Jeremiah
The book of Jeremiah is a prophetic text in the Old Testament, where the prophet Jeremiah delivers God's messages of warning, judgment, and hope to the people of Judah before their exile to Babylon. One of the key verses, Jeremiah 29:11, offers a message of hope: "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope."
Session
1: The Call of a Prophet- Jeremiah
1:1-19
—
Printable Handout
Focus:
God’s calling and our response.
Purpose
Statement:
To understand God’s call on Jeremiah’s life and how He calls us
today.
READ: Jeremiah 1:1-19
1 The words of Jeremiah son of Hilkiah, one of the priests at Anathoth in the territory of Benjamin. 2 The word of the Lord came to him in the thirteenth year of the reign of Josiah son of Amon king of Judah, 3 and through the reign of Jehoiakim son of Josiah king of Judah, down to the fifth month of the eleventh year of Zedekiah son of Josiah king of Judah, when the people of Jerusalem went into exile.
4 The word of the Lord came to me, saying,
5 “Before
I formed you in the womb I knew you,
before
you were born I set you apart;
I
appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”
6 “Alas, Sovereign Lord,” I said, “I do not know how to speak; I am too young.”
7 But the Lord said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am too young.’ You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. 8 Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you,” declares the Lord.
9 Then the Lord reached out his hand and touched my mouth and said to me, “I have put my words in your mouth. 10 See, today I appoint you over nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant.”
11 The word of the Lord came to me: “What do you see, Jeremiah?”
“I see the branch of an almond tree,” I replied.
12 The Lord said to me, “You have seen correctly, for I am watching to see that my word is fulfilled.”
13 The word of the Lord came to me again: “What do you see?”
“I see a pot that is boiling,” I answered. “It is tilting toward us from the north.”
14 The Lord said to me, “From the north disaster will be poured out on all who live in the land. 15 I am about to summon all the peoples of the northern kingdoms,” declares the Lord.
“Their
kings will come and set up their thrones
in
the entrance of the gates of Jerusalem;
they will come against
all her surrounding walls
and against
all the towns of Judah.
16 I will pronounce my judgments on
my people
because of their wickedness in
forsaking me,
in burning incense to other gods
and
in worshiping what their hands have made.
17 “Get yourself ready! Stand up and say to them whatever I command you. Do not be terrified by them, or I will terrify you before them. 18 Today I have made you a fortified city, an iron pillar and a bronze wall to stand against the whole land—against the kings of Judah, its officials, its priests and the people of the land. 19 They will fight against you but will not overcome you, for I am with you and will rescue you,” declares the Lord.
Discussion Questions:
Jeremiah initially resisted God’s call. How do we sometimes resist God’s calling in our lives?
What does God’s assurance to Jeremiah teach us about trusting Him when we feel inadequate?
OVERVIEW:
In this
first session of our Bible study, we meet the prophet Jeremiah.
Jeremiah was just a young man when God called him to be a prophet.
Imagine being chosen by God to speak His words at such a young age!
In Jeremiah’s story, we see how God often calls people who may feel
unprepared, uncertain, or even afraid. But God doesn’t always
choose the strongest or most experienced people; He calls those He
knows will trust in Him. This story helps us understand that God’s
calling can come at any time, and He equips us for the journey,
just as He did for Jeremiah.
“Before
I formed you in the womb, I knew you, before you were born I set you
apart…” — Jeremiah
1:5 (NIV)
THIS MAY SURPRISE YOU:
One of the surprising parts of this passage is how God calls Jeremiah to be a prophet even before he was born. God says to Jeremiah, “Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you” (Jeremiah 1:5). That can be a hard concept to understand! We might wonder, "How could God know Jeremiah before he was even born?" The surprising part is that God doesn’t just see us as we are in the moment; He knows us deeply, even before we take our first breath. This shows us how God's plans are bigger than we can imagine. He had a purpose for Jeremiah's life long before Jeremiah knew about it. This reminds us that God has a plan for each of us, too, even when we don’t fully understand it.
CULTURE CONNECTION:
In today’s world, many people feel uncertain about what they are supposed to do with their lives. We live in a culture where people are often pressured to have their entire future figured out, especially when they're still young. Jeremiah’s story helps us see that God's calling doesn’t always match up with society’s idea of success. God calls us in different ways, and it’s not about having all the answers or being the perfect person—it’s about being willing to listen and trust God. Whether you’re in middle school, high school, or even an adult, God’s call can come at any age, and it might surprise you how God can use you even if you don’t feel ready. Just like Jeremiah, you may not feel qualified or able, but God will give you the strength and wisdom you need when you answer His call. God doesn’t call the qualified; He qualifies the called.
Devotional Thought: Answering the Call
In 1963, a young preacher named Martin Luther King Jr. stood on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial and delivered his famous "I Have a Dream" speech. His words shook the nation, but long before that moment, King had wrestled with doubt. He knew that standing up for justice would come at a great cost. He faced threats, opposition, and fear. Yet, he felt a deep calling from God to speak, to lead, and to stand for truth.
Jeremiah faced a similar moment when God called him to be a prophet. He was young, uncertain, and afraid. He even tried to tell God, “I do not know how to speak; I am too young” (Jeremiah 1:6, NIV). But God reassured him, saying, “Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you” (Jeremiah 1:8, NIV).
Like Jeremiah and Dr. King, we may sometimes feel unqualified or hesitant to follow God’s call in our lives. But God doesn’t call the equipped—He equips the called. When we trust Him, He gives us the words, the courage, and the strength to do what He asks of us.
No matter our age or stage in life, God still calls us to be His voice in the world. Whether it’s through encouraging a friend, serving in our church, or simply sharing His love with others, our response—like Jeremiah’s—should be one of trust and obedience.
Reflection
Question:
Has there ever been a time when you felt hesitant to
do something God was nudging you toward? How did you respond?
TAKE-HOME THOUGHT:
God's calling is unique to each of us, just as it was for Jeremiah. In this first chapter of the book of Jeremiah, we see God’s powerful call to a young man who felt completely unqualified and afraid. Yet, God didn’t look at Jeremiah’s age, abilities, or past experience; He saw potential. God often calls us in ways we don't expect, sometimes even when we feel unprepared or unworthy. Just as Jeremiah felt inadequate, we too may feel that we don’t have what it takes to answer God's call in our lives. But God assures us, just as He did with Jeremiah, that He will be with us, providing the strength and wisdom we need.
The bigger picture is that God’s plan for each of us is part of a larger, divine story that has been unfolding since the beginning of time. We may not always see the full picture right away, but like Jeremiah, we are invited to trust God’s purpose and timing. As we reflect on God’s call to Jeremiah, we are reminded that God’s plans for our lives are good, and they may involve challenges, but He has equipped us to fulfill His purposes. It’s not about our strength; it’s about God’s strength working through us. And just as He was faithful to Jeremiah, He is faithful to us today.
Quick Quiz:
Why do you think God called Jeremiah at such a young age? What does this tell us about how God sees us?
This question helps the group reflect on God’s choice to call Jeremiah despite his age, helping them think about God’s perspective and how He might see them, no matter their age or life experience.
What was God’s response to Jeremiah’s fear of speaking? How can we apply this to our own fears when God calls us to do something?
This question encourages participants to think about the relationship between fear and God's promise of support and empowerment.
Main Points & Scripture Connection:
God’s Call is Personal:
Jeremiah 1:4-5: “The word of the Lord came to me, saying, ‘Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.’”
Point: God’s call to Jeremiah was deeply personal. He had a purpose for Jeremiah before he was even born. This shows that God’s calling is not random or based on our abilities—it’s a reflection of God’s plan for us.
Our Initial Response to God’s Call:
Jeremiah 1:6: “Alas, Sovereign Lord,” I said, “I do not know how to speak; I am too young.”
Point: Like Jeremiah, we may feel inadequate or unable to answer God’s call. It’s normal to feel unqualified, but God reassures us that He equips us for His work, even when we feel unsure.
God’s Assurance in Our Weakness:
Jeremiah 1:7-8: “But the Lord said to me, ‘Do not say, “I am too young.” You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you,’ declares the Lord.”
Point: God promises to be with us and help us when He calls us to something. His strength overcomes our weaknesses, and He provides what we need to fulfill His plan.
God Prepares Us for His Purpose:
Jeremiah 1:9-10: “Then the Lord reached out his hand and touched my mouth and said to me, ‘I have put my words in your mouth. See, today I appoint you over nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant.’”
Point: God equips us with His power and purpose. Just as He touched Jeremiah’s mouth to empower him to speak, He provides the tools we need to carry out His plan for our lives. Our response to God’s call can be transforming, not just for us, but for the world around us.
CROSS-REFERENCE
In this section, we’ll look at some verses from both the Old and New Testaments that highlight God's call to His people, similar to His calling of Jeremiah. These cross-references help us understand how God calls people in different ways and at different times.
Jeremiah
1:5
“Before
I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you
apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”
(NIV)
Cross-Reference
1: Ephesians 1:4
“For
he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and
blameless in his sight. In love.”
(NIV)
Just as God knew Jeremiah before he was born, this verse reminds us that God chose us before the world was even created. His call on our lives comes from a deep, intentional place in God's heart, even before we were born.
Cross-Reference
2: Galatians 1:15
“But
when God, who set me apart from my mother’s womb and called me by
his grace, was pleased.”
(NIV)
Here, Paul talks about being set apart from birth for God’s purpose. It’s a reminder that God’s call on our lives isn’t random but planned with His grace. Much like Jeremiah’s call, Paul recognized God’s hand on his life early on.
Jeremiah
1:6-7
“Alas,
Sovereign Lord,” I said, “I do not know how to speak; I am too
young.” But the Lord said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am too young.’
You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command
you.”
(NIV)
Cross-Reference
1: 1 Timothy 4:12
“Don’t
let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example
for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in
purity.”
(NIV)
Like Jeremiah, Timothy was young and faced challenges in his calling. But God used him powerfully, and Paul encouraged him not to let his youth hold him back. This cross-reference shows that God calls people of all ages, even when they feel like they aren’t ready or able.
Cross-Reference
2: Exodus 4:10
“Moses
said to the Lord, ‘Pardon your servant, Lord. I have never been
eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your
servant. I am slow of speech and tongue.’”
(NIV)
Just like Jeremiah, Moses also felt unqualified for the task God had set before him. This highlights how God often calls those who may feel weak or ill-prepared but empowers them with His strength.
Jeremiah
1:8
“Do
not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you,”
declares the Lord.
(NIV)
Cross-Reference
1: Matthew 28:20
“And
surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
(NIV)
Jesus reassures His disciples that He will always be with them, just as God promised to be with Jeremiah. This promise of God’s presence is constant throughout the Bible, reminding us that we are never alone when we follow God’s call.
Cross-Reference
2: Hebrews 13:5
“Never
will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”
(NIV)
This verse emphasizes God’s unfailing presence and care for His people. It's a reminder that even in the face of difficulty or fear, God is always with us, just as He was with Jeremiah.
Discussion Questions
What are some reasons we might feel hesitant or unqualified when God calls us to do something?
Commentary: Jeremiah felt inadequate, saying, "I do not know how to speak; I am too young." Many of us can relate to this sense of unworthiness or fear of failure when faced with a call. God, however, assures Jeremiah that He is with him and will empower him for the task. Think about times in your own life when you felt hesitant but still went forward because God was with you.
How can we recognize God's call in our lives today?
Commentary: Just as God called Jeremiah, He calls each of us. God's call isn't always about speaking in front of crowds or performing dramatic tasks. Sometimes it's the quiet nudges in our hearts or the open doors He places before us. In our everyday lives, God may be calling us to serve in small but significant ways, such as caring for others, being a light in dark places, or using our unique gifts to make a difference.
What does it mean to you personally that God promises to be with us, even when we feel afraid or inadequate?
Commentary: God’s promise to be with Jeremiah was powerful and life-changing. It’s important for us to reflect on how God’s presence can make a difference in the challenges we face. Sometimes, fear and doubt hold us back, but knowing that God is with us, as He promised in Matthew 28:20 and Hebrews 13:5, can give us the courage to step forward in faith. What does God’s presence mean to you in your own struggles and uncertainties?
Session
2: Broken Cisterns- Jeremiah
2:1-13
—
Printable Handout
Focus:
Turning away from God leads to spiritual emptiness.
Purpose
Statement:
To explore how people replace God with temporary, failing sources of
fulfillment.
READ: Jeremiah 2:1-13
1 The word of the Lord came to me: 2 “Go and proclaim in the hearing of Jerusalem:
“This is what the Lord says:
“‘I
remember the devotion of your youth,
how
as a bride you loved me
and followed me through the
wilderness,
through a land not
sown.
3 Israel was holy to the Lord,
the
firstfruits of his harvest;
all who devoured her were
held guilty,
and disaster overtook
them,’”
declares the Lord.
4 Hear
the word of the Lord, you descendants of Jacob,
all
you clans of Israel.
“What
fault did your ancestors find in me,
that
they strayed so far from me?
They followed worthless
idols
and became
worthless themselves.
6 They did not ask, ‘Where is
the Lord,
who brought us up out of
Egypt
and led us through the barren wilderness,
through
a land of deserts and ravines,
a land of drought and utter
darkness,
a land where no one
travels and no one lives?’
7 I brought you into a
fertile land
to eat its fruit and rich
produce.
But you came and defiled my land
and
made my inheritance detestable.
8 The priests did not
ask,
‘Where is the Lord?’
Those
who deal with the law did not know me;
the
leaders rebelled against me.
The prophets prophesied by
Baal,
following worthless idols.
9 “Therefore
I bring charges against you again,”
declares
the Lord.
“And I will bring
charges against your children’s children.
10 Cross over
to the coasts of Cyprus and look,
send
to Kedar and observe closely;
see
if there has ever been anything like this:
11 Has a nation
ever changed its gods?
(Yet they are not
gods at all.)
But my people have exchanged their
glorious God
for worthless
idols.
12 Be appalled at this, you heavens,
and
shudder with great horror,”
declares the Lord.
13 “My
people have committed two sins:
They have forsaken me,
the
spring of living water,
and have dug their own
cisterns,
broken cisterns that cannot
hold water.
In-between verses not covered in this session: Jeremiah 2:1-3:5
Discussion Questions:
What are some "broken cisterns" (false sources of fulfillment) people rely on today?
Why do people turn away from the “fountain of living waters” even when they know it is best?
OVERVIEW:
In this
session, we dive into a powerful image from Jeremiah: broken
cisterns. A cistern is like a big container for holding water. In
Jeremiah’s time, water was precious, and a broken cistern would be
useless, unable to hold anything. God uses this image to describe how
the people of Israel had turned away from Him, seeking fulfillment in
things that could never satisfy. Instead of trusting in God, they had
turned to idols and other things that didn’t last. Jeremiah reminds
us that just like a broken cistern can’t hold water, anything we
turn to other than God will leave us spiritually empty.
“My
people have committed two sins: They have forsaken me, the spring of
living water, and have dug their own cisterns, broken cisterns that
cannot hold water.” — Jeremiah
2:13 (NIV)
THIS MAY SURPRISE YOU:
It might surprise you to learn that God compares people who turn away from Him to those who would choose a broken cistern over a spring of living water. In the passage, God says, “They have forsaken me, the spring of living water, and have dug their own cisterns, broken cisterns that cannot hold water” (Jeremiah 2:13). This isn’t just about idol worship, but about anything that we turn to for happiness, security, or purpose that isn’t God. In today’s world, these "broken cisterns" could look like things such as popularity, success, money, or even relationships. Just like a broken cistern can’t hold water, these things can’t fill our hearts the way God can. While they may seem like quick fixes, they leave us empty and thirsty for something more. The surprising truth here is that even in a world full of distractions, God is still the only one who can truly satisfy us.
CULTURE CONNECTION:
In today's culture, people are constantly looking for something to fill the emptiness they feel. There’s a pressure to achieve, to look perfect on social media, to have the latest trends or material things. But just like the broken cisterns in Jeremiah’s time, these things can’t hold up under the weight of our needs. They might offer temporary satisfaction, but they’ll never fill us up for good. God is calling us to choose the "living water" of His love and truth instead of relying on things that won’t last. Think about it: when we’re feeling lonely, stressed, or lost, turning to things like social media, video games, or even unhealthy habits might seem like a quick fix, but they don’t solve the deeper problem. God wants us to turn to Him, the source of lasting fulfillment, just like He offered Israel in the past. He promises that when we trust in Him, we’ll never run dry.
Devotional Thought: The Illusion of Fulfillment
In the early 1900s, during the California Gold Rush, thousands of people flocked westward, dreaming of striking it rich. But not everything that glittered was gold. Many miners were fooled by something called fool’s gold—a shiny mineral called pyrite that looked valuable but was ultimately worthless. Some spent years chasing after it, only to realize they had wasted their time, effort, and even their lives on something that could never truly satisfy.
In Jeremiah 2, God uses a similar image to describe how His people had abandoned Him, the true source of life, for things that could never truly satisfy. He says, “My people have committed two sins: They have forsaken me, the spring of living water, and have dug their own cisterns, broken cisterns that cannot hold water” (Jeremiah 2:13, NIV). Instead of trusting in God, the Israelites sought meaning, security, and happiness in idols and worldly things—things that, like fool’s gold, could never truly satisfy.
We may not worship carved idols today, but we sometimes chase after wealth, success, relationships, or comfort, hoping they will bring us peace. However, anything we put in God's place is like a broken cistern—it may seem to hold water for a moment, but it will always run dry.
Reflection
Question:
Are
there things in your life that you sometimes turn to for fulfillment
instead of God? How can you remind yourself that He is the only true
source of lasting satisfaction?
TAKE-HOME THOUGHT:
In Jeremiah 2:1-13, God expresses deep sorrow over His people’s unfaithfulness. He describes how they have turned away from Him, the "fountain of living water," to rely on broken cisterns that cannot hold water. A cistern was a container used to store water, but when it was cracked, it couldn’t fulfill its purpose. God is pointing out that when we turn away from Him and try to find fulfillment in anything other than His presence, we are like those broken cisterns. The things we chase—whether success, possessions, or even relationships—may temporarily fill our lives, but they leave us feeling empty and unfulfilled in the end.
The bigger picture is that God wants us to recognize that only He can provide lasting satisfaction and spiritual nourishment. When we choose temporary, fleeting sources of fulfillment, we miss out on the deep, life-giving relationship God offers. This passage invites us to reflect on our own lives: Are we relying on things that don’t truly satisfy, or are we coming to God, the true source of life and peace? God’s heart is that we turn back to Him, stop relying on empty substitutes, and allow Him to fill us with what only He can provide.
Quick Quiz:
What does God mean when He says that the people have forsaken Him, the "fountain of living water," and have dug their own cisterns?
What are some examples in today’s world of things that might serve as "broken cisterns"? How can we recognize when we are relying on them instead of God?
Main Points & Scripture Connection:
God is the Source of Living Water:
Jeremiah 2:13: "My people have committed two sins: They have forsaken me, the spring of living water, and have dug their own cisterns, broken cisterns that cannot hold water."
Point: God is the "fountain of living water," offering us eternal satisfaction and spiritual life. He is the only true and lasting source of fulfillment. When we turn to Him, we find what we truly need.
Replacing God with Temporary Fulfillment:
Jeremiah 2:5: "This is what the Lord says: 'What fault did your ancestors find in me, that they strayed so far from me? They followed worthless idols and became worthless themselves.'"
Point: The people of Israel replaced God with idols—things that promised fulfillment but only left them empty. In the same way, we sometimes turn to things that do not satisfy, such as wealth, popularity, or success, only to find ourselves still feeling empty. When we turn away from God, we end up spiritually unfulfilled.
The Consequences of Turning Away from God:
Jeremiah 2:12-13: "Be appalled at this, you heavens, and shudder with great horror, declares the Lord. My people have committed two sins: They have forsaken me, the spring of living water, and have dug their own cisterns, broken cisterns that cannot hold water."
Point: Turning away from God brings spiritual emptiness and empties us of what we truly need. The people of Israel faced consequences because they sought fulfillment outside of God. The same applies to us: when we pursue false sources of fulfillment, we end up drained and unfulfilled.
God’s Call to Return:
Jeremiah 2:19: "Your wickedness will punish you; your backsliding will rebuke you. Consider then and realize how evil and bitter it is for you when you forsake the Lord your God and have no awe of me, declares the Lord, the Lord Almighty."
Point: God’s heart is for us to return to Him. When we turn to the things of this world for fulfillment, we miss out on God’s best for us. He calls us to come back, recognize our need for Him, and find true satisfaction in Him alone.
CROSS-REFERENCE
In this section, we’ll explore other Scriptures that speak about how people often replace God with other sources of fulfillment, which, like broken cisterns, cannot truly satisfy.
Jeremiah
2:13
“My
people have committed two sins: They have forsaken me, the spring of
living water, and have dug their own cisterns, broken cisterns that
cannot hold water.”
(NIV)
Cross-Reference
1: John 4:13-14
“Jesus
answered, ‘Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again,
but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed,
the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling
up to eternal life.’”
(NIV)
In this passage, Jesus contrasts the temporary satisfaction of earthly things (symbolized by water from a well) with the eternal satisfaction that comes from Him, which is similar to what Jeremiah describes. People turn to broken cisterns, but only Jesus can provide the living water that truly satisfies.
Cross-Reference
2: Matthew 6:19-21
“Do
not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and
vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up
for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not
destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your
treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
(NIV)
This verse speaks to the idea of focusing on things that are temporary versus what is eternal. The "broken cisterns" in Jeremiah's time can be likened to material things that promise fulfillment but ultimately fail to satisfy or last.
Jeremiah
2:5
“This
is what the Lord says: ‘What fault did your ancestors find in me,
that they strayed so far from me? They followed worthless idols and
became worthless themselves.’”
(NIV)
Cross-Reference
1: Romans 1:21-23
“For
although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave
thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish
hearts were darkened. Although they claimed to be wise, they became
fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to
look like a mortal human being and birds and animals and reptiles.”
(NIV)
This New Testament passage echoes the same theme of exchanging the glory of God for idols. Just as the Israelites followed worthless idols, Paul shows that people often choose temporary, man-made things over the eternal God.
Cross-Reference
2: Colossians 3:5
“Put
to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual
immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed, which is
idolatry.”
(NIV)
In Colossians, Paul encourages believers to rid themselves of idolatry in the form of sinful behaviors. This is a reminder that idolatry isn’t always about physical statues; it can also be about things like desires for worldly pleasures, wealth, and status that people replace God with.
Jeremiah
2:7
“I
brought you into a fertile land to eat its fruit and rich produce.
But you came and defiled my land and made my inheritance detestable.”
(NIV)
Cross-Reference
1: Romans 2:4
“Or
do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance and
patience, not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you
to repentance?”
(NIV)
God had blessed the people with a fertile land, just as He blesses us with many good things in life. Yet, in both cases, people often ignore God's kindness, replacing His blessings with other pursuits. This verse reminds us that God’s goodness should lead us back to Him.
Cross-Reference
2: Matthew 6:24
“No
one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the
other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other.”
(NIV)
Jesus teaches that we cannot serve both God and money (or worldly desires). Like the people of Israel, we may replace God’s provision with our own desires, which ultimately leads to emptiness.
Discussion Questions
What are some “broken cisterns” that people today might turn to in place of God?
Commentary: Just as the Israelites turned to idols and forsook the living water of God, people today often turn to temporary sources for fulfillment. These might include things like wealth, fame, relationships, or even success. These things can provide temporary satisfaction, but like broken cisterns, they ultimately leave us thirsty and unfulfilled. What are some of the things people in our world rely on for security or satisfaction instead of God?
Why do you think people are so drawn to “broken cisterns” instead of the living water that God offers?
Commentary: Sometimes, it’s easier to turn to tangible things we can see and touch, like possessions or achievements. These things feel like they can offer control or certainty. But as Jeremiah pointed out, they are broken and cannot hold the water they promise. Discussing why people are so tempted by these things helps us understand the deeper spiritual struggles that lead us away from God. Why is trusting in God sometimes harder than trusting in material or temporary things?
How can we turn back to God when we realize we’ve been relying on broken cisterns for fulfillment?
Commentary: The beauty of God’s grace is that He invites us to return to Him, just as He called the Israelites back to Himself in Jeremiah’s time. Even when we’ve turned to other sources for satisfaction, God offers forgiveness and renewal. This question can help participants think about practical ways to realign their hearts with God, whether it’s through prayer, worship, repentance, or changing their focus back to Him.
Session
3: A Call to Repentance- Jeremiah
3:6-4:4
—
Printable Handout
Focus:
The importance of turning back to God.
Purpose
Statement:
To highlight the urgency of repentance and God’s desire to restore
His people.
READ: Jeremiah 3:6-4:4
6 During the reign of King Josiah, the Lord said to me, “Have you seen what faithless Israel has done? She has gone up on every high hill and under every spreading tree and has committed adultery there. 7 I thought that after she had done all this she would return to me but she did not, and her unfaithful sister Judah saw it. 8 I gave faithless Israel her certificate of divorce and sent her away because of all her adulteries. Yet I saw that her unfaithful sister Judah had no fear; she also went out and committed adultery. 9 Because Israel’s immorality mattered so little to her, she defiled the land and committed adultery with stone and wood. 10 In spite of all this, her unfaithful sister Judah did not return to me with all her heart, but only in pretense,” declares the Lord.
11 The Lord said to me, “Faithless Israel is more righteous than unfaithful Judah. 12 Go, proclaim this message toward the north:
“‘Return, faithless Israel,’
declares the Lord,
‘I will frown
on you no longer,
for I am faithful,’ declares
the Lord,
‘I will not be
angry forever.
