2 Peter 1
Explanation and Bible story for toddlers and preschoolers (ages 3-6)
The Explanation
Listen. I will tell you about a man. His name was Peter. Peter was old now. His hair was gray. His hands were tired.
Peter was writing a letter. He sat with a pen and paper. He thought about all the children of God. And he smiled.
Peter wrote: "Do you know Jesus? Then you have something very, very precious. More precious than gold!"
Peter had known Jesus for a long time. Peter had walked with Jesus. Peter had eaten bread with Jesus. Peter had heard Jesus laugh.
And once, oh, once something very special happened. Peter went up a high mountain with Jesus. The wind blew. The sky was big.
And then! Jesus began to shine. Yes, really! He shone like the sun. So bright! Peter had to shut his eyes a little.
And a Voice came from heaven. A big, warm Voice. The Voice said: "This is my beloved Son. I am very happy with Him."
Peter never, ever forgot that. Never.
What Does This Mean?
Peter wrote in his letter: "I saw it myself. With my own eyes. I heard it myself. With my own ears. Jesus really is God's Son."
Peter said: "God gives us everything we need. He is strong. He is good. He helps us to be kind, and patient, and to love other people."
And Peter said something else. He said: God's words are like a little lamp. When it is dark, a lamp shines. Then you can see the way. God's words help you when it is dark.
The Common Thread
Do you know who that shining Jesus is? That is the same Jesus who was a little baby. In the manger. With Mary and Joseph.
That is the same Jesus who healed sick people. Who blessed the children. Who died on the cross. And who came alive again!
Peter says: Jesus is coming back one day. Then everything will be new. Then it will be light forever. No more darkness. Never again.
That is God's big promise. And God always, always keeps His promises.
For You
Sometimes it is dark in your room at night. Then Mama or Papa turns on a little light. And you are not scared anymore.
God's words are like that too. Like a warm little light in your heart. When you are sad, God says: "I am with you." When you are scared, God says: "I love you."
You may listen to God's words. Every day a little. Like a little lamp that keeps shining. Until Jesus comes back. And everything is light.
Talk About It
What do you do when it is dark? Do you have a nightlight?
Peter saw Jesus shining like the sun. What do you think that looked like?
Praying Together
Dear Lord Jesus, Thank You that You shine. Thank You that You are my light. When it is dark, I am not alone. You are with me. Amen.
Questions about 2 Peter 1
Short answers for anyone reading about this for the first time.
What is 2 Peter 1 about?
What does 2 Peter 1 say?
What does 2 Peter 1 teach us about God?
What can toddlers learn from 2 Peter 1?
Why is 2 Peter 1 an important Bible story?
What others discovered
His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness." Granted. Already done. You are not waiting on some shipment of strength that hasn't arrived yet. Peter wrote this knowing he would soon die, and he still called it enough. What would change today if you stopped praying for what you already hold?
Be more diligent to make your calling and election sure." Notice Peter doesn't send you back to the day you first believed to check the paperwork. He points forward, to the slow growth of self control, perseverance, kindness. Assurance comes as you walk. Not staring at the ground, wondering if you belong, but taking the next step.
Peter knows his death is near, and look what he spends his final strength on: "I will make every effort that you may always be able to remember these things after my death." Not a monument to himself. Not a name. Just truth planted deep enough in other people to outlive him. What are you leaving in someone's heart?
Peter is near the end of his life when he writes this, and he reaches back decades to one moment: "We heard this voice come out of heaven when we were with him on the holy mountain." The mountain was holy because God spoke there. What moment do you carry like that? Not proof for arguments. Fuel for the dark stretch ahead.
Looking for something for slightly older children?
We also have dedicated versions for elementary age (7-12) and teens (12 and up).
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