Jeremiah for Me! Lesson 6: "Choose the Good Way!" A Jeremiah Journey, Journal, and Puppets

Jeremiah for Me!  Lesson 6: "Choose the Good Way!"  A Jeremiah Journey, Journal, and Puppets

In chapter five, Jeremiah wrote about the man that ran through the streets of Jerusalem looking for just one person who stood for truth.  In olden times a Greek man named Diogenes also ran through the streets of Athens with a lantern looking for someone who was honest.  In chapter six, Jeremiah challenges the people to walk down pathways--pathways that are good.  Would the people listen to his pleas to do this?  Read and see!   

Note: IYB=In Your Bible and IYJ=In Your Journal  

Flee Out of Jerusalem!  Blow the trumpet!  Set up a fire signal!  Evil is coming forth from the north, and great destruction!  IYJ:   Inside an "exclaim frame" draw Jeremiah announcing war would soon come. 

"This City Jerusalem:" Like a well that poured out water, God said, Jerusalem poured out evil, IYJ draw a Jerusalem city scape with water tumbling out. See journal idea.      

Answer This Jerusalem!  "To whom shall I speak and give warning, that they may hear? ...." IYB draw a "sad face" in front of verse ten.  IYJ make a sad faced person with "Xs" or "plugs" in their ears.  See Journal page sample faces below.  Focus in on the closed ears, won't blush cheeks, and so on!

    

How About You?  Are your ears open to hearing and obeying the Lord?  Do you delight in the law of the LORD?  Psalm 1:2 says that a person will be blessed if his delight is in the law of the Lord or God's word! 

Greed and Falsehoods:  Jeremiah said the people were given to greed, and the priests and the prophets were given to lying.  Priests and prophets even said, "Peace, peace when there was no peace."    IYJ illustrate the people, and the priests and prophets.   View journal page photo.

A Shame Frame:  Verse fifteen is a "face place" that asks the people if they were feeling sorry or ashamed when they sinned?  The answer was, "Nay!" or "No!"  Instead, they couldn't even blush.  Make a frame.  Inside, draw a person having blush cheek circles with a "x" on them.  Click on journal page photo.  Hey, do you know what makes people blush?

The Good Way Gem Verse! Verse sixteen tells these sinful people what they could do to find peace and rest.  It says:  "... Stand ye in the ways (or at the crossroads) and see and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls ...."   IYB put a shiny sticker by the jewel verse.  IYJ write the verse and then trace over it with a glitter crayon or marker.  Sing: "I Met Jesus at the Crossroads." 

Sing-along SONG: I Met Jesus At The Crossroads - Dale Reichel - YouTube

The Y Puppet Path:  Cut an outline Y from bubble wrap.  Place "Jerusalem Man" at the Y path starting place.  Have puppet walk choosing the good old way side.  Reread the "Gem Verse."       

They Wouldn't Listen!  Even after God told the people how to have hope and rest, what was their reply?  Our gem verse ends like this.  "But they said, "We will not walk therein."  Where wouldn't they walk?  Sadly, they didn't want to obey and follow the Lord on the good paths.  IYJ draw a person who wouldn't walk in the right way.  See journal photo.

Which Path Do You Walk On?   Do you know the Lord Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me?" John 14:6*   Jesus also said, "Come unto me ... and I will give you rest."(Matthew 11:28) Think about it.   *Recall the Lesson 5 O Ring center verse!

Listen to the Trumpet!  God said he set "watchmen" (another word for prophets) over them saying listen to the trumpet warning sound, but again what was the reply?  "But they said, "We will not hearken (hear)."  How sad Jeremiah must have been at their rejection of God's words.  Then God said, " ... behold, I will bring evil on this people...."  (v.19) and (v.22) "... behold, a people cometh from the north ...." 

"Warrior, Watchman, and Witness":  Roger Oakland in his book The Good Shepherd Calls (Lighthouse Trails Publishing, 2017) describes Jeremiah as a warrior, watchman, and witness.  Oakland writes, "The Jeremiah calling is still in place today." Oakland continues, "A warrior is one who is willing to lay down his life for the truth. ...  A watchman is someone always prepared to be on the wall looking toward the horizon to see if danger is coming. ... A witness is someone who will share the Gospel by pointing the people of his day to God's Word, which is truth. ...  The Gospel of Jesus Christ is based on truth, which is the Word of God; therefore, Jeremiah was a true witness for the Lord."   (pp.35-36)    

The Good Shepherd Calls: An Urgent Message for the Last-Days Church (lighthousetrails.com)

A Fame Frame:  When the people heard God's words and heard of the fame of Babylon their hands felt weak as they realized trouble was coming.  Show IYJ how they felt and how their hands hung down.  Around these pics place words "fame" making a "fame frame."  Opposite hands hanging down are hands that are lifted up to the Lord in prayer and praise.  Draw this IYJ!   

Fear On Every Side:  The people were afraid even to walk in the field or by the way because the

enemy might come.  How sad was this!

Put on Sackcloth!  The people were told to put on sackcloth and sit in ashes.  They were to lament and cry out for a spoiler (raider) would soon be coming.  But God told Jeremiah he was to stand strong whatever happened for the Lord would make him test or try the ways of the people.  How can you show this IYJ?

Have You Heard of These Words?  Jeremiah Chapter Six Vocab

1. delight 2. destruct 3. oppress 4. spoiler 5. instruct 6. desolate 7. blush 8. reproach 9. uncircumcised 10. covetousness 11. watchmen 12. lament

a. raider b. joy c. red cheeks/face d. closed e. treat badly f. greed g. to mourn h. scouts i. ruin j. without people/inhabitants k. dishonor l. teach 

Unscramble Lesson Message!  earth: "O Hear, this people...." bring evil will I upon behold,         

Just As in Jeremiah's Day:  Just as in Jeremiah's time, many do not delight in reading God's Word.  Some folks I've met have never ever read Jeremiah because they think it's violent and depressing.  However, when an amazing book like Jeremiah is left unread people truly can't understand all of Israel's history, nor can they understand how the New Testament flows out of the Old Testament.  Jesus himself continuously quoted the Old Testament; and so should we! 

