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4th-6th Grade Kids Bible Study Guide Unit 18, Session 1: God Called Jeremiah TEACHER BIBLE STUDY “I chose you before I formed you in the womb; I set you apart before you were born.” These words from Jeremiah 1:5 reveal a Creator who is sovereign, working out everything in agreement with the decision of His will. (Ephesians 1:11) Jeremiah 1:5 ends with a specific call for a man named Jeremiah: “I appointed you a prophet to the nations.”

Jeremiah was the son of Hilkiah the priest. He lived just north of Jerusalem. Jeremiah’s ministry began when God called him. At that time, Josiah was king of Judah. Who else did God call in the Old Testament? God called Noah to build an ark (Genesis 6); He called Abram to leave his home (Genesis 12:1-4); He called Moses to lead His people out of Egypt (Exodus 3).

Each time God calls someone, He equips them to do His work. Like Moses, Jeremiah was hesitant: “Oh no, Lord, God! Look, I don’t know how to speak since I am only a youth” (Jeremiah 1:6). God assured Jeremiah: “I will be with you” (Jeremiah 1:8).

God called Jeremiah to be a prophet to Judah. Judah was deep in idol worship and other sins. God’s judgment was coming. Jeremiah’s job was to warn them. God gave Jeremiah two visions. The first—a branch of an almond tree—was a sign that God would keep His promise to send judgment, and He would do it soon. The second vision—a boiling pot—meant that God’s judgment was coming from the north. God would bring the Babylonians from the north as judgment on His people. Then God sent Jeremiah out to announce God’s declaration.

As you teach kids, help them connect Jeremiah’s ministry to the ministry of Jesus. God called Jeremiah to warn the people of the judgment for their sin. Jesus also came to tell people to turn from their sin; He didn’t just tell them about the punishment, He took the punishment on Himself.

LESSON OVERVIEW/SCHEDULE Session Title: God Called Jeremiah Bible Passage: Jeremiah 1 Big Picture Question: What job did God give Jeremiah? God chose Jeremiah before he was born to be a prophet to the nations. Key Passage: Ezekiel 37:27 Unit Christ Connection: Though it appeared that sin prevailed, the covenant God promised would be fulfilled in Jesus Christ.

Transition Time Welcome time

4th-6th Grade Kids Bible Study Guide Unit 18, Session 1: God Called Jeremiah

Activity Sheet/Table Centers Session starter (10 minutes)

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

God Called Jeremiah Jeremiah 1

When Josiah was the king of Judah, God spoke to Jeremiah, a priest. God spoke to Jeremiah for many years. God said to Jeremiah, “I knew you before I made you in your mother’s womb. Before you were born, I chose you to do very special things. I chose you to be a prophet to the nations.” Being a prophet meant listening to what God said and telling the people God’s message. Jeremiah said, “Oh no, God! I don’t know how to speak in front of other people. I’m just a boy, only a youth.” God replied, “Don’t say that. You will go where I send you and say what I tell you to say. You do not need to be afraid of anyone because I am with you. I will protect you.” Then God reached out His hand and touched Jeremiah’s mouth. “I’m giving you the words to say,” God said. “I am putting you in charge of nations and kingdoms. You will give the people My message. It is a message of destruction, of bad things happening because of their sin. It is also a message of reconstruction. After I tear down the people, I will rebuild them.” God gave Jeremiah two visions. Visions are like dreams, except Jeremiah was awake. God said, “What do you see, Jeremiah?” Jeremiah said, “I see a branch of an almond tree.”