13 Only acknowledge your
guilt—
you have rebelled against
the Lord your God,
you have scattered your favors to
foreign gods
under every spreading
tree,
and have not obeyed me,’”
declares
the Lord.
14 “Return, faithless people,” declares the Lord, “for I am your husband. I will choose you—one from a town and two from a clan—and bring you to Zion. 15 Then I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will lead you with knowledge and understanding. 16 In those days, when your numbers have increased greatly in the land,” declares the Lord, “people will no longer say, ‘The ark of the covenant of the Lord.’ It will never enter their minds or be remembered; it will not be missed, nor will another one be made. 17 At that time they will call Jerusalem The Throne of the Lord, and all nations will gather in Jerusalem to honor the name of the Lord. No longer will they follow the stubbornness of their evil hearts. 18 In those days the people of Judah will join the people of Israel, and together they will come from a northern land to the land I gave your ancestors as an inheritance.
“‘How
gladly would I treat you like my children
and
give you a pleasant land,
the most
beautiful inheritance of any nation.’
I thought you would
call me ‘Father’
and not turn away
from following me.
20 But like a woman unfaithful to her
husband,
so you, Israel, have been
unfaithful to me,”
declares the Lord.
21 A
cry is heard on the barren heights,
the
weeping and pleading of the people of Israel,
because they
have perverted their ways
and have
forgotten the Lord their God.
22 “Return, faithless
people;
I will cure you of
backsliding.”
“Yes,
we will come to you,
for you are
the Lord our God.
23 Surely the idolatrous
commotion on the hills
and mountains is
a deception;
surely in the Lord our God
is
the salvation of Israel.
24 From our youth
shameful gods have consumed
the
fruits of our ancestors’ labor—
their flocks and
herds,
their sons and daughters.
25 Let
us lie down in our shame,
and let our
disgrace cover us.
We have sinned against the Lord our
God,
both we and our ancestors;
from
our youth till this day
we have not
obeyed the Lord our God.”
4 “If
you, Israel, will return,
then return to
me,”
declares the Lord.
“If you put your
detestable idols out of my sight
and
no longer go astray,
2 and if in a truthful, just and
righteous way
you swear, ‘As
surely as the Lord lives,’
then the nations will
invoke blessings by him
and in him
they will boast.”
3 This is what the Lord says to the people of Judah and to Jerusalem:
“Break
up your unplowed ground
and do not sow
among thorns.
4 Circumcise yourselves to
the Lord,
circumcise your
hearts,
you people of Judah and
inhabitants of Jerusalem,
or my wrath will flare up and
burn like fire
because of the evil you
have done—
burn with no one to
quench it.
In-between verses not covered in this session: Jeremiah 3:6-6:30
Discussion Questions:
What does true repentance look like, and how is it different from just feeling sorry?
How does God’s call to repentance reveal His mercy rather than just His judgment?
OVERVIEW:
In this
session, we focus on God’s call for His people to return to Him, no
matter how far they’ve gone. In the passage, God speaks through
Jeremiah to warn the people of Israel that they have turned away from
Him. He compares Israel to an unfaithful wife who has wandered away,
chasing after other gods. Even though the people have sinned, God is
still offering them the chance to come back. This is a message of
hope! It shows that no matter how far we’ve strayed, God is always
ready to forgive and restore us when we choose to repent—turn away
from sin, and turn back to Him.
“Return,
faithless people; I will cure you of backsliding.” — Jeremiah
3:22 (NIV)
THIS MAY SURPRISE YOU:
It might surprise you to see how strongly God calls Israel to repent, especially since they’ve been so unfaithful. In Jeremiah 3:6-10, God paints a picture of Israel as an unfaithful wife who has committed spiritual adultery by worshiping false gods. Yet, despite their unfaithfulness, God still offers them a chance to return to Him: “Return, faithless people” (Jeremiah 3:22). This shows the amazing grace and mercy of God. We might think that after making so many mistakes, there’s no way God would still want to have a relationship with us. But God’s call to repentance shows us that it’s never too late to turn back to Him. The surprising part is that God is not angry in a way that makes us fear turning back; instead, He’s inviting us to return to His love and find healing. This teaches us that repentance isn’t just about admitting we were wrong—it’s about coming back to the One who wants to heal and restore us.
CULTURE CONNECTION:
In today’s world, we live in a culture where people often try to hide their mistakes, or they may feel that once they’ve messed up, it’s too late to fix things. There’s a lot of pressure to be perfect, or to pretend that everything is fine even when it’s not. But the message of repentance in this passage reminds us that God isn’t waiting for us to be perfect—He’s waiting for us to turn back to Him, no matter where we’ve been or what we’ve done. Whether we’ve made small mistakes or big ones, God is always ready to forgive us and help us start fresh. Repentance isn’t about punishment; it’s about healing and restoration. Just like a relationship with a friend can be restored after an argument when we say we’re sorry, our relationship with God is restored when we repent and seek His forgiveness. The call to repentance in this passage isn’t just an old message for ancient Israel—it’s a call that’s still relevant to us today, reminding us that it’s never too late to return to God.
Devotional Thought: The Open Road Home
During the Great Depression, many families packed up everything they owned and set out on Route 66, heading west in search of a better life. They had lost their homes, their jobs, and their sense of security. But as hard as the journey was, the road itself gave them hope—it was a path leading to something better, a way back to stability and restoration.
In Jeremiah’s time, God’s people had wandered far from Him, chasing after other gods and turning their backs on His love. But despite their unfaithfulness, God did not abandon them. He called them to return: “Return, faithless Israel,” declares the Lord, “I will frown on you no longer, for I am faithful” (Jeremiah 3:12, NIV).
Like the families on Route 66, repentance is a journey—a turning back toward the One who loves us and longs to restore us. No matter how far we have strayed, the road home is always open. God is not waiting to punish us but to welcome us back with open arms.
Reflection
Question:
Is
there an area in your life where God is calling you to turn back to
Him? What steps can you take today to walk the road of repentance and
restoration?
TAKE-HOME THOUGHT:
In Jeremiah 3:6-4:4, God calls His people to repent and return to Him with sincere hearts. Throughout these verses, God expresses His longing to restore His relationship with His people, even though they have repeatedly turned away. Despite their unfaithfulness, God’s love remains, and He offers a way back. Repentance is not just about feeling sorry for our actions; it’s about a deep, heartfelt turning back to God—a change in direction that leads us away from the things that separate us from Him and toward His grace and forgiveness.
The bigger picture here is that repentance is not a one-time act but an ongoing process of seeking God’s forgiveness and allowing Him to restore us. We may stumble and fall, but God is always ready to welcome us back when we turn to Him with genuine hearts. Repentance brings about spiritual renewal, and it opens the door for God to work in our lives in new ways. God desires to restore His people, and He wants us to experience the fullness of His love and peace. This passage reminds us of the urgency of repentance—not only for the forgiveness of sins but for the renewal of our relationship with God.
Quick Quiz:
Why does God repeatedly call His people to return to Him in this passage? What does this show about God's character?
What does it mean to "circumcise" your heart in verse 4:4, and how can we apply that to our own lives?
Main Points & Scripture Connection:
God’s Call to Repentance is Urgent:
Jeremiah 3:12-13: "Go, proclaim this message toward the north: 'Return, faithless Israel,’ declares the Lord, 'I will frown on you no longer, for I am faithful,’ declares the Lord, 'I will not be angry forever. Only acknowledge your guilt—you have rebelled against the Lord your God, you have scattered your favors to foreign gods under every spreading tree, and have not obeyed me,’ declares the Lord."
Point: God calls His people to repentance with urgency. Despite their sin and disobedience, God is willing to forgive and restore them if they turn back to Him. Repentance is not something to delay; it’s a call to action in response to God's love and faithfulness.
God’s Desire to Restore:
Jeremiah 3:22: "Return, faithless people; I will cure you of backsliding." "Yes, we will come to you, for you are the Lord our God."
Point: God’s desire is not to condemn but to restore. Even when His people have strayed, God wants them to return so that He can heal them. Repentance is not just about acknowledging wrong but about allowing God to heal and restore the brokenness in our lives.
True Repentance Requires a Change of Heart:
Jeremiah 4:4: "Circumcise yourselves to the Lord, circumcise your hearts, you people of Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem, or my wrath will flare up and burn like fire because of the evil you have done—burn with no one to quench it."
Point: Repentance is not just about outward actions; it involves a change in the heart. The metaphor of circumcising the heart means cutting away the sin and hardness within us. True repentance is a matter of the heart, not just external actions or words.
Repentance Brings Restoration and Blessing:
Jeremiah 3:14-15: "Return, faithless people...for I am your husband. I will choose you...and bring you to Zion. Then I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will lead you with knowledge and understanding."
Point: When we repent, we are invited back into a loving relationship with God, where He promises to guide us with wisdom and care. Repentance leads to restoration, not just in our relationship with God but also in our spiritual journey, where we find new direction and purpose.
CROSS-REFERENCE
In this section, we’ll explore other Scriptures that emphasize the importance of repentance and God’s desire to restore His people when they turn back to Him.
Jeremiah
3:12
“Go,
proclaim this message toward the north: ‘Return, faithless Israel,’
declares the Lord, ‘I will frown on you no longer, for I am
merciful,’ declares the Lord, ‘I will not be angry forever.’”
(NIV)
Cross-Reference
1: 1 John 1:9
“If
we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our
sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”
(NIV)
Just as God offers Israel forgiveness and a chance to return, 1 John reminds us of the forgiveness available to all who confess and repent. God is faithful and just, and His mercy is extended to all who turn to Him in repentance.
Cross-Reference
2: Luke 15:18-20 (Parable of the Prodigal Son)
“I
will set out and go back to my father and say to him: ‘Father, I
have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to
be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’ So he
got up and went to his father. But while he was still a long way off,
his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to
his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.”
(NIV)
In the story of the prodigal son, we see a picture of repentance and the father's loving response. Like Israel in Jeremiah’s time, the prodigal son recognized his mistake, returned to his father, and received forgiveness and restoration. God desires to restore His people when they come back to Him.
Jeremiah
3:13
“Only
acknowledge your guilt—you have rebelled against the Lord your God,
you have scattered your favors to foreign gods under every spreading
tree, and have not obeyed me,’ declares the Lord.”
(NIV)
Cross-Reference
1: Proverbs 28:13
“Whoever
conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and
renounces them finds mercy.”
(NIV)
Confession and repentance are key to finding mercy from God. Just as God asks Israel to acknowledge their guilt, Proverbs reminds us that acknowledging our sin and turning from it leads to forgiveness and restoration.
Cross-Reference
2: James 4:8-10
“Come
near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you
sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Grieve, mourn and
wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble
yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.”
(NIV)
James echoes the call to repentance. Humbling ourselves before God and drawing near to Him is a step toward restoration. True repentance involves grieving over sin and humbling ourselves before God, much like the call to Israel to turn back to God.
Jeremiah
4:3
“This
is what the Lord says to the people of Judah and to Jerusalem: ‘Break
up your unplowed ground and do not sow among thorns.’”
(NIV)
Cross-Reference
1: Matthew 13:3-8 (Parable of the Sower)
“Then
he told them many things in parables, saying: ‘A farmer went out to
sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the
path, and the birds came and ate it up. Some fell on rocky places,
where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the
soil was shallow. But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched,
and they withered because they had no root. Other seed fell among
thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. Still other seed fell on
good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty
times what was sown.’”
(NIV)
The imagery of "unplowed ground" in Jeremiah can be connected to the parable of the sower. In both cases, God is calling His people to prepare their hearts for His word. Just as the soil must be prepared for seeds to grow, our hearts must be prepared to receive God’s word and repentance.
Cross-Reference
2: Hosea 10:12
“Sow
righteousness for yourselves, reap the fruit of unfailing love, and
break up your unplowed ground; for it is time to seek the Lord, until
he comes and showers his righteousness on you.”
(NIV)
Hosea also calls the people to break up their fallow ground and seek God. This speaks to the need for repentance and a soft heart that is open to God's correction and love.
Discussion Questions
What does true repentance look like, both inwardly and outwardly?
Commentary: In Jeremiah 3:13, God calls the people of Israel to acknowledge their guilt and return to Him. True repentance involves more than just saying sorry; it’s a change of heart and behavior. It requires humility and a willingness to turn away from sin and toward God. Discuss what this process might look like in our lives—how do we recognize areas where we need to repent, and what steps can we take to genuinely turn back to God?
Why do you think God calls us to “break up our unplowed ground”? What does that mean for us today?
Commentary: In Jeremiah 4:3, God urges His people to break up the hard soil of their hearts. This can be a metaphor for preparing ourselves for spiritual growth. Our hearts can become hard and calloused by sin, busyness, or indifference. To truly receive God’s message and restore our relationship with Him, we must soften our hearts through repentance and prayer. Discuss how we can actively “break up our unplowed ground” today—what might that look like in your personal life?
What can we learn from the Parable of the Prodigal Son about God’s heart toward repentance and restoration?
Commentary: The Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:18-20) illustrates God’s desire to restore those who have gone astray. When the son returns to his father, the father doesn’t condemn him but runs to him with open arms. God’s heart is full of mercy and love toward those who turn back to Him. This shows us that no matter how far we’ve wandered, God is always ready to forgive and restore us. How can this encourage us to return to God in our own times of failure or spiritual dryness?
Session
4: The Potter and the Clay- Jeremiah
18:1-12
—
Printable Handout
Focus:
God’s sovereignty in shaping our lives.
Purpose
Statement:
To recognize that we are in God’s hands and should submit to His
shaping process.
READ: Jeremiah 18:1-12
1 This is the word that came to Jeremiah from the Lord: 2 “Go down to the potter’s house, and there I will give you my message.” 3 So I went down to the potter’s house, and I saw him working at the wheel. 4 But the pot he was shaping from the clay was marred in his hands; so the potter formed it into another pot, shaping it as seemed best to him.
5 Then the word of the Lord came to me. 6 He said, “Can I not do with you, Israel, as this potter does?” declares the Lord. “Like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in my hand, Israel. 7 If at any time I announce that a nation or kingdom is to be uprooted, torn down and destroyed, 8 and if that nation I warned repents of its evil, then I will relent and not inflict on it the disaster I had planned. 9 And if at another time I announce that a nation or kingdom is to be built up and planted, 10 and if it does evil in my sight and does not obey me, then I will reconsider the good I had intended to do for it.
11 “Now therefore say to the people of Judah and those living in Jerusalem, ‘This is what the Lord says: Look! I am preparing a disaster for you and devising a plan against you. So turn from your evil ways, each one of you, and reform your ways and your actions.’ 12 But they will reply, ‘It’s no use. We will continue with our own plans; we will all follow the stubbornness of our evil hearts.’”
In-between verses not covered in this session: Jeremiah 7:1-19:15
Discussion Questions:
What does the image of the potter and the clay teach us about how God works in our lives?
How can we better allow God to shape and mold us instead of resisting His will?
OVERVIEW:
In this
session, we explore one of the most powerful images in the Bible: the
potter and the clay. God sends Jeremiah to a potter’s house, where
he watches as the potter shapes a piece of clay into something
useful. God uses this image to remind us that He is like the potter,
and we are like the clay. Just as a potter has the power to shape and
mold the clay into something beautiful, God has the power to shape
and guide our lives. Sometimes, we may feel broken or unformed, but
God is always at work, shaping us into who He created us to be. This
passage invites us to trust in God’s process and to submit to His
hands as He molds us for His purpose.
“Like
clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in my hand,
Israel.” — Jeremiah
18:6 (NIV)
THIS MAY SURPRISE YOU:
It might surprise you to learn that, in Jeremiah 18:1-12, the potter doesn’t always create the perfect piece on the first try. The clay can be marred or damaged, and the potter might start over. God says, “If at any time I announce that a nation or kingdom is to be uprooted, torn down and destroyed, and if that nation I warned repents of its evil, then I will relent and not inflict on it the disaster I had planned” (Jeremiah 18:7-8). This shows us that God is flexible and patient with us, just like a potter who works with imperfect clay. Even when we mess up, God can reshape our lives. We might think that if we make a mistake, it’s over—but this passage shows us that God is willing to start over with us and give us a new chance. This is an amazing reminder that God’s work in our lives is ongoing, and we are always in His hands, no matter how we may have messed up.
CULTURE CONNECTION:
In today’s world, we often hear messages telling us to be in control of our own lives, to shape ourselves, and to follow our own path. There’s a lot of pressure to be perfect and to make everything go according to our own plan. But the image of the potter and clay challenges us to let go of that control and trust God’s shaping process. Sometimes we may feel like we’re not where we want to be or like our lives aren’t turning out as we expected. But this passage reminds us that we are in God’s hands, and He has a purpose for our lives, even when we don’t fully understand it. Just like the potter carefully shapes and molds the clay, God is carefully shaping our lives. The key is to trust the process, even when it’s difficult, because God’s plan for us is always good. When we submit to God’s shaping, we can trust that He’s making us into something beautiful, even if it doesn’t always look perfect right away.
Devotional Thought: The Master’s Hands
In the 1500s, Michelangelo was given a massive, flawed block of marble. Other artists had rejected it, saying it was useless. But Michelangelo saw something others didn’t. With careful chiseling, he transformed that damaged stone into David—one of the greatest sculptures in history.
Jeremiah 18 gives us a similar picture of God as a master craftsman. God tells Jeremiah to go to the potter’s house, where he sees a potter shaping clay on a wheel. When the pot is misshapen, the potter doesn’t throw it away—he reshapes it into something beautiful. God says, “Like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in my hand” (Jeremiah 18:6, NIV).
We may feel like a flawed block of marble or a misshapen lump of clay, but in God’s hands, we are never beyond hope. He lovingly shapes us, sometimes through challenges, sometimes through unexpected changes. But His purpose is always to create something beautiful in our lives.
Reflection
Question:
Are
there areas in your life where you feel resistant to God’s shaping?
How can you trust Him to mold you into something beautiful?
TAKE-HOME THOUGHT:
In Jeremiah 18:1-12, God uses the image of the potter and the clay to illustrate His sovereignty over our lives. Just as a potter has the authority to shape and mold the clay, God has the right and the wisdom to shape us according to His perfect plan. Sometimes, the process may be uncomfortable or difficult, but we are assured that God is shaping us for His good purposes. The potter does not throw away the clay but works with it, even if it is marred, to create something beautiful and useful. Similarly, God never gives up on us. Even when we feel flawed or broken, God continues to work in us, shaping us into who He wants us to be.
The bigger picture is that we are part of a larger, divine plan. God is the Creator, and we are His creation. The potter knows what the clay is meant to become, and in the same way, God knows our purpose. Sometimes we might question the process or struggle with it, but God’s plan is good, and His ways are higher than ours. This passage calls us to trust God’s shaping process, to be moldable in His hands, and to remember that He is working all things for our good and His glory.
Quick Quiz:
What does the potter’s ability to reshape the clay tell us about God’s power and authority over our lives?
What does it mean to "submit" to God’s shaping process, and why is this important in our spiritual journey?
Main Points & Scripture Connection:
God is the Sovereign Potter:
Jeremiah 18:3-4: "So I went down to the potter’s house, and I saw him working at the wheel. But the pot he was shaping from the clay was marred in his hands; so the potter formed it into another pot, shaping it as seemed best to him."
Point: God is the Creator and the Sovereign Potter. He has the authority to shape our lives according to His will, and He knows what is best for us. Even when we feel "marred" or imperfect, God has a purpose in mind for us.
God Can Reshape Us, Even When We’re Broken:
Jeremiah 18:4: "But the pot he was shaping from the clay was marred in his hands; so the potter formed it into another pot, shaping it as seemed best to him."
Point: Just as the potter does not discard the clay but reshapes it, God does not abandon us when we fall short. He continues to work with us, reshaping our lives for His purposes. God’s grace allows us to be made new, no matter how broken we may feel.
God's Shaping Process Requires Our Submission:
Jeremiah 18:6: "O house of Israel, can I not do with you as this potter does?" declares the Lord. "Like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in my hand, O house of Israel."
Point: God wants us to be moldable in His hands. Just as the clay submits to the potter’s will, we are called to submit to God’s shaping work in our lives. This submission isn’t passive; it requires trust, humility, and a willingness to be transformed.
God’s Plan is for Our Good and His Glory:
Jeremiah 18:11-12: "Now therefore say to the people of Judah and those living in Jerusalem, 'This is what the Lord says: Look! I am preparing a disaster for you and devising a plan against you. So turn from your evil ways, each one of you, and reform your ways and your actions.'"
Point: God’s sovereignty includes not only His right to shape our lives but also His wisdom and love in doing so. His plan for us is ultimately for our good, and He desires to use us for His glory. Even when we face difficult circumstances, we can trust that God is working through those times to shape us into vessels of honor for His purposes.
CROSS-REFERENCE
In this section, we’ll look at Scriptures that reflect the themes of God's sovereignty in shaping our lives, similar to the imagery of the potter and the clay in Jeremiah 18:1-12.
Jeremiah
18:6
“Like
clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in my hand, Israel.”
(NIV)
Cross-Reference
1: Isaiah 64:8
“Yet
you, Lord, are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we
are all the work of your hand.”
(NIV)
Just like in Jeremiah, Isaiah uses the image of God as the potter, shaping His people like clay. It reminds us that we are God's creation, and He has the right to shape and mold us according to His will, just as a potter shapes clay.
Cross-Reference
2: Romans 9:20-21
“But
who are you, a human being, to talk back to God? ‘Shall what is
formed say to the one who formed it, ‘Why did you make me like
this?’ Does not the potter have the right to make out of the same
lump of clay some pottery for special purposes and some for common
use?”
(NIV)
This passage in Romans echoes the idea that God, as the potter, has the authority to shape us as He pleases. It calls us to humility, recognizing that God's purposes for us may differ from what we expect or desire, but His design is always good.
Jeremiah
18:4
“But
the pot he was shaping from the clay was marred in his hands; so the
potter formed it into another pot, shaping it as seemed best to him.”
(NIV)
Cross-Reference
1: Philippians 1:6
“Being
confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it
on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
(NIV)
In this verse, Paul assures the Philippians that God is continually shaping and refining them, just as the potter works to perfect the clay. Even when we may feel "marred" or incomplete, God is at work in our lives and will continue His process of shaping us until we are made whole in Christ.
Cross-Reference
2: 2 Corinthians 4:7
“But
we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this
all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.”
(NIV)
This verse speaks to the fragility of human life, comparing us to jars of clay. We may be imperfect, but God chooses to work in and through us, displaying His power and glory in our brokenness. Just like the potter shapes clay into a vessel, God shapes us, and His power shines through our weakness.
Jeremiah
18:11
“Now
therefore say to the people of Judah and those living in Jerusalem,
‘This is what the Lord says: Look! I am preparing a disaster for
you and devising a plan against you. So turn from your evil ways,
each one of you, and reform your ways and your actions.’”
(NIV)
Cross-Reference
1: Ezekiel 18:30-32
“Therefore,
you Israelites, I will judge each of you according to your own ways,
declares the Sovereign Lord. Repent! Turn away from all your
offenses; then sin will not be your downfall. Rid yourselves of all
the offenses you have committed, and get a new heart and a new
spirit. Why will you die, people of Israel? For I take no pleasure in
the death of anyone, declares the Sovereign Lord. Repent and live!”
(NIV)
Just as God calls the people of Judah to turn back to Him, Ezekiel calls the Israelites to repentance. The offer of repentance is a way for God to reshape their lives, just as a potter reshapes a flawed piece of clay. God desires to restore us, not destroy us.
Cross-Reference
2: 2 Peter 3:9
“The
Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness.
Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but
everyone to come to repentance.”
(NIV)
This verse highlights God's patience in allowing time for repentance and transformation. God’s desire is to shape us into something good, and He waits for us to turn back to Him so that He can continue His work in our lives.
Discussion Questions
How does the image of God as a potter shaping us speak to your understanding of God’s sovereignty in your life?
Commentary: The idea that God is the potter and we are the clay emphasizes His authority and control over our lives. Just as a potter shapes and molds clay into whatever he desires, God has a plan for each of us. This plan may not always align with our expectations, but we are called to trust that God is shaping us into something good. Reflect on the ways God has shaped you, and how His sovereignty impacts your relationship with Him.
In what ways have you experienced times when your life felt "marred" or "broken," but God reshaped it for His purposes?
Commentary: In Jeremiah 18:4, the potter reshapes the clay when it is marred, symbolizing how God sometimes uses difficult or painful times to reshape us. Even in times of brokenness, God is still working to mold us into vessels for His glory. Think of times in your life when you’ve faced challenges, and how God used those moments to refine you or guide you into a new direction.
Why do you think submission to God’s shaping process is important for our spiritual growth?
Commentary: Submission to God’s shaping process is essential because it allows us to become the people God designed us to be. The potter does not force the clay; he gently shapes it, just as God gently guides us. Trusting God in this process requires humility and faith that He knows what is best for us, even when it’s difficult. Discuss how surrendering to God’s process leads to deeper spiritual maturity and growth.
Session
5: The Cost of Speaking Truth- Jeremiah
20:7-18
—
Printable Handout
Focus:
The challenges of standing for God’s truth.
Purpose
Statement:
To prepare believers for opposition when standing for God’s Word.
READ: Jeremiah 20:7-18
7 You
deceived me, Lord, and I was deceived;
you
overpowered me and prevailed.
I am ridiculed all day
long;
everyone mocks me.
8 Whenever
I speak, I cry out
proclaiming violence
and destruction.
So the word of the Lord has brought
me
insult and reproach all day
long.
9 But if I say, “I will not mention his word
or
speak anymore in his name,”
his word is in my heart like a
fire,
a fire shut up in my bones.