An exciting site the iBIBLE for kids notes, ..."There are more than one thousand references in the Old Testament about things that happen in the New Testament.  The Scriptural narrative is so interconnected that only God could have written it."  Find this brand-new Bible source here: 

iBIBLE

 

Vocabulary Quiz answers: 1. b 2. i 3. e 4. a 5. l 6. j 7. c. 8. k 9. d 10. f 11. h 12. g    Message answer:  Jer.6:19: "Hear, O earth: behold, I will bring evil upon this people, ...."    

A Sackcloth Puppet: The Lamenting Man/Woman: In Jeremiah's day when trouble was about to happen people were told to put on coarse cloth covering and sit in ashes to show their sorrow and their sadness for their sin. Read verse twenty-six.  To create:  Roll a toilet tube in light pink paper; add a bubble wrap head band and bottom strip.  Also add beard with down curved mouth, facial features, and tear spots.  For "sackcloth" add a see-through mesh potato bag piece.  Change puppet to a lady by removing the beard leaving the downcurved mouth.  View puppet photo below! 

Synopsis of This Chapter:  Jeremiah was the prophet that gave the "war warnings."  Jerusalem was the wicked city where the war would be.  Babylon was the city in the north that would bring forth war.  God's people were the ones who closed their ears to God's war warnings.  The false prophets were the ones who said, "Peace, peace!" and told the people war would not come.  God's people were the ones that were not sad over their sins and wouldn't blush.  God was the one who said, "Ask for the old paths and the good paths to walk in."  God was the one who said, "Hear, O earth, behold I will bring evil on this people."  God's people were the ones who said, "We have heard of the fame of Babylon, and our hands hang down."  And it was God who said, "Jeremiah you are the one who will be a tower and a fortress for my people to test their ways.  For these people are the ones who are revolting from my ways."  Jeremiah 6

Jeremiah "6 Booklet":  Cut out six purple sixes; cut out eight yellow sixes.  Check journal pages for strips to print, and ways to assemble.  Use yellow sixes for front, n' back covers and in between pages.  Draw little faces and silhouette of Jerusalem.  Remember for the smallest folks make larger sixes and larger drawings.  Help them print or glue on printed word strips.  Staple.  How good to read that faithful Jeremiah would be a tower and fortress to his own people.  May we too be encouragers as well as watchmen!  View ideas below!    

Journal Hint:  Consider the Journal Pages a resource of ways to use the lesson.  Use a few ideas or all of them.            

 

      

 

    

Jeremiah for Me! Lesson 5: "Search for Truth!" A Jeremiah Journey, Journal, and Puppets

Jeremiah for Me!  Lesson 5: "Search for Truth!"  A Jeremiah Journey, Journal, and Puppets

At the end of this lesson, you'll see photos of the Puppet Box, the game board cover, the Jerusalem  Gate, and more!  On the "street" Prophet Man, Jeremiah, will 'run' trying to find someone who holds to truth!  Don't miss the Unjust Leaders, much like our day, who overlook or bypass evildoers!! 

Read Aloud:  1-5. 11-15, 18-19, 20-23, and 26-31.  How very important it is to read the Bible aloud with your children.  As a child I was so blessed to hear The Word read aloud daily even though I couldn't comprehend everything I heard. Today I can truly testify Scripture taught early has not been forgotten!!  The more you read Jeremiah the more you'll realize how very apt is the book of Jeremiah for us today.  And chapter five is such a key chapter-- do dig into it!   

Remember:  IYB=In Your Bible, and IYJ= In Your Journal!   

  

Jeremiah Seeks Truth in the Streets:  In lesson five God tells Jeremiah to run around Jerusalem's streets asking folks if there's anyone who stands for truth.  As he does, he asks "O LORD, are not your eyes upon the truth?" (Jer. 5:3) But, says Jeremiah, these people have refused to be sorry for their sins, and refused to return to the Lord.

IYJ cut off and use sticky note tops to make a little street. Remember, for little folks use a whole page!  Kids will enjoy arranging different colored strips into a path.  Help them glue or write the Jer.5:1 verse: "Run ye to and fro through the streets of Jerusalem, and see ..., if ye can find a man ,.. that seeketh the truth; ...." onto the path. Kids begin at the green dot to trace the path to the "Jerusalem pic."  Find a Jerusalem image here: images of the streets of jerusalem to color - Bing images

View journal page below.

Did Jeremiah find anyone who stood for truth at all?  By the way, throughout the book of Jeremiah there are references to the streets in Judah and Jerusalem.  As you find them especially notice what's happening in those streets!

Just Like in Jeremiah's Day:  As in Jeremiah's time much has been happening in our streets as well.  Stop here to talk about what's been happening, and why.  

Jeremiah Gem Verse:  Jeremiah 5:3a:  "O LORD, are not thine eyes upon the truth?" IYJ: Above the verse trace around the word truth with shiny or glittered crayons! Cutout or draw six Os; form into an an O ring frame.  Inside each "O" write or glue printed verse words. In the very middle write the New Testament "truth" verse John 14:6 where Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life; no man cometh unto the Father, but by me."  Help younger kids read round the O Ring.  