4th-6th Grade Kids Bible Study Guide Unit 18, Session 1: God Called Jeremiah

“You are right,” God said. The almond branch was a sign for Jeremiah so he would know that God would do what He said He would, and He would do it soon. Then Jeremiah saw a second vision. He saw a boiling pot. The pot was overflowing from the north! God told Jeremiah that this vision meant trouble was coming from the north. Trouble would come for everyone in Judah. God told Jeremiah what would happen. God said that the rulers in the north were going to come and set up their kingdoms outside the city gates of Jerusalem. They were going to attack Jerusalem and other cities in Judah. God was going to judge the people of Judah for their sin. They had walked away from God; they worshiped their own man-made gods instead. Jeremiah had a big job to do, and God was ready to send him on his way. “Get ready! Tell the people everything I say. Do not be afraid. I am making you strong against the people. They will fight you, but they’ll never win. I’m here to protect you and to rescue you.” These are the words of God that came to Jeremiah the priest.

Christ Connection: Jeremiah challenged the way people lived in Judah and called them to turn away from their idol worship and other sins. Christ did more than challenge how people lived; He called people to turn from their sins, and He provided the way for people to have a relationship with God.

TRANSITION TIME Session Title: God Called Jeremiah Bible Passage: Jeremiah 1 Big Picture Question: What job did God give Jeremiah? God chose Jeremiah before he was born to be a prophet to the nations. Key Passage: Ezekiel 37:27 Unit Christ Connection: Though it appeared that sin prevailed, the covenant God promised would be fulfilled in Jesus Christ.

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. Say • Name one Bible person to whom God gave a special job. What job did God ask that person to do?

Activity page Table Centers (Miscellaneous Activities) “Messages from God” / “Who was Jeremiah?” activity page, 1 per kid pencils Bibles Lead girls and boys to locate each Scripture reference and discover a message God had for someone.

4th-6th Grade Kids Bible Study Guide Unit 18, Session 1: God Called Jeremiah

Say • What did God want people to know in each message? Remember God chose the prophets to tell the people His Word. The prophets shared with the people messages from God. Did the people listen to the prophets? Not very often.

As time allows, lead kids to complete the activity page “Who Was Jeremiah?” Assist boys and girls in locating each Scripture to discover the missing information about Jeremiah.

Session starter (10 minutes) Option 1: Job-Tool Match tool cards Cards with the names of tools are provided. (Suggestions: hammer, scalpel, saw, pencil, gavel, key, oven mitt) Invite kids to take turns drawing one card and describing the tool for the rest of the group. They may not say the name of the tool, any part of the name, or a word that rhymes with the tool name. After kids have correctly guessed all of the tools, ask kids to identify what job each tool is used for. Say • Today we are going to learn about someone God used in His plan. This person had a job to do, just like our tools have a job to do. God selected this person for this job before the person was even born.

Option 2: Steal the Blanket baby blanket or other small blanket Form two teams and assign numbers to each kid. Call out a number. The kid from each team who has been assigned the number must move to the middle and try to be the first to “steal the blanket.” Play several rounds. Say • How did you know it was your turn to try to “steal the blanket”? Your number was called. In our Bible story today, God called someone. He called him to a special job that was part of God’s plan. God also told Jeremiah about something that happened even before Jeremiah was a baby in his mother’s womb.

Transition to large group

4th-6th Grade Kids Bible Study Guide Unit 18, Session 1: God Called Jeremiah

LESSON Session Title: God Called Jeremiah Bible Passage: Jeremiah 1 Big Picture Question: What job did God give Jeremiah? God chose Jeremiah before he was born to be a prophet to the nations. Key Passage: Ezekiel 37:27 Unit Christ Connection: Though it appeared that sin prevailed, the covenant God promised would be fulfilled in Jesus Christ.

Suggested Theme Decorating Ideas: Use khaki or tan fabric, paper, or cloth sheets to resemble sand. You may wish to set up a tiki hut with lanterns. Create palm trees using green paper and cardboard tubes. Position the palm trees around the teaching area. Place sand toys and buckets on the sand. Set up several beach chairs as well. You may wish to place a kid-size swimming pool with water on one side of the teaching area. Play a soundtrack of ocean waves in the background.