I
am weary of holding it in;
indeed, I
cannot.
10 I hear many whispering,
“Terror on
every side!
Denounce him! Let’s
denounce him!”
All my friends
are
waiting for me to slip, saying,
“Perhaps he will be
deceived;
then we will prevail over
him
and take our revenge on him.”
11 But
the Lord is with me like a mighty warrior;
so
my persecutors will stumble and not prevail.
They will fail
and be thoroughly disgraced;
their
dishonor will never be forgotten.
12 Lord Almighty,
you who examine the righteous
and probe
the heart and mind,
let me see your vengeance on
them,
for to you I have committed my
cause.
13 Sing to
the Lord!
Give praise to
the Lord!
He rescues the life of the needy
from
the hands of the wicked.
14 Cursed
be the day I was born!
May the day my
mother bore me not be blessed!
15 Cursed be the man who
brought my father the news,
who made him
very glad, saying,
“A child is born to
you—a son!”
16 May that man be like the
towns
the Lord overthrew
without pity.
May he hear wailing in the morning,
a
battle cry at noon.
17 For he did not kill me in the
womb,
with my mother as my
grave,
her womb enlarged forever.
18 Why
did I ever come out of the womb
to see
trouble and sorrow
and to end my
days in shame?
In-between verses not covered in this session: Jeremiah 20:1-22:30
Discussion Questions:
Why do those who stand for God’s truth sometimes face rejection or suffering?
How does Jeremiah’s honesty with God in his distress teach us about how to approach our struggles?
OVERVIEW:
In this
session, we look at the struggles of speaking God’s truth, as
experienced by the prophet Jeremiah. Jeremiah was called by God to
speak to the people of Israel, telling them to repent and return to
God. But, as you can imagine, not everyone wanted to hear that
message. In fact, Jeremiah faced a lot of opposition, suffering, and
even punishment for telling the truth. He felt discouraged and
overwhelmed, and at one point, he even wished he had never been born.
But even in the midst of all his struggles, Jeremiah chose to stay
faithful to God’s
calling. This passage teaches us that while standing for God’s
truth can be difficult, it is also the right thing to do. God
understands our pain and struggles, but He also gives us the strength
to continue.
“But
if I say, ‘I will not mention his word or speak anymore in his
name,’ his word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my
bones. I am weary of holding it in; indeed, I cannot.” — Jeremiah
20:9 (NIV)
THIS MAY SURPRISE YOU:
It may surprise you to learn that even the great prophet Jeremiah, who spoke God’s truth, had moments of deep discouragement and doubt. In Jeremiah 20:7-18, Jeremiah openly complains to God about how hard it is to be His messenger. He feels mocked and ridiculed, and even says, “You deceived me, Lord, and I was deceived” (Jeremiah 20:7). Jeremiah is honest with God about his pain and frustration. This shows us that it’s okay to feel overwhelmed or discouraged when we face opposition for standing up for God’s truth. We might think that being faithful to God should only bring good things, but Jeremiah’s story reminds us that speaking truth can lead to challenges and difficulties. However, despite these struggles, God still gives him the strength to keep going. This passage teaches us that even when we feel weak or frustrated, God can use those feelings to strengthen us and help us keep standing for what’s right.
CULTURE CONNECTION:
In today’s world, speaking God’s truth can sometimes lead to opposition or even ridicule, especially when it goes against popular opinions or beliefs. Whether it’s standing up for kindness, honesty, or living according to God’s Word, we may face criticism or rejection from others. The culture often tells us to fit in or keep quiet about our beliefs, but Jeremiah shows us that it’s okay to stand firm, even when it’s hard. Like Jeremiah, we might feel tempted to give up or stay silent, but God gives us the strength to keep going. Just as Jeremiah couldn’t hold in God’s Word, we, too, should feel the fire of His truth inside us, pushing us to speak out. The cost of standing for God’s truth might be high, but the reward of being faithful to Him is even greater.
Devotional Thought: Standing Alone for Truth
In 1955, Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on a bus in Montgomery, Alabama. It was a simple act, but it came at a great cost. She was arrested, lost her job, and faced constant threats. Yet, her courage sparked a movement that changed history. Speaking up for what was right wasn’t easy, but she knew it was necessary.
Jeremiah understood this kind of struggle. He faithfully spoke God’s truth, but instead of being praised, he was mocked, beaten, and imprisoned. In frustration, he cried out, “The word of the Lord has brought me insult and reproach all day long” (Jeremiah 20:8, NIV). Yet, he couldn’t keep silent. He said, “His word is in my heart like a fire… I am weary of holding it in; indeed, I cannot” (Jeremiah 20:9, NIV).
Like Rosa Parks and Jeremiah, we may face rejection, criticism, or hardship when we stand for God’s truth. But God calls us to be faithful, even when it’s difficult. The world may not always welcome truth, but when we speak it with love and courage, we make an impact that lasts far beyond ourselves.
Reflection
Question:
Have
you ever hesitated to stand for truth because of fear? How can you
find courage in God’s strength when facing opposition?
TAKE-HOME THOUGHT:
In Jeremiah 20:7-18, we see the deep struggle and personal cost that comes with speaking God's truth. Jeremiah, called by God to speak hard truths to the people of Israel, faces rejection, ridicule, and even threats. Despite his obedience to God’s call, the prophet feels overwhelmed and discouraged. He cries out to God in despair, lamenting the pain of faithfully delivering a message that brings him nothing but suffering. Yet, even in his frustration and fear, Jeremiah recognizes that he cannot stop speaking the truth, for God's Word burns like a fire within him.
This passage illustrates the tension between the call to speak God’s truth and the cost of that obedience. The bigger picture is that standing for God’s truth will not always be easy. It may bring us opposition, criticism, and hardship, but the call to speak truth is greater than our fear or suffering. Jeremiah’s example challenges us to press on in faith, knowing that God’s Word is powerful and necessary. When we stand for God’s truth, we are fulfilling His purpose, and though the journey may be difficult, God promises to be with us every step of the way.
Quick Quiz:
How does Jeremiah express his feelings about the challenges of speaking God’s truth, and what does this show us about the emotional cost of following God's call?
What can we learn from Jeremiah’s persistence in speaking God’s truth despite the opposition he faced? How can we apply this to our own lives when faced with challenges for standing up for what’s right?
Main Points & Scripture Connection:
The Struggle of Obedience:
Jeremiah 20:7-9: "You deceived me, Lord, and I was deceived; you overpowered me and prevailed. I am ridiculed all day long; everyone mocks me. Whenever I speak, I cry out proclaiming violence and destruction. So the word of the Lord has brought me insult and reproach all day long. But if I say, 'I will not mention his word or speak anymore in his name,' his word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones. I am weary of holding it in; indeed, I cannot."
Point: Jeremiah expresses the inner conflict of being obedient to God’s call. While he feels deceived and overwhelmed by the opposition, he cannot hold in the message that God has given him. God’s truth burns within him and compels him to speak, even when it costs him. This shows us that obedience to God’s calling may come with intense emotional and spiritual challenges, but the truth cannot be silenced.
Opposition to God's Word:
Jeremiah 20:10: "I hear many whispering, 'Terror on every side! Denounce him! Let’s denounce him!' All my friends are waiting for me to slip, saying, 'Perhaps he will be deceived; then we will prevail over him and take our revenge on him.'"
Point: Jeremiah faces harsh opposition from both his enemies and even his friends. When we speak the truth of God’s Word, we may encounter ridicule, betrayal, or hostility. This is a reminder that standing for God’s truth often invites opposition, but we must remember that God is faithful to strengthen and sustain us.
God’s Protection and Presence:
Jeremiah 20:11-13: "But the Lord is with me like a mighty warrior; so my persecutors will stumble and not prevail. They will fail and be thoroughly disgraced; their dishonor will never be forgotten. Lord Almighty, you who examine the righteous and probe the heart and mind, let me see your vengeance on them, for to you I have committed my cause."
Point: Despite the opposition, Jeremiah knows that God is with him and will ultimately protect him. God’s presence is a source of strength, and while the cost of speaking truth is high, we can trust that God will not abandon us. He is our defender, and in the end, His truth will prevail.
The Emotional Cost of Obedience:
Jeremiah 20:14-18: "Cursed be the day I was born! May the day my mother bore me not be blessed! Cursed be the man who brought my father the news, who made him very glad, saying, 'A child is born to you—a son!' May that man be like the towns the Lord overthrew without pity. May he hear wailing in the morning, a battle cry at noon."
Point: Jeremiah’s pain and frustration are evident as he laments the cost of his calling. Even though he has faithfully delivered God’s Word, the emotional weight of rejection and suffering causes him to question his purpose. This shows us that even the most faithful servants of God experience deep emotional struggles in their walk. Yet, God’s calling remains on their lives, and they continue to serve despite the pain.
CROSS-REFERENCE
In this section, we’ll explore other Scriptures that reflect the themes of opposition, suffering, and the cost of standing for God’s truth, similar to the experiences of Jeremiah in Jeremiah 20:7-18.
Jeremiah
20:9
“But
if I say, ‘I will not mention his word or speak anymore in his
name,’ his word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my
bones. I am weary of holding it in; indeed, I cannot.”
(NIV)
Cross-Reference
1: Jeremiah 15:16
“When
your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart’s
delight, for I bear your name, Lord God Almighty.”
(NIV)
Jeremiah, despite facing opposition, found God's word to be a source of strength and passion. He could not keep the word of God inside, for it was as though it burned within him. This echoes how God's truth can become a deep and unshakable desire, compelling us to share it even in the face of hardship.
Cross-Reference
2: Hebrews 4:12
“For
the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged
sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and
marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”
(NIV)
The power of God’s word, as described in Hebrews, aligns with the fire Jeremiah feels. The truth of God's word is both powerful and transforming, and though it brings opposition, it also has the ability to bring about change in the hearts of people, just as it did for Jeremiah.
Jeremiah
20:10
“I
hear many whispering, ‘Terror on every side! Denounce him! Let’s
denounce him!’ All my friends are waiting for me to slip, saying,
‘Perhaps he will be deceived; then we will prevail over him and
take our revenge on him.’”
(NIV)
Cross-Reference
1: John 15:18-19
“If
the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you
belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do
not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That
is why the world hates you.”
(NIV)
Just as Jeremiah faced opposition from those around him, Jesus warns His followers that they, too, will face hatred and rejection because of their relationship with Him. Standing for truth will often bring conflict, and Jesus' words remind us that this is a part of being His disciple.
Cross-Reference
2: Matthew 5:10-12
“Blessed
are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is
the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you,
persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because
of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven,
for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before
you.”
(NIV)
Jesus calls those who suffer for righteousness' sake blessed. Like Jeremiah, we may face opposition for standing firm in our faith, but Jesus assures us that our reward is great in heaven, and that suffering for His name is part of the shared experience of God's faithful servants.
Jeremiah
20:18
“Why
did I ever come out of the womb to see trouble and sorrow and to end
my days in shame?”
(NIV)
Cross-Reference
1: Psalm 73:13-14
“Surely
in vain I have kept my heart pure and have washed my hands in
innocence. All day long I have been afflicted, and every morning
brings new punishments.”
(NIV)
In this Psalm, Asaph expresses feelings of futility and frustration, similar to Jeremiah's lament. Both of them question the cost of standing for truth in a world that often seems to reward the wicked. Yet, God’s presence and eventual justice provide hope in the midst of these struggles.
Cross-Reference
2: 2 Corinthians 4:8-9
“We
are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not
in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not
destroyed.”
(NIV)
Paul reflects on the challenges of living for Christ and speaking His truth. Though there is hardship, Paul emphasizes that God does not abandon His people. This echoes Jeremiah’s struggles, but also reminds us that even in the face of opposition, God sustains us.
Discussion Questions
How do you respond when standing for God’s truth leads to opposition or personal struggle?
Commentary: Jeremiah’s raw honesty in his struggles with standing for God’s truth (Jeremiah 20:18) mirrors the difficult realities that many of us face when we speak or live according to God's word. The world, and even those close to us, may not always understand or appreciate our faithfulness. Reflect on how you respond in those moments: Do you ever feel overwhelmed or discouraged, and how do you find strength to keep going?
What do you think Jesus meant when He said, “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness”? (Matthew 5:10-12)
Commentary: In the Beatitudes, Jesus flips the world's expectations. While the world values comfort and avoiding trouble, Jesus declares that those who suffer for His sake are blessed and that their reward is great in heaven. This question helps participants think about the value of suffering for the gospel and the eternal perspective that we are called to have as we face opposition. How can we view our trials through the lens of eternal reward?
How can we cultivate the courage to speak God’s truth, even when it seems like the cost is too high?
Commentary: Jeremiah’s experience shows how speaking God's truth came at a great personal cost. He was rejected by his community, and even his own emotions betrayed him. However, the fire of God’s word within him drove him to continue speaking. Discuss what gives us the courage to stand firm in truth. How can we rely on God's strength, and how do we encourage each other to keep speaking truth in a world that may resist or reject it?
Session
6: The False Prophets’ Lies- Jeremiah
23:16-32
—
Printable Handout
Focus:
Discernment in recognizing truth and deception.
Purpose
Statement:
To help believers recognize false teachings and remain faithful to
God’s truth.
READ: Jeremiah 23:16-32
16 This is what the Lord Almighty says:
“Do
not listen to what the prophets are prophesying to you;
they
fill you with false hopes.
They speak visions from their
own minds,
not from the mouth of
the Lord.
17 They keep saying to those who
despise me,
‘The Lord says:
You will have peace.’
And to all who follow the
stubbornness of their hearts
they
say, ‘No harm will come to you.’
18 But which of
them has stood in the council of the Lord
to
see or to hear his word?
Who has
listened and heard his word?
19 See, the storm of
the Lord
will burst out in wrath,
a
whirlwind swirling down
on the
heads of the wicked.
20 The anger of the Lord will
not turn back
until he fully
accomplishes
the purposes of his
heart.
In days to come
you will
understand it clearly.
21 I did not send these
prophets,
yet they have run with their
message;
I did not speak to them,
yet
they have prophesied.
22 But if they had stood in my
council,
they would have proclaimed my
words to my people
and would have turned them from their
evil ways
and from their evil deeds.
23 “Am
I only a God nearby,”
declares the Lord,
“and
not a God far away?
24 Who can hide in secret
places
so that I cannot see
them?”
declares the Lord.
“Do
not I fill heaven and earth?”
declares the Lord.
25 “I have heard what the prophets say who prophesy lies in my name. They say, ‘I had a dream! I had a dream!’ 26 How long will this continue in the hearts of these lying prophets, who prophesy the delusions of their own minds? 27 They think the dreams they tell one another will make my people forget my name, just as their ancestors forgot my name through Baal worship. 28 Let the prophet who has a dream recount the dream, but let the one who has my word speak it faithfully. For what has straw to do with grain?” declares the Lord. 29 “Is not my word like fire,” declares the Lord, “and like a hammer that breaks a rock in pieces?
30 “Therefore,” declares the Lord, “I am against the prophets who steal from one another words supposedly from me. 31 Yes,” declares the Lord, “I am against the prophets who wag their own tongues and yet declare, ‘The Lord declares.’ 32 Indeed, I am against those who prophesy false dreams,” declares the Lord. “They tell them and lead my people astray with their reckless lies, yet I did not send or appoint them. They do not benefit these people in the least,” declares the Lord.
In-between verses not covered in this session: Jeremiah 23:1-28:17
Discussion Questions:
How can we discern between true and false spiritual leaders today?
Why is it dangerous to listen to messages that only tell us what we want to hear rather than what God says?
OVERVIEW:
In this
session, we explore the warning God gives through Jeremiah about
false prophets. During Jeremiah’s time, there were many people
claiming to speak for God, but their messages were not from God at
all. They told the people what they wanted to hear, instead of the
hard truths that God had spoken. These false prophets led people away
from God and into danger. God warns His people to be careful about
what they listen to and to make sure that the messages they hear are
truly from Him. This passage teaches us that not everything that
sounds like the truth actually is the truth. We need to have
discernment to recognize when something is false and to stay faithful
to God’s Word, even if it’s not always what we want to
hear.
“This
is what the Lord Almighty says: ‘Do not listen to what the prophets
are prophesying to you; they fill you with false hopes.’” — Jeremiah
23:16 (NIV)
THIS MAY SURPRISE YOU:
You might be surprised to learn how seriously God takes the issue of false prophets. In Jeremiah 23:16-32, God warns that those who speak lies in His name will face judgment. He says, “I did not send these prophets, yet they have run with their message” (Jeremiah 23:21). These false prophets were not just giving bad advice—they were leading people away from God, and God was deeply upset about it. The surprising part is that God doesn’t just warn about these false teachings; He promises to deal with them directly. He says that He will “bring disaster” upon these false prophets (Jeremiah 23:34). This teaches us that we can’t just trust anyone who claims to speak for God. We must be careful to compare what we hear to the Bible and seek God’s truth, not just what sounds good or feels good. God is serious about His truth being honored and protected, and He calls us to be careful and discerning in what we believe.
CULTURE CONNECTION:
In today’s world, we are surrounded by many voices telling us different things—on social media, in books, on TV, and even from people we trust. Not everything we hear is true or from God. There are many ideas and teachings out there that sound good, but they may not line up with what the Bible teaches. Just like the people in Jeremiah’s time, we are called to be discerning—to test what we hear against God’s Word. It’s easy to believe something just because it sounds nice or because it’s popular, but we must be careful not to fall for lies that lead us away from God. This passage encourages us to know the truth of the Bible and to always check what we hear against it. We can’t just trust everything that’s said in God’s name—we need to listen carefully and ask, “Is this truly from God, or is it just something someone wants to hear?”
Devotional Thought: The Danger of Counterfeit Truth
During World War II, the British government launched Operation Mincemeat, a deception campaign to mislead the Nazis. They planted fake documents on a corpse and let the enemy find it, tricking them into believing an attack was coming in the wrong location. The Germans believed the lie, and it changed the course of the war.
Deception is powerful. In Jeremiah’s time, false prophets spread lies, claiming to speak for God. They told the people what they wanted to hear, not what they needed to hear. But God warned, “Do not listen to what the prophets are prophesying to you; they fill you with false hopes” (Jeremiah 23:16, NIV). Their lies led the people away from God and into destruction.
Today, false teachings still exist—messages that sound good but twist God’s truth. That’s why discernment is so important. We must measure every teaching against God’s Word, staying rooted in His truth rather than being misled by what simply feels right.
Reflection
Question:
How
can you strengthen your ability to recognize truth from deception?
What role does reading God’s Word play in staying spiritually
discerning?
TAKE-HOME THOUGHT:
In Jeremiah 23:16-32, God warns His people about the false prophets who speak lies in His name, leading people astray. These prophets promise peace and prosperity while ignoring the reality of sin and the need for repentance. The danger of false prophecy is that it appeals to our desires for comfort and assurance, while avoiding the hard truths that we need to hear. God is clear: true prophets speak His Word, not their own, and they don’t simply tell people what they want to hear.
The bigger picture is that deception can take many forms, and it’s essential for believers to be grounded in God’s truth, so we can recognize when something is not of God. God’s Word, rooted in Scripture, will always be the standard by which we discern truth from lies. This passage calls us to stay vigilant, make sure our spiritual lives are built on the foundation of God's Word, and not be led astray by voices that promise comfort at the expense of truth. It also reminds us of God’s deep desire for His people to seek Him wholeheartedly, not settle for false teachings that lead to destruction.
Quick Quiz:
What are some characteristics of false prophets in this passage, and how do they deceive people?
This question helps participants think critically about the nature of false teaching and how it contrasts with God’s truth.
How can we ensure that we are not being led astray by false teachings today?
This question prompts participants to reflect on practical ways they can guard themselves against false teachings in their own lives.
Main Points & Scripture Connection:
False Prophets Speak Their Own Words, Not God’s:
Jeremiah 23:16: "This is what the Lord Almighty says: 'Do not listen to what the prophets are prophesying to you; they fill you with false hopes. They speak visions from their own minds, not from the mouth of the Lord.'"
Point: False prophets speak from their own imaginations and desires, not from God’s Word. Their messages may sound comforting, but they are not grounded in truth. Discernment requires us to compare teachings with Scripture and reject anything that doesn’t align with God’s revealed Word.
False Prophets Lead People Away from God’s Truth:
Jeremiah 23:17: "They keep saying to those who despise me, 'The Lord says: You will have peace.' And to all who follow the stubbornness of their hearts, they say, 'No harm will come to you.'"
Point: False prophets often tell people what they want to hear—messages of peace and security—while ignoring the reality of sin and the need for repentance. This is a warning for us to be cautious when teachings promise comfort without addressing the need for personal transformation and obedience to God.
True Prophets Speak God’s Word with Integrity:
Jeremiah 23:28-29: "Let the prophet who has a dream recount the dream, but let the one who has my word speak it faithfully. For what has straw to do with grain? declares the Lord. Is not my word like fire, declares the Lord, and like a hammer that breaks a rock in pieces?"
Point: God’s Word is powerful, like a fire and a hammer. It refines, purifies, and transforms. True prophets speak God’s Word faithfully, without altering or softening it. We must test any teaching we hear against Scripture, ensuring it holds up to God’s truth.
God Will Judge False Prophets:
Jeremiah 23:30-32: "Therefore, I am against the prophets who steal from one another words supposedly from me. Yes, declares the Lord, I am against the prophets who wag their own tongues and yet declare, 'The Lord declares.' Indeed, I am against those who prophesy false dreams... I will repay them for their wickedness, declares the Lord."
Point: God takes false teaching seriously. He warns that false prophets will face judgment for leading people astray. This reinforces the importance of being discerning and faithful to God’s truth, knowing that He holds accountable those who mislead His people.
Application:
Discernment is Key: As believers, we must develop discernment by studying God’s Word and allowing the Holy Spirit to guide us in truth. The more we know Scripture, the better equipped we are to identify false teachings.
Beware of False Teachers: False teachers often seek to build their own reputation or gain personal power and wealth. Their message may appeal to our desires, but it is important to measure every teaching by God’s Word.
Faithfulness to God’s Word: We are called to speak God’s truth boldly and live in accordance with it. Even if it’s unpopular or difficult, we must stay true to the message of the Gospel and trust God to use it for His glory.
CROSS-REFERENCE
In this section, we’ll explore other Scriptures that highlight the importance of discerning truth from deception and remaining faithful to God's Word, similar to the message in Jeremiah 23:16-32.
Jeremiah
23:16
“This
is what the Lord Almighty says: ‘Do not listen to what the prophets
are prophesying to you; they fill you with false hopes. They speak
visions from their own minds, not from the mouth of the Lord.’”
(NIV)
Cross-Reference
1: Matthew 7:15
“Watch
out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but
inwardly they are ferocious wolves.”
(NIV)
Jesus warns His followers about false prophets who disguise themselves as harmless but are actually dangerous. Just like in Jeremiah’s time, false teachings can appear appealing and harmless but lead people astray. This passage teaches us to be vigilant and discerning about those who claim to speak on God’s behalf.
Cross-Reference
2: 2 Timothy 4:3-4
“For
the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine.
Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a
great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.
They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to
myths.”
(NIV)
Paul, in his letter to Timothy, warns of a time when people will embrace teachings that cater to their desires rather than truth. This echoes the false prophets in Jeremiah’s day who preached comforting messages that were not from God. It’s a call to discernment and a warning to stay grounded in the truth of God's Word.
Jeremiah
23:17
“They
keep saying to those who despise me, ‘The Lord says: You will have
peace.’ And to all who follow the stubbornness of their hearts they
say, ‘No harm will come to you.’”
(NIV)
Cross-Reference
1: Romans 16:17-18
“I
urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause
divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the
teaching you have learned. Keep away from them. For such people are
not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk
and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people.”
(NIV)
In Romans, Paul warns the church about individuals who use smooth talk to deceive believers, much like the false prophets in Jeremiah's time. These people create division by offering false comfort and leading people away from sound doctrine. Paul urges believers to avoid such individuals, as their teachings only lead to harm.
Cross-Reference
2: 2 Corinthians 11:13-15
“For
such people are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as
apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as
an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants also
masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their
actions deserve.”
(NIV)
This passage reminds us that false prophets often appear righteous, but their true nature is deceitful. Just as the false prophets in Jeremiah’s time offered deceptive promises of peace, false teachers today can appear good while leading people astray. We must exercise discernment to recognize them.
Jeremiah
23:21-22
“I
did not send these prophets, but they have run with their message; I
did not speak to them, but they have prophesied.”
(NIV)
Cross-Reference
1: 1 John 4:1
“Dear
friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see
whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out
into the world.”
(NIV)
John advises believers to test the spirits and not simply accept every teaching as truth. Just as God did not send the false prophets in Jeremiah's day, we are called to test and discern whether teachings align with the true Word of God.
Cross-Reference
2: Acts 17:11
“Now
the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in
Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and
examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.”
(NIV)
The Bereans are praised for their discernment in checking Paul’s teaching against Scripture. This reflects the importance of testing every teaching against the truth of God’s Word, just as we are warned to do in Jeremiah and 1 John.
Jeremiah
23:32
“Indeed,
I am against those who prophesy false dreams, declares the Lord. They
tell them and lead my people astray with their reckless lies, yet I
did not send or appoint them. They do not benefit these people in the
least, declares the Lord.”
(NIV)
Cross-Reference
1: Deuteronomy 18:20-22
“But
a prophet who presumes to speak in my name anything I have not
commanded, or a prophet who speaks in the name of other gods, is to
be put to death. You may say to yourselves, ‘How can we know when a
message has not been spoken by the Lord?’ If what a prophet
proclaims in the name of the Lord does not take place or come true,
that is a message the Lord has not spoken. That prophet has spoken
presumptuously, so do not be alarmed.”