For adults and older kids, you may wish to share parts of a special booklet titled Truth or Consequences? by Warren B. Smith. P.S. Look for the Jeremiah verses!   Read it here: BOOKLET - Truth or Consequences (lighthousetrails.com)

Truth Is Fallen in the Streets!  There are two verses in Isaiah that mention more about streets and truth.  IYB: Go to Jeremiah chapter one and back up a few chapters to Isaiah 59:14-15.  See the journal page!  Read the verses.  How like us where it says judgment and truth are upside down.  IYJ: Make some street ribbons from paper, print verse on them, and put them together in order.  Or just write " for truth is fallen in the street...." (Isaiah 59:14) on one "street ribbon"; use as a Bible marker.  Make note too that the major prophet Isaiah also prophesied to Judah and Jerusalem!  Study the journal page at end of lesson!

        

A Face Place:  Harder than Rock Faces!  While he searches Jeremiah sees many have faces that are harder than rocks.  They just refuse to do right!  IYB: Find Jer. 5:3. Write FP beside it for "Face Place."  IYJ: draw a face or faces of those who look unhappy.  Write: "... they have made their faces harder than a rock; they have refused to return."  Look at photo down below.   

How sorry Jeremiah feels for the people thinking they were poor and foolish, for they didn't know the way of the Lord.  Therefore, Jeremiah decides he should talk to important or great men who have known the way the Lord, for they will certainly want to stand up for truth.  But these men too have departed from the Lord.  Sound like today?  Sadly, yes! 

Other Face Places!  Like the Wind!  Like Fire!  The Lord says Jeremiah 5:14, "You house of Judah, have been against me. As for your prophets they are like the wind!  My word is not in them.   But I will make my words in you Jeremiah like fire."  IYJ: draw a prophet with wind-like swirls coming out of its mouth.  Make a "fire frame" for Jeremiah and place him inside.  Check out the journal photos below!

What About You?  Are your words like wind and mean nothing?  Or are your words like fire full of what the Lord wants you to say? 

A Mighty Nation Is Coming!  Next Jeremiah warns that a mighty nation is on the way, an ancient nation, whose language they can't speak.  That nation, says Jeremiah, will make war on you.  Then the people will ask:  "Why does the Lord punish us?"  Then Jeremiah will tell them it's because they have worshipped "strange gods."  Because of this, says Jeremiah, God will allow you to be captured by strangers and live in a strange land too. Read verses 12,13 and 19.  Yet even with all the evil, God promised when war came, they wouldn't all be destroyed.

Hear Ye Now This O Foolish People:  Later Jeremiah says in Jer.5:20, "... O foolish people, and without understanding; which have eyes, and see not; which have ears, and hear not; Fear ye not me? saith the LORD: ..."  Draw a picture showing a man without understanding whose eyes and ears are  shut to hearing truth.  Draw an "X" over both eyes and ears.  Whom should the people honor or fear?  Did they?   Click below to read IYJ action commands written specially for 'lil kids. 

Unjust Leader Scripture Depiction:  Reread verses.  Draw a pic of a rich leader.  Surround pic with these descriptive words: wicked, deceitful, great, fat, rich, sleek, and prosperous.  IYJ: Print out or copy verse as shown in photo below. Highlight words above in the verse.  What an apt description of what's happening in our world now just as in Jeremiah's day many of our leaders are unjust often overlooking true justice.  How wonderful to know the Lord Jesus the righteous judge as our Savior and Lord!  Click on journal page photo to view pic!

Be a Truth Sleuth!  Be someone who seeks truth from God's Word, and then shares it with others,  Help those who are unaware of or deceived about current issues enabling them to become more discerning.  Recently, there's been a TV series "The Chosen" that many people really like yet has deception and untruth in it.  If you want to find out more read:  The Chosen Series: 10 Critical Concerns..  Find it here: BOOKLET -THE CHOSEN Series: 10 Critical Concerns (lighthousetrails.com)

Hint:  Always remember to speak "the truth" in love as Ephesians 4:15 encourages us! 

Click on each photo to enlarge them.  

The Jerusalem Woman Puppet: Part of a Jerusalem family, the Jerusalem lady puppet is someone Jeremiah would have met on the street.  In Lesson 7 you will view the family and their idol worship of the Queen of Heaven.

Puppet Container:  A plastic box with an indented edge is perfect to hold the puppets, and to use as a stage for puppet activity.  Besides, the lid makes a perfect spot for using bottle top pieces to play a Jeremiah verse game.  Notice the dark gray bubble wrap path, and silver bubble wrap road.  Both these pieces were inside mailers I received.

Journal Page Photos:   Each page is a resource page for you to use.  the sticky note strip street begins with Jeremiah and ends with a Jerusalem pic.  Notice the words from Jer. 5:1. Underneath the bottom righthand corner is a Jerusalem city picture with the word "truth" underneath.  See the rock, wind, and fire face places. Note the "flame" frame.  The third page shows pics (kids draw) of a foolish person; don't forget to make Xs over both the eyes and ears.  Ponder the "Unjust leaders or unjust judges."  The "truth" page shows the gem verse plus an Isaiah "truth verse."

Bottle Top Bible Verse Gameboard:  Check out the bottle top game verse pieces both along top edge, and in an "O".  Use the large bottle top (green) to cover a word; kids guess which word it is.  Keep removing until all words are used.  One may also use a different smaller colored top, e.g., to highlight the word "truth!"       

             

  

  

   

Jeremiah for Me! Lesson 4: "The Lion in the Thicket" A Jeremiah Journey, Journal, and Puppets

Jeremiah for Me: Lesson 4: "The Lion in the Thicket" A Jeremiah Journey, Journal, and Puppets 

After you read the lesson especially check out the journal pages and the puppet ideas below.  All of it goes together.  Notice the unique ways to use the Babylonian soldier puppet with Scripture verses.  Always click on the photos to make them larger.