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) beach chair inner tube or foam noodle bag Bible sunscreen sunglasses big pot [Position a big pot in the middle of the teaching area for today’s session. Large Group Leader enters carrying a beach chair and inner tube or foam noodle. Carry a bag with sunscreen, sunglasses, and a Bible. After you enter, set up your beach chair and sit down. Begin rubbing a little sunscreen on your face or arm as you talk.] Leader • Hello, everyone! I have been waiting and waiting for us to get to our destination this unit. I looked at our map a while back and saw this location was coming up. I have been waiting and waiting for this day. We are at one of my favorite places in all the world. We are on an island! I can’t wait to dig my toes in the sand and sit all day listening to the ocean waves. Here is my sunscreen. I have to wear my sunscreen. I do not want my skin to burn. Sunburns hurt, and then you can’t enjoy the sand or the ocean waves.

4th-6th Grade Kids Bible Study Guide Unit 18, Session 1: God Called Jeremiah

Timeline map (1 minute) Timeline Map – small group visual pack (Additional copies provided for Table Time Review) Leader • Today we are going to begin exploring the Book of Jeremiah. Guess what Jeremiah was? He was another prophet! Jeremiah is one of the major prophets. Remember, the book he wrote is long, so he is called a major prophet instead of a minor prophet. Jeremiah was a prophet when Josiah was king of Judah. Jeremiah actually lived a long time, and he saw more than one king of Judah come along and rule God’s people. Jeremiah lived during the same time that Habakkuk lived. Let’s open our Bibles and discover what message God gave Jeremiah. I will give you a clue. [Point to the pot on stage.] Hmm … not sure what the hint means? Listen to our Bible story and you will figure it out.

Big picture question (1 minute) 11x17 poster provided Bibles Leader • Oh yes, you also need to find the answer to our big picture question during today’s Bible story. Our big picture question is, What job did God give Jeremiah? So now we have two hints about today’s story: Jeremiah had a job that God gave him, and somehow a pot is connected to our story. Our Bible story is found in Jeremiah 1.

Tell the Bible Story (10 minutes) “God Called Jeremiah” video Bibles, 1 per kid Bible Story Picture – 11x17 poster provided Big Picture Question: “What job did God give Jeremiah?” – 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 1 and tell the Bible story in your own words, or show the Bible story video “God Called Jeremiah.” Leader • God gave Jeremiah an interesting job. What job did God give Jeremiah? God chose Jeremiah before he was born to be a prophet to the nations. Was Jeremiah young or old when God chose him? God told Jeremiah that He had chosen Jeremiah before he was born. When Jeremiah was in his mom’s womb, God selected him to be a prophet to the nations. Jeremiah saw two visions. What two things did Jeremiah see? Yes. Jeremiah saw an almond branch and a boiling pot. The boiling pot was a sign that trouble was coming for the people of Judah. The people of Judah were sinning. They refused to only worship God. They worshiped false gods, so God was going to punish them. A kingdom from the north was coming to conquer the people of Judah. Jeremiah had a tough job. The people of Judah would not like his messages from God. God warned Jeremiah that the people of Judah would try to harm him, but God would protect Jeremiah.

4th-6th Grade Kids Bible Study Guide Unit 18, Session 1: God Called Jeremiah

Jeremiah called the people of Judah to worship only God and to turn away from their sin. Jesus did more than Jeremiah. Jesus called people to turn from their sin, and He died for their sin. Jesus made a way for people to have a relationship with God by paying the price for sin.

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.

Discussion Starter Video (4 minutes) Unit 18, Session 1 discussion starter video (on provided DVD) Leader • What job did God give Jeremiah? God chose Jeremiah before he was born to be a prophet to the nations. God told Jeremiah He knew him before He made Jeremiah in his mother’s womb. Wow! Think about that while we watch our video. Pay attention so that you follow the instructions in the video correctly. Show the “Unit 18 Session 1” video. Leader • You know, God also knew you before you were born. He knew exactly who you were going to be and everything about you. He knew what color eyes you would have. He knew whether you would be loud or quiet, love sports or music, have red hair or brown hair. God knew every single, little tiny, and way big thing about you before He even made you. God also has a part in His plan for you! God sent Jesus to rescue you from sin so you could be a part of God’s plan of redemption.