(NIV)
This passage from Deuteronomy provides a clear test for determining whether a prophet is true or false: if their words do not come to pass, they are false. It underscores the seriousness of false prophecies and the importance of discerning whether what is being taught aligns with God’s will.
Session
7: The Letter to the Exiles- Jeremiah
29:1-14
—
Printable Handout
Focus:
Trusting God even in difficult seasons.
Purpose
Statement:
To encourage faithfulness and trust in God’s plans, even in
hardships.
READ: Jeremiah 29:1-14
1 This is the text of the letter that the prophet Jeremiah sent from Jerusalem to the surviving elders among the exiles and to the priests, the prophets and all the other people Nebuchadnezzar had carried into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon. 2 (This was after King Jehoiachin and the queen mother, the court officials and the leaders of Judah and Jerusalem, the skilled workers and the artisans had gone into exile from Jerusalem.) 3 He entrusted the letter to Elasah son of Shaphan and to Gemariah son of Hilkiah, whom Zedekiah king of Judah sent to King Nebuchadnezzar in Babylon. It said:
4 This is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says to all those I carried into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon: 5 “Build houses and settle down; plant gardens and eat what they produce. 6 Marry and have sons and daughters; find wives for your sons and give your daughters in marriage, so that they too may have sons and daughters. Increase in number there; do not decrease. 7 Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.” 8 Yes, this is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says: “Do not let the prophets and diviners among you deceive you. Do not listen to the dreams you encourage them to have. 9 They are prophesying lies to you in my name. I have not sent them,” declares the Lord.
10 This is what the Lord says: “When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will come to you and fulfill my good promise to bring you back to this place. 11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12 Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. 14 I will be found by you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back from captivity. I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile.”
In-between verses not covered in this session: Jeremiah 29:1-30:24
Discussion Questions:
How does Jeremiah’s letter to the exiles apply to our seasons of waiting and difficulty?
What does it mean when God says, “I know the plans I have for you” in the context of suffering?
OVERVIEW:
In this
session, we dive into a powerful letter that God sends to the
Israelites who are exiled in Babylon. The Israelites are facing a
difficult season. They are far from their home, living in a foreign
land, and everything seems uncertain. In the midst of their hardship,
God gives them a message of hope through the prophet Jeremiah. He
encourages them to trust in His plans, even when they can’t see the
end result. God tells them that their exile won’t last forever, and
He has a future for them. This passage shows us that, just like the
Israelites, we may face tough times, but we can trust that God has a
plan for us. Even in our struggles, we can be faithful and keep
seeking God, because He is always working for our good.
“For
I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to
prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a
future.” — Jeremiah
29:11 (NIV)
THIS MAY SURPRISE YOU:
It might surprise you to learn that God actually tells the Israelites to settle in Babylon and make the best of their situation during their exile. In Jeremiah 29:5-7, God instructs them to build houses, plant gardens, and even pray for the peace of the city they’re in. This shows us that God’s plans often don’t work out the way we might expect. Instead of immediately rescuing them, God tells them to live fully in the situation they’re in, trusting that He will work things out in His timing. This teaches us that even in difficult seasons, God is still working behind the scenes, and we can trust Him with our present and future. We might want things to change immediately, but sometimes God has a purpose for us in the waiting, and we can still find peace, joy, and purpose, even in hard times.
CULTURE CONNECTION:
In today’s world, many people face difficult seasons, whether it’s struggles at school, challenges in relationships, or even difficult situations at home. It can be easy to become frustrated, discouraged, or feel like things will never get better. But just like the Israelites in Babylon, we can trust that God has a plan for us, even when things seem uncertain. In Jeremiah 29:11, God reminds us that His plans are good, and He has a future for us, even when we don’t understand what’s happening right now. In the middle of struggles, we can still trust that God is working for our good. We can pray, stay faithful, and continue to seek God, knowing that He has a purpose for us, even in the toughest times. Sometimes God wants us to make the best of our situations and trust in His timing, even when it’s hard.
Devotional Thought: Bloom Where You Are Planted
During World War II, Corrie ten Boom and her family were sent to a concentration camp for hiding Jews from the Nazis. In that dark place, surrounded by suffering, Corrie clung to God’s promises. She and her sister Betsie even led Bible studies in their barracks, bringing hope to those around them. Despite the hardship, they remained faithful, trusting that God had a plan.
The Israelites in Jeremiah’s time faced their own exile. Taken from their homes and placed in a foreign land, they longed for rescue. But instead of an immediate escape, God gave them a surprising message: “Build houses and settle down; plant gardens and eat what they produce” (Jeremiah 29:5, NIV). He was telling them to make the most of their situation, to trust Him even in a place they didn’t want to be. Then came the famous promise: “For I know the plans I have for you... plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11, NIV).
Like the exiles and like Corrie ten Boom, we all face seasons of waiting, uncertainty, or difficulty. But God’s plans are always good, even when we can’t see the full picture. Instead of resisting where He has placed us, we can trust that He is working—even in the waiting.
Reflection
Question:
How
can you trust God’s plan, even when life isn’t going the way you
expected? What are some ways you can remain faithful and hopeful in
difficult seasons?
TAKE-HOME THOUGHT:
In Jeremiah 29:1-14, the Israelites are living in exile, far from their homeland. It’s a difficult and painful time for them, as they have been taken from their homes and forced to live in a foreign land. However, in the midst of this hardship, God sends them a message through the prophet Jeremiah that offers hope and encouragement. God tells the exiles to settle down, build homes, plant gardens, and pray for the peace of the city where they live, for in its peace they will also find peace. He reminds them that He has a plan for their future, one filled with hope, and that He has not abandoned them.
The bigger picture is that even in the most difficult seasons of life, God is at work and has a purpose for us. His plans are good, and He desires to give us a future and a hope. While it’s easy to become discouraged during tough times, God’s Word encourages us to trust in His timing, remain faithful in the present, and hold on to the hope of His promises. He is always working for our good, even when we can’t see it. We can trust that God is faithful, and He will bring about His perfect plan for our lives, even when it feels like everything is falling apart.
Quick Quiz:
How does God encourage the exiles to live in their difficult circumstances, and what can we learn from that today?
This question helps participants reflect on the actions and attitudes God encouraged the exiles to adopt, and how those principles can be applied to their own lives when facing challenges.
What does God’s promise in verses 11-14 teach us about His plans for our lives, even when we are in seasons of difficulty?
This question invites participants to reflect on the hope that God’s plans are good and that He is actively working in their lives, even when circumstances are tough.
Main Points & Scripture Connection:
God is with us in the midst of hardship:
Jeremiah 29:4-7: "This is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says to all those I carried into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon: 'Build houses and settle down; plant gardens and eat what they produce. Marry and have sons and daughters; find wives for your sons and give your daughters in marriage, so that they too may have sons and daughters. Increase in number there; do not decrease. Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.'"
Point: God tells the exiles to settle down, live their lives, and contribute to the peace and prosperity of the city where they are living. Even in exile, God was with them, and He was encouraging them to live faithfully where they were. Similarly, even in our difficult seasons, God calls us to trust in Him, continue living faithfully, and make the best of the situation while we wait for His deliverance.
God’s Plans Are Good, Even in Difficult Seasons:
Jeremiah 29:11: "'For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.'"
Point: God reassures the exiles that His plans for them are good, filled with hope and a future. This promise shows us that even when things are difficult, God has a plan, and it’s a plan for our good. We may not always understand the trials we go through, but we can trust that God is working all things together for our benefit and His glory.
God Promises to Hear and Answer Our Prayers:
Jeremiah 29:12-13: "Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart."
Point: Even in exile, God promises to listen to the prayers of His people. He encourages them to seek Him with all their hearts. This is a reminder for us that, in our own difficulties, we can always turn to God in prayer. He is faithful to hear and answer when we earnestly seek Him.
God Will Restore Us in His Perfect Timing:
Jeremiah 29:14: "'I will be found by you,’ declares the Lord, 'and will bring you back from captivity. I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you,’ declares the Lord, ‘and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile.'"
Point: God promises restoration and deliverance. For the exiles, He promised to bring them back to their homeland in His perfect timing. Likewise, in our own struggles, we can trust that God will bring restoration and healing in His perfect time. While we may not know when, we can hold on to the promise that God will fulfill His purposes for our lives.
Application:
Trust in God’s Sovereignty: Even in difficult seasons, God is still sovereign, and He has a good plan for us. We must trust in His timing and purpose, even when things seem uncertain.
Faithful Living in the Present: God calls us to live faithfully in the present, even in hardship. We may not be able to change our circumstances, but we can choose to remain faithful, continue to grow, and trust God where we are.
Hope in God’s Promises: No matter how difficult life becomes, we can find hope in God’s promises. He has plans to prosper us, to give us hope, and to restore us in His perfect timing. Our hope is in Him, not in our circumstances.
CROSS-REFERENCE
In this section, we will explore other Scriptures that align with the message in Jeremiah 29:1-14, focusing on trusting God’s plans, even during difficult seasons.
Jeremiah
29:11
“For
I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to
prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a
future.”
(NIV)
Cross-Reference
1: Romans 8:28
“And
we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love
him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
(NIV)
Like God’s promise to the Israelites in exile, Paul reassures believers that God is working everything, including hardships, for good. While things may be difficult, God’s plan for us is ultimately for our good, just as He promises to the Israelites in Jeremiah 29:11. Trusting God’s purposes brings peace in the midst of trouble.
Cross-Reference
2: Proverbs 3:5-6
“Trust
in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own
understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your
paths straight.”
(NIV)
This well-known passage echoes the trust we are called to have in God’s plans. While we may not always understand our circumstances, God promises to guide us when we trust Him fully. This is similar to how the Israelites were asked to trust God’s plan during their exile.
Jeremiah
29:7
“Also,
seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you
into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too
will prosper.”
(NIV)
Cross-Reference
1: 1 Timothy 2:1-2
“I
urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and
thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in
authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness
and holiness.”
(NIV)
Just as Jeremiah instructs the exiles to pray for the prosperity of the city where they were sent, Paul encourages believers to pray for those in authority. Both passages emphasize the importance of contributing positively to society, even when our circumstances are difficult.
Cross-Reference
2: Matthew 5:44
“But
I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”
(NIV)
In this passage, Jesus calls believers to pray for their enemies and those who oppose them. Similarly, God asks the exiles to seek the welfare of their captors, teaching us the importance of love, peace, and prayer even in difficult circumstances.
Jeremiah
29:13
“You
will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”
(NIV)
Cross-Reference
1: James 4:8
“Come
near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you
sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.”
(NIV)
Both Jeremiah and James emphasize the importance of wholeheartedly seeking God. In difficult times, God promises to draw near to those who genuinely seek Him with all their heart, bringing comfort and restoration.
Cross-Reference
2: Hebrews 11:6
“And
without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who
comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those
who earnestly seek him.”
(NIV)
Faith is essential when seeking God. Just as the Israelites were called to seek God during their exile, we, too, are called to seek Him with a sincere heart, trusting that He will reward our efforts.
Jeremiah
29:10
“This
is what the Lord says: When seventy years are completed for Babylon,
I will come to you and fulfill my good promise to bring you back to
this place.”
(NIV)
Cross-Reference
1: Isaiah 55:8-9
“For
my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,”
declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so
are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your
thoughts.”
(NIV)
This passage from Isaiah emphasizes the trust we must place in God's timing and plans, even when they don’t make sense to us. The Israelites had to wait 70 years before God’s promise of restoration would be fulfilled, but they were called to trust in His perfect timing and wisdom.
Cross-Reference
2: 2 Peter 3:8-9
“But
do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is
like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord
is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness.
Instead, he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but
everyone to come to repentance.”
(NIV)
God’s timing is different from ours, and sometimes we may feel that things are taking too long. Yet, God’s patience and perfect timing are always for our benefit. Just as the Israelites had to wait for God's promises to unfold, we too must trust that He is always working for our good, even when we don’t understand the delay.
Discussion Questions
How do you find comfort in God’s promise that He has plans to prosper you, even when you are facing difficult circumstances?
Commentary: In Jeremiah 29:11, God promises His people that His plans are for their good, even in exile. For the Israelites, this was a difficult time, yet God was still working in their lives. Discuss how we can apply this promise to our own lives, especially when we face seasons of difficulty. How can we find peace knowing that God’s plans are always for our good?
What does it mean to seek peace and prosperity for those around us, especially in challenging situations? How can we apply this today?
Commentary: Jeremiah instructed the exiles to pray for the peace of the city where they were sent. This seems counterintuitive, especially when we are struggling. However, God calls us to be agents of peace and blessings, even when we feel like outsiders. Discuss how this applies to us today, in our workplaces, communities, or even in challenging relationships. How can we contribute to peace and goodwill, even in difficult seasons?
In what ways can we actively seek God with our whole hearts during times of hardship? What are some practical steps to grow closer to Him?
Commentary: In Jeremiah 29:13, God promises to be found when we seek Him with all our hearts. Seeking God wholeheartedly involves commitment and intentional effort. Reflect on practical ways to seek God, such as through prayer, studying His Word, worship, or surrounding ourselves with other believers. How can we be intentional in pursuing a closer relationship with God, especially when facing challenges?
Session
8: A New Covenant- Jeremiah
31:31-34
—
Printable Handout
Focus:
God’s promise of redemption and transformation.
Purpose
Statement:
To explore the shift from the Old Covenant to the New Covenant in
Christ.
READ: Jeremiah 31:31-34
1 “The
days are coming,” declares the Lord,
“when
I will make a new covenant
with the people of Israel
and
with the people of Judah.
32 It will not be like the
covenant
I made with their
ancestors
when I took them by the hand
to
lead them out of Egypt,
because they broke my
covenant,
though I was a
husband to them,”
declares the Lord.
33 “This
is the covenant I will make with the people of Israel
after
that time,” declares the Lord.
“I will put my law in
their minds
and write it on their
hearts.
I will be their God,
and
they will be my people.
34 No longer will they teach their
neighbor,
or say to one another, ‘Know
the Lord,’
because they will all know me,
from
the least of them to the greatest,”
declares the Lord.
“For
I will forgive their wickedness
and
will remember their sins no more.”
In-between verses not covered in this session: Jeremiah 31:1-32:44
Discussion Questions:
How is the New Covenant in Christ different from the Old Covenant given to Israel?
What does it mean that God will “write His law on our hearts”?
OVERVIEW:
In
this session, we explore one of the most hopeful promises in the
Bible: God’s promise of a New
Covenant.
In the Old Testament, God made a covenant with the people of
Israel—an agreement to be their God if they followed His laws.
However, the Israelites often struggled to keep their part of the
covenant. In Jeremiah
31:31-34,
God tells His people that a new covenant is coming, one that will not
be based on just following rules, but on a new relationship
with Him. This new covenant would be written on their hearts, not
just on stone tablets, and they would know God personally.
Ultimately, this promise points to Jesus, who would come and
establish this new covenant through His life, death, and
resurrection. It’s a promise of redemption and transformation—God
will forgive their sins and give them new hearts to follow Him. This
passage reminds us that God doesn’t just want to change our
behavior; He wants to transform us from the inside out through a
personal relationship with Him.
“The
days are coming,” declares the Lord, “when I will make a new
covenant with the people of Israel and with the people of
Judah.” — Jeremiah
31:31 (NIV)
THIS MAY SURPRISE YOU:
You might be surprised to learn that the New Covenant promised in Jeremiah 31:31-34 was not fully understood by the people at the time. When God says, “I will make a new covenant,” He’s not just talking about a change in rules or laws; He’s talking about a radical transformation in how people relate to Him. In the Old Covenant, God’s law was written on stone tablets and the people had to follow it carefully to stay in relationship with Him. But in the New Covenant, God promises that His law will be written on their hearts (Jeremiah 31:33), and they will know Him personally. This was a major shift, and it pointed to Jesus, who would make this personal relationship possible through His death and resurrection. The New Covenant is not just about outward obedience but an inward transformation through the Holy Spirit. This shows us that God’s plan to redeem and transform His people is bigger than rules—it’s about a new heart and a deeper relationship with Him.
CULTURE CONNECTION:
In today’s world, we are often told that rules and systems are the answer to everything—whether it's how to behave, what to believe, or how to live. We may focus on trying to follow the rules or meet certain expectations. But the New Covenant shows us that God’s plan isn’t just about rules or trying harder to be good. Instead, God wants to change us on the inside—transforming our hearts and helping us know Him personally. Just like we can have deep relationships with friends or family, God wants us to know Him and experience His love deeply. The shift from the Old Covenant to the New Covenant helps us understand that true change doesn’t come from just following rules, but from having a relationship with God through Jesus. This transformation is available to all of us through the Holy Spirit, and it’s what empowers us to live the way God wants, not out of duty, but out of love and devotion.
Devotional Thought: A Fresh Start
In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation, declaring freedom for enslaved people in the United States. This wasn’t just a new law—it was a new beginning. For those who had lived under the burden of slavery, this proclamation changed everything. They were no longer bound by the past; they had a new future.
In Jeremiah 31, God announces an even greater proclamation—a new covenant. The old covenant, based on laws written on stone, had been broken time and time again. But now, God promised something different: “I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people” (Jeremiah 31:33, NIV). This covenant wasn’t about following rules out of obligation; it was about a transformed relationship with God, made possible through Jesus Christ.
Through Christ, we are no longer bound by sin and failure. We are given a fresh start—a heart that desires to follow God, not out of duty, but out of love. Just as the Emancipation Proclamation gave new life to those once enslaved, God’s new covenant offers us true freedom and transformation.
Reflection
Question:
What
does it mean to you that God’s law is now written on our hearts
instead of stone? How does this promise give you hope in your
relationship with Him?
TAKE-HOME THOUGHT:
In Jeremiah 31:31-34, God gives His people a beautiful promise: a new covenant that will replace the old one. The old covenant, which was based on the law given to Moses, showed the people their sin but could not transform their hearts. It required outward obedience but failed to change people from the inside. But God promises a new covenant, one where He will write His law on their hearts, where forgiveness will be complete, and where people will have an intimate relationship with Him. This new covenant finds its fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who offers forgiveness and transformation to all who believe in Him.
The bigger picture is that God’s plan for redemption has always been to transform His people, not just externally but internally. The New Covenant, fulfilled in Christ, offers a relationship with God through His grace, not through our ability to keep the law perfectly. Through Jesus, our sins are forgiven, and our hearts are changed. We are no longer under the old system of rules and regulations; instead, we live by grace and the power of the Holy Spirit working within us. This new covenant brings hope and transformation to all who trust in Jesus, as it guarantees us a relationship with God that is unbreakable and full of grace.
Quick Quiz:
What is the difference between the Old Covenant and the New Covenant promised in this passage, and how does it impact our relationship with God?
This question helps participants grasp the contrast between the Old Covenant and the New Covenant, especially focusing on how the New Covenant offers a deeper, more personal relationship with God.
How does the promise of God writing His law on our hearts challenge or encourage us in our walk with Him today?
This question encourages reflection on how God’s transformation of our hearts through the New Covenant affects how we live out our faith.
Main Points & Scripture Connection:
The Old Covenant Was External and Couldn’t Transform the Heart:
Jeremiah 31:32: "'It will not be like the covenant I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand to lead them out of Egypt, because they broke my covenant, though I was a husband to them,’ declares the Lord."
Point: The Old Covenant, based on the law given to Israel, was external—it demanded obedience to rules but couldn’t change the heart. It showed people their sin but couldn’t provide a lasting solution. This shows us that mere outward obedience cannot bring true transformation. The law was unable to restore our relationship with God.
The New Covenant Brings Internal Transformation:
Jeremiah 31:33: "'This is the covenant I will make with the people of Israel after that time,’ declares the Lord. 'I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people.'"
Point: In the New Covenant, God promises to write His law on our hearts. This is not about outward rules; it’s about an inner transformation where we desire to live in alignment with God’s will. The Holy Spirit enables us to live in a way that pleases God, changing our hearts and desires from within.
Forgiveness of Sins and a Personal Relationship with God:
Jeremiah 31:34: "'No longer will they teach their neighbor, or say to one another, 'Know the Lord,' because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest,’ declares the Lord. 'For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.'"
Point: The New Covenant brings complete forgiveness of sins. Through Jesus Christ, our sins are forgiven once and for all, and we are given the privilege of knowing God personally. This is not just a religious duty; it’s a living, breathing relationship with the Creator, where we experience His grace and love.
The Fulfillment of the New Covenant in Christ:
Luke 22:20: "In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, 'This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.'"
Point: Jesus is the fulfillment of the New Covenant. His death on the cross sealed the promise of redemption and transformation for all who trust in Him. Through His blood, we are forgiven, and through His Spirit, we are transformed. The New Covenant offers a relationship with God that is based on grace and secured by Christ’s sacrifice.
Application:
Live in the Freedom of the New Covenant: The New Covenant is based on grace, not on our ability to keep the law. We are free to live in a relationship with God, knowing that our sins are forgiven and that He is working in us to transform our hearts.
Allow God to Transform Your Heart: God promises to write His law on our hearts. This means that our relationship with Him is not just about following rules but about being transformed from the inside out. Let the Holy Spirit work in your life to change your desires, attitudes, and actions.
Embrace the Personal Relationship with God: The New Covenant allows us to know God personally. We no longer need a mediator or intermediary; we can go directly to God through Jesus Christ. This is an invitation to experience His love, grace, and guidance on a daily basis.
CROSS-REFERENCE
In this section, we’ll look at other Scriptures that reflect God’s promise of a new covenant and the transformation He offers, similar to Jeremiah 31:31-34.
Jeremiah
31:31
“The
days are coming,” declares the Lord, “when I will make a new
covenant with the people of Israel and with the people of Judah.”
(NIV)
Cross-Reference
1: Luke 22:20
“In
the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, ‘This cup
is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.’”
(NIV)
Jesus refers to the new covenant in the context of His sacrifice. Just as Jeremiah prophesied a new covenant, Jesus establishes it with His blood. The shift from the Old Covenant to the New Covenant is fulfilled in Christ’s death and resurrection, where He offers forgiveness and relationship with God, not based on the law, but on grace.
Cross-Reference
2: Hebrews 8:8-10
“But
God found fault with the people and said: ‘The days are coming,
declares the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of
Israel and with the house of Judah... This is the covenant I will
establish with the people of Israel after that time, declares the
Lord. I will put my laws in their minds and write them on their
hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people.’”
(NIV)
The writer of Hebrews echoes Jeremiah’s prophecy, emphasizing that the new covenant is not based on external laws but internal transformation. Through Christ, the Holy Spirit writes God’s law on our hearts, transforming us from the inside out. This reflects the complete fulfillment of the new covenant.
Jeremiah
31:32-33
“It
will not be like the covenant I made with their ancestors when I took
them by the hand to lead them out of Egypt, because they broke my
covenant, though I was a husband to them,” declares the Lord.
(NIV)
Cross-Reference
1: Matthew 5:17
“Do
not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have
not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.”
(NIV)
Jesus clarifies that He has come to fulfill the Law and the Prophets, not to do away with them. The old covenant, based on the Law of Moses, was broken by the people, but Christ’s life, death, and resurrection fulfill the law and bring about a new way to relate to God. The new covenant brings forgiveness and a personal relationship with God, unlike the previous one which was dependent on obedience to the law.
Cross-Reference
2: Romans 8:3-4
“For
what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the
flesh, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh
to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in the flesh, in order
that the righteous requirement of the law might be fully met in us,
who do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.”
(NIV)
The law, under the Old Covenant, could not bring lasting righteousness because of human sinfulness. However, in the New Covenant, Jesus fulfilled the law’s requirements and empowers believers to live according to the Spirit, bringing true transformation.
Jeremiah
31:34
“No
longer will they teach their neighbor, or say to one another, ‘Know
the Lord,’ because they will all know me, from the least of them to
the greatest,” declares the Lord. “For I will forgive their
wickedness and will remember their sins no more.”
(NIV)
Cross-Reference
1: Hebrews 10:16-17
“This
is the covenant I will make with them after that time, declares the
Lord. I will put my laws in their hearts, and I will write them on
their minds. Then he adds: ‘Their sins and lawless acts I will
remember no more.’”
(NIV)
In the New Covenant, God promises personal knowledge and relationship with each believer, as He writes His law on our hearts. This is a direct fulfillment of the promise in Jeremiah. Through Christ’s sacrifice, God offers forgiveness, removing our sins completely.
Cross-Reference
2: 1 John 2:27
“As
for you, the anointing you received from him remains in you, and you
do not need anyone to teach you. But as his anointing teaches you
about all things and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit—just
as it has taught you, remain in him.”
(NIV)
In the New Covenant, the Holy Spirit is given to all believers to teach, guide, and empower them. This is the fulfillment of Jeremiah 31:34 where God promises that all His people will know Him personally, not just through external teachings but through an intimate relationship with Him through the Holy Spirit.
Discussion Questions
How does the concept of the New Covenant in Christ change the way we understand our relationship with God compared to the Old Covenant?
Commentary: The Old Covenant was based on external laws and sacrifices, and it required strict obedience, which people often failed to follow. In contrast, the New Covenant, through Jesus, offers grace and forgiveness. Jesus fulfills the law by living perfectly and offering Himself as the ultimate sacrifice. Through Christ, believers now have direct access to God, and His law is written on our hearts, transforming us from the inside out. Reflect on the significance of this shift: how does this affect the way we approach God today?
What does it mean for God to "write His law on our hearts" (Jeremiah 31:33)? How does this differ from simply following external rules?
