is like. He also gave us the Bible to help us understand who He is. The three verses in our game were all messages God has given us in the Bible. What is the Bible’s most important message? (The Bible has the most important message: the good news about Jesus. It tells us that God sent His Son, Jesus, to rescue us from our sin.)

Option 2: Sticky Note Holder 4 x 6” acrylic photo holders, 1 per kid scrapbook paper 3 x 3” sticky notes, 1 pad per 3 kids scissors stamps stamp pads stickers double-sided tape

Help boys and girls cut scrapbook paper into 4-by-6-inch pieces. Kids may wish to layer pieces of scrapbook paper to create unique patterns and designs. Kids may also use stamps, stamp pads, and stickers. When finished, kids should slide the scrapbook paper into the photo frames. Ask where kids would like to place their sticky notes. Help kids attach double-sided tape to the back of the sticky notes and attach the pad to the acrylic frame. Say • Why did Jeremiah warn God’s people? God wanted His people to know they were in danger, to stop sinning, and to turn back to Him. How did Jeremiah warn the officials and king? He told Baruch to write the message on a scroll. When you look at your sticky note holder, remember that it is important to listen to God’s Word. God has given us the Bible to help us understand the good news of Jesus.

Prayer (5 minutes) Say • Today we learned that God wanted His people to know they were in danger and to turn away from sin and back to God. Think about this question: Why is sin dangerous? Are there any areas in your life in which you are tempted to think that sin isn’t that bad? Ask God to help you always recognize the danger of sin and turn away from sin. Why did Jeremiah warn God’s people? God wanted His people to know they were in danger, to stop sinning, and to turn back to Him. Close the group in prayer, asking God to guide each kid through the coming week. Thank God for sending Jesus.

Clean-Up Room

Instructions: Write the name of each sign in the blank provided.

What is the purpose of all of these signs?

UNIT 18 • Session 2 • Older Kids Activity Pages

The Exile Began

UNIT 18 • Session 2 • Older Kids Activity Pages

The Exile Began

© 2013 Lifeway Family Journal Page The Exile Began Jeremiah Warned of God’s Judgment Challenge your family to gather all the Bibles they can find in Jeremiah 36 your house in five minutes. Count how many Bibles you have Preschool access to (include mobile devices, computers, and so forth). Make Key Passage: Ezekiel 37:27 a note below of how many Bibles you found. Ask kids to recall Big Picture Question: What does God want His people the Bible story. How did King Jehoiakim treat God’s Word? to do? God wants people to stop sinning and turn back Why does God want us to read the Bible? Review the big to Him. Christ Connection: Jesus showed people what God picture question and Christ Connection. is like. God gives us His words in the Bible. The Bible tells us what God is like too. The Bible has the most important message: the good news about Jesus. God sent His Son, Jesus, to rescue us from our sin.

Kids Key Passage: Ezekiel 37:27 Big Picture Question: Why did Jeremiah warn God’s people? God wanted His people to know they were in danger, to stop sinning, and to turn back to Him. Christ Connection: John 1 says that Jesus is the Word. Jesus showed people what God is like. God gives us His written Word, the Bible, to tell us what He is like too. The Bible has the most important message: the good news about Jesus. It tells us that God sent His Son, Jesus, to rescue us from our sin.