Learn to Discern Granny: Jeremiah for Me! Intro Lesson: "Be Not Afraid of Their Faces!" A Jeremiah Journey, Journal, and Puppets (whputnam00.blogspot.com)

Learn to Discern Granny: Jeremiah for Me! Lesson 2: "Consider the Word of the Lord!" A Jeremiah Journey, Journal, and Puppets (whputnam00.blogspot.com)

Learn to Discern Granny: Jeremiah For Me! Lesson 3: "Truly, In the LORD Is Salvation!" A Jeremiah Journey, Journal, and Puppets (whputnam00.blogspot.com)

Read Aloud:  Verses: 1-3, 5-10, 13-22, 29-30  Begin by reading "aloud" the verses with your kids or group.  These lessons have one overall goal to get the reader into the Word, and to make it live!!  Yes, we too should as Jeremiah repeated over and over, "Hear the Word of the LORD!" 

Note:  IYB=In Your Bible; and IYJ=In Your Journal 

Jeremiah's The If-if Then Verse:  Chapter four begins with the word "If" you will "return, ... return unto me!" and "if" you will put away your evil practices or abominations God tells his people then you won't be captured, IYB:  Highlight the "Ifs" and "then." Underline "return."  IYJ:  Depict Jeremiah n' the first verse.  Click on photo below.           

Jeremiah's "In the Lord" Verse:  Wow, I like Jeremiah 4:2.  IYB* draw happy faces beside it.  This verse tells us God is truth, just, and good.  Listen to what it says: "The Lord liveth (is real), in truth, in judgment, and in righteousness."  And it also says, "all nations will bless themselves in him, and in him shall they glory."  IYB highlight the "in" words. IYJ:  Illustrate the "in" verse.  View photo!         

Jeremiah's Message:  Jeremiah was to declare, publish and cry out this message that because of bad things God's people were doing that God would being evil from the north. This evil would come just like a lion who was hiding in some thickets (bushes).  When that comes, says Jeremiah, kings, priests, princes, and prophets would be so astonished they would exclaim, "Woe is us!"  IYJ:  Draw a lion hiding in the bushes.  Inside an "Exclaim Frame" show persons exclaiming, "Woe is us!"  Find a map showing Babylon and Jerusalem.  Glue it into your journal or draw one of your own!  See photo!!

Jeremiah's Gem Verse:   IYB make or stick a heart by Jeremiah 4:14 which says, "O Jerusalem, wash thine heart from wickedness (sins) that thou mayest be saved."  IYJ draw a series of hearts; print the verse inside. Sticky hearts may also be used.  Look at the photograph at the end.     

Jeremiah's "My Soul!" Face Place Jeremiah was so upset thinking of how God would have to judge and punish his people that he cried out, "My soul, my soul!" twice, and "O My Soul" once. Look at journal pic.

The Last Question:  Verse thirty is the last question and oh such an important one.  It asks the people when they were captured what would they do?  And what would you do if trouble came to you?  Would you ask the Lord for his help?  Would you obey his words?  Or would you refuse to listen to God's words and do your own thing?  Later on in Jeremiah we will read how God said they might not be hurt by the Babylonians if they didn't do something important.  Read on in our lessons to find out what that was!  

Where In the Word Are These Vocabulary Words? Find a verse within chapter four where these words are used.  IYB * them. *  Here are the words: destruction (ruin), spoiled (robbed), declare (shout out), north (direction), thicket (bushes), abominations (evil practices), destroyer (Babylon), sackcloth (coarse cloth), lament (mourn), and howl (loud cries), whirlwind (a violent wind), and Gentile (pagans).  *  Make an asterisk sign in front of verse, and highlight word found.     

 

Lion n' Thicket Tubes and the Babylonian Soldier Tube Puppet 

Lion Puppet:  Cut toilet tube in half, roll in paper, and tape and tuck.  Add a yarn or rope tail.  Draw or use a lion image face.  Pop out top of head and ears.  For thicket trees: color or cut out green cloud-like treetops.  For thicket bottom roll half a toilet tube in brown paper and tape and tuck.  Hide "lion" behind bushes.  See photo!  Say: Jeremiah is filled with many picture symbols.  The lion is a picture of Babylon which would sneak into Judah and Jerusalem.  P.S.  Did you know that a symbol for Babylon was a winged lion?  Find winged lion info here:  images of winged lion from babylon - Bing images

Babylon Soldier Puppet:  Roll toilet tube in light paper, and tape and tuck.  Using a 3"X3" yellow sticky note draw a simple helmet on the sticky end.  Cut it out. Stick to puppet top.  May also add rick rack if you like. Add eyes, nose, mouth, and beard. To see sample, click on photo to make it bigger.  Hint: I use foam stickers for eyes/nose, and mouth.  I even have removed google eye black pupils and used them.  View puppet below!

Scripture Picture Frame Tray:  Place puppet inside black clean food tray.  Round the edges stick cutouts--clouds, wind curls, and eagle heads*--that frame the soldier puppet.  This is such a simple way to make a scripture verse come alive.  Jer.4:13 describes exactly how the Babylonians would come in to capture Judah and Jerusalem.  It says: "Behold, he (Babylon) shall come as clouds, and his chariots shall be as a whirlwind: his horses are swifter than eagles."  Throughout Jeremiah you will see word pictures beginning with "like" and "as."

* By the way the eagle head used here is a Short-toed Eagle which might have been an eagle seen round the Jerusalem area. 

O Frame Box:  Cut out an oversized O to fit over the Soldier Man puppet.  Put it in a tray or box.  Onto O frame glue "chapter four war words" you've discovered in lesson--there are at least twenty of them.  Once again see O Frame Box below.   Just like today the sound of the alarm of war was upsetting for the people and Jeremiah too.  Notice that just like those at war today the people would flee.  Where?  They would run for the thickets and rocks! 