Commentary: The idea of God writing His law on our hearts speaks to an internal transformation. Instead of simply following rules out of duty or fear, believers are empowered by the Holy Spirit to desire to obey God’s will. Discuss how this internal change leads to genuine transformation, where we seek to follow God not out of obligation but out of love and a desire to please Him.
How does the promise of forgiveness and God's ability to “remember our sins no more” (Jeremiah 31:34) bring freedom and hope to believers?
Commentary: One of the most powerful aspects of the New Covenant is the complete forgiveness of sins. In the Old Covenant, sacrifices had to be repeated, and the sins of the people were never truly removed. But through Jesus, God offers full and final forgiveness, wiping away all past sins. Reflect on the hope and freedom this brings to believers today. How does this change the way we live, knowing that God no longer holds our sins against us?
Session
9: The Fall of Jerusalem- Jeremiah
39:1-18
— Printable Handout
Focus:
The consequences of persistent disobedience.
Purpose
Statement:
To understand that rejecting God’s guidance leads to destruction.
READ: Jeremiah 39:1-18
1 In the ninth year of Zedekiah king of Judah, in the tenth month, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon marched against Jerusalem with his whole army and laid siege to it. 2 And on the ninth day of the fourth month of Zedekiah’s eleventh year, the city wall was broken through. 3 Then all the officials of the king of Babylon came and took seats in the Middle Gate: Nergal-Sharezer of Samgar, Nebo-Sarsekim a chief officer, Nergal-Sharezer a high official and all the other officials of the king of Babylon. 4 When Zedekiah king of Judah and all the soldiers saw them, they fled; they left the city at night by way of the king’s garden, through the gate between the two walls, and headed toward the Arabah.
5 But the Babylonian army pursued them and overtook Zedekiah in the plains of Jericho. They captured him and took him to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon at Riblah in the land of Hamath, where he pronounced sentence on him. 6 There at Riblah the king of Babylon slaughtered the sons of Zedekiah before his eyes and also killed all the nobles of Judah. 7 Then he put out Zedekiah’s eyes and bound him with bronze shackles to take him to Babylon.
8 The Babylonians set fire to the royal palace and the houses of the people and broke down the walls of Jerusalem. 9 Nebuzaradan commander of the imperial guard carried into exile to Babylon the people who remained in the city, along with those who had gone over to him, and the rest of the people. 10 But Nebuzaradan the commander of the guard left behind in the land of Judah some of the poor people, who owned nothing; and at that time he gave them vineyards and fields.
11 Now Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon had given these orders about Jeremiah through Nebuzaradan commander of the imperial guard: 12 “Take him and look after him; don’t harm him but do for him whatever he asks.” 13 So Nebuzaradan the commander of the guard, Nebushazban a chief officer, Nergal-Sharezer a high official and all the other officers of the king of Babylon 14 sent and had Jeremiah taken out of the courtyard of the guard. They turned him over to Gedaliah son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, to take him back to his home. So he remained among his own people.
15 While Jeremiah had been confined in the courtyard of the guard, the word of the Lord came to him: 16 “Go and tell Ebed-Melek the Cushite, ‘This is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says: I am about to fulfill my words against this city—words concerning disaster, not prosperity. At that time they will be fulfilled before your eyes. 17 But I will rescue you on that day, declares the Lord; you will not be given into the hands of those you fear. 18 I will save you; you will not fall by the sword but will escape with your life, because you trust in me, declares the Lord.’”
In-between verses not covered in this session: Jeremiah 33:1-39:18
Discussion Questions:
What can we learn from the fall of Jerusalem about ignoring God’s warnings?
How does God’s protection of Ebed-Melek show that He honors faithfulness even in times of judgment?
OVERVIEW:
In this
session, we look at the tragic fall of Jerusalem, a city that was
once God’s chosen place. For years, the people of Judah had
rejected God’s guidance and refused to turn back to Him, despite
repeated warnings from prophets like Jeremiah. In Jeremiah
39:1-18,
we see that the Babylonians invade and destroy the city of Jerusalem,
taking many of the people into exile. This was the consequence of
their persistent disobedience to God. God had been patient with them,
but they refused to listen. The fall of Jerusalem shows us that when
we reject God’s guidance over and over again, there are serious
consequences. God is loving and patient, but He also warns that
disobedience leads to destruction. This passage teaches us the
importance of listening to God and following His guidance, rather
than choosing our own path that leads away from Him.
“The
city will be handed over to the Babylonians and they will burn it
down.” — Jeremiah
39:8 (NIV)
THIS MAY SURPRISE YOU:
It might surprise you to learn that God allowed the destruction of Jerusalem, even though it was His city and His people. In Jeremiah 39:1-18, we read about the fall of the city and how King Zedekiah tried to escape but was captured. The Babylonians burned down the city and destroyed the temple, and most of the people were taken into exile. This was a painful consequence of their persistent disobedience. While it’s easy to think that God would always protect His people, this passage shows us that God’s protection is not automatic—it depends on the people’s willingness to follow His ways. God had warned the people many times, but they chose to ignore His commands. The surprising part is that even in this terrible moment, God showed mercy to some, like Jeremiah and the faithful remnant, and promised that they would eventually return to their land. This teaches us that God is not only just, but also merciful, even when we face the consequences of our choices.
CULTURE CONNECTION:
In today’s world, we often want to make our own choices without thinking about the consequences, especially when it comes to things like ignoring rules or going our own way. Sometimes, we think we can get away with it, or we might not see the immediate harm. But the fall of Jerusalem shows us that disobedience to God isn’t without consequences. It might not always be a dramatic event like the destruction of a city, but when we ignore God’s guidance in our lives, it can lead to broken relationships, poor choices, and spiritual emptiness. God wants what’s best for us, and when we choose to follow Him, we avoid the destructive consequences of going our own way. This passage helps us understand that rejecting God’s guidance is serious and can lead to painful outcomes, but it also shows that God’s mercy is always available for those who turn back to Him.
Devotional Thought: Ignoring the Warnings
In 1912, the Titanic set sail as the largest and most luxurious ship of its time. Many believed it was unsinkable. But despite receiving multiple warnings about icebergs ahead, the crew ignored them, confident in the ship’s strength. Tragically, their refusal to heed the warnings led to disaster—the Titanic struck an iceberg and sank, resulting in great loss.
Jerusalem faced a similar fate in Jeremiah’s time. For years, God had warned the people through His prophets, urging them to turn back to Him. But they refused to listen. In Jeremiah 39, we see the devastating consequences: the Babylonian army breaches Jerusalem’s walls, destroys the city, and takes the people into exile. Their confidence in their own strength had blinded them to the danger ahead.
God’s warnings are not given to harm us, but to protect us. Like the Titanic’s ignored warnings, rejecting His guidance can lead to unnecessary suffering. However, even in judgment, God showed mercy—He protected Jeremiah and saved Ebed-Melek, a man who had trusted in Him (Jeremiah 39:15-18).
Reflection
Question:
Have
there been times in your life when you ignored God’s guidance and
faced consequences? How can you be more attentive to His direction in
the future?
TAKE-HOME THOUGHT:
In Jeremiah 39:1-18, we witness the tragic fall of Jerusalem. The city that once stood as the heart of God’s people is destroyed because the people persistently rejected His guidance and refused to repent of their sin. Despite countless warnings from the prophets, they chose to trust in their own strength and alliances, rather than in God. The result of their disobedience is devastating: the city is captured, the temple is destroyed, and the people are taken into exile.
The bigger picture is a powerful reminder of the consequences of rejecting God’s guidance. God is patient and gracious, continually offering mercy, but there comes a point when persistent disobedience leads to irreversible consequences. While God’s ultimate desire is for restoration, He allows His people to experience the consequences of their choices, as a way to bring them back to Him. This passage calls us to examine our own lives and be careful not to ignore God’s call for repentance. It’s a warning that while God is merciful, He is also just, and the choices we make today have lasting consequences.
Quick Quiz:
What were the main reasons for the fall of Jerusalem according to this passage, and how do those reasons relate to the choices we make today?
What does God’s message to King Zedekiah in verse 17 teach us about trusting in God’s promises, even in the midst of judgment?
Main Points & Scripture Connection:
Persistent Disobedience Leads to Destruction:
Jeremiah 39:1-3: "In the ninth year of Zedekiah king of Judah, in the tenth month, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon marched against Jerusalem with his whole army and laid siege to it... By the ninth day of the fourth month, the city wall had been broken through."
Point: The fall of Jerusalem is the direct result of the people’s persistent disobedience to God. Over and over, God had warned them through the prophets, but they ignored His counsel. Their rejection of God’s Word brought about their downfall. This is a stark reminder that continued rebellion against God’s commands has consequences.
God’s Judgment is Certain but His Mercy Still Offers Hope:
Jeremiah 39:16-18: "Go and tell Ebed-Melech the Cushite, 'This is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says: I am about to fulfill my words against this city—words concerning disaster, not prosperity. The day will come when they will be fulfilled before your eyes.' But I will rescue you on that day, declares the Lord; you will not be given into the hands of those you fear."
Point: Despite the destruction, God shows mercy to Ebed-Melech, a servant who remained faithful. God promises to protect him and ensure his survival. This demonstrates that, even in the midst of judgment, God’s mercy is available to those who remain faithful to Him. While disobedience leads to judgment, God’s mercy offers hope to those who trust in Him.
God’s Sovereignty in the Midst of Destruction:
Jeremiah 39:4-10: The entire siege and eventual capture of Jerusalem take place according to God’s sovereign plan. Nebuchadnezzar, the Babylonian king, is God’s instrument of judgment.
Point: Even when things seem bleak and destructive, we must remember that God is in control. The fall of Jerusalem was not an accident; it was part of God's judgment on the people's sin. This reminds us that, even when we face consequences for our choices, God is sovereign over all circumstances.
The Call to Repentance and Trust in God’s Plan:
Jeremiah 39:17: "'But I will rescue you on that day,’ declares the Lord; 'you will not be given into the hands of those you fear.'"
Point: In the midst of judgment, God still extends hope and a chance for deliverance. His plan for redemption remains, and even in the darkest moments, He offers protection and a way of escape for those who trust in Him. This demonstrates that even when we experience the consequences of our choices, God’s grace is still present, offering us a future with Him.
Application:
Examine Your Life for Persistent Disobedience: This passage challenges us to reflect on our own lives and recognize areas where we may be persistently disobeying God. It serves as a warning that ignoring God’s guidance has serious consequences. Are there areas where God is calling you to repent and turn back to Him?
Trust in God’s Sovereignty: Even when we face the consequences of our actions, we can trust that God is still in control. His judgment is just, but He is also merciful, offering forgiveness and restoration to those who turn to Him. We can find peace knowing that God’s purposes are always good, even in difficult circumstances.
Respond to God’s Mercy: God’s mercy still reaches out to those who are faithful to Him, even in the midst of destruction. Like Ebed-Melech, we can choose to remain faithful to God, knowing that He will protect and guide us, even when others around us choose disobedience.
CROSS-REFERENCE
In this section, we’ll look at other Scriptures that highlight the consequences of disobedience to God and the importance of following His guidance, similar to Jeremiah 39:1-18.
Jeremiah
39:4
“When
Zedekiah king of Judah and all the soldiers saw them, they fled...
and they went out of the city at night by way of the king’s garden,
through the gate between the two walls, and headed toward the
Arabah.”
(NIV)
Cross-Reference
1: Proverbs 28:1
“The
wicked flee though no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a
lion.”
(NIV)
Zedekiah and the leaders of Judah attempted to flee in fear of the Babylonians, demonstrating their lack of trust in God. Proverbs contrasts this fear with the boldness of the righteous. Trusting in God brings peace and courage, while disobedience leads to fear and desperation.
Cross-Reference
2: Luke 19:41-44
“As
he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it and said,
‘If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you
peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes.’”
(NIV)
Just as Jerusalem's fall was a result of their rejection of God's guidance, Jesus weeps over Jerusalem’s refusal to embrace Him as the Savior. Both passages show the sorrow of God over the destruction that comes from ignoring His direction and warnings.
Jeremiah
39:6-7
“There
at Riblah the king of Babylon slaughtered the sons of Zedekiah before
his eyes; he also killed all the nobles of Judah.”
(NIV)
Cross-Reference
1: 2 Kings 25:7
“They
killed the sons of Zedekiah before his eyes. Then they put out his
eyes, bound him with bronze shackles and took him to Babylon.”
(NIV)
The tragic end of Zedekiah’s reign shows the horrific consequences of disobedience. His sons were killed before his eyes, and then his own sight was taken. This punishment was a direct consequence of his failure to heed God’s commands. It serves as a powerful reminder of the cost of disobedience.
Cross-Reference
2: Galatians 6:7-8
“Do
not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.
Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap
destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will
reap eternal life.”
(NIV)
Just as Zedekiah and the people of Jerusalem faced destruction for their disobedience, Paul warns in Galatians that we will reap what we sow. Disobedience leads to destruction, while following the Spirit leads to life. These scriptures reinforce the idea that rejecting God’s ways brings consequences.
Jeremiah
39:10
“But
Nebuzaradan the commander of the imperial guard left behind in the
land of Judah some of the poor people, who owned nothing, and at that
time gave them vineyards and fields.”
(NIV)
Cross-Reference
1: Matthew 5:3
“Blessed
are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
(NIV)
In the midst of judgment, some poor people were allowed to stay in Judah and were even given vineyards and fields. This can be seen as a glimpse of God’s mercy. In the New Testament, Jesus speaks of the "poor in spirit" receiving the Kingdom of Heaven. Even in times of judgment, God shows mercy and grace to those who are humble before Him.
Cross-Reference
2: James 2:5
“Listen,
my dear brothers and sisters: Has not God chosen those who are poor
in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the
kingdom he promised those who love him?”
(NIV)
The poor in Judah were spared and allowed to stay in the land. Similarly, James reminds us that God has a special place for the poor, showing His care and love for those who are often overlooked. This reflects God’s justice and mercy, even in times of destruction.
Jeremiah
39:18
“I
will save you; you will not fall by the sword but will escape with
your life, because you trust in me, declares the Lord.”
(NIV)
Cross-Reference
1: Psalm 91:14-16
“Because
he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him; I will protect
him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call on me, and I will
answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and
honor him. With long life I will satisfy him and show him my
salvation.”
(NIV)
God’s promise of protection is similar to His words to Ebed-Melech in Jeremiah 39:18. Those who trust in God will be protected, even in times of trouble. This passage echoes God’s faithfulness to deliver those who put their trust in Him.
Cross-Reference
2: Romans 8:31-32
“What,
then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who
can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up
for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us
all things?”
(NIV)
Just as God promises to save those who trust in Him, Paul reminds us in Romans 8 that if God is for us, nothing can stand against us. This reassurance is key for believers in both Old and New Testaments: God is faithful to protect and deliver those who trust in Him, even when facing difficult situations.
Discussion Questions
How does the fall of Jerusalem (Jeremiah 39:1-18) illustrate the consequences of persistent disobedience to God? How does this serve as a warning for us today?
Commentary: The destruction of Jerusalem was the result of years of ignoring God’s guidance. Despite multiple warnings from prophets like Jeremiah, the people chose to follow their own paths. The ultimate consequences were devastating—captivity, loss, and death. Today, we are also warned in Scripture to heed God’s Word, not only for our own good but for our protection. Reflect on how ignoring God’s guidance might lead to destruction, not just in our lives but in our relationships, work, and communities.
What can we learn from God’s mercy in sparing the poor people of Judah (Jeremiah 39:10)? How does this reflect God's justice and mercy?
Commentary: In the midst of judgment, God still shows mercy by sparing some of the poorest people and even providing for them. This shows that while God is just and His judgment is real, He still has a heart for mercy and grace. Reflect on how God’s justice and mercy can coexist. How does God’s mercy give us hope, even when we face consequences for our own mistakes?
How does God’s promise of protection and deliverance in Jeremiah 39:18 (and similar passages like Psalm 91) encourage us to trust Him during difficult circumstances?
Commentary: Despite the destruction surrounding them, God promises to protect those who trust in Him. In this case, God promised Ebed-Melech that he would be spared from the sword because of his trust in God. For believers today, this promise of protection and deliverance is just as real. Reflect on times in your life when you have experienced God's protection. How does this promise encourage you to trust God in the midst of your own struggles or difficulties?
Session
10: The Flight to Egypt- Jeremiah
42:1-22
—
Printable Handout
Focus:
The dangers of trusting human wisdom over God’s direction.
Purpose
Statement:
To encourage reliance on God’s guidance rather than our own fears.
READ: Jeremiah 42:1-22
1 Then all the army officers, including Johanan son of Kareah and Jezaniah son of Hoshaiah, and all the people from the least to the greatest approached 2 Jeremiah the prophet and said to him, “Please hear our petition and pray to the Lord your God for this entire remnant. For as you now see, though we were once many, now only a few are left. 3 Pray that the Lord your God will tell us where we should go and what we should do.”
4 “I have heard you,” replied Jeremiah the prophet. “I will certainly pray to the Lord your God as you have requested; I will tell you everything the Lord says and will keep nothing back from you.”
5 Then they said to Jeremiah, “May the Lord be a true and faithful witness against us if we do not act in accordance with everything the Lord your God sends you to tell us. 6 Whether it is favorable or unfavorable, we will obey the Lord our God, to whom we are sending you, so that it will go well with us, for we will obey the Lord our God.”
7 Ten days later the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah. 8 So he called together Johanan son of Kareah and all the army officers who were with him and all the people from the least to the greatest. 9 He said to them, “This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, to whom you sent me to present your petition, says: 10 ‘If you stay in this land, I will build you up and not tear you down; I will plant you and not uproot you, for I have relented concerning the disaster I have inflicted on you. 11 Do not be afraid of the king of Babylon, whom you now fear. Do not be afraid of him, declares the Lord, for I am with you and will save you and deliver you from his hands. 12 I will show you compassion so that he will have compassion on you and restore you to your land.’
13 “However, if you say, ‘We will not stay in this land,’ and so disobey the Lord your God, 14 and if you say, ‘No, we will go and live in Egypt, where we will not see war or hear the trumpet or be hungry for bread,’ 15 then hear the word of the Lord, you remnant of Judah. This is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says: ‘If you are determined to go to Egypt and you do go to settle there, 16 then the sword you fear will overtake you there, and the famine you dread will follow you into Egypt, and there you will die. 17 Indeed, all who are determined to go to Egypt to settle there will die by the sword, famine and plague; not one of them will survive or escape the disaster I will bring on them.’ 18 This is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says: ‘As my anger and wrath have been poured out on those who lived in Jerusalem, so will my wrath be poured out on you when you go to Egypt. You will be a curse and an object of horror, a curse and an object of reproach; you will never see this place again.’
19 “Remnant of Judah, the Lord has told you, ‘Do not go to Egypt.’ Be sure of this: I warn you today 20 that you made a fatal mistake when you sent me to the Lord your God and said, ‘Pray to the Lord our God for us; tell us everything he says and we will do it.’ 21 I have told you today, but you still have not obeyed the Lord your God in all he sent me to tell you. 22 So now, be sure of this: You will die by the sword, famine and plague in the place where you want to go to settle.”
In-between verses not covered in this session: Jeremiah 40:1-44:30
Discussion Questions:
Why do people often seek God’s will but then reject it when it’s not what they want?
How does this passage challenge us to trust in God’s direction even when it’s difficult?
OVERVIEW:
In this
session, we look at a difficult moment in the lives of the
Israelites, when they had to make a tough decision about what to do
after the fall of Jerusalem. In Jeremiah
42:1-22,
a group of people, led by Johanan, asked the prophet Jeremiah to pray
and seek God’s guidance about whether they should stay in Judah or
flee to Egypt to escape the threat of the Babylonians. Jeremiah prays
and receives God’s answer: they are to stay in Judah and trust that
God will protect them. However, the people decide to ignore God’s
direction and go to Egypt, thinking they would be safer there. This
decision leads to more trouble for them, showing the danger of
trusting human wisdom over God’s guidance. This passage teaches us
that when we let our fears drive our decisions, instead of trusting
God, we can end up in situations we never intended. God knows what’s
best for us, and we need to rely on His wisdom rather than our
own.
“If
you stay in this land, I will build you up and not tear you down; I
will plant you and not uproot you, for I have relented concerning the
disaster I have inflicted on you.” — Jeremiah
42:10 (NIV)
THIS MAY SURPRISE YOU:
It may surprise you to learn that even after God clearly told the Israelites to stay in Judah, they still chose to ignore His direction and flee to Egypt. In Jeremiah 42:19-22, God specifically warns them that if they go to Egypt, they will face disaster. But despite this, they refuse to trust God’s wisdom and act out of fear. The surprising part of this passage is that the Israelites had just witnessed God’s faithfulness throughout their history, but they still chose to make their own decisions. This shows us that it’s easy to be tempted to rely on our own plans, especially when we feel afraid or uncertain. The Israelites thought Egypt would be a safer place, but God knew that staying in Judah was the best plan for them. This reminds us that we can’t always trust our fears or human wisdom—we need to seek God’s guidance, even when it’s hard to understand why He asks us to do something.
CULTURE CONNECTION:
In today’s world, we often make decisions based on what seems safest or most comfortable, just like the Israelites did when they fled to Egypt. We might be tempted to rely on our own wisdom, or the advice of others, when we face difficult situations. But the story of the Israelites in Jeremiah 42 reminds us that God’s plan for us is always better than our own. When we trust our fears or human wisdom instead of God, we might end up in situations that cause more problems. It’s like trying to find a quick fix without thinking through the bigger picture. God knows what’s best for us and promises to guide us if we seek Him. Even when we don’t understand His plan, we can trust that He will lead us in the right direction. This passage encourages us to not let fear or the advice of others lead us, but to rely on God’s direction in every area of our lives.
Devotional Thought: Trusting the Right Guide
In 1912, the Titanic set sail as the most advanced ship of its time. Many believed it was “unsinkable.” Even when warnings of icebergs came, the captain and crew trusted their own judgment rather than heeding the dangers ahead. They pressed forward at full speed, confident in human wisdom—and disaster struck.
In Jeremiah 42, the people of Judah faced a similar moment. Afraid of what might happen under Babylonian rule, they asked the prophet Jeremiah to seek God’s guidance. But when God’s answer wasn’t what they wanted—telling them to stay in Judah and trust Him—they refused to listen. Instead, they followed their own reasoning and fled to Egypt, believing it would be safer. But just as God had warned, disaster followed them there.
How often do we ask God for direction but deep down, we’ve already made up our minds? We seek His will but prefer our own. The Titanic reminds us that human wisdom, no matter how impressive, can lead us into danger. When we trust God’s guidance—even when it seems uncertain—we can avoid the shipwrecks of life.
TAKE-HOME THOUGHT:
In Jeremiah 42:1-22, after the fall of Jerusalem, a group of Judah’s survivors seeks guidance from the prophet Jeremiah. They ask him to pray for God's direction regarding whether they should stay in the land or flee to Egypt. At first, they promise to obey whatever God says. However, when God gives them His answer—to stay in the land and trust Him—they decide to ignore His counsel and choose their own path, fleeing to Egypt out of fear and mistrust. The result is tragic: they will face destruction in Egypt because they chose to follow their own wisdom rather than trusting God.
This passage is a cautionary tale about the dangers of letting fear dictate our decisions. It’s easy to make choices based on what seems logical or safe, but those choices often lead us away from God’s will. When we trust our own understanding or human wisdom rather than God’s direction, we can end up in situations where we are outside of His protection and plan. This session invites us to examine our own hearts: are we trusting God’s guidance, even when it’s hard or doesn’t make sense, or are we allowing fear and human wisdom to lead our decisions?
Quick Quiz:
Why did the people of Judah choose to go to Egypt instead of obeying God’s command, and what does this teach us about the role of fear in decision-making?
What does God’s response to the people (Jeremiah 42:10-12) teach us about trusting God even when we are uncertain or afraid?
Main Points & Scripture Connection:
The People Seek God’s Guidance but Choose Their Own Way:
Jeremiah 42:1-6: "Then all the army officers, including Johanan son of Kareah and Azariah son of Hoshaiah, and all the people from the least to the greatest, approached the prophet Jeremiah. They said to him, 'Please hear our petition and pray to the Lord your God for this entire remnant. For as you now see, though we were once many, now only a few are left.'"
Point: The people initially seek God’s guidance, asking Jeremiah to pray for them. However, when God gives them His answer, they choose to ignore it and make their own decision. This shows us that while it’s good to seek God’s direction, we must also be willing to obey when He speaks, even when His plan doesn’t match our desires or fears.
God’s Plan is for Protection, Not Destruction:
Jeremiah 42:10-12: "'If you stay in this land, I will build you up and not tear you down; I will plant you and not uproot you, for I have relented concerning the disaster I have inflicted on you. Do not be afraid of the king of Babylon, whom you now fear. Do not be afraid of him, declares the Lord, for I am with you and will save you and deliver you from his hands.'"
Point: God’s plan for the people is to protect them and restore them if they trust Him and stay in the land. He offers them His presence and deliverance, showing that their fear of the Babylonians is misplaced. This assures us that God’s plan for us is always for our good, even when our fears try to tell us otherwise.
The Dangers of Trusting Human Wisdom Over God’s Guidance:
Jeremiah 42:19-22: "'You are making a fatal mistake. You will die by the sword, famine and plague in the place where you want to go to settle.'"
Point: Despite God’s clear direction, the people choose to rely on their own wisdom, which leads them into destruction. The decision to flee to Egypt, based on fear and human understanding, results in disaster. This teaches us that when we follow our own wisdom, rather than God’s guidance, we can end up in places we were never meant to be, facing consequences that God’s guidance would have spared us from.
