Jeremiah 1: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Jeremiah 1 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

The call of Jeremiah begins with his introduction as the son of Hilkiah, a priest in Anathoth, during the reign of King Josiah (vv. 1-3). Yahweh speaks to Jeremiah, saying that He knew him before he was formed in the womb.

Key verse

“But Yahweh said to me, “Don’t say, ‘I am a child;’ for you must go to whomever I send you, and you must say whatever I command you.”
Jeremiah 1:7 (WEB)

Outline

Jeremiah 1:1–3 Introduction to Jeremiah's Call
Jeremiah 1:4–10 God's Commission and Reassurance
Jeremiah 1:11–14 Visions of the Almond Tree and Cauldron
Jeremiah 1:15–19 Judgment and Strengthened Resolve

Discussion questions

In v5, what does Yahweh say about Jeremiah's purpose before he was born?
What is Jeremiah's initial response to God's call in v6?
Yahweh's word in v10 mentions 'to build and to plant': what does this imply about Jeremiah's mission?
In v14, Yahweh declares that 'evil will break out' from where, and what does this signify?
When have you felt unprepared like Jeremiah did in v6, and how did you respond?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Jeremiah 1: Romans 8, Joshua 1, Isaiah 44.

Before next time: read Jeremiah 2.