A Caution!  Should you choose to write a little script for your puppets remember never to add your own thoughts and details not found in Scripture.  Stick to Scripture!!!             

    

     

Jeremiah For Me! Lesson 3: "Truly, In the LORD Is Salvation!" A Jeremiah Journey, Journal, and Puppets

Jeremiah for Me! Lesson 3: "Truly, In the LORD Is Salvation!"  A Jeremiah Journey, Journal, and Puppets

In this lesson we'll hear God's words to both Israel and Judah. For journal ideas click on the sample journal photos to see them up close.  Don't forget to "meet" our new puppet--good King Josiah!  Remember, that for every lesson there are brand new journal ideas and a new puppet or accessories.  DON'T miss them!!! 

If you haven't read Lesson 1 (Intro Lesson) click below to read it and view the Jeremiah puppet.  And if you haven't viewed Lesson 2 click below to find it and the Jerusalem Man puppet.  

Learn to Discern Granny: Jeremiah for Me! Intro Lesson: "Be Not Afraid of Their Faces!" A Jeremiah Journey, Journal, and Puppets (whputnam00.blogspot.com)

Learn to Discern Granny: Jeremiah for Me! Lesson 2: "Consider the Word of the Lord!" A Jeremiah Journey, Journal, and Puppets (whputnam00.blogspot.com)

Chapter Three: Read Aloud:  Read verses 6-19 and 22-25.  Remember IYB = in your Bible while IYJ = in your journal.

Background Info to Know:  The twelve tribes of Israel were divided into a Northern Kingdom of ten tribes known as Israel and a Southern Kingdom of two tribes known as Judah. See journal page photo below for pic of this!  Both kingdoms were like sisters.  In 722 BC Assyria captured the Northern Kingdom, while in 586 BC Babylon captured the Southern Kingdom.  After each was captured, they were scattered to various places.  When you think of dates here are two to also keep in mind: the Olympics began in 776 BC while Jeremiah lived about 600 BC.

A Time Frame:  IYJ make a time frame for the capture of both kingdoms. Show the kids the journal tiny pics from the timeline book below pointing out the dates.  Explain that "BC" means before Christ.  However, now this dating method has been changed to BCE which means the "Before the Common Era," and CE which denotes "Common Era." This page is a great tool to explain why Christians continue to use BC/AD. 

Discover The Big Picture Bible Timeline:  Check out The Big Picture Bible Timeline (Gospel Light, 1991) that features both an O.T./N.T. timeline. e.g. On page 37 is a picture for the capture of the No. Kingdom, and on p.41 is a picture for the fall of Jerusalem.  Notice I downsized the pics and colored them.  Find the book here:  The Big Picture Bible Timeline (Big Books): Gospel Light: 9780830714728: Amazon.com: Books

        

Have You Seen?  In Jeremiah 3:6 God says to Jeremiah, "Have you seen what backsliding Israel has done?"  Then the Lord answered saying, "she has gone up upon every high hill and under every green tree ..."  What did Israel do there?  Yes, there she worshipped other gods or idols.  Who else saw all the evil in those high places?  Her "sister" Judah did.  

View the journal page below; click to make it larger.  Kids may draw eyes, mountain, green tree, and an idol.  Or they may do as I have done cut out a mountain pic e.g., and make it pop out.  Once again, I used a timeline pic and folded up the line about idol worship putting the word "open" on it so kids can read it.  Do discuss "high places" and what was done there. Remember, younger children may make their journal pics full page size.  See example below!

After many warnings God punished the No. Kingdom Israel.  And the Lord said, "Israel made my land sinful.  Israel worshipped idols of wood and stones. Even after Israel was captured Judah had no fear of me and kept right on doing the same things. Judah pretended to turn to me, but really did not."  Then God said, "Backsliding Israel has done better than unfaithful Judah. "(Jer.3:9-11)

Jeremiah's Mercy Message:  Because of his people's sin God told Jeremiah to proclaim these words to the north, "Return, backsliding Israel, and I will have mercy on you.  I won't keep my anger forever. Admit your sin against me." (Jer. 3:12) And the Lord promised in future (verses 15-19) Israel and Judah would not ever again walk after the imagination of their evil hearts but would come from the north back to Jerusalem. 

The Proclaim Frame:  IYJ draw Jeremiah announcing: "Return, thou backsliding Israel!" View the larger "Proclaim Frame" picture below.  Understand younger kids should do larger drawings; see the synonyms of "proclaim" around Jeremiah's picture.   

The Truly-Truly Gem Verse Jeremiah 3:23: "Truly in vain is salvation hoped for from the hills and from the multitude of mountains: truly in the LORD our God is the salvation of Israel."   

Our gem verse tells us how foolish it was that God's people thought worshipping idols up on the mountains or under the green trees would help them because their only hope was in the LORD their God.   IYJ use glitter crayons to write the verse.  See the gem verse journal photo below!  

Judah's Shame:  Have you felt sad because something you did was wrong?  God's people did.  Jer. 3:23-24 tell us that from the time they were youths they were doing evil. The last verse says we lie down in our shame (prostrate) for what we've done, for we are so sad we've not obeyed the voice of the Lord our God.   IYB Draw a sad face in front of verses 23-24.   

A Sad Face Place:  IYJ draw one of the people with a downcurved mouth and a shameful expression.  Draw another person with hands covering their face.  See sample. 