God’s Guidance Requires Trust and Obedience:
Jeremiah 42:6: "Whether it is favorable or unfavorable, we will obey the Lord our God, to whom we are sending you, so that it will go well with us, for we will obey the Lord our God."
Point: The people promise to obey God, but their actions reveal that their obedience was conditional. True obedience to God requires trust in His wisdom, even when His plans don’t align with our own desires or fears. We must be willing to follow God’s direction, no matter how uncertain the path may seem.
Application:
Examine the Source of Your Decisions: When making decisions, are you relying on your own wisdom or are you seeking God’s guidance? Are you trusting Him, even when His direction doesn’t make sense or goes against your fears?
Trust God’s Plan for Your Life: Just as God promised protection for the people of Judah if they trusted Him, He promises to guide and protect us as we follow His will. Even in times of uncertainty, we can trust that God’s plan for us is always better than the one we might come up with on our own.
Act on God’s Guidance, Not Your Fears: Fear can often lead us to make choices that seem safe in the short term but are ultimately harmful. Like the people of Judah, we may be tempted to make decisions based on fear rather than faith. We are called to step out in faith, trusting that God’s guidance will lead us to a place of peace and protection.
CROSS-REFERENCE
In this section, we’ll explore other Scriptures that emphasize the importance of trusting God’s direction over relying on human wisdom or fear, similar to Jeremiah 42:1-22.
Jeremiah
42:2-3
“Jeremiah
the prophet, pray for us to the Lord your God, for all this remnant.
For we are left but a few of many, as you can see, and let the Lord
your God tell us where we should go and what we should do.”
(NIV)
Cross-Reference
1: Proverbs 3:5-6
“Trust
in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own
understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your
paths straight.”
(NIV)
In this passage, the people of Judah seek Jeremiah’s prayer, but their request indicates a lack of trust in God's guidance. They wanted human direction instead of fully relying on God. Proverbs reminds us that we should not trust our own understanding or fears but rely on God for direction in every area of our lives.
Cross-Reference
2: Isaiah 55:8-9
“For
my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,”
declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so
are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your
thoughts.”
(NIV)
This passage highlights the vast difference between human wisdom and God’s wisdom. The people of Judah were tempted to follow their own plans and flee to Egypt, but God’s thoughts and ways are higher and better than human understanding. Trusting God’s direction often involves surrendering our own desires and trusting that His wisdom leads to the best outcomes.
Jeremiah
42:7-8
“Ten
days later the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah.”
(NIV)
Cross-Reference
1: Psalm 27:14
“Wait
for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.”
(NIV)
The people of Judah are instructed to wait for God’s direction. Waiting on God’s timing can be challenging, especially when fear or impatience sets in. Psalm 27 encourages us to wait on the Lord, be strong, and take heart, trusting that God’s timing is perfect. This trust leads to peace in the midst of uncertainty.
Cross-Reference
2: Romans 8:28
“And
we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love
him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
(NIV)
While the people in Jeremiah’s day feared for their lives, they were called to trust God’s plan, just as we are today. Even when situations are uncertain or challenging, God promises to work all things for good for those who love Him. This reinforces the importance of relying on God rather than taking matters into our own hands.
Jeremiah
42:19-22
“The
Lord has said concerning you, you will not go to Egypt... you shall
die by the sword, famine, and plague in the place where you want to
go to settle.”
(NIV)
Cross-Reference
1: Romans 1:21-22
“For
although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave
thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish
hearts were darkened. Although they claimed to be wise, they became
fools.”
(NIV)
In this passage, Paul explains how people’s failure to acknowledge God leads them to follow their own foolish ways. The people in Jeremiah 42 chose to ignore God’s clear instructions and followed their own desires, leading to destruction. Similarly, when we ignore God’s guidance, we are susceptible to making foolish choices that lead to negative consequences.
Cross-Reference
2: 1 Corinthians 3:19-20
“For
the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight. As it is
written: ‘He catches the wise in their craftiness’; and again,
‘The Lord knows that the thoughts of the wise are futile.’”
(NIV)
The wisdom of the world often leads to wrong choices, just as the people in Jeremiah’s time thought they could save themselves by going to Egypt. God’s wisdom, however, is far superior to human understanding. Trusting in God’s wisdom protects us from the foolishness that can come from relying on our own plans.
Jeremiah
42:20
“You
made a fatal mistake when you sent me to the Lord your God and said,
‘Pray to the Lord our God for us...’”
(NIV)
Cross-Reference
1: James 1:5
“If
any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all
liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.”
(NKJV)
God is willing to provide wisdom to anyone who asks. In this case, the people of Judah sought guidance from God but were not ready to trust it. James reminds us that if we lack wisdom, God gives it generously to those who seek it. We must not only ask for wisdom but also be willing to follow God’s guidance when He provides it.
Cross-Reference
2: Proverbs 16:9
“In
their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their
steps.”
(NIV)
This passage underscores the fact that while we may make our own plans, it is God who directs our steps. The people of Judah had their own ideas about what would keep them safe, but God had another plan. Trusting God’s direction and wisdom is key to avoiding the mistakes that come from relying on our own understanding.
Discussion Questions
Why do you think the people of Judah were so determined to go to Egypt despite God’s clear warning (Jeremiah 42:19-22)? How does this reflect the way we sometimes ignore God’s guidance in favor of our own fears or desires?
Commentary: The people of Judah were driven by fear of the Babylonians and their own desires to protect themselves. They thought that going to Egypt would be the safest option. This is a powerful reminder that our fears can sometimes cloud our judgment, making us act out of panic or self-preservation instead of trusting in God’s plan. Reflect on your own life—are there areas where you are tempted to rely on your own wisdom or fears instead of trusting God?
How can we learn to recognize and resist the temptation to trust in our own wisdom over God’s direction, especially in times of uncertainty or fear?
Commentary: It’s easy to rely on our own understanding when we feel uncertain or afraid, but the Bible warns against this. God’s ways are higher than ours, and He promises to direct our paths if we trust in Him. Reflect on practical ways you can submit to God’s guidance instead of leaning on your own understanding. What steps can you take to grow in this area of trusting God’s wisdom?
How does Proverbs 3:5-6 and James 1:5 encourage us to seek God’s wisdom in our daily decisions? How might our decisions be different if we applied these Scriptures more consistently?
Commentary: Proverbs 3:5-6 calls us to trust God and not rely on our own understanding, while James 1:5 encourages us to ask God for wisdom. These passages remind us that we can approach God with confidence, knowing He will guide us. Reflect on how you can make seeking God’s wisdom a regular part of your decision-making process. What might change in your life if you consistently turned to God for guidance in all areas?
Session
11: A Future Hope- Jeremiah
50:17-20
—
Printable Handout
Focus:
God’s promise to restore His people.
Purpose
Statement:
To provide hope that God’s plans are ultimately for restoration,
not destruction.
READ: Jeremiah 50:17-20
17 “Israel
is a scattered flock
that lions have
chased away.
The first to devour them
was
the king of Assyria;
the last to crush their bones
was
Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon.”
18 Therefore this is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says:
“I
will punish the king of Babylon and his land
as
I punished the king of Assyria.
19 But I will
bring Israel back to their own pasture,
and
they will graze on Carmel and Bashan;
their appetite will be
satisfied
on the hills of Ephraim
and Gilead.
20 In those days, at that time,”
declares
the Lord,
“search will be made for Israel’s
guilt,
but there will be none,
and
for the sins of Judah,
but none
will be found,
for I will forgive the
remnant I spare.
In-between verses not covered in this session: Jeremiah 45:1-50:46
Discussion Questions:
How do God’s promises of restoration reflect His mercy and faithfulness?
How does this passage give us hope for God’s ultimate victory over sin and brokenness?
OVERVIEW:
In this
session, we look at a message of hope from God in the middle of a
difficult time for the Israelites. After years of struggle and
suffering, God promises that He will one day restore His people.
In Jeremiah
50:17-20,
God speaks of a time when Israel will be gathered back to their land,
healed, and forgiven for their sins. This promise is not just about
the past, but it points forward to a future where God will bring His
people back to Him, restoring them and giving them a new beginning.
Even though the people had suffered because of their disobedience,
God’s ultimate plan for them was always one of restoration, not
destruction. This passage shows us that no matter what we face, God’s
ultimate purpose is to bring healing and hope. He has a future for
us, one filled with restoration and peace.
“But
the days are coming,” declares the Lord, “when I will restore the
fortunes of my people Israel and Judah…” — Jeremiah
50:19 (NIV)
THIS MAY SURPRISE YOU:
You might be surprised to realize that even though God had allowed His people to experience the consequences of their sin, He still promised them restoration. In Jeremiah 50:17-20, God talks about how Israel had been scattered and wounded, but He also promises that a time is coming when they will be healed. This shows us that even when we face difficult consequences because of our choices, God still has a plan for our future. He doesn’t want to leave us in despair. He promises to forgive and restore. This was a big surprise for the Israelites because they had been through so much destruction and exile. But God’s plan was always for healing and restoration, not for them to stay broken forever. This teaches us that, no matter how bad things seem, God’s heart is to bring us back to Him and heal what’s broken in our lives.
CULTURE CONNECTION:
In today’s world, it’s easy to feel hopeless when we face tough times, mistakes, or things that seem broken in our lives. Whether it’s relationships that have fallen apart, failures we’ve experienced, or situations that feel out of our control, we can sometimes wonder if things will ever get better. But the promise in Jeremiah 50:17-20 shows us that God’s plans for us are ultimately about restoration and healing. Just like He promised to restore Israel, He promises to restore us when we turn to Him. Even when we make mistakes or face hardships, God is a God of second chances. He is always working to bring us back to Him and to heal what is broken. This passage encourages us to have hope in the future because, no matter what we go through, God is always working for our good and will restore us in His perfect timing.
Devotional Thought: A Nation Rebuilt from Ruins
After World War II, much of Europe lay in ruins. Cities were destroyed, economies shattered, and hope seemed distant. But in the years that followed, nations rebuilt. Roads, homes, and landmarks were restored, and communities found new life. What once seemed hopeless became a testimony to resilience and renewal.
In Jeremiah 50:17-20, God speaks to His people, Israel, who had been scattered and broken because of their sin. They had suffered under Babylon’s oppression, but God’s plan was never to leave them in ruin. He promised restoration—a future where their sins would be forgiven and they would be brought back home.
Life sometimes feels like a battlefield, leaving us wounded and discouraged. But God is a God of restoration. Just as war-torn nations found hope after devastation, so too does God promise to rebuild and renew our lives. No matter how broken we feel, His plan is never to leave us in ruin—He is always working toward our restoration.
TAKE-HOME THOUGHT:
In Jeremiah 50:17-20, God gives a message of hope to the exiled people of Israel, assuring them that even in the midst of their suffering, He has a future plan for their restoration. Though they were scattered and taken captive by Babylon, God promises to bring them back to their land, heal their wounds, and forgive their sins. This passage reminds us that no matter how difficult the present circumstances may be, God’s ultimate plan is one of restoration, hope, and healing.
This message is timeless: God does not abandon His people. Even in the darkest moments, His promises stand firm. This session invites us to focus on God's faithfulness, trusting that He will fulfill His plans for our lives, regardless of our present struggles. No matter how lost or hopeless we may feel, God’s plan is for our good, and He is working behind the scenes to bring about His restoration. We are encouraged to hold on to the hope that God will fulfill His promises and that His ultimate purpose for us is healing and restoration.
Quick Quiz:
How does the promise of restoration in Jeremiah 50:17-20 offer hope to the exiled Israelites, and how can it encourage us today when we face difficult circumstances?
What is the significance of God forgiving the iniquity of His people in this passage, and how does this relate to His plan of restoration?
Main Points & Scripture Connection:
God’s Promise to Restore His Scattered People:
Jeremiah 50:17: "Israel is a scattered sheep that lions have chased away. The first to devour them was the king of Assyria; the last to crush their bones was Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon."
Point: Israel, like a scattered sheep, had been defeated and driven away by both Assyria and Babylon. But even in this exile, God promises to bring His people back. This is a reminder that, no matter how far we feel from God or how scattered our lives may seem, God’s promise is to gather us and restore us to Himself.
God’s Plan for Restoration Involves Healing and Forgiveness:
Jeremiah 50:18-20: "Therefore this is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says: 'I will punish the king of Babylon and his land, as I punished the king of Assyria. But I will bring Israel back to their own pasture, and they will graze on Carmel and Bashan; their appetite will be satisfied on the hills of Ephraim and Gilead. In those days, at that time, declares the Lord, search will be made for Israel’s guilt, but there will be none, and for the sins of Judah, but none will be found, for I will forgive the remnant I spare.'"
Point: God’s restoration isn’t just about returning His people to their land, but about healing their hearts and forgiving their sins. The people will experience forgiveness and cleansing. This shows us that God’s restoration involves both physical and spiritual healing—He brings us back, but He also transforms us by forgiving our sins and making us whole.
God’s Justice and Mercy Are at Work in the Restoration:
Jeremiah 50:18: "Therefore this is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says: 'I will punish the king of Babylon and his land, as I punished the king of Assyria.'"
Point: God’s restoration is also linked to His justice. He promises to punish Babylon for their role in Israel’s exile, ensuring that the wicked do not go unpunished. This shows us that God’s plans are not only for restoration but also for justice, ensuring that evil is dealt with and His people are vindicated.
Hope for the Future Despite the Present Circumstances:
Jeremiah 50:19-20: "But I will bring Israel back to their own pasture, and they will graze on Carmel and Bashan; their appetite will be satisfied on the hills of Ephraim and Gilead."
Point: Even though Israel is in exile and suffering, God promises a future of peace and abundance. This assurance of restoration and peace is rooted in God’s character—He is faithful, and His promises will always come to pass. In our own lives, we are reminded that, no matter how difficult the present may be, God’s future plans for us are filled with hope.
Application:
Hold On to the Promise of Restoration: Just as God promised to restore Israel, He also promises to restore us. No matter how broken or distant we may feel, God is working to bring about healing, forgiveness, and restoration in our lives. Trust in His timing and His plan for your future.
Rest in God’s Forgiveness: The promise of forgiveness is central to God’s restoration plan. When we feel weighed down by our failures, we can remember that God offers complete forgiveness to all who repent and turn to Him. We don’t have to carry guilt or shame; we can rest in the freedom that comes through His grace.
Trust God’s Justice and Mercy: Just as God promises to deal with the injustice done by Babylon, we can trust that God will work justice in our own lives. He sees the wrongs that have been done to us, and He will make all things right. We can trust that He is both just and merciful, and He will restore us according to His perfect will.
CROSS-REFERENCE
In this section, we’ll explore other Scriptures that highlight God’s promise of restoration, similar to Jeremiah 50:17-20, where God promises to restore Israel despite their past failures.
Jeremiah
50:17
“Israel
is a scattered sheep that lions have chased away. The first to devour
them was the king of Assyria; the last to crush their bones was
Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon.”
(NIV)
Cross-Reference
1: Ezekiel 34:16
“I
will search for the lost and bring back the strays. I will bind up
the injured and strengthen the weak, but the sleek and the strong I
will destroy. I will shepherd the flock with justice.”
(NIV)
This passage in Ezekiel echoes God's promise to restore His people. Just as Israel had been scattered and lost, God promises to seek out the lost, heal the broken, and strengthen those who are weak. God’s restoration is not only a return to the land but also a healing of the heart and spirit.
Cross-Reference
2: Luke 15:4-6
“Suppose
one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Does he not
leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep
until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his
shoulders and goes home.”
(NIV)
This parable spoken by Jesus illustrates God’s heart for the lost. Just as a shepherd goes after a lost sheep, God seeks to bring His people back to Himself. This passage reminds us of the restoration that God offers to those who have wandered away or been scattered by their circumstances.
Jeremiah
50:18-19
“Therefore
this is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says: ‘I will
punish the king of Babylon and his land as I punished the king of
Assyria. But I will bring Israel back to their own pasture, and they
will graze on Carmel and Bashan; their appetite will be satisfied on
the hills of Ephraim and Gilead.’”
(NIV)
Cross-Reference
1: Isaiah 55:12-13
“You
will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and the
hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field
will clap their hands. Instead of the thornbush will grow the
juniper, and instead of briers the myrtle will grow. This will be for
the Lord’s renown, for an everlasting sign, that will endure
forever.”
(NIV)
This passage from Isaiah mirrors the restoration promised in Jeremiah, where Israel will return to a land of peace and abundance. God promises a transformation in their circumstances, just as He promises to turn the thornbushes into fruitful trees. This speaks of spiritual and physical renewal that God will bring to His people.
Cross-Reference
2: Revelation 21:4
“He
will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or
mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed
away.”
(NIV)
Just as Israel is promised a future restoration, God’s ultimate promise of restoration and healing is fulfilled in the New Jerusalem. This speaks to the hope that we have in Christ that even in the midst of suffering, God’s ultimate plan is for our restoration.
Jeremiah
50:20
“In
those days, at that time, declares the Lord, search will be made for
Israel’s guilt, but there will be none, and for the sins of Judah,
but none will be found, for I will forgive the remnant I spare.”
(NIV)
Cross-Reference
1: 1 John 1:9
“If
we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our
sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”
(NIV)
God’s promise to forgive the sins of Israel is mirrored in the New Testament promise of forgiveness through Jesus Christ. Just as Israel is promised forgiveness and restoration, we, too, are promised forgiveness and cleansing when we confess our sins to God. This reinforces the message that God’s grace is available to all who repent and turn to Him.
Cross-Reference
2: Hebrews 8:12
“For
I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no
more.”
(NIV)
In this New Covenant promise, God assures His people that their sins will be forgiven, and He will no longer hold them against them. This speaks to the ultimate restoration found in Christ, where our sins are forgiven, and we are reconciled to God.
Discussion Questions
What do you think the promise of restoration in Jeremiah 50:17-20 would have meant to the Israelites at the time? How can this promise of restoration encourage us today?
Commentary: At the time, Israel was in exile and experiencing the consequences of their disobedience. The promise of returning to their land, where they would once again be able to live in peace and abundance, would have been a great source of hope. Similarly, God offers us a future hope of restoration—both in our circumstances and in our relationship with Him. Reflect on areas of your life that need restoration, and consider how God's promises bring hope and encouragement, even in challenging times.
How do the promises of restoration in the Old Testament (like in Jeremiah 50:17-20) connect to the New Testament promises of forgiveness and new life in Christ?
Commentary: God’s promise to restore Israel is not just a return to their land but also a spiritual renewal. In the New Testament, this promise is expanded to all believers through the work of Jesus Christ, who offers forgiveness and eternal life. Just as God promised to forgive Israel's sins and restore them, He offers forgiveness through Christ and promises that we are new creations in Him. Reflect on how God’s promises in the Old and New Testaments work together to bring ultimate restoration to our lives.
What role does forgiveness play in God’s promise of restoration, both for Israel and for us today? How does the forgiveness offered in 1 John 1:9 and Hebrews 8:12 change the way we view our relationship with God?
Commentary: Forgiveness is a key part of God’s restoration process. In Jeremiah, God promises to forgive the sins of Israel, offering them a fresh start. Similarly, in the New Testament, God offers forgiveness through Christ, which is the foundation of our relationship with Him. This forgiveness is available to us when we repent and turn to Him. Reflect on how knowing you are forgiven impacts your relationship with God and how you live your life. How does it give you hope and freedom?
Session
12: The Legacy of Jeremiah- Jeremiah
52:12-34
—
Printable Handout
Focus:
Persevering in faithfulness despite challenges.
Purpose
Statement:
To reflect on Jeremiah’s life and how we can apply his perseverance
to our walk with God.
READ: Jeremiah 52:12-34
12 On the tenth day of the fifth month, in the nineteenth year of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, Nebuzaradan commander of the imperial guard, who served the king of Babylon, came to Jerusalem. 13 He set fire to the temple of the Lord, the royal palace and all the houses of Jerusalem. Every important building he burned down. 14 The whole Babylonian army, under the commander of the imperial guard, broke down all the walls around Jerusalem. 15 Nebuzaradan the commander of the guard carried into exile some of the poorest people and those who remained in the city, along with the rest of the craftsmen and those who had deserted to the king of Babylon. 16 But Nebuzaradan left behind the rest of the poorest people of the land to work the vineyards and fields.
17 The Babylonians broke up the bronze pillars, the movable stands and the bronze Sea that were at the temple of the Lord and they carried all the bronze to Babylon. 18 They also took away the pots, shovels, wick trimmers, sprinkling bowls, dishes and all the bronze articles used in the temple service. 19 The commander of the imperial guard took away the basins, censers, sprinkling bowls, pots, lampstands, dishes and bowls used for drink offerings—all that were made of pure gold or silver.
20 The bronze from the two pillars, the Sea and the twelve bronze bulls under it, and the movable stands, which King Solomon had made for the temple of the Lord, was more than could be weighed. 21 Each pillar was eighteen cubits high and twelve cubits in circumference; each was four fingers thick, and hollow. 22 The bronze capital on top of one pillar was five cubits high and was decorated with a network and pomegranates of bronze all around. The other pillar, with its pomegranates, was similar. 23 There were ninety-six pomegranates on the sides; the total number of pomegranates above the surrounding network was a hundred.
24 The commander of the guard took as prisoners Seraiah the chief priest, Zephaniah the priest next in rank and the three doorkeepers. 25 Of those still in the city, he took the officer in charge of the fighting men, and seven royal advisers. He also took the secretary who was chief officer in charge of conscripting the people of the land, sixty of whom were found in the city. 26 Nebuzaradan the commander took them all and brought them to the king of Babylon at Riblah. 27 There at Riblah, in the land of Hamath, the king had them executed.
So Judah went into captivity, away from her land. 28 This is the number of the people Nebuchadnezzar carried into exile:
in the seventh year, 3,023 Jews;
29 in Nebuchadnezzar’s eighteenth year,
832 people from Jerusalem;
745 Jews taken into exile by Nebuzaradan the commander of the imperial guard.
There were 4,600 people in all.
31 In the thirty-seventh year of the exile of Jehoiachin king of Judah, in the year Awel-Marduk became king of Babylon, on the twenty-fifth day of the twelfth month, he released Jehoiachin king of Judah and freed him from prison. 32 He spoke kindly to him and gave him a seat of honor higher than those of the other kings who were with him in Babylon. 33 So Jehoiachin put aside his prison clothes and for the rest of his life ate regularly at the king’s table. 34 Day by day the king of Babylon gave Jehoiachin a regular allowance as long as he lived, till the day of his death.
In-between verses not covered in this session: Jeremiah 51:1-52:34
Discussion Questions:
How does Jeremiah’s life encourage us to stay faithful to God even when we don’t see immediate results?
What lessons from Jeremiah’s story can we apply to our faith journey today?
OVERVIEW:
In this
session, we reflect on the life of the prophet Jeremiah and his
incredible perseverance despite facing numerous challenges.
In Jeremiah
52:12-34,
we read about the final days of Jerusalem’s destruction and the
aftermath, including the capture of King Zedekiah and the fall of the
city. Despite everything that happened, Jeremiah remained faithful to
God’s calling throughout his life, even when he didn’t see
immediate success or a change in the hearts of the people. Jeremiah’s
legacy shows us what it means to persevere in faithfulness, even when
it seems like our efforts aren’t making a difference. His life
teaches us that our faithfulness to God isn’t about instant
results, but about trusting Him and continuing to walk with Him, no
matter how hard life gets.
“But
the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.” — Matthew
24:13 (NIV) (This
verse ties to the perseverance seen in Jeremiah’s life.)
THIS MAY SURPRISE YOU:
It might surprise you to learn that even after all of Jeremiah’s years of faithfully warning the people, seeing the city of Jerusalem destroyed, and being taken to Egypt against his will, he didn’t give up on God’s call. In Jeremiah 52:12-34, we see that Jerusalem fell just as God had warned, and the people were taken into exile, but Jeremiah’s message remained unchanged. The surprising part is that despite all the rejection and suffering Jeremiah faced, he still chose to be faithful to God. He didn’t give up, even when the situation seemed hopeless. This shows us that faithfulness isn’t about how easy things are, but about trusting God and continuing to live according to His will, even when it’s tough. Just like Jeremiah, we are called to persevere, not because of what we see right now, but because we trust that God is faithful, and He’s always working, even when we can’t see the full picture.
CULTURE CONNECTION:
In today’s world, it can feel hard to stay faithful when life gets tough or when we don’t see the results we hope for. Whether it’s struggling in school, facing challenges with friends, or going through hard times at home, it’s easy to want to give up or stop doing the right thing. But the life of Jeremiah teaches us that perseverance in faithfulness is key, even when we don’t see immediate rewards. Just like Jeremiah, we might not always see how our efforts to follow God will impact others, but we can trust that our faithfulness matters. Being faithful to God means trusting Him in the hard times and continuing to live according to His Word, no matter how challenging it might be. This passage encourages us to look to Jeremiah’s legacy and remember that our perseverance will have lasting value, even if we can’t always see it right away.
Devotional Thought: Faithfulness in the Face of Challenge
In 1955, Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on a bus in Montgomery, Alabama. It was a small act, but one that required great courage. She faced arrest, criticism, and hardship, yet her decision helped spark the civil rights movement. She didn’t see change overnight, but her faithfulness in standing for what was right left a lasting legacy.
Jeremiah’s life was similar. He spent years delivering God’s message to a people who didn’t want to hear it. He was mocked, imprisoned, and ignored—but he remained faithful. Even when Jerusalem fell and the people were taken into exile, Jeremiah’s words did not fade. His life was a testimony to perseverance, proving that faithfulness to God matters, even when results aren’t immediate.
We may not always see the impact of our obedience right away. Standing for truth, showing kindness, and walking in faith can feel discouraging at times. But just as Jeremiah and Rosa Parks showed, perseverance in faith leaves a legacy far greater than we can imagine.
