Jeremiah 42
Explanation and Bible story for toddlers and preschoolers (ages 3-6)
The Explanation
The people were scared. Very scared. Big soldiers from far away had come. Their city was broken. Their houses were empty.
The people came to a man named Jeremiah. Jeremiah loved God. Jeremiah could hear God speak.
The people said: "Jeremiah, please! Ask God what to do. We don't know where to go. Ask God for us."
Jeremiah said: "Yes. I will ask God. And I will tell you everything He says."
The people said: "We promise. Whatever God says, we will do it!"
Then they waited. One day. Two days. Three days. Ten whole days they waited.
And then… God spoke to Jeremiah.
What Does This Mean?
God said: "Stay here. Don't be afraid. I am with you. I will take care of you. Don't run away to that other country. There it will not go well."
Jeremiah told the people everything. Every word.
But do you know what? The people had already made up their minds. They wanted to run away. They didn't really want to listen. Even though they had promised!
That made God sad. And it made Jeremiah sad too.
God had said: "I love you. Stay with Me. I will help you." But the people did not want to listen.
The Common Thread
God always speaks. Long ago to Jeremiah. And later God spoke through His own Son, Jesus. Jesus said: "Come to Me. Don't be afraid. I am with you."
God is a good Father. He wants to say to us: this way, little one. Come, follow Me. He does not shout. He speaks softly and lovingly. And what He says is always good. Always.
Even when we are scared. Even when everything is dark. God says: "I am with you."
For You
Sometimes you are scared too. Maybe of the dark. Or of a loud noise. Or of being alone.
Then God says to you: "I am here. Don't be afraid. Listen to Me."
You can listen to God. When Mommy or Daddy reads from the Bible. When you pray. When you sing about Jesus.
And then… then you can do what God says. Because God knows the way. God always knows the best way for you.
The people in the story wanted to choose for themselves. But God's way was better.
Will you listen to God too? Even when it feels hard? God holds your hand. He will never let you go.
Talk About It
When are you scared sometimes? What helps you then?
God says: "Don't be afraid, I am with you." How does that make you feel inside?
Praying Together
Dear God,
Thank You that You speak. Thank You that You are near. When I am scared, please hold me tight. Help me to listen to You. You know the best way. I love You, God.
Amen.
Questions about Jeremiah 42
Short answers for anyone reading about this for the first time.
What is Jeremiah 42 about?
What does Jeremiah 42 say?
What does Jeremiah 42 teach us about God?
What can toddlers learn from Jeremiah 42?
Why is Jeremiah 42 an important Bible story?
What others discovered
Ten days passed before the answer came. Then Jeremiah gathered them, "all the people from the least even to the greatest." No inner circle, no filtering down through the officers. The word was for everyone standing there. And still, waiting is the hard part. When God is quiet, do you keep listening, or quietly go ahead with the plan you already made?
Looking for something for slightly older children?
We also have dedicated versions for elementary age (7-12) and teens (12 and up).
Open in the Children's Bible tool
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