Just Like in Jeremiah's Time all of us sin. But the good news is we have a Savior, the Lord Jesus, who took our sins on himself on the cross, and if we confess our sin to him, we can have forgiveness and trust Jesus to be our Savior.  After that, when we sin, we can confess our sins each time.  For I John 1:9 says, "If we confess our sin, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness."       

Have You Heard of These Words?

1. return 2. backsliding 3. treacherous 4. defiled 5. stocks/stones 6. proclaim 7. merciful 8. vain 9. salvation 10. truly 11. shame 12. confusion

a. made unclean b. idols c. announce d. compassionate e. turning to sin f. to come back g. foolish

h. rescue from danger/distress i. disgrace j. surely k. embarrassment l. unfaithful

Unscramble the Chapter Message:  "children! Return ye backsliding"

Answers to Vocab Word Meanings.  1. (f)  2. (e)  3. (l)  4.  (a)  5.  (b)  6.  (c)  7.  (d)  8.  (g)  9.  (h)  10.  (j)  11. (k)  12.  (i)    

Answer to Message Meaning:  "Return ye backsliding children!"   

Good King Josiah Puppet:  Today's puppet is King Josiah who was the last good king of Judah.  After him came four more kings--Jehoahaz, Jehoiakim, Jehoiachin, and Zedekiah-- who all did evil things.  View his photo below to see his "paper-plate edge, pipe cleaner, and gift bag handle crown."  For more on Josiah read II Kings 22-25. 

Say did you notice Jer. 3:6 says it was during the reign of King Josiah that the Lord spoke to Jeremiah regarding backsliding Israel had done?   Puppet Pointer!  Save used gift bags for your puppet's headbands, beards, belts and ....   Coming in Lesson Four will be "The Lion in the Thicket" puppet and the Babylonian Soldier Puppet! And in Lesson Five you can make an easy to assemble towel tube Jerusalem Gate where your puppet Jeremiah can 'preach' from. DON'T MISS THEM!              

Jeremiah for Me! Lesson 2: "Consider the Word of the Lord!" A Jeremiah Journey, Journal, and Puppets

Jeremiah for Me!  Lesson 2: "Consider the Word of the Lord!"  A Jeremiah Journey, Journal, and Puppets

New to these lessons?  Scroll back to the introductory lesson to meet Jeremiah and learn of his unique call to be a prophet.  View the first Jeremiah puppet.  Click onto the Jeremiah journal pages.  Don't miss the photos at the end of this lesson showing the new puppets and journal pages as well.  Click on them to enlarge them.  Remember each succeeding lesson will have new stories, journal pages, and puppets!  Share with your kids, grandkids, teachers, homeschoolers, and anyone wishing to really dig into the life of faithful Jeremiah.     

Jeremiah for Me!  Lesson 2

Read Aloud: Jeremiah's First Message:  Read verses: 1-8, 11-14, 19-22, and 25-32.  

Note:  IYB=In Your Bible and IYJ=In Your Journal

Jeremiah's Proclamation!  Chapter two begins Jeremiah's very first message.  In it he cries out or shouts out into the ears of the people of Jerusalem, "Thus saith the Lord, I remember you when you went (followed) after me in the wilderness when you weren't even in the Promised Land.  Things were good then.  But now, "Hear ye the word of the LORD!" (Jer. 2:4)    

In your Bible (IYB) highlight the words; n' in your journal (IYJ) draw Jeremiah shouting out his message! Draw some listeners emphasizing their ears!  View journal page at end of lesson! See the small pic of Jerusalem which may be folded on each side to open as you read the word "Jerusalem." 

Jeremiah's Message Questions:  This message is full of questions--twenty questions that God told Jeremiah to ask the people!  The first question in verse five was:  "What sin your fathers find in me to go far from me, and walk (follow) after vanity or useless things instead of me?"  The second question was why didn't they say, "Where is the LORD...?"  The third question was "Why didn't the priests, the pastors, and the prophets say, "Where is the LORD ...?" instead they too walked after things that didn't profit and were useless.

IYJ write verse/ frame with question marks.  See photo below!  IYB hunt for the questions in chapter two and circle each one.  Did you find them all? Which verses have the most questions? (V.14,31)  

Questions for You:  Ask yourself these questions:  "Who or what do I follow after?  Do I follow after things that are foolish, and useless?"  Colossians 4:5 gives this advice:  "Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time."  In other words, take every opportunity to use your time wisely!  Share Jesus with your friends and family.       

   

Jeremiah's Message Pictures:  God gave Jeremiah many picture words to describe what his people were like.  They include a cistern (well), a yoke, a vine, a camel, a donkey, a bride, a thief, and so on.  e.g., God told Jeremiah that his people were like a vine he had planted with good seed, but later turned into a degenerate plant with wild or strange grapes.  IYJ draw a vine that's declined.

Jeremiah's Soap Message:  Jer. 2:22 says even if somebody washed with much soap God still was aware of their sins or iniquity.  Print a verse image; cut it apart gluing it onto an empty soap box; inside place verse pieces to scramble up; and arrange into the verse.   View the soap bar coloring images; select one to place verse on, or to use as a marker.  IYJ draw a bar of soap and print the verse inside. Do you know who can wash away our sins?  Sing the song: "What Can Wash Away My Sin?    P.S.  It's not soap! 

   

Strange Gods of Strangers!  Jeremiah 2:25 tells how his people had gone after strangers or idol worshippers.  In fact, they said to a stock or tree image, "You are our father."  And they said to a stone or idol image, "You made me."  These people, said the Lord, have turned their back on me!  In a time of trouble, you will call out to me to save you."  And God asks, "So why don't you call out to the gods you have made to save you?"  

The Shame Frame:   IYJ draw a pic of person who feels ashamed because they have loved worshipping idols instead of the Lord.  Surround them with tiny pictures of high hills, spreading or green trees, stocks (tree part), and stones.  See journal photos. 

