Before you lead your family through the object lesson below, spend a moment studying Jeremiah 2 on your own here.
On this page:
Big Truth for the Whole Family
God is the only one who can truly give life and satisfy our hearts. Everything else may promise a lot—but it will always let us down.
Read Together
Before you begin, read Jeremiah 2:13 (NLT) aloud as a family:
“For my people have done two evil things:
They have abandoned me—the fountain of living water.
And they have dug for themselves cracked cisterns
that can hold no water at all.”
Tip: If you have older kids or teens, invite them to read the verse a second time.
Talk About It (All Ages)
God tells His people that He is like a fountain of fresh, living water—always flowing, always good, always able to give life. But instead of coming to Him, the people chose something else. They dug broken containers to try to hold water for themselves.
The sad part is this:
- God hadn’t changed.
- The fountain didn’t dry up.
- The people just stopped coming to Him.
Object Lesson: Two Cups
This simple activity helps everyone—from preschoolers to teens—understand the message.
You’ll need:
- Two cups or bowls
- One that holds water
- One with holes or cracks
Do this: Pour water into both cups.
Ask:
- “Which cup would you rather have if you were really thirsty?”
- “Which one would help you on a hot, blistering summer day?”
God says He is like the cup that never runs dry—the fountain of living water. But His people chose something more like the broken cup. It might look okay at first, but it can’t actually hold what they need.
Connect it to life: Sometimes we choose things that look like they’ll make us happy or safe— but only God can truly satisfy us.
Family Discussion
For PreK
- Which cup is better?
- Who gives us everything we need?
- Should we go to God first?
For Elementary
- Why do you think God’s people stopped trusting Him?
- What are some things kids might think will make them happy but don’t last?
- What does it look like to trust God this week?
For Youth
- What are some modern “cisterns” people our age are tempted to trust?
- Why is it easy to drift from God without even realizing it?
- How can good things slowly replace God as our source of life?
Parent tip: Let older kids answer first. Younger kids often gain confidence by listening.
One Family Application
Have each person—including parents—finish this sentence:
“This week, I want to trust God instead of __________.”
Then choose one simple habit to practice together this week, such as:
- Praying together before school or bedtime
- Asking, “What does God want us to do?” before making decisions
- Reading one short Scripture together each day
Keep it small and realistic. Faith grows through simple, repeated steps.
Family Prayer
Prayer
God, thank You for being the fountain of living water. Forgive us for the times we look to other things to make us happy or safe. Help our family come to You first, trust You fully, and follow You together. We need You, and we want to walk in Your ways. Amen.
A Word for Parents
Jeremiah 2 is a heavy passage, but it shows God’s heart. He confronts His people not to push them away, but to invite them back. The fountain is still flowing—and families who return to Him together will find life.
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