Jeremiah 24 “The Rotten Figs and the Good Figs”

Jeremiah 24 NIV

Suggested Praise Songs:                                                            

• Trust In God (feat. Chris Brown) – Elevation Worship
• Keith & Kristyn Getty – He Will Hold Me Fast
• Oceans (Where Feet May Fail) – Hillsong UNITED

Resources for Family Worship (with Children):

• BIBLE Stories for KIDS: Trusting GOD’S Plan – Lesson for Kids
• Count Your Blessings | Scuba VBS | Group Publishing – Song for Kids
• Leaning on the Everlasting Arms | Roar VBS | Group Publishing – Song for Kids
• Your Power Will Pull Us Through | Rocky Railway VBS | Group Publishing – Song for Kids
• Discussion Questions for Children & Youth are located in the section after Explanation, Meditation, and Prayer (at the end of this email/blog).

Explanation:

After King Jehoiachin (Jeconiah) and many of the people of Judah were taken captive by King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon, the Lord showed Jeremiah a vision. In front of the Lord’s temple where two baskets of figs. One basket were filled with figs that were ripe and good, while the other basket was filled with figs that were rotten and spoiled (vv. 1–4).

The Lord explained that the good figs represent the people of Judah who were taken to Babylon. Even though they would live as captives in a foreign land, the Lord would watch over them and, in time, bring them back to their homeland. When He does, He will give them a new heart so that they may love Him fully and faithfully (vv. 5–7).

On the other hand, the basket of rotten figs represents those who remained in the land of Judah and those who fled to Egypt. The Lord declares that they will be scattered among the nations until they are completely destroyed. They will become objects of scorn, shame, ridicule, and a curse among all the peoples of the world (vv. 8–10).

Meditation:

When King Nebuchadnezzar attacked and many of the people of Judah were taken to Babylon, those who remained in Judah and those who fled to Egypt must have breathed a sigh of relief. They likely felt pity for those taken into exile. Those who were carried off probably believed that they were experiencing far greater misfortune than those who stayed behind. Since the people of Judah viewed contact with foreign nations as defiling, the thought of living in the midst of a foreign land would have been an unbearable hardship.

Yet the truth was the opposite of what they thought. God’s plan was different from human thinking. Those who were taken captive to Babylon were actually the ones God preserved so that they could begin again after His judgment on Judah was complete. The Lord would watch them over in Babylon and eventually bring them back home. Not only that, but He also promised to give them a new heart so that they would become a people who truly love Him. In contrast, those who remained in Judah and those who fled to Egypt would face a tragic end. For this reason, the Lord told Judah through Jeremiah not to resist Babylon.

Just because something appears to be misfortune to our eyes does not mean it truly is misfortune. And just because something looks like good fortune does not mean it is truly good. What is truly tragic is stepping outside of God’s plan, and what is truly good is living within it. We may not understand God’s plan right now. Therefore, we must draw nearer to Him and commit ourselves fully to Him. When we remain in Him, we remain within His plan.

Prayer:

Lord, like the people of Judah, we often judge situations according to our own standards and are easily swayed by our feelings. Have mercy on us. Help us to find our place of eternal safety in Your embrace. Amen.

Discussion Questions for Children & Youth:

Key Point: Sometimes what looks bad to us may actually be part of God’s good plan. True blessing is not in our situation, but in being close to God and trusting His plan even when we don’t understand it.

• For Preschool-Elementary:
  • Have you ever felt sad or left out, and later realized something good came from it?
  • Why do you think God can see things that we cannot see?
  • What is one way we can stay close to God when we feel confused or worried?
    
• Youth:
  
  • The people in Babylon thought they were unlucky, but God was actually protecting them. Can you think of a time when something felt bad but later had meaning or helped you grow?
  • Why is it difficult to trust God when His plans don’t match our expectations?
  • What does it look like practically to “stay close to God” in your weekly life (school, home, friendships)?