Deuteronomy 22
Explanation and Bible story for toddlers and preschoolers (ages 3-6)
The Explanation
Long ago, God spoke to His people. He said many things. He wanted them to live well together. Listen, this is what He said.
"Look around you. Do you see a sheep walking all alone? A sheep that is lost? Then do not walk on. Do not pretend you did not see. Bring the sheep back. Bring it home."
"And if you see a donkey lying on the ground? A donkey that is tired and cannot get up? Then help. Give it a pull. Do not walk past."
God told even more. "When you build a new house, make a little wall around your roof. Then no one will fall off. Then everyone stays safe."
"And when you find a nest? A little nest with a mommy bird on her eggs? Do not take the mommy away. Let her fly. She has to care for her babies."
Do you hear it? God cares. God cares about sheep and donkeys. God cares about little birds. God cares about houses and people. God cares about everything.
What Does This Mean?
God wants us to look. Really look. Not walk past. Not pretend we did not see.
Sometimes it is easier to look the other way. When someone is sad. When someone has fallen. When something is lost. Then you can walk on quickly.
But God says: no. Stop. Look. Help.
God does that too. God always looks. God always sees. God never walks past you.
The Common Thread
Do you know Someone who always helps? Someone who never walks past?
That is Jesus. Jesus saw the sick people. And He stopped. Jesus saw the sad people. And He stopped. Jesus saw the little children. And He said, "Come here, come to Me."
Jesus is like a good shepherd. When one little sheep is lost, He goes looking. Through the fields. Over the hills. Until He finds it. Then He picks it up. Then He carries it home. On His shoulders. Safe.
Jesus does that for you too. He never walks past you.
For You
Look around you today. Really look.
Is there a toy on the floor? Pick it up. Does mommy need help? Go help. Is your little brother sad? Sit next to him. Is grandma's cat lost? Go look together.
You can be a helper. Small hands can do big things. God sees it. God smiles.
And when YOU are sad? When YOU have fallen? Then Jesus sees you. He always sees you. He is very close.
Talk About It
Who can you help today? Mommy, daddy, your brother or sister, or maybe an animal?
How does it feel when someone helps you? And how does it feel when you help someone else?
Praying Together
Dear Lord Jesus,
Thank You that You always see me. Thank You that You never walk past. Help me to look too. Help me to help. Also when it is hard. Thank You that You love me so much.
Amen.
Questions about Deuteronomy 22
Short answers for anyone reading about this for the first time.
What is Deuteronomy 22 about?
What does Deuteronomy 22 say?
What does Deuteronomy 22 teach us about God?
What can toddlers learn from Deuteronomy 22?
Why is Deuteronomy 22 an important Bible story?
What others discovered
Notice what this law asks: was she in the city, where a cry could be heard, or out in the field, where "there was no one to save her"? God's justice hinges on whether anyone was near enough to come running. You live surrounded by people. Some of them cry quietly. Are you close enough to hear, and willing to run?
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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