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Jeremiah 20–22; 24–29; 32; 34–45; 52; Lamentations

Scripture Content Outline	Supplementary Study Sources
Jeremiah 20; 26; 28; 32:1–5; 36; 37:11–21; 38:1–13, 28. Jeremiah Experienced Opposition throughout His Ministry Jeremiah was smitten, put in stocks, and continually derided; he prophesied against his oppressors and lamented his birth (see Jeremiah 20). During Jehoiakim’s reign, Jeremiah prophesied of destruction and was therefore condemned to death by the people, but he was acquitted after being arraigned and tried before the princes of Judah (see Jeremiah 26). Baruch recorded Jeremiah’s prophecies and declared them before the people, but King Jehoiakim burned the records; Jeremiah gave the Lord’s word again to Baruch (see Jeremiah 36). Hananiah spoke false prophecies against the word of Jeremiah but died, as the Lord had foretold (see Jeremiah 28). Jeremiah was imprisoned during much of the Babylonian siege of Jerusalem (see Jeremiah 32:1–5; 37:11–21; 38:1–13, 28).	Religion 302 student manual, 24-1 through 24-3; 24-9 through 24-11; 24-13; 24-15; 24-21 through 24-22; 24-34. 1 Peter 4:12–14. Was Jeremiah the only one among the Lord’s servants to experience opposition? (see also Hebrews 11:36–38; Matthew 10:16–18, 22). Carlos E. Asay, in CR, Oct. 1981. Why is there opposition to the Lord’s work, and how should Saints respond to those who fight God’s work? Spencer W. Kimball, in CR, Apr. 1978, pp. 115–17. President Kimball warns against rejecting the prophets and discusses some of the reasons why prophets are rejected.
Jeremiah 21–22; 25:1–11; 27:12–22; 29; 32:6–44; 34–35; 37:1–10; 38:14–27. Jeremiah Prophesied of the Destruction and Captivity of Judah and Related Events In the days of Jehoiakim, Jeremiah prophesied of the desolation of Judah and of seventy years of captivity in Babylon (see Jeremiah 25:1–11). Jeremiah warned the kings of Judah that their wickedness would bring ruin upon their nation (see Jeremiah 22). The righteousness of the Rechabites was contrasted with the wickedness of the Jews as justification for the calamity that would come upon Judah (see Jeremiah 35). Jeremiah prophesied of the impending downfall of Judah (see Jeremiah 21; 27:12–22; 34:1–7; 37:1–10; 38:14–27). Jeremiah sent a message to the Jews who were already captives in Babylon (see Jeremiah 29). Jeremiah was commanded to purchase a field in Anathoth as a sign that Judah would return from captivity; Jeremiah prophesied of that return and of the redemption of Israel in the last days (see Jeremiah 32:6–44). The Lord denounced Zedekiah and his people for reenslaving servants who had been freed (see Jeremiah 34:8–22).	Religion 302 student manual, 24-4 through 24-6; 24-12; 24-14; 24-16; 24-18 through 24-20. Many prophets spoke of the judgments of God that would come upon the Lord’s people for rejecting him (see lesson 36, section B; lesson 37, section D; lesson 44, section C).
Jeremiah 25:12–38; 27:1–12. Jeremiah Prophesied of the Downfall of Wicked Nations The overthrow of diverse nations and worldwide destruction in the last days was prophesied (see Jeremiah 25:12–38). Jeremiah used a yoke to illustrate his prophecy of the bondage that Babylon would impose upon many nations (see Jeremiah 27:1–12).	Religion 302 student manual, 24-8; 24-12.
Jeremiah 39, 52. Jeremiah Witnessed the Overthrow of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar Jerusalem was besieged and the temple and city walls were destroyed; Zedekiah was captured, blinded, and taken captive with his people (see Jeremiah 39:1–10; 52:1–16, 28–32). Jeremiah’s life was preserved (see Jeremiah 39:11–18). The vessels of the Lord’s house were plundered, and the chief priests were killed (see Jeremiah 52:17–27).	Religion 302 student manual, G-1 through G-4; 24-25. 2 Kings 25:1–21. The destruction of Jerusalem is recounted (see also 2 Chronicles 36:14–21). 2 Nephi 1:4. What did the Nephites learn about Jerusalem after they left the city? Helaman 6:10; 8:21. Which son of Zedekiah escaped death at the hands of Nebuchadnezzar? What happened to him? (See Jeremiah 39:6; 52:10; Omni 1:15.) 2 Nephi 25:3, 9. What does the Lord always do before he sends judgments upon a nation?
Jeremiah 40–45. Jeremiah Continued to Labor with the Remnant of Judah The Babylonians made Gedaliah the governor of the remnant in Judah, and Jeremiah remained in Judah (see Jeremiah 40). Ishmael killed Gedaliah and sought to carry away the remnant of people, but they were rescued by Johanan (see Jeremiah 41). Jeremiah warned Johanan that Babylon would overrun Egypt, but Johanan took Jeremiah and the people there anyway (see Jeremiah 42–43). Jeremiah prophesied of destruction upon the remnant in Egypt (see Jeremiah 44). Jeremiah promised Baruch that his life would be preserved (see Jeremiah 45).	Religion 302 student manual, 24-23 through 24-24. 3 Nephi 10:4–6. What does this scripture say about the Lord’s desire to save his children? (see also 2 Peter 3:9). Mosiah 4:6, 11. How should we respond to God’s longsuffering toward us?
Lamentations. Jeremiah Cried Out Because of Judah’s Miserable Condition Jeremiah lamented the destruction of Jerusalem (see Lamentations 1). Jeremiah mourned, seeing that the Lord had brought just vengeance upon his people (see Lamentations 2). Jeremiah bemoaned Judah’s condition, but he expressed trust in God (see Lamentations 3). The condition of Judah was outlined (see Lamentations 4). Jeremiah offered a prayer for mercy from Jehovah (see Lamentations 5).	Religion 302 student manual, 24-26 through 24-33. Ezekiel 18:20–23, 31–32. Does the Lord want to punish his children? 3 Nephi 8:24–25. How will the wicked feel about the words of the prophets when the Day of Judgment comes? Alma 12:11. How are people caught in the chains of hell? (see also 2 Nephi 9:45; 28:19; D&C 93:39). D&C 136:34–36. What are the consequences of rejecting the prophets? D&C 1:37–38. When the Lord’s servants speak for him, their words will be fulfilled.