TAKE-HOME THOUGHT:
In Jeremiah 52:12-34, we see the final moments of Jerusalem’s destruction and the consequences of Israel’s disobedience. However, embedded within this dark moment is a powerful legacy: the life of Jeremiah. Jeremiah, who faithfully proclaimed God’s word through years of rejection, opposition, and suffering, ultimately saw the fall of the city and the exile of his people. Despite these challenges, Jeremiah remained committed to God's call, demonstrating unwavering faithfulness even when the results were not what he had hoped for.
Jeremiah's life teaches us that faithfulness is not about seeing immediate results or rewards but about trusting God’s plan and remaining obedient to His calling, no matter the difficulties we face. Jeremiah did not give up on God or His message, even when it was painful or seemed fruitless. His perseverance in the face of overwhelming odds is a powerful example for us today. Just as Jeremiah stood firm in his calling, we are called to persevere in faithfulness, trusting that God is at work even when we cannot see it. Our challenges do not define us; our faithfulness does.
Quick Quiz:
How did Jeremiah's perseverance in the face of opposition and hardship impact the future of God's people, and what can we learn from his example today?
What does Jeremiah’s story teach us about remaining faithful to God’s call even when it’s difficult and the outcomes aren’t as expected?
Main Points & Scripture Connection:
Jeremiah’s Faithfulness in Proclaiming God’s Word:
Jeremiah 52:12-14: "On the tenth day of the fifth month, in the nineteenth year of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, Nebuzaradan, commander of the imperial guard, who served the king of Babylon, came to Jerusalem. He set fire to the temple of the Lord, the royal palace and all the houses of Jerusalem. Every important building he burned down."
Point: Despite the judgment that came upon Jerusalem, Jeremiah’s faithfulness in declaring God's message never wavered. He continued to proclaim God’s Word, even though the people rejected it. This shows that faithfulness is not about the immediate success or acknowledgment of our efforts but about staying true to God’s call, regardless of circumstances.
Jeremiah's Suffering and Perseverance in the Midst of Judgment:
Jeremiah 52:24-27: "The commander of the guard took the chief priest, and the second priest and the doorkeepers, and the officials of the city, who were left behind in the city, and those who had gone over to the king of Babylon, and the rest of the people who remained."
Point: Even as the city was destroyed and the people were taken into exile, Jeremiah’s life was marked by suffering. He faced rejection, imprisonment, and betrayal, but he never gave up on God's mission. This teaches us that faithfulness often comes with hardship and challenges. However, those challenges can shape us and refine our faith, helping us to persevere in obedience to God.
Jeremiah's Legacy of Obedience and Trust in God’s Plan:
Jeremiah 52:31-34: "In the thirty-seventh year of the exile of Jehoiachin king of Judah, in the twelfth month, on the twenty-fifth day, Evil-Merodach king of Babylon, in the year he began to reign, released Jehoiachin king of Judah and brought him out of prison."
Point: Jeremiah’s legacy is not only about his personal faithfulness but about how God used his obedience to shape the future. Even when the people of Judah were in exile, God had a plan to restore them. Jeremiah’s faithfulness in calling the people to repentance and his obedience to God’s plan contributed to the eventual restoration of the people. This teaches us that our obedience, even when we cannot see immediate results, plays a role in God’s greater plan.
Perseverance in the Midst of Uncertainty:
Jeremiah 52:33-34: "So Jehoiachin put aside his prison clothes and for the rest of his life ate regularly at the king’s table. Day by day the king gave Jehoiachin a regular allowance as long as he lived."
Point: Even in the darkest seasons, when it seemed as though there was no hope, God still had a plan. The release of Jehoiachin from prison symbolizes the restoration that God promises to His people. Our perseverance in faith, even when it seems uncertain, is part of God’s unfolding plan for our lives, and we must trust that He is working in ways we cannot always see.
Application:
Remain Faithful in the Face of Challenges: Just as Jeremiah remained faithful even when it seemed like his message was falling on deaf ears, we are called to remain faithful to God’s call, no matter what challenges or obstacles we face. We may not always see the results, but our faithfulness is an offering to God that He honors.
Trust in God's Plan, Even When It’s Hard: Jeremiah’s life teaches us that, even in the midst of judgment, God is still at work. We may not always understand why things happen the way they do, but we can trust that God has a plan for us. Our role is to remain obedient, even when the path is uncertain or difficult.
Perseverance Builds Legacy: Jeremiah’s obedience and perseverance, despite the opposition and suffering he faced, left a lasting legacy. As we remain faithful to God, we also build a legacy that extends beyond our immediate circumstances. Our commitment to God can have a lasting impact on the lives of others, even if we never see the full result.
Find Hope in God's Ultimate Restoration: Jeremiah’s life and the eventual restoration of Israel remind us that God’s plans are for our good, even when we face hardship. We are encouraged to keep moving forward, trusting that God is bringing about His purposes in His time. No challenge is wasted in God’s economy—He is always working to restore and redeem.
CROSS-REFERENCE
In this section, we’ll explore other Scriptures that emphasize perseverance in faithfulness despite challenges, similar to Jeremiah 52:12-34, where Jeremiah’s life and the fall of Jerusalem demonstrate the importance of standing firm in God's calling despite facing adversity.
Jeremiah
52:12-13
“On
the tenth day of the fifth month, in the nineteenth year of
Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, Nebuzaradan commander of the imperial
guard, who served the king of Babylon, came to Jerusalem. He set fire
to the temple of the Lord, the royal palace and all the houses of
Jerusalem. Every important building he burned down.”
(NIV)
Cross-Reference
1: 2 Timothy 4:7
“I
have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the
faith.”
(NIV)
In the New Testament, Paul encourages believers to remain faithful despite trials. Like Jeremiah, who endured the destruction of Jerusalem and its temple, Paul shows us that the ultimate goal is to persevere through challenges and keep the faith. Both Jeremiah and Paul exemplified perseverance in the face of opposition, and we are called to do the same.
Cross-Reference
2: Hebrews 12:1-2
“Therefore,
since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us
throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily
entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for
us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.”
(NIV)
In Hebrews, the call to persevere is clear. Just as Jeremiah persevered in his ministry despite immense challenges, we too are urged to run with perseverance, fixing our eyes on Jesus. This gives us a perspective on enduring hardships, knowing that our faithfulness in Christ is worth it.
Jeremiah
52:14-16
“The
whole Babylonian army under the commander of the imperial guard broke
down all the walls around Jerusalem.”
(NIV)
Cross-Reference
1: 1 Peter 4:12-13
“Dear
friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you
to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But
rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so
that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.”
(NIV)
1 Peter reminds us that trials and challenges are not foreign to the Christian walk. Just as Jerusalem faced its destruction, Christians are not immune to hardship. However, in the midst of challenges, we can rejoice because these difficulties align us with Christ’s sufferings, and ultimately, we share in His glory.
Cross-Reference
2: James 1:2-4
“Consider
it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of
many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces
perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be
mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
(NIV)
James speaks to the refining nature of trials. Like Jeremiah, who faced constant rejection and hardship, believers are to see trials as opportunities for growth. The perseverance that develops through suffering leads to maturity and completeness in our faith.
Jeremiah
52:28-30
“This
is the number of the people Nebuchadnezzar carried into exile: in the
seventh year, 3,023 Judeans; in Nebuchadnezzar’s eighteenth year,
832 people from Jerusalem; in his twenty-third year, 745 Jews taken
into exile by Nebuzaradan the commander of the imperial guard.”
(NIV)
Cross-Reference
1: Philippians 3:12-14
“Not
that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my
goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took
hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to
have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind
and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win
the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”
(NIV)
Philippians speaks about the perseverance required to press forward toward the goal of our calling in Christ. Jeremiah’s persistence and faithfulness in the face of exile and disaster are similar to Paul’s focus on his goal of fulfilling God’s calling despite obstacles. Both Jeremiah and Paul exemplify perseverance even when the final outcome seems distant or uncertain.
Cross-Reference
2: Romans 8:35-37
“Who
shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship
or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? No, in all
these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.”
(NIV)
In the midst of exile and suffering, Jeremiah’s life points us to the truth that nothing can separate us from God’s love. This passage in Romans echoes the same sentiment, reminding us that no matter the hardships we face, God’s love and our victory in Him remain secure.
Discussion Questions
In what ways can Jeremiah’s perseverance in the face of Jerusalem’s destruction serve as an example for us in our own challenges?
Commentary: Jeremiah’s life wasn’t easy—he faced rejection, persecution, and the fall of his beloved city. Yet, he remained faithful to God’s calling. In our lives, we might face personal challenges, disappointments, or even spiritual hardships. Reflect on how Jeremiah’s faithfulness in tough times can inspire us to stay strong in our own walk with God, even when circumstances seem overwhelming.
What are some practical ways we can “press on” in our faith despite the obstacles and difficulties we may encounter, as Paul encourages in Philippians 3:12-14?
Commentary: Paul challenges believers to forget the past and press on toward the goal. Just as Jeremiah stayed true to his calling despite difficult circumstances, we too are called to press forward in our faith, even when the road is tough. Consider specific areas in your life where you need to press on and keep pursuing God’s calling. How can you keep your focus on the prize that lies ahead?
How does knowing that God’s love remains with us, regardless of our struggles, encourage us to persevere through hardships, as described in Romans 8:35-37?
Commentary: One of the most powerful sources of strength during difficult times is the knowledge that nothing can separate us from God’s love. Jeremiah’s ministry, while full of hardship, was carried out with the assurance of God’s faithfulness. Similarly, in our trials, knowing that we are “more than conquerors” through God’s love can give us the strength to endure. Reflect on the ways that God’s love has helped you persevere through difficulties and how that assurance can empower you in your current struggles.
The Book of Jeremiah features the anguished prophet’s call for the people of Judah to turn from their wrongful ways, warning of imminent judgment yet also promising a future redeemed by repentance and restoration. As Jeremiah 29:11 declares, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope,” a message that continues to inspire hope amid hardship.
1: The Call of a Prophet- Jeremiah 1:1-19
2: Broken Cisterns- Jeremiah 2:1-13
3: A Call to Repentance- Jeremiah 3:6-4:4
4: The Potter and the Clay- Jeremiah 18:1-12
5: The Cost of Speaking Truth- Jeremiah 20:7-18
6: The False Prophets’ Lies- Jeremiah 23:16-32
7: The Letter to the Exiles- Jeremiah 29:1-14
8: A New Covenant- Jeremiah 31:31-34
9: The Fall of Jerusalem- Jeremiah 39:1-18
10: The Flight to Egypt- Jeremiah 42:1-22
11: A Future Hope- Jeremiah 50:17-20
12: The Legacy of Jeremiah- Jeremiah 52:12-34
The Book of Jeremiah is one of the major prophetic books in the Old Testament, and it presents a powerful and often heart-wrenching narrative. The prophet Jeremiah was called by God to deliver messages of judgment to the people of Judah, warning them of their impending exile due to their persistent disobedience and idolatry. Throughout the book, Jeremiah struggles with the weight of his calling, facing rejection, persecution, and even personal despair. Yet, in the midst of these difficult messages, God also offers hope, promising that His covenant with His people will not be broken, and that a future restoration is assured. One of the most cherished verses from this book is Jeremiah 29:11, where God declares, "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." This verse has become a powerful reminder to many Christians today of God’s ultimate goodness, even in times of hardship.
Jeremiah’s message can be difficult to hear, as it speaks of judgment, repentance, and the consequences of sin. However, it is also a book filled with the promise of God's unwavering love and faithfulness. The theme of God's judgment is a sobering reminder for us to examine our own lives, both personally and collectively, and to reflect on how we live out our faith in today's world. As noted preacher and theologian Charles Spurgeon once said, "We cannot be content with a shallow understanding of the gospel; we must know the depths of God's justice and His mercy." The Old Testament, including the book of Jeremiah, highlights God’s holiness and justice, but also His mercy and desire to restore His people. Christians today can learn much from the ancient words of Jeremiah as we understand that God's holiness calls us to repentance, while His love calls us to trust in His promises.
For modern Christians, the Old Testament remains deeply relevant, offering a foundation for understanding God’s character and His plan of redemption, which finds its fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Jesus Himself frequently referenced the Old Testament, underscoring its enduring importance for understanding His life and ministry. In Matthew 5:17, He declared, "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them." As modern believers, we should read the Old Testament not just as an ancient history, but as a living word that points to Christ. The Apostle Paul, in Romans 15:4, reminds us, "For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through the endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope." Thus, when studying books like Jeremiah, we not only learn about the past but also grow in our understanding of God’s unchanging nature and His unbreakable promises that continue to shape our lives today.
Week 1: "The Call of a Reluctant Prophet" – Overcome Fears - Jeremiah 1-6
Read - Jeremiah Chapters 1-6
Overview: Jeremiah's story begins with a young, hesitant prophet who feels unready for God's calling. In these chapters, we see God choosing Jeremiah and giving him a difficult message for Judah. Like many of us, Jeremiah felt too young and inexperienced, but God promised to be with him.
Pastor John MacArthur explains, "Jeremiah's forty-year ministry was marked by loneliness, rejection, and persecution, yet he remained faithful to God's call." These opening chapters show us how God prepares His servants for challenging tasks.
Opening Question: Have you ever felt God calling you to do something that scared you? How did you respond?
Digging Deeper
In Jeremiah 1-6, we meet Jeremiah, a young man chosen by God to be a prophet during a difficult time in Judah's history. Jeremiah felt unprepared and afraid to take on this calling, saying, “I do not know how to speak; I am too young” (Jeremiah 1:6). Yet God reassured him with these words: “Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you” (Jeremiah 1:8). Pastor Chuck Swindoll writes, “God doesn’t call the equipped; He equips the called.” This reminds us that God will give us the strength and tools we need when He calls us to serve.
Jeremiah’s early messages warned the people of Judah to turn back to God. He described how they had turned away, saying, “My people have exchanged their glorious God for worthless idols” (Jeremiah 2:11). Dr. Tony Evans explains, “Idolatry isn’t just about statues; it’s about anything we put in God’s place.” For us today, this could mean trusting in money, success, or other things instead of God. Jeremiah reminds us that when we stray from God, He lovingly calls us back, offering forgiveness and restoration.
The first chapters of Jeremiah also reveal God’s deep sorrow over Judah’s sin. In Jeremiah 3:12, God pleads with His people, saying, “Return, faithless Israel… for I am faithful.” This shows God’s heart for His people. As Pastor David Jeremiah says, “God’s faithfulness to us is not based on our goodness but on His character.” Even when we fail, God is ready to forgive us and guide us back to Him. Like Jeremiah, we are called to listen to God, trust Him, and share His truth with others.
Think about this
God’s call can feel overwhelming, but He promises to be with us. How has God equipped you to face challenges in your life?
Just as Judah trusted in “worthless idols,” what are some things people today might rely on instead of God?
Jeremiah shows us God’s deep love and desire for His people to return to Him. How can we share this message of hope with others?
Discussion Questions
Jeremiah felt unprepared to serve God. Have you ever felt unprepared when God called you to do something? How did you respond?
God asked Jeremiah to deliver a difficult message. Why do you think it’s sometimes hard to speak the truth, even when it’s for someone’s good? How can we do this with love and grace?
Influence on Life Today
Have you ever felt God calling you to do something that seemed too big or scary? You're not alone! Jeremiah felt exactly the same way. Max Lucado, in his book "You Were Made for This Moment," writes, "God doesn't call the qualified; He qualifies the called." When God told Jeremiah to be His prophet, Jeremiah tried to make excuses, saying he was too young and didn't know how to speak well. But God didn't accept these excuses - instead, He promised to be with Jeremiah every step of the way.
Rick Warren, pastor and author of "The Purpose Driven Life," explains how this applies to us today: "God uses ordinary people to do extraordinary things, not because of their ability, but because of their availability." In Chapters 1-6, we see Jeremiah warning people about turning away from God and worshiping false idols. While we might not bow down to wooden statues today, we often put other things first in our lives - like money, success, social media, or entertainment. Pastor Tony Evans points out, "An idol is anything or anyone that takes God's rightful place in our hearts."
Just as Jeremiah faced a society that didn't want to hear God's truth, we too live in a world that often rejects God's message. But Beth Moore reminds us, "When God calls you to speak up, He will give you the words and the courage to speak them." Jeremiah's message wasn't popular - he had to tell people to change their ways and return to God. Today, standing up for what's right might mean speaking up against gossip, showing kindness when others are mean, or choosing to do the right thing even when it's difficult. Like Jeremiah, we might feel scared or unprepared, but God promises to be with us just as He was with Jeremiah.
Summary
In about 627 BC, God called a young priest named Jeremiah to be His prophet. Like Moses before him, Jeremiah felt unqualified, saying "Ah, Lord God! Behold, I do not know how to speak, for I am only a youth" (Jeremiah 1:6). But God touched Jeremiah's mouth and filled it with His words, promising to protect him.
The main message in these chapters shows how far God's people had wandered from Him. They were:
-Worshiping false gods and idols
-Breaking God's laws
-Refusing to listen to His warnings
-Acting like they were doing nothing wrong
God compares His relationship with Israel to a marriage, saying "I remember the devotion of your youth, how as a bride you loved me" (Jeremiah 2:2). But now Israel had become unfaithful, like a wife who left her husband for other men.
Jeremiah warns that enemies from the north (later revealed as Babylon) would come to punish Jerusalem unless the people turned back to God. He says, "O Jerusalem, wash your heart from evil, that you may be saved" (Jeremiah 4:14).
These chapters connect to:
-The fall of Jerusalem (later in Jeremiah)
-Daniel's time in Babylon
-Jesus's later warnings about Jerusalem's destruction
-The New Testament's picture of the Church as Christ's bride
The message for today: God is patient but takes sin seriously. He sends warnings through His messengers before judgment comes. Like Jeremiah, we should speak God's truth even when it's hard.
Take-Home Thoughts: Just like Jeremiah, we might feel unready when God calls us to serve. But remember, God doesn't expect us to be perfect - He just wants us to be willing. When He calls us, He also gives us the strength we need. Your age is never a barrier to being used by God; in fact, your life experience can be one of your greatest assets in serving Him.
Week 2: "A Nation in Crisis" - Getting Real - Jeremiah 7-13
Read: Jeremiah 7-13
Overview: These chapters reveal the sad state of Judah's spiritual life. The people were going through the motions of religion while living however they wanted. Billy Graham once said, "Going to church doesn't make you a Christian any more than going to a garage makes you an automobile."
We see Jeremiah warning the people about empty religion and calling them to true faith. Max Lucado writes, "God would rather have honest anger than fake praise." This section shows us how God feels about religious pretense and half-hearted devotion.
Opening Question: What's the difference between just doing religious activities and having a real relationship with God?
Digging Deeper
In Jeremiah 7-13, God calls out the people of Judah for their hypocrisy and warns them of the consequences of their disobedience. In Jeremiah 7:9-10, God asks, “Will you steal and murder, commit adultery and perjury, burn incense to Baal and follow other gods… and then come and stand before me in this house, which bears my Name, and say, ‘We are safe’?” God isn’t interested in empty rituals; He desires a genuine relationship with us that transforms our hearts and actions.
Jeremiah also laments over Judah’s stubbornness and refusal to repent, saying, “Listen! I am bringing a disaster on this people, because they have not listened to my words and have rejected my law” (Jeremiah 6:19). Dr. Tony Evans explains, “Ignoring God’s Word is like ignoring a warning light on your car. It may not seem urgent at first, but eventually, it leads to breakdown.” Judah’s crisis came because they ignored God’s instructions, choosing their own way instead. This serves as a reminder to us to stay attentive to God’s guidance in our daily lives.
Even in the midst of judgment, God’s love for His people remains clear. He says in Jeremiah 13:11, “I bound the whole house of Israel and the whole house of Judah to me… to be my people for my renown and praise and honor. But they have not listened.” Pastor Charles Stanley writes, “God’s discipline is never to harm us but to restore us to a place of blessing.” God’s desire was not to destroy Judah but to bring them back to Him. His faithfulness reminds us that even when we stray, He calls us to repentance and offers hope for restoration.
Think about this
Judah’s crisis was not just about their actions but their hearts. Are there areas in your life where you need to focus more on a true relationship with God rather than outward habits?
Ignoring God’s Word can lead to spiritual crises. How can we stay grounded in His truth in today’s busy world?
God’s warnings are acts of love meant to guide us back to Him. How has God used challenges in your life to draw you closer to Him?
Discussion Questions
Judah believed they were safe because of their rituals and traditions. Why do you think people sometimes rely on religion instead of a personal relationship with God?
Jeremiah mourned for Judah’s sin and disobedience. How can we respond to the struggles and sins of our nation or community with both truth and compassion?
Summary
These chapters contain one of Jeremiah's most famous sermons, known as the "Temple Sermon" (Chapter 7). God tells Jeremiah to stand at the temple gate and deliver a hard message: just having God's temple won't save them from judgment. He says, "Do not trust in these deceptive words: 'This is the temple of the Lord, the temple of the Lord, the temple of the Lord'" (Jeremiah 7:4).
The people believed they were safe because:
-They had God's temple
-They performed religious rituals
-They were God's chosen people
But God points out their hypocrisy through Jeremiah, saying "Will you steal, murder, commit adultery, swear falsely, make offerings to Baal, and go after other gods that you have not known, and then come and stand before me in this house?" (Jeremiah 7:9-10).
God reminds them of Shiloh, where the tabernacle was first placed. He destroyed it because of the people's wickedness, and He would do the same to the temple if they didn't change their ways. This connects to when Jesus later cleared the temple, quoting Jeremiah's words about it becoming a "den of robbers" (Matthew 21:13).
Jeremiah uses everyday objects to teach God's message:
-A ruined linen belt (showing how pride leads to destruction)
-Clay jars (representing how God can reshape His people)
-Wine jars (symbolizing how God's judgment would fill the land)
A key verse that shows God's heart is Jeremiah 13:17: "But if you will not listen, my soul will weep in secret for your pride." This reveals that God and Jeremiah both felt deep sorrow over the people's stubborn hearts.
These chapters connect to:
-Jesus's teachings about true worship being more than rituals
-Paul's warnings about relying on religious heritage (Romans 2:17-29)
-The importance of genuine repentance in both Old and New Testaments
-The eventual destruction of both temples (586 BC and 70 AD)
The message for today: God wants genuine worship and obedience, not just religious routines. Like the Israelites, we can't rely on church buildings or traditions for salvation - our hearts must truly belong to God.
Influence on Life Today
In Jeremiah chapters 7-13, we see God's people facing serious problems because they've forgotten how to live God's way. Pastor David Jeremiah explains this beautifully: "Just as in Jeremiah's time, our world today is filled with people who say they believe in God but live as if He doesn't exist." The Temple sermon in chapter 7 shows how people were going through the motions of religion while treating others unfairly and following false gods. Today, we might attend church regularly but forget to show God's love in our daily lives through kindness, honesty, and helping others.
Joyce Meyer, in her book "Battlefield of the Mind," connects Jeremiah's message to our modern struggles: "Like the people of Judah, we often know what's right but choose what's comfortable instead." Chapters 8-10 describe how the people refused to admit their mistakes or change their ways. This reminds us of how hard it can be to say "I'm sorry" or admit when we're wrong. Pastor Craig Groeschel points out, "True repentance isn't just feeling sorry - it's turning away from wrong choices and turning toward God."
The broken belt in chapter 13 shows how God's people had become useless by turning away from Him. Andy Stanley explains it this way: "When we drift from God's purpose for our lives, we lose our effectiveness as His representatives in the world." Just as Jeremiah warned the people about tough times ahead if they didn't change, we need to recognize when we're heading down the wrong path. The good news is that God always offers a chance to turn back to Him. As Lee Strobel reminds us, "No matter how far we've wandered, God's arms are always open to welcome us home."
Take-Home Thoughts: It's easy to fall into routine religion, even today. God wants our genuine love and trust more than He wants our perfect attendance at church. These chapters remind us to check our hearts and make sure we're not just going through the motions in our faith.
Week 3: "Hope in Hard Times" - Deal With God’s Way - Jeremiah 14-20
Read: Jeremiah 14-20
Overview: During this section, Jeremiah deals with drought, famine, and growing opposition. Yet even in these dark times, we see glimpses of hope. Author Philip Yancey writes, "Faith means believing in advance what will only make sense in reverse."
Jeremiah experiences deep personal struggles, even questioning his calling at times. But as Pastor Rick Warren observes, "God's not afraid of your honest questions. He can handle your doubts and fears."
Opening Question: When have you held onto hope during difficult times? What helped you stay strong in your faith?
Digging Deeper
Jeremiah 14-20 reveals the struggles of Jeremiah and the people of Judah as they faced drought, suffering, and opposition. In Jeremiah 15:18, Jeremiah cries out, “Why is my pain unending and my wound grievous and incurable?” This honest prayer shows that even strong believers can wrestle with doubt and despair. Pastor Rick Warren reminds us, “The presence of pain does not mean the absence of God.” Like Jeremiah, we can take our fears and frustrations to God, trusting that He listens and cares for us, even when life feels overwhelming.
Throughout these chapters, Jeremiah faithfully delivers God’s messages, even though it brings him rejection and ridicule. In Jeremiah 20:9, he admits, “If I say, ‘I will not mention him or speak any more in his name,’ his word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones.” Dr. Tony Evans explains, “When God calls you, His purpose burns within you, even when the task feels impossible.” Jeremiah’s example reminds us to persevere in sharing God’s truth, trusting that He will give us the strength to carry on.
