Opening Connection
(default) Object opening: Hold up a baby picture (yours, or a generic one). Ask, "Where were you before you were a baby?" Let them guess. Then read Jeremiah 1:5 and explain: God knew each of us before we were even born. Ask, "How does it feel to know God knew YOU before you got here?" Keep this to about 60 seconds and promise they will learn what God asked a young person to do.
Question opening (alternate): Ask, "Have you ever been told you were too young to do something important?" Let two or three answer. Then say, "Today we meet someone who told God he was too young, and God had a surprising answer."
Scripture Discovery
(default) Jeremiah 1:5–8, treasure hunt. Have children read together and hunt for what God says He did before Jeremiah was born. Point to the words "knew thee" and "sanctified thee" and "ordained thee." Read aloud:
Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.
Then Jeremiah's worry and God's promise:
Then said I, Ah, Lord God! behold, I cannot speak: for I am a child.
Be not afraid of their faces: for I am with thee to deliver thee, saith the Lord.
Two questions they can answer:
- What did Jeremiah think he could NOT do?
- What did God promise would help him?
Depth option: Jeremiah 18:1–6, the potter and the clay. Read verse 6:
Behold, as the clay is in the potter's hand, so are ye in mine hand, O house of Israel.
Ask: What can a potter do with a lump of clay? What does it mean that God can shape us?
Core Gospel Principles
(default, say this one out loud) God knew me before I was born, and He prepared me. Jeremiah was not an accident and neither are you. Before he had a body, God already knew him and gave him a job to do. That is true for every child in the room.
Depth card 2: I can be brave because God is with me. Jeremiah felt too young to speak. God did not say "you are right, find someone older." God said, "I am with thee" (Jeremiah 1:8). When we are scared to do right, we are not alone.
Depth card 3: God can shape me like a potter shapes clay. Clay lets the potter make something beautiful. When we listen and obey, God can help us become who He knew we could be (Jeremiah 18:6).
Interactive Learning Activities
Run ONE in the 25-minute class. Write all three; pick to match your room.
Default
"Before You Were Born" Human Timeline
Type: Physical Activity
- Place three signs on the floor across the room: "Before I was born," "Now," and "My mission ahead."
- Read Jeremiah 1:5 and have children stand on "Before I was born."
- Say, "God already knew you here," then have them step to "Now."
- Ask each child to name one good thing they can do now (be kind, share, tell the truth) as they step toward "My mission ahead."
Materials: three paper signs. Zero-prep alternate: point to three corners instead of using signs.
Connects to scripture: It walks children through Jeremiah 1:5, showing God knew them before birth and prepared them for good work.
Discussion question: What is one good thing you think God might want you to do?
Default
"Before You Were Born" Human Timeline
Type: Physical Activity
- Place three signs on the floor across the room: "Before I was born," "Now," and "My mission ahead."
- Read Jeremiah 1:5 and have children stand on "Before I was born."
- Say, "God already knew you here," then have them step to "Now."
- Ask each child to name one good thing they can do now (be kind, share, tell the truth) as they step toward "My mission ahead."
Materials: three paper signs. Zero-prep alternate: point to three corners instead of using signs.
Connects to scripture: It walks children through Jeremiah 1:5, showing God knew them before birth and prepared them for good work.
Discussion question: What is one good thing you think God might want you to do?
Potter and Clay Shaping
Type: Object Lesson / Hands-On
- Give each child a small ball of play dough or clay.
- Read Jeremiah 18:6 aloud.
- Have them shape their clay into something good while you talk about God shaping us when we obey.
- Let them squish and reshape it, showing God does not give up on us.
Materials: play dough or clay. Zero-prep alternate: pretend to mold invisible clay with hands while acting out shaping.
Connects to scripture: Jeremiah watched a real potter to learn that God can shape willing people (Jeremiah 18:1–6).
Discussion question: What helps God shape you into someone better?
Fishers and Hunters Gathering Game
Type: Game
- Hide paper "people" cutouts (or picture cards of children) around the room.
- Read Jeremiah 16:16 about "fishers" and "hunters."
- Explain that God asks us to help gather His children back to Him, like missionaries.
- Let children "fish" and "hunt" to find every cutout, then gather them in one spot.
Materials: paper cutouts. Zero-prep alternate: hide small objects already in the room.
Connects to scripture: Jeremiah 16:16 pictures gathering God's scattered people, which President Nelson compared to missionary work.
Discussion question: How can you help someone come closer to Jesus?
Life Application Bridge
(default) Being brave at school and home: When you feel too small or too scared to do the right thing, remember God said, "I am with thee" (Jeremiah 1:8). This week you can speak up for someone who is left out, or do a hard chore without complaining, knowing you are not alone.
Apply idea 2 (alternate): Remembering who you are. When you feel down on yourself, remember God knew you and chose you before you were born. That truth can change how you treat yourself and others.
Testimony Time
Invite children to finish this sentence: "One thing I feel about knowing God knew me before I was born is..." Let a few share. Keep it short and calm; no pressure to speak.
Take-Home Challenge
This week, ask a parent or grandparent to tell you a story about when you were a baby. Then tell them what you learned: God knew you even before you were born, and He has good work for you to do (Jeremiah 1:5).
Teacher Tips
- If you are late, skip straight to the activity you picked and read only Jeremiah 1:5 and 1:8 before it.
- For the picture prompt, use an age-true image like Jesus with children or a child praying. Never use a cross as the symbol of Jesus; if children draw, have them draw a path, a heart, or "I will follow."