Some Suggestions for Presentation

You are not expected to teach everything in the scripture content outline. Select those concepts that you feel will be the most helpful to your students.

The Lord Forewarned His Children (Sections A–B)

Give students an overview of the Lord’s prophetic warnings to Judah to help them understand that short of denying Judah their agency, the Lord did everything to help them avoid the calamity that came upon them (see Leviticus 26:14, 33; Deuteronomy 28:15, 25; Ezekiel 22:15; 1 Nephi 1:4; Jeremiah 5:10–17; 6:18–23; 9:9–16; 17:1–4; 21:3–10; 25:8–11).

Ask students why they feel the Lord issued such frequent and strong warnings to the Jews. Were the Jews sufficiently forewarned? Refer to Ezekiel 18:20–32. Discuss what determines whether or not punishments are justified. Ask whether the Lord desires to punish his children. Show that his warnings are to help avert calamities and avoid sorrow.

Apply these same principles to our time by reviewing some of the prophetic guidance we have been given. Discuss the probable consequences of rejecting it.

The Dedication of the Lord’s Chosen Servants (Section A)

Review the life of Jeremiah and his many trials. Discuss the fact that the Lord’s servants sacrifice greatly to help others avoid sorrow and obtain happiness. Read Matthew 5:10–12. Help students see that the leaders the Lord has called are very much interested in the eternal welfare of those they labor with. Using President Spencer W. Kimball’s talk in Conference Report, April 1978, pages 115–17, discuss the reasons why people reject the Lord’s servants. Challenge students to support and sustain those whom the Lord has called as leaders in his kingdom.