O Generation, Jeremiah Gem Verse:  Jeremiah 2:31 says, "O generation, see (consider) ye the word of the LORD. ..."  What an apt verse for our generation too!  Consider it!  Memorize it!  IYB stick a sticker in front of the verse.  IYJ print it inside a shiny gem drawing.   Rephrase the verse this way: "O Gen Z (Kids' generation today.), see ye the word of the LORD!"   

Have You Heard of These Words?  Here's our lesson vocab words.  Match each one to its definition; answers are at end of this lesson.

1. cry 2. walked 3. wentest  4. vanity 5. defiled 6. transgress 7. forsake 8. plead 9. backslide 10. a stock 11. degenerate 12. polluted

a. followed b. something useless c. sin d. call out e. forget f. tree g. unclean h. ruined i. turn back to sin  j. corrupt k. followed* l. contends 

* Two different words mean "followed!" 

Unscramble Jeremiah's Message Words: "LORD ... Hear words of the ye the" and "the of the word see ye the LORD" From Jer. 2:4, and 2:31.  Journal them.  Check answers at bottom.

Just Like Jeremiah:  As Jeremiah's message teaches us not to walk after or follow after things that displease the Lord, but rather wholly follow the Lord each day of our life.  

.

Answers to Jeremiah Vocabulary Quiz/ Jeremiah Message Words

Quiz:  1. d 2. a 3. k 4. b 5. h 6. c 7.e 8. l 9. i 10. f 11. j 12. g     

Message Words: "Hear ye the words of the LORD, ...."  (Jer. 2:4) and "see ye the word of the LORD." (Jer.2:31)

Jerusalem Puppet Person: This puppet might be a false prophet or a Jerusalem man.  Notice the ears pop-out.  Do add an inner part to emphasize them.  Tie on rickrack or ribbon headband. Add a beard--mine came from an old gift bag.  View the puppet below; click on it for a large pic!  Also see the puppet with "Jeremiah."   Puppet Pointer:  Just a few little changes as slanted brows, for example, alter the puppet's face.  Experiment!   The chapter three lesson puppet will be "King Josiah."  Don't miss it!

Click on each photo to enlarge it!   

   

  

     

  

 

Jeremiah for Me! Intro Lesson: "Be Not Afraid of Their Faces!" A Jeremiah Journey, Journal, and Puppets

Jeremiah for Me! Intro Lesson:  "Be Not Afraid of Their Faces!" A Jeremiah Journey, Journal, and Puppets

Goodbye Deuteronomy, Hello Jeremiah!

Here's an introductory lesson to a new series.  Written for "kids" and their "big kids" its sections include everything from: "Where in the Word Is Jeremiah?" to "Jeremiah Face Places to Illustrate" plus much more!  Won't you come along with us on a "Jeremiah Journey?"

Lesson goals include read aloud verses/passages; search for words/phrases; highlight certain words/ parts; record findings/drawings; memorize Jeremiah sayings/gems; and relate Jeremiah to today/tomorrow.  For each lesson kids/big kids will create a tube puppet character to help retell the stories. Stay with us for the whole series, and you'll have an amazing easy-to-make puppet collection plus accessories.   

Before you begin, take this little quiz to see how much you know about Jeremiah.

1.   Jeremiah is the 23rd or 24th book in the Old Testament.

2.   Jeremiah has 55 or 52 chapters.

3.   Jeremiah is the first book of the minor or major prophets.

4.   Jeremiah is about Israel's ten tribes, two tribes.

5.   Jeremiah came from Assyria, Anathoth.

6.   Jeremiah is followed by Isaiah, Lamentations.

7.   Jeremiah was a priest, a prophet.

8.   Jeremiah spoke about Jerusalem, Jordan.

9.   Jeremiah spoke about the south, the north.

10. Jeremiah referred to Bethlehem, Babylon.

11. Jeremiah was known as the happy prophet, the weeping prophet.

12. Jeremiah spoke of the coming capture of Jerusalem, of Shiloh.

13. Jeremiah's theme is the building of, or the judgment of Judah.

14. Jeremiah's book abbreviation is Jerm. or Jer.

Answers: 1. 24   2. 52    3. major    4. two tribes    5. Anathoth    6. Lamentations    7.  prophet  

8.  Jerusalem    9.  the north    10.  Babylon    11.  weeping prophet    12.  Jerusalem    13.  judgment    14.  Jer.  

Chapter One Read Aloud:  Read verses 1-19 

Jeremiah's ID:  Jeremiah's father:  Hilkiah the priest Jeremiah's hometown: Anathoth* Jeremiah's Time Period: Five kings from Southern Kingdom of Judah/Benjamin Jeremiah's Prophesies: for Judah/ Jerusalem and the Nations Jeremiah's age at his call: About 20

*  Check out a Bible map to see Anathoth was three miles northeast of Jerusalem.

 

Your ID:  Son or daughter of, hometown, date, age.  Record in journal.

Jeremiah's Name Means: God (Yahweh) "establishes or sends" 

Jeremiah's Name Frame:

Check out the sample journal page below, then make a face circle, headband, hair line, ears, eyes, nose, mouth, and neck.  After write words around it, and in the headband as well.

For each lesson draw Jeremiah using the same basic face while changing the features to fit the story.  After drawing the face, and the name frame make a second frame using these words from Jeremiah 1:4 "Then the word of the LORD, came unto me saying, ...."    

Jeremiah's Call:  Jeremiah 1:5 is an amazing verse.  In it, God speaks to Jeremiah saying "I" four times.  It reads; "Before I formed thee in the belly, I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee (set you apart), and I ordained thee to be a prophet to the nations."  Don't forget to highlight or mark the Is!  What was Jeremiah to be?