Sing (4 minutes) Worship Song: “Help Me Find It” (on provided DVD) Leader • I don’t know about you, but that all makes me want to praise God. Join me in singing our new theme song, “Help Me Find It.” Lead boys and girls to sing “Help Me Find It.” Leader • In our song, we sang to God and asked Him to guide us. As you continue with your week, remember to keep praying for God to guide you every step of the way.

Key passage (5 minutes) Key Passage Poster: Ezekiel 37:27 (11x17 poster, provided) Worship Song: “My Dwelling Place” (on provided DVD) Leader • Our key passage is found in the Book of Ezekiel. It is a promise God gave to His people. Although they would experience consequences for their sin, God’s people would one day be reunited into one nation. God told this promise to Jeremiah. God often told the prophets about a future time when He would rebuild or restore the people of Israel and Judah. Read our key passage with me.

4th-6th Grade Kids Bible Study Guide Unit 18, Session 1: God Called Jeremiah

Lead girls and boys to read Ezekiel 37:27 at least three times. You may wish to instruct boys to read the passage once, girls to read the passage once, and the entire group to read the passage together. Sing “My Dwelling Place.”

Prayer (2 minutes) Leader • The beach has been an exciting place today. I can’t wait to see what else we learn while we are on this island. I can’t wait to find out why we are on an island. Review our big picture question and answer with me again. What job did God give Jeremiah? God chose Jeremiah before he was born to be a prophet to the nations. After I pray, watch your small group leader for your turn to go to small group and learn more about Jeremiah. Close in prayer.

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. 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.

4th-6th Grade Kids Bible Study Guide Unit 18, Session 1: God Called Jeremiah

TABLE TIME LEADER Session Title: God Called Jeremiah Bible Passage: Jeremiah 1 Big Picture Question: What job did God give Jeremiah? God chose Jeremiah before he was born to be a prophet to the nations. 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 “Jeremiah, the Prophet” megaphone

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

Add the “Jeremiah, the Prophet” megaphone to the “Southern Kingdom” chart in your classroom.

Review the timeline in the small group visual pack. Tell kids that Jeremiah lived at the same time as Josiah, Habakkuk, Nahum, and Zephaniah. Say • Jeremiah was a prophet for many, many years. We will learn more about his ministry next week. Today we heard how God called Jeremiah to be a prophet. Read Jeremiah 1:4-10 to the girls and boys. Say • What job did God give Jeremiah? God chose Jeremiah before he was born to be a prophet to the nations. What was Jeremiah’s response to God when God first called him? Look at Jeremiah 1:6. What was God’s response? Read Jeremiah 1:7-10. When God calls someone to a job, God will equip him or her to do the job. God also told Jeremiah that He would make Jeremiah strong, He would protect Jeremiah, and He would rescue him. What did Jesus call people to do? (Christ did more than challenge how people lived; He called people to turn from their sins, and He provided the way for people to have a relationship with God.) Create a Venn diagram comparing Jesus and Jeremiah. 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)

4th-6th Grade Kids Bible Study Guide Unit 18, Session 1: God Called Jeremiah

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) “All Scrambled Up” Instructions Key Passage Poster: Ezekiel 37:27 (provided) laminated verse pieces (5 sets per classroom) laminated verse card with velcro envelopes The words for the key passage have been cut out and provided in envelopes. Five sets are provided per classroom. Divide kids into five groups and challenge each group to unscramble the key passage on the provided card and say the verse to one another three times. Say • God always promises to be with His people. When you repent and trust in Jesus as your Savior and Lord, the Holy Spirit is always with you. The Holy Spirit will guide you and help you obey God.

