1 Timothy 5
Explanation and Bible story for toddlers and preschoolers (ages 3-6)
The Explanation
Paul is far away. He misses his friend Timothy. So Paul writes him a letter. A long letter, on paper. Timothy takes care of a big group of people. They all love Jesus together. It is a bit like a big family.
Paul writes: "Timothy, listen. In that big family are grandpas and grandmas. Be kind to them. Talk sweetly, like to your own grandpa. And to your own grandma."
"There are dads and moms too. Talk to them like brothers and sisters. Nicely. Never mean."
Then Paul thinks of the grandmas all alone. Their husband is in heaven. Nobody at home anymore. Paul says: "Take good care of those grandmas! Bring them food. Sit with them. Listen to them."
And do you know what those grandmas do? They fold their hands. All day. All night. They pray and pray. They talk to God. Because God hears them.
What Does This Mean?
God's big family must be a warm family. Where everyone looks after each other. The big ones for the little ones. The little ones for the big ones. Nobody alone. Nobody forgotten.
Especially the grandmas alone. Especially the grandpas alone. They get an extra hug. An extra plate of soup. An extra visit.
The Common Thread
Do you know who did this first? Jesus. Jesus looked at everyone. At the little children. At the sick people. At the grandmas alone. Jesus saw them all. And He loved them all.
When Jesus was on the cross, He saw His own mom standing there. She was so sad. And Jesus said to His friend John: "John, from now on she is your mom too. Take care of her."
That is how Jesus is. He always thinks of the people who are alone. And He says to us: you do it too. Take care of each other. Just like Me.
For You
Do you know a grandpa or grandma? Maybe they live in your house. Maybe they live far away. Maybe they live alone.
You can do something so nice. You can draw a picture. A big sun. A heart. A flower. And then Mom or Dad puts it in an envelope. And it goes to Grandma.
Or you call Grandpa. And you sing a song for him. Right through the phone.
Or you go visit. You sit on Grandma's lap. You tell about your day. Grandma listens. Grandma laughs. Grandma is so happy that you came.
That is what God likes so much. When you think of someone alone. When you make them happy. Then you are just like Jesus.
Talk About It
Do you know a grandpa, grandma, or someone who lives all alone? What could you do for them this week?
How do you think God feels when we take good care of each other?
Praying Together
Dear God,
Thank You for grandpas and grandmas. Thank You for our big family together. Please take good care of everyone who is alone. And help me to be sweet. Just like Jesus.
Amen.
Questions about 1 Timothy 5
Short answers for anyone reading about this for the first time.
What is 1 Timothy 5 about?
What does 1 Timothy 5 say?
What does 1 Timothy 5 teach us about God?
What can toddlers learn from 1 Timothy 5?
Why is 1 Timothy 5 an important Bible story?
What others discovered
Paul had just told Timothy not to receive an accusation against an elder without two or three witnesses. Only then: "Those who sin, reprove in the sight of all, that the rest also may be in fear." Careful first, then public. Sin left quiet in leadership doesn't stay quiet. It teaches everyone watching that the rules bend. Would you rather be protected, or restored?
You shall not muzzle the ox when it treads out the grain." Picture that ox, walking circles over the grain all day, and God says let him eat while he works. Not a reward at the end, a mouthful along the way. Paul applies this to those who teach you. Does the one who feeds your soul know they are fed by you? Or only used?
Let no one be enrolled as a widow under sixty years old, having been the wife of one man." A list. Actual names, written down, so nobody quietly slipped through the cracks. Love in that young church kept records. Who in your church would go unnoticed if no one bothered to write her name down? Maybe you are meant to notice her.
Paul warns about young widows who "have rejected their first pledge." Not a scandal, just a promise quietly set aside once the feeling passed. Think back to what you told God when your heart was burning. The vow you made in the hospital hallway, the surrender you whispered at the altar. Does He still have it?
Looking for something for slightly older children?
We also have dedicated versions for elementary age (7-12) and teens (12 and up).
Open in the Children's Bible tool
Philippines
Nigeria
Zimbabwe
India
Zambia
South Africa
Malawi
Kenya
Indonesia
DR Congo
Ghana
Nepal
Cameroon
Mozambique
Benin