The Bible says a true prophet is someone who foretells the future and their words come true; whereas a false prophet is someone who foretells the future, but their words do not come true.    

Draw a pic of Jeremiah. Make him look scared. To make a frame use the four "I" parts around it.  Which Bible prophet (See Exodus 4:11,12) was Jeremiah like when he said he couldn't speak well?   

Jeremiah Exclamation!   Jeremiah's reply to the Lord's call began with this exclamation: "Then said I, Ah, Lord GOD! behold, I cannot speak for I am a child."  And God answered Jeremiah with, "Say not I am a child (youth): for thou shalt go to all that I send thee, and whatsoever I command thee thou shalt speak." Jer1:6,7   Later, this little exclamation "Ah, Lord GOD!" is found three more times in Jeremiah.  Look for it!  P.S. "Spy the Is" in this conversation.      

Draw Jeremiah using this expression as he talks to God and writing God's reply.   See journal sample.    

Jeremiah Gem Verse:   In each chapter there's a jewel verse to memorize and recite.  Using a glitter marker, or crayon write the verse in your journal.  Beside it you may draw a "sparkly gem." Also punch out dots from glittered/shiny stickers to place by each Bible gem verse.  

In our Jeremiah 1:8 gem verse is a "face place" where God encourages Jeremiah saying, "Be not afraid of their faces: for I am with you to deliver (protect) thee, saith the LORD."   What a neat verse for us too.  

Jeremiah's Enemy Faces: Check out the journal page below--see the enemy faces--using that headband draw some faces with frowns and raised eyebrows to show their mocking of Jeremiah's words.  Say, have you ever had someone make fun of things you said especially about God's word?  Jeremiah had plenty of those enemies--you'll meet them later on.   

Your Enemy:  Write down the name of someone in your journal who has been unkind to you or made fun of you.  Pray for that person that you can help them see that God loves them and wants them to know Him.  Luke 6:28 says, " Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you."

Jeremiah's Mouth:  Draw Jeremiah with an oversized mouth.  Reread verse 9.  How will you show this verse in your drawing?  Who alone would give Jeremiah words to say?  See one way of depicting the verse in the photo below.

Jeremiah's Jobs:  God says in verse ten there were six things that Jeremiah was asked to do.  Two are positive and four are negative.  Which two are + words, and which four are - words?  Jot them down in your journal or draw Jeremiah with the words around him.  Write "Jeremiah's Jobs" in his headband.      

Jeremiah Questions:  Jeremiah has lots of questions: questions from the Lord, the people, and Jeremiah asking why, what, who, where, when and other questions.  In this chapter God asks two "What" questions to Jeremiah saying, "What seest thou?"  First, Jeremiah spies a flowering "almond branch," and second, he spies a "seething or boiling pot."  Both of these are word pictures. Draw them in your journal. What do they mean? 

A Hidden Word: By the way there's a clue word hiding in the boiling cauldron story.  Did you detect it?  It has five letters, and it's a direction word.  From that direction what would come?

Where In the Word Is?   The abbreviation "vs." means "against."  In all there are ten "vs. words " starting an "a" in verses 15-16 and 18-19 to hunt for, and highlight.  Did you find them?

Arise Jeremiah!  God said, "Get up, gird up, (Tuck in your robe!), and speak to the people for I am against them because of their wickedness."

Another "Face Place!"  Again, there's a focus on faces in verse seventeen. Look at it.  It says, "... be not dismayed (stressed out/alarmed) at their faces ....". 

God's Promise to Jeremiah:  What would the people do when Jeremiah spoke God's message?  

The last verse of chapter one gives the answer: "And they shall fight against thee; but they shall not prevail (win out over you) against thee; for I am with thee, saith the LORD, to deliver thee." (Jer.1:19)    

Have You Heard of These Words?  Here are some of the vocabulary words from our lesson.  Can you match them up to their definitions? 

1. form 2. sanctify 3. prophet 4. rod 5. north 6. dismay 7. Jerusalem 8. Judah 9. behold 

10. against 11. deliver 12. seething

a. to create   b. a branch c. holy city d. to set apart e. a tribe f. one who foretells the future g. to see h. to distress i. a direction j. to protect k. boiling l. versus or vs.  Find the answers at end of lesson.

Unscramble Jeremiah's Message Theme:  my words! Speak 

Just Like Jeremiah:  Today we often feel hesitant to speak words about the Lord to those who don't know Him, for they may mock or defy us as they did Jeremiah.  However, God says don't be afraid of their faces, but to remember He will be with us when we encounter those who make us feel fearful.  A great song to sing with this chapter is: "He Is Able to Deliver Thee."  

Answers to Jeremiah Vocab Quiz/Message Theme:

1.a   2.d   3.f   4.b   5.i   6.h   7.c   8.e   9.g   10.1 11.j 12.k       Message: "Speak my words!"

 A Jeremiah Tube Puppet is an easy-to-make kids' puppet to use with the lessons.  Simply take a toilet tube, wrap it in light colored paper, and tuck in ends.  After tie a white napkin strip around "Jeremiah's head" to make a headband.  Then using paper or foam cut out facial features as ears, eyes, noses, mouths, moustache, and so on.  Place the tube inside a tray or box.  Make some printed word strips or write them yourself.  Now, change your Jeremiah face to go with parts of the story, and move "word, or phrase" strips to make a frame round him.  Use and reuse!  In each lesson we will make another tube puppet character or accessories to use with the lessons.  When your set is complete, you'll have a whole set of puppets and props to use to retell Jeremiah's stories.      

Check Out "My Jeremiah Journal" photos 'n Puppet "Prophet" below by clicking on pic to enlarge it.