2 Peter 2
Explanation and Bible story for toddlers and preschoolers (ages 3-6)
The Explanation
Come, sit close. I will tell you a story from the Bible. It is a serious story. Listen well.
Long ago, God had good helpers. They told people about God. Their words were true. Their words were like warm bread. Good and safe.
But there were also other people. They said, "Listen to us!" They looked kind. They smiled big smiles. But inside, they were not kind. Their words were not true. They told lies about God.
Peter wrote a letter. Peter said, "Watch out! Not everyone who talks about God is a real helper. Some pretend."
Peter told stories from long, long ago. God once saved a man named Noah. Noah listened. Noah went into the big boat. And God kept Noah safe. Splash, splash went the rain. But Noah was dry.
God also saved a man named Lot. Lot lived in a town where people did wrong things. God took Lot by the hand. God led him out. Lot was safe.
You see? God knows how to keep His children safe.
What Does This Mean?
God sees everything. God sees who tells the truth. God sees who tells lies. God is not fooled.
Peter says, "Listen only to the true words. The words from God."
Some people talk sweet, but they do not follow God. They are like a well with no water in it. You come thirsty. You look inside. But there is nothing to drink. That is sad.
God wants us to drink from His well. His well is full. Full of love. Full of truth.
The Common Thread
Jesus is the best Helper of all. Jesus never lies. Jesus never pretends. When Jesus speaks, His words are true. Every one.
Jesus is like a good Shepherd. A shepherd knows his sheep. He calls them by name. He keeps them safe from wolves.
Peter loved Jesus so much. Peter wanted to warn everyone. He said, "Stay close to Jesus. He is the true One."
For You
Do you know what is good to do? Listen to Papa and Mama when they read the Bible. Those are true words. Sing songs about Jesus. Say His name when you feel scared.
And if someone says something strange about God, you may ask, "Is that true?" You may ask Papa or Mama. You may ask God Himself. God loves your questions.
God kept Noah safe. God kept Lot safe. God can keep you safe too. He knows your name. He knows where you sleep. He knows what you dream.
You are His little one. He watches over you all day and all night.
Talk About It
Who tells you true things about God? Papa, Mama, or someone else?
God kept Noah safe in the big boat. Where do you feel safe?
Praying Together
Dear God,
Thank You that You are true. Thank You that You never tell lies. Please help me listen to good words about You. Keep me safe, like You kept Noah safe. I love You, God.
Amen.
Questions about 2 Peter 2
Short answers for anyone reading about this for the first time.
What is 2 Peter 2 about?
What does 2 Peter 2 say?
What does 2 Peter 2 teach us about God?
What can toddlers learn from 2 Peter 2?
Why is 2 Peter 2 an important Bible story?
What others discovered
The sow that has washed to wallowing in the mire." Notice she was washed. Something real happened. But washing the outside never changed what she loved. That is the ache of this verse: it is possible to clean up your life and still crave the mud. Ask the harder question tonight. Not what have I quit, but what do I still love?
Delivered righteous Lot, who was very distressed by the lustful life of the wicked." Righteous Lot? The man who chose the plain toward Sodom, who lingered until angels dragged him out by the hand. Yet that is God's word over him. Notice what marked him: he was still grieved. Ask yourself honestly, does the evil around you still trouble you, or have you quietly gotten used to it?
God didn't spare angels when they sinned." Not spared. They stood closer to His throne than you have ever stood, and nearness was no insurance. Privilege never has been. Yet Peter's long sentence ends in mercy: "the Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptation." The same God, the same certainty.
The Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptation and to keep the unrighteous under punishment for the day of judgment."
Peter has just walked through Noah in the flood, Lot in Sodom. Notice: God did not spare them the storm or the city. He delivered them through it. If you are godly and still surrounded, that is not evidence God has forgotten. He knows how. Trust the timing you cannot see.
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
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