Who was Jeremiah, and what was happening in his day?
Brief History
Jeremiah ministered in Jerusalem during Judah’s final decades before Babylon destroyed the city and temple in 586 BC. Though rejected, imprisoned, and surrounded by national tragedy, he testified that God would gather His people, renew His covenant, and raise up the promised Messiah.
- A kingdom in crisis: Babylon besieged Jerusalem while King Zedekiah wavered between listening to Jeremiah and fearing his officials.
- The preserved word: King Jehoiakim burned Jeremiah’s scroll, but Jeremiah and Baruch recorded the Lord’s words again.
- The promised Branch: amid ruin, Jeremiah testified that a righteous descendant of David would bring salvation and justice.
- Hope after sorrow: Lamentations honestly mourns Jerusalem’s destruction while trusting the Lord’s compassion and daily mercy.
All Lesson Scriptures
Lesson Scriptures (Jeremiah 31–33; 36–39; Lamentations 1; 3)
- Jeremiah 31 The Lord promises gathering, joy after mourning, and a new covenant written in the heart.
- Jeremiah 32 Jeremiah buys a field as a witness that the Lord will restore His people and make an everlasting covenant.
- Jeremiah 33 The Lord promises healing, forgiveness, restoration, and the Branch of righteousness.
- Jeremiah 36 The king burns Jeremiah’s scroll, but the Lord’s word is recorded again.
- Jeremiah 37 Jeremiah faithfully warns Zedekiah and is imprisoned for speaking the Lord’s word.
- Jeremiah 38 Ebed-melech courageously rescues Jeremiah from the dungeon.
- Jeremiah 39 Jerusalem falls, while the Lord preserves Jeremiah and promises deliverance to Ebed-melech.
- Lamentations 1 Jerusalem’s sorrow shows the painful consequences of turning from the Lord.
- Lamentations 3 In deep affliction, the writer remembers the Lord’s compassion, faithfulness, and redeeming mercy.
Key Verses
Key Verses
Tap a verse to read the scripture. Then tap “Related Teaching Quote” for a quote tied to that verse.
Jeremiah 31:3
The Lord draws His people with everlasting love and lovingkindness.
Jeremiah 31:13The Lord promises to comfort His people and turn mourning into joy.
Jeremiah 31:31–34The new covenant reaches the heart, helps us know God, and includes His promise to forgive.
Jeremiah 33:14–16Jesus Christ is the promised Branch of righteousness who brings salvation and justice.
Lamentations 3:21–26The Lord’s compassion never fails; His mercies are new every morning.
Highlights
Lesson Highlights
- Jesus Christ offers more than outward religion; through covenant discipleship, He changes what is written in our hearts.
- The Lord’s covenant includes a deeply personal promise: He will forgive iniquity and remember repented-of sin no more.
- The Branch of righteousness is Jesus Christ, the promised descendant of David who brings salvation and righteous judgment.
- God’s word cannot be destroyed. When Jehoiakim burned the scroll, Jeremiah and Baruch recorded it again.
- Following a prophet requires courage. Zedekiah knew Jeremiah spoke for God but allowed fear of others to govern him.
- Grief is real, but it is not the end of the story. The Savior’s compassion, mercy, and faithfulness give us reason to hope.
This Week’s Challenge
Try one simple practice this week
- Write the covenant on your heart: choose one promise you have made to God and take one deliberate action each day to live it more fully.
- Trust the promised Branch: bring one unfair or uncertain situation to Jesus Christ in prayer, then act on the righteous next step you receive.
- Recall His mercy: for seven mornings, write down one new evidence of the Lord’s compassion or faithfulness in your life.
Tip: Keep it easy. Small and steady wins.
Reflection Prompt
Reflection Prompt
What sorrow, fear, or weakness do I need to place in the Savior’s hands so He can begin turning it toward hope and joy?
Write one sentence this week. Share one sentence next class.
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General Authority Talk Links
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