Ephesians 6
Explanation and Bible story for toddlers and preschoolers (ages 3-6)
The Explanation
Paul is writing a letter. He wants to tell the children something too. Listen carefully.
Paul says: children, listen to your dad and mom. That is good. That makes God happy. And dads, be sweet to your children. Do not be too strict.
Then Paul says something more. He says: we all have a big fight. Not with hands. Not with sticks. But a fight inside. The devil wants to make us sad. He wants us to do wrong things.
But do not be scared! God helps us. God gives us clothes. Very special clothes. Like a knight!
Listen to what you get. A belt. A shiny shirt for on your chest. Strong shoes for your feet. A big shield. A helmet on your head. And a sword. That sword is the Bible. That is God's Word.
With those clothes you are strong. Because God is with you.
What Does This Mean?
The devil is real. He tries to whisper mean things. He says: hit your little brother. Or: tell a lie. Or: God does not see you.
But God is much, much stronger. God gives you everything you need. You do not have to fight alone. Not for one minute.
The Common Thread
Who is the very strongest? Jesus! Jesus fought the devil. And Jesus won. He is the King.
Because Jesus won, we may wear His clothes. His strong knight clothes. Jesus stays close by. Every day. Also at night. Also when you are alone.
And do you know what is nice? You can talk to God about everything. That is called praying. Paul says: keep praying. God always listens.
For You
Imagine, you get dressed in the morning. First a shirt. Then pants. Then socks. Then shoes.
You can do that with God too. In your heart. You say: God, put Your belt around me. And Your shirt on my chest. And Your shoes on my feet. And Your shield in my hand. And Your helmet on my head. Now I am ready!
Now you can go play. Now you can go to school. Now you can go to sleep. God is with you.
And are you angry at your little brother? Or do you not want to listen to Mom? Then you can say: God, help me. I want to do it well. God helps you. Really.
Talk About It
What is your favorite piece of clothing that God gives you? The shield, or the helmet, or the sword?
What do you want to tell God today?
Praying Together
Dear God,
Thank You that You are strong.
Thank You for Jesus. He won.
Please give me Your clothes.
Your belt, and Your shield, and Your helmet.
Then I am safe.
Help me to listen to Dad and Mom.
Help me when I am angry.
You are close to me. Always.
Amen.
Questions about Ephesians 6
Short answers for anyone reading about this for the first time.
What is Ephesians 6 about?
What does Ephesians 6 say?
What does Ephesians 6 teach us about God?
What can toddlers learn from Ephesians 6?
Why is Ephesians 6 an important Bible story?
What others discovered
Paul is in chains, and what does he ask them to pray for? Not release. Not comfort. "That utterance may be given to me in opening my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the Good News." He wanted words more than freedom. What are you asking God to change, your situation or your courage inside it?
You masters, do the same things to them, and give up threatening." Paul tells the one holding the power to serve the one under it. Whatever leverage you carry, a paycheck, a schedule, a decision someone has to live with, remember: "there is no partiality with him." The person waiting on your yes stands beside you before the same Master.
Having done all, to stand." Notice what the goal is. Not to win a debate, not to fix everything, just to still be standing when the smoke clears. Some days that is the whole victory. You dressed in what God gave you, you held your ground, and you are still here. The evil day came, and it did not take you.
Paul hands you the armor piece by piece, then ends not with another weapon but with this: "praying at all times in the Spirit, and being watchful to this end in all perseverance and petition for all the saints." Notice where it lands. Not on your own survival. Someone is standing in a battle you will never see. Pray for them today.
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
Indonesia
Kenya
DR Congo
Ghana
Nepal
Cameroon
Mozambique
Benin
Liberia
Pakistan