Activity choice (10 minutes) Option 1: Wonderfully Made Challenge Invite kids to compete in a series of unique challenges. See who can sit still the longest, jump the highest, laugh the loudest, count to 10 the fastest, say the key passage the fastest, sing in the silliest voice, and snap the loudest. Discuss how these tasks are silly, but they remind us that God made everyone unique. Say • God knew you before you were born. He created you for a very special purpose. What job did God give Jeremiah? God chose Jeremiah before he was born to be a prophet to the nations. Name one thing God has told His people to do. God has called His people to follow Him, love Him, and tell others about Him. God will give us strength to obey Him when He calls us to do something.

Option 2: To The Nations world map beanbag Bibles The Gospel Poster Say • What job did God give Jeremiah? God chose Jeremiah before he was born to be a prophet to the nations. Jeremiah delivered messages from God to nations. Invite kids to read Matthew 28:19-20.

4th-6th Grade Kids Bible Study Guide Unit 18, Session 1: God Called Jeremiah

Say • Christians are called to tell the gospel to whom? Christians are called to tell the gospel to people of all nations. We are called to tell all nations, not just a few. Let’s play a game. Instruct each kid to toss the beanbag onto the map, identify one of the countries the beanbag lands on, and tell one thing he or she could tell the people in that country about God, Jesus, or the gospel. Help kids use the Bible and gospel poster to decide what they would share. Allow kids to play until everyone has had a turn or as long as time allows. Preteen option: Draw a box around the “10/40 window” and challenge kids to toss the beanbag inside the box. The 10/40 window is the area between 10 degrees and 40 degrees north latitude in the Eastern Hemisphere. Northern Africa, the Middle East, and Asia are part of the 10/40 window. For more information about the 10/40 window, type the phrase into a search engine.

Prayer (5 minutes) Say • What job did God give Jeremiah? God chose Jeremiah before he was born to be a prophet to the nations. Close the group in prayer or invite a kid to close the group in prayer.

Clean-Up Room

What did God Was this a weird, happy, sad, or other Instructions: Answer the questions want people to about each message. know? kind of message?

2 Kings 4:42-44 Matthew 3:16-17 Matthew 2:19-21 Luke 15:8-10

Matthew 3:1-2 Jeremiah 3:11-13 Luke 9:22

Genesis 22:15-18

UNIT 18 • Session 1 • Older Kids Activity Pages

The Exile Began

Father: ______(Jeremiah 1:1) Hometown: ______(Jeremiah 1:1) Occupation: ______and ______(Jeremiah 1:1,5) Marital Status: ______(Jeremiah 16:1-2) Number of Children: ______(Jeremiah 16:1-2) Describe how Jeremiah felt about Judah’s sin. ______(Jeremiah 13:17) How did God’s people respond to the message Jeremiah shared from God? ______(Jeremiah 26:7-11) Name three kings of Judah during Jeremiah’s time as a prophet. ______, ______, and ______(Jeremiah 1:2-3)

UNIT 18 • Session 1 • Older Kids Activity Pages

The Exile Began

© 2013 Lifeway Family Journal Page The Exile Began God Called Jeremiah Share about your job and why you chose the profession or Jeremiah 1 trade you are in. You may also share about the jobs your Preschool parents (the grandparents) worked when you were a kid. Ask Key Passage: Ezekiel 37:27 your kids to describe the jobs they want to have when they Big Picture Question: What job did God give grow up. Allow them to draw or write their answers below. Tell Jeremiah? God called Jeremiah to be a prophet. what you wanted to be when you were a kid. Review the big Christ Connection: God sent Jeremiah to talk to the people in Judah. Jeremiah told them to think about picture question. Remind kids that God has a plan for each of how they were living. He told them to stop disobeying them too. God. Like Jeremiah, Jesus told people to be sorry for their sin. Jesus lived a perfect life for us and took our punishment so we could be right with God.

Kids Key Passage: Ezekiel 37:27 Big Picture Question: What job did God give Jeremiah? God chose Jeremiah before he was born to be a prophet to the nations. Christ Connection: Jeremiah challenged the way people lived in Judah and called them to turn away from their idol worship and other sins. Christ did more than challenge how people lived; He called people to turn from their sins, and He provided the way for people to have a relationship with God.