Even in the midst of hardship, God offers hope. He promises in Jeremiah 17:7-8, “Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord… They will be like a tree planted by the water… It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.” Pastor Charles Stanley writes, “Adversity is not a dead end; it’s an opportunity to grow stronger in faith.” Jeremiah teaches us that trusting in God during hard times allows us to experience His peace and strength, no matter the challenges we face.
Think about this
Jeremiah was honest with God about his pain and struggles. How can we be open with God in prayer about our own hardships?
Hard times can make us question our faith, but Jeremiah shows us how to remain faithful. What helps you stay close to God during difficult seasons?
Trusting God brings hope, even in the hardest circumstances. How can Jeremiah 17:7-8 encourage us to trust God when life feels uncertain?
Discussion Questions
Jeremiah felt overwhelmed by his calling, yet he continued to trust God. Have you ever faced a situation where trusting God seemed hard? How did you handle it?
In what ways can you be a source of hope and encouragement to others who may be going through hard times?
Summary
These chapters show Jeremiah dealing with a severe drought and increasing opposition to his message. Despite the hardships, God provides glimpses of hope and promises of restoration.
Chapter 14 opens with a devastating drought: "Judah mourns, and her gates languish; her people lament on the ground" (14:2). Even though the people beg for relief, God says their sins are too great to ignore.
Jeremiah's personal struggles emerge clearly in these chapters. He expresses deep pain over his calling: "O Lord, you have deceived me, and I was deceived... If I say, 'I will not mention him, or speak any more in his name,' there is in my heart as it were a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I am weary with holding it in, and I cannot" (20:7,9).
Key messages include:
-False prophets were promising peace when judgment was coming
-God says true repentance, not just words, is needed
-Jeremiah faces plots against his life
-The prophet experiences both doubt and unwavering faith
Chapter 17 contains the famous heart diagnosis: "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?" (17:9). This connects to Jesus's teaching that evil comes from within the human heart (Mark 7:21-23).
Hope appears in:
-The potter and clay illustration (18:1-11) showing God can reshape His people
-Promises of restoration if people return to God
-Jeremiah's confidence that God is with him "like a mighty warrior" (20:11)
These chapters connect to:
-Jesus's rejection by His own people
-Paul's struggles in ministry
-The New Testament's call for genuine repentance
-God's promise to make us new creations in Christ
The message for today: Following God isn't always easy, but He remains faithful. Like Jeremiah, we may face opposition for speaking truth, but God's word brings hope and transformation.
Influence on Life Today
Jeremiah 14-20 shows us how even the strongest people can struggle when times are tough. Jeremiah faced rejection, famine, and constant threats, yet he remained faithful to God. Pastor Charles Swindoll reminds us, “God never asks us to bear more than He gives us the strength to endure.” This means that even when life feels overwhelming, God’s power is greater than our problems. Like Jeremiah, we can turn to God in prayer and trust His timing, even when answers seem far away.
In these chapters, Jeremiah wrestles with despair, asking God, "Why is my pain unending and my wound grievous and incurable?" (Jeremiah 15:18). Similarly, Pastor Rick Warren teaches, “The deepest level of worship is praising God in spite of pain, trusting Him during a trial, surrendering while suffering, and loving Him when He seems distant.” This reminds us that faith isn’t about never doubting—it’s about holding on to hope when life doesn’t make sense. Jeremiah’s honesty with God shows us that it’s okay to cry out and ask hard questions while still trusting Him.
Even in the darkest moments, Jeremiah’s story points us to hope. Dr. Tony Evans writes, “God is not just preparing you for blessings; He is preparing you to be a blessing.” Despite Jeremiah’s suffering, God used him to bring His truth to others. In our own hard times, we can remember that God may be using our trials to strengthen us and help others. By trusting God, like Jeremiah did, we can find hope and purpose, even when life feels uncertain.
Take-Home Thoughts: Jeremiah's honest struggles show us it's okay to have hard times in our faith journey. God understands when we're discouraged or confused. The key is to keep talking to Him and trusting Him, even when we don't understand what's happening.
Week 4: "Warnings and Promises" – Accept Difficult Truth - Jeremiah 21-29
Read: Jeremiah 21-29
Overview: These chapters contain both stern warnings and wonderful promises. God warns about coming judgment but also promises future restoration. As Warren Wiersbe notes, "Our God is both a God of justice and a God of mercy."
The false prophets were telling people what they wanted to hear, but Jeremiah spoke God's truth, even when it was unpopular. Pastor Tony Evans teaches, "Truth is not determined by majority opinion but by God's unchanging Word."
Opening Question: Why is it sometimes hard to accept difficult truths from God's Word? How can we help each other face hard truths?
Dig deeper
Jeremiah 21-29 reveals God’s warnings to Judah about their disobedience and the consequences of their actions, but it also offers promises of hope for the future. In Jeremiah 21:8, God says, “I am setting before you the way of life and the way of death.” This choice reminds us that God gives everyone the opportunity to follow Him, but we must decide how we will respond. These chapters challenge us to examine our lives and choose to follow God’s way.
One of the most famous verses in this section is Jeremiah 29:11, where God promises, “For I know the plans I have for you… plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” This verse was spoken to people in exile, reminding them that even in the midst of hardship, God had not abandoned them. Pastor Max Lucado writes, “God is the author of our story, and no chapter is wasted.” This promise encourages us to trust God, knowing that He is working for our good, even when life is difficult.
Jeremiah also warns about false prophets who mislead people by saying what they want to hear (Jeremiah 23:16). Dr. John MacArthur explains, “A false teacher leads people astray by replacing God’s truth with comforting lies.” In today’s world, we must stay rooted in God’s Word to discern truth from deception. Jeremiah reminds us that true hope comes not from ignoring reality but from trusting God’s promises, even in challenging times. When we place our faith in Him, we can face the future with confidence and peace.
Think about this
God’s warnings are acts of mercy meant to guide us back to Him. How can we see His warnings as loving instead of harsh?
Jeremiah 29:11 shows us that God’s plans are always good, even in hard times. How does this verse encourage you to trust Him in your own life?
False prophets gave Judah false hope. How can we stay grounded in God’s truth and avoid being misled by false messages today?
Discussion Questions
The people of Judah faced a choice between life and death (Jeremiah 21:8). How do we face similar choices in our spiritual lives today?
Jeremiah’s message brought both warnings and hope. How can we balance speaking truth with sharing God’s promises when we talk to others about faith?
Influence on Life Today
The book of Jeremiah, particularly chapters 21-29, offers a profound reflection on the human condition, grappling with themes of disobedience, judgment, and the enduring hope of restoration. These chapters, filled with warnings of impending doom and promises of future redemption, resonate powerfully even in contemporary society. The constant struggle between following God's will and succumbing to temptation, as depicted in Jeremiah, mirrors the internal battles faced by individuals today. The consequences of disobedience, whether personal or societal, remain a stark reality, highlighting the importance of moral choices and their impact on our lives and the world around us.
As noted by the renowned Old Testament scholar, Dr. John Walton, Professor of Old Testament at Wheaton College, "Jeremiah's message is not simply about doom and gloom; it's a call to repentance and a promise of restoration. He emphasizes the importance of choosing life by obeying God's commands." This emphasis on the power of choice and the possibility of renewal resonates deeply with individuals today, offering a pathway to hope and transformation.
Furthermore, the unwavering promises of God's restoration, despite the severity of judgment, offer a beacon of hope in the face of adversity. This message of enduring love and the possibility of redemption provides solace and encouragement to those facing challenges and despair. It reminds us that even in the darkest of times, there is always the potential for renewal and a brighter future. This message of hope is particularly relevant in today's world, where individuals often grapple with feelings of hopelessness and despair in the face of personal struggles, societal issues, and global uncertainties.
These themes of warnings and promises explored in Jeremiah Chapters 21-29 continue to exert a profound influence on life today. The book serves as a timeless reminder of the importance of moral living, the consequences of disobedience, and the enduring hope of God's grace and restoration. Its message of hope and redemption provides solace and encouragement to individuals facing challenges and uncertainties, offering a pathway to healing and renewal in a world often fraught with difficulties.
Summary
These chapters contain important messages from God during King Zedekiah's reign, when Babylon was threatening Jerusalem. God gives a clear choice: "Behold, I set before you the way of life and the way of death" (Jeremiah 21:8). Those who surrender to Babylon will live; those who resist will die.
God especially condemns the corrupt leaders, saying "Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture!" (23:1). This connects to Jesus's later criticism of religious leaders who led people astray.
Key promises include:
-A future righteous King (Jesus) called "The Lord is our righteousness" (23:6)
-God's plan to restore His people after 70 years in Babylon (29:10)
-The famous promise: "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope" (29:11)
Chapter 24 uses good and bad figs to illustrate two groups:
-The exiles who will return with renewed hearts
-Those remaining in Jerusalem who will face destruction
Chapter 28 shows a confrontation between Jeremiah and a false prophet named Hananiah, who wrongly predicted a quick end to Babylon's power.
These chapters connect to:
-Christ as the promised righteous King
-God's faithfulness to restore His people
-The importance of testing prophetic messages (1 John 4:1)
-God's discipline leading to spiritual growth
The famous verse about God's good plans (29:11) was written to exiles facing 70 years of captivity. This reminds us that God's plans may include hardship before blessing, but He remains faithful to His promises.
Message for today: Like the exiles, we must trust God's timing and purposes, even during difficult seasons. True prophets speak God's truth, even when it's unpopular.
Take-Home Thoughts: God's Word sometimes challenges us with difficult truths, but it always leads us toward what's best for us. Like Jeremiah, we need courage to stand for truth, even when it's not popular. Remember that God's warnings always come with promises of His faithfulness.
Week 5: "The Promise of a New Covenant" - A Change of Heart - Jeremiah 30-33
Read: Jeremiah 30-33
Overview: Here we find some of the most hopeful passages in Jeremiah, including the promise of a new covenant. Author Tim Keller explains, "The New Covenant shows us that God doesn't just want to fix our behavior - He wants to change our hearts."
These chapters contain the famous promise that God has "plans to prosper you and not to harm you" (29:11). As Beth Moore points out, "God's plans for us are bigger than our current circumstances."
Opening Question: What does it mean to you that God wants to write His law on our hearts rather than just give us rules to follow?
Digging Deeper
Jeremiah 30-33 is a powerful section filled with hope for God’s people. After many warnings and judgment, God promises to restore His people and establish a new covenant. In Jeremiah 31:33, God declares, “I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people.” Pastor Timothy Keller explains, “The gospel is about a relationship, not rules. God transforms us from the inside out.” This new covenant points to Jesus, who makes it possible for us to have a personal relationship with God through His sacrifice on the cross.
In Jeremiah 30:17, God promises, “I will restore you to health and heal your wounds.” Pastor Charles Stanley writes, “God’s restoration is about more than just fixing what is broken—it’s about bringing wholeness and purpose to our lives.” This promise reminds us that no matter how far we’ve fallen, God can heal and renew us. He restores not only individuals but also entire communities, as He did for Judah. This shows that God’s plans for restoration and redemption are always bigger than we imagine.
Jeremiah 32 includes the story of Jeremiah buying a field while Judah is under siege—a sign of hope that God will bring His people back to their land. Dr. Tony Evans says, “Faith is trusting in God’s promises even when your circumstances make no sense.” Just as Jeremiah trusted in God’s word, we are called to trust in His promises, even when life feels uncertain. These chapters teach us that through the new covenant, we can have hope for restoration, peace, and eternal life with God.
Think about this
The new covenant focuses on a relationship with God rather than following a set of rules. How does this change the way we approach our faith?
God promises restoration and healing in Jeremiah 30:17. How have you experienced God’s healing—physically, emotionally, or spiritually?
Jeremiah’s act of faith in buying the field shows us how to trust in God’s promises. How can we show faith in God even when life feels uncertain?
Discussion Questions
God’s promise to write His law on our hearts means He transforms us from within. How have you seen God change your heart and desires over time?
How can the promise of restoration and a new covenant give us hope and confidence as we face challenges in today’s world?
Summary
God speaks through Jeremiah to remind His people that their suffering won’t last forever. He promises to bring them back from exile and restore their land. Pastor Charles Stanley says, “Our heavenly Father always has a purpose for the pain we experience. His plans are for our good and His glory.” Just like God gave hope to the Israelites during their darkest days, He offers us hope today, reminding us that He is always working to bring good out of our struggles.
Chapter 31 introduces the New Covenant: "Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah... I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts" (31:31,33). This passage is quoted in Hebrews 8, showing how Jesus fulfills this promise.
Key differences in the New Covenant:
-God's law written on hearts, not stone
-Personal relationship with God for all believers
-Complete forgiveness of sins
-Eternal duration
To prove God's faithfulness, Jeremiah buys land while Jerusalem is under siege. God tells him, "Houses and fields and vineyards shall again be bought in this land" (32:15). This purchase shows Jeremiah's faith in God's promises of restoration.
Chapter 33 connects to Jesus with the promise: "I will cause a righteous Branch to spring up for David, and he shall execute justice and righteousness in the land" (33:15).
These chapters connect to:
-Jesus establishing the New Covenant at the Last Supper
-The Holy Spirit writing God's law on believers' hearts
-The Church as God's new covenant people
-Christ as David's righteous descendant
Message for today: The New Covenant through Jesus offers what the Old Covenant couldn't - transformed hearts and complete forgiveness. Like Jeremiah's land purchase, we can trust God's promises even in difficult times.
Influence on Life Today
This period in Jeremiah's prophecies emphasizes God's unwavering love for His people, despite their repeated failures and the impending judgment. The promise of a new covenant, characterized by the inscription of God's law on their hearts, signifies a profound transformation – a shift from external obedience to an internalized relationship with God. This concept of a transformed heart, where God's desires become our own, resonates deeply with the human experience of striving for genuine change and seeking a deeper connection with the divine.
As noted by renowned theologian Dr. N.T. Wright, Professor of New Testament and Early Christianity at the University of St. Andrews, "The heart of the new covenant is not primarily about new rules but about a new heart, a heart that desires God and delights in his ways." This emphasis on internal transformation highlights the limitations of merely following external rules and the transforming power of a genuine relationship with God. This message challenges individuals today to examine their motivations, to seek a deeper understanding of God's will, and to cultivate a heart that desires to live in accordance with His ways.
The promise of a new covenant offers hope and encouragement to individuals struggling with sin, addiction, or broken relationships. It reminds us that God desires to heal and restore, to transform our hearts and minds, and to empower us to live lives of purpose and meaning. This message of hope is particularly relevant in today's world, where individuals often grapple with feelings of hopelessness and despair in the face of personal struggles, societal issues, and global uncertainties. The promise of a new covenant provides a beacon of hope, offering the assurance that God is with us, working to bring about healing and restoration in our lives and in the world around us.
Take-Home Thoughts: Through Jesus, we now live under this new covenant that Jeremiah wrote about. God's Spirit helps us want to follow Him, not just obey rules. These chapters remind us that no matter how dark things look, God always has a plan for good.
Week 6: "Suffering for Truth"- Handling Rejection - Jeremiah 34-45
Read: Jeremiah 34-45
Overview: Jeremiah faces intense persecution for speaking God's truth. He's thrown into a muddy cistern and faces constant opposition. Charles Spurgeon once said, "The truth of God may be blamed, but it can never be shamed."
Through it all, Jeremiah remains faithful to his calling. As Corrie ten Boom wrote, "There is no pit so deep that God's love is not deeper still."
Opening Question: Have you ever faced criticism or rejection for standing up for what you believed was right? How did you handle it?
Digging Deeper
Today, we will explore Jeremiah chapters 34-45, focusing on the theme of "Suffering for Truth." Jeremiah, often called the "Weeping Prophet," lived during a time of national crisis. His obedience to God’s call brought him persecution, isolation, and suffering. Yet, Jeremiah remained faithful, showing us what it means to stand for God’s truth in the face of opposition.
Jeremiah’s Courage to Speak Truth (Jeremiah 34-36): Jeremiah delivered God’s message even when it angered powerful leaders, like King Zedekiah. In chapter 36, Baruch read Jeremiah’s scroll to the people, but the king burned it in defiance. Despite this, God instructed Jeremiah to rewrite the scroll, showing that His truth cannot be destroyed. “Truth is truth, whether it is popular or not.” — Charles Spurgeon
Suffering and Persecution (Jeremiah 37-38): Jeremiah was falsely accused of deserting to the Babylonians and thrown into a cistern, sinking into the mud. Yet, God raised up Ebed-Melech, an Ethiopian eunuch, to rescue him. This reminds us that God often uses unlikely people to accomplish His purposes. “We are not at liberty to pick and choose which parts of the truth we will declare; we must speak the whole counsel of God.” — A.W. Tozer
Jeremiah’s Faithfulness During Exile (Jeremiah 39-45): After Jerusalem fell, Jeremiah continued to speak God’s truth to the remnant left in Judah and to those taken to Egypt. His warnings were often ignored, but he never wavered in his mission. Jeremiah’s faithfulness reminds us that our calling is to obedience, not results. "God does not call us to be successful; He calls us to be faithful." — Mother Teresa
Think About This: Jeremiah's message was unpopular because it challenged people to turn away from their sin and trust in God’s plan. Reflect on this: Are there times when standing for God’s truth has felt costly in your own life? How does Jeremiah’s faithfulness encourage you?
When Jeremiah was persecuted, God never left him alone. Even in the cistern, God provided a way out. Consider: How has God shown His presence and faithfulness to you during times of difficulty?
Discussion Questions:
What can we learn from Jeremiah about speaking God’s truth even when it is unpopular?
Have you ever experienced opposition for standing up for your faith? How did you respond, and what helped you remain steadfast?
In what ways can we, as a church, support each other when we face challenges for our beliefs?
Summary
These chapters document Jerusalem's fall and its aftermath, showing how rejecting God's word leads to disaster, but obedience brings blessing.
Key Events:
-Jerusalem falls to Babylon (39:1-10)
-Jeremiah is freed by the Babylonians
-Remaining Jews flee to Egypt against God's warning
God highlights faithfulness through the Recabites (Chapter 35), who kept their ancestor's commands for generations. God says, "But I have spoken to you persistently, and you have not listened to me" (35:14), contrasting Israel's disobedience.
Jeremiah faces intense persecution:
-Thrown into a muddy cistern to die (38:6)
-Officials want him executed for "weakening" soldiers' morale
-King Jehoiakim burns Jeremiah's scroll (36:23)
Despite persecution, God preserves both Jeremiah and His word: "Take another scroll and write on it all the former words that were in the first scroll" (36:28).
These chapters connect to:
-Jesus's suffering for truth
-Early church persecution
-God's preservation of Scripture
-Consequences of rejecting God's word
The remnant's flight to Egypt shows how people often choose human solutions over God's direction, despite clear warnings.
Message for today: Standing for God's truth may bring suffering, but like Jeremiah, we must remain faithful. God preserves both His messengers and His message.
Influence on Life Today
Jeremiah 34-45 reminds us that standing for God’s truth often brings challenges, but it’s always worth it. Jeremiah faced imprisonment, ridicule, and even death threats for faithfully delivering God’s message. Pastor John MacArthur says, “A commitment to the truth will always result in opposition, but it will also bring eternal rewards.” Jeremiah’s courage teaches us to stay faithful to God, even when the world doesn’t want to hear His message. Like Jeremiah, we can rely on God for strength in difficult times.
These chapters also show the consequences of ignoring God’s truth. Despite Jeremiah’s warnings, King Zedekiah and the people of Judah refused to listen, leading to the destruction of Jerusalem. Pastor David Jeremiah explains, “Ignoring God’s voice leads to chaos and loss, but listening to Him brings peace and restoration.” This lesson is still true today. When we make decisions based on God’s Word, we can avoid unnecessary pain and find the peace that comes from following His guidance.
Even in suffering, Jeremiah trusted that God was in control. Jeremiah 42:6 reminds us to obey God, whether His answers seem easy or hard: “Whether it is favorable or unfavorable, we will obey the Lord our God.” Pastor Tony Evans writes, “Trials are intended to make us better, not bitter.” Though Jeremiah faced hardship, he clung to the truth and found peace in God’s faithfulness. Today, we can learn from his example by trusting God’s plan, standing firm in our faith, and finding hope in His promises, no matter what challenges we face.
Take-Home Thoughts: Following God doesn't guarantee an easy life. Sometimes being faithful means facing opposition. But like Jeremiah, we can trust that God is with us in every situation, even when we feel alone or misunderstood.
Jeremiah’s life reminds us that obedience to God often comes with challenges, but His presence sustains us through them all. As we face difficulties for standing in God’s truth, let us remember His promise in Isaiah 41:10: “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand
Week 7: "Hope for the Future" - Realize He is at Work - Jeremiah 46-52
Read: Jeremiah 46-52
Overview: The book concludes with prophecies about various nations and the fall of Jerusalem. Yet even in judgment, we see God's mercy and hope for the future. Author A.W. Tozer wrote, "God's justice is His righteousness in action, but never without His mercy."
These final chapters show us that God is in control of all nations and history. As David Jeremiah teaches, "History is His story - God is working out His purposes even when we can't see it."
Opening Question: Looking back over your life, can you see times when God was working even though you didn't realize it at the time?
Digging Deeper
As we conclude our study of Jeremiah with chapters 46-52, we find messages of judgment against the nations, but also a thread of hope for the future. These chapters remind us that God’s plans are just, and His promises of restoration and hope remain steadfast.
God’s Judgment on the Nations (Jeremiah 46-51): These chapters detail God’s judgment on Egypt, Philistia, Moab, Ammon, Edom, Babylon, and other nations. Each nation’s pride, idolatry, or oppression led to its downfall. Yet, God’s judgments also served as warnings to turn to Him. “There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the Lord.” — Proverbs 21:30 Even in judgment, God’s ultimate goal is to bring people back to Himself.
The Fall of Babylon (Jeremiah 50-51): Babylon, once a tool of God’s discipline, would face its own destruction. This reminds us that no power on earth is greater than God. Babylon’s fall also symbolizes God’s ultimate victory over evil. "Though the mills of God grind slowly, yet they grind exceeding small." — Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
A Promise of Restoration (Jeremiah 46:27-28): In the midst of judgment, God speaks a word of comfort to Israel: “Do not be afraid, Jacob my servant; do not be dismayed, Israel. I will surely save you.” This shows God’s heart to restore His people and fulfill His covenant promises. “Our God is a God of hope, and we must never forget that His plans for His people are always good.” — Billy Graham
Think About This: Even when the world seems chaotic, God’s plan for His people is one of hope and restoration. Reflect on this: How can we hold on to hope when life feels uncertain or overwhelming?
Jeremiah’s prophecies to the nations reveal that God is sovereign over all the earth, not just Israel. Think about this: How does knowing that God is in control of all nations and history give you hope today?
Discussion Questions:
How do these chapters remind us of God’s sovereignty over all nations and history?
Why is it important to remember God’s promises of hope and restoration when we face difficulties?
How can we share the hope of God’s promises with others in a world that often feels broken?
Summary
These final chapters contain God's judgments against nations surrounding Israel, ending with Babylon's fall and Jerusalem's destruction.
God pronounces judgment on:
-Egypt (46)
-Philistia (47)
-Moab (48)
-Ammon, Edom, Damascus (49)
-Babylon (50-51)
Despite judgment, God offers hope to Israel: "Do not be dismayed, O Israel! For behold, I will save you from far away, and your offspring from the land of their captivity" (46:27).
Chapters 50-51 describe Babylon's future fall in detail. Though God used Babylon to punish Judah, they too would face judgment: "Babylon must fall for the slain of Israel, just as for Babylon have fallen the slain of all the earth" (51:49).
Chapter 52 concludes with Jerusalem's fall and a ray of hope - King Jehoiachin's release from prison in Babylon, suggesting God hadn't forgotten His people.
These chapters connect to:
-Revelation's prophecies about nations opposing God
-God's sovereignty over all nations
-Christ's final victory over evil
-God's faithfulness to preserve a remnant
Message for today: Though evil may seem to triumph temporarily, God remains in control and will ultimately bring justice and restoration to His people.
Influence on Life Today
Jeremiah 46-52 shows us that even in the midst of judgment, God’s plans include hope for the future. These chapters focus on God’s judgment against the nations who opposed Him and His people. Pastor Alistair Begg reminds us, “God is always just in His judgment, but His mercy is never far behind.” This teaches us that while God deals with sin, His ultimate goal is restoration. Even when life feels uncertain or chaotic, we can trust that God is working to bring about His perfect plan.
In Jeremiah 50:4-5, God promises that His people will seek Him again and find their way back to Him. Pastor Rick Warren says, “No matter how far you’ve gone, God’s arms are always open to welcome you home.” This is a message of hope not just for the Israelites, but for us today. No matter what mistakes we’ve made or how far we’ve strayed, God’s love and forgiveness are always available. He invites us to turn to Him and find a fresh start through His grace.
The final chapter, Jeremiah 52, recounts the fall of Jerusalem but ends with a glimmer of hope as Jehoiachin, the exiled king of Judah, is released from prison and treated kindly. Pastor Charles Swindoll writes, “When God writes the final chapter, it is always a chapter of hope.” This reminds us that even in the darkest moments, God has not forgotten us. He is always faithful to His promises, and through Jesus, we have the ultimate hope of eternal life. No matter what we face, we can look forward to the future with confidence, knowing that God is in control.
Take-Home Thoughts: Jeremiah's book ends with Jerusalem's fall, but we know that wasn't the end of God's story. In the same way, what looks like an ending to us might be God's way of making a new beginning. We can trust His bigger plan, even when we don't understand our current circumstances.
Jeremiah’s message ends with a vision of God’s justice and mercy. As believers, we can trust that God is in control, and His promises for our future are secure. As it says in Romans 15:13: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”