Hebrews 10
Explanation and Bible story for toddlers and preschoolers (ages 3-6)
The Explanation
Long ago, priests worked every day. Every single day. They brought animals to the altar. Lambs. Goats. Bulls. The fire was hot. The smoke went up, up, up. The priests stood. They never sat down. Because tomorrow, they had to do it again. And the next day. And the next day. Always the same. Never finished.
What Does This Mean?
But Jesus did not come to stand. Jesus said, "Here I am, God. I have come to do your will." He gave himself. Once. Just once. Not an animal. Himself.
And after that, Jesus sat down. He sat down next to God. Do you know why he could sit? Because it was finished. All done. No more waiting for tomorrow.
The Common Thread
God made a promise long ago. He said, "I will put my words in their hearts. I will not remember their sins anymore." Not remember them. Not even a little.
Jesus made that promise come true. Because of him, the door is open now. There used to be a curtain, a thick heavy curtain. It kept people far from God. But Jesus tore it open. Now you can come close. Very close. Like a child running to his father.
For You
You can come to God with a true heart. You do not need to be scared. You do not need to hide.
The Bible says, do not stop meeting together. Sit with others who love Jesus. Sing with them. Listen with them. Help each other to keep loving, keep doing good.
And when things are hard, hold on. Hold on tight, like holding a big hand in a crowd. God is faithful. He always keeps his promises. The one who trusts him will live.
Talk About It
Why did Jesus only need to give himself once, and not every day? What do you think it feels like that God does not remember your sins anymore?
Praying Together
Dear God, Thank you that Jesus came. Thank you that he sat down, because it was finished. Thank you that the door to you is open. I want to come close to you. Help me hold on to you, always. Amen.
Questions about Hebrews 10
Short answers for anyone reading about this for the first time.
What is Hebrews 10 about?
What does Hebrews 10 say?
What does Hebrews 10 teach us about God?
What can toddlers learn from Hebrews 10?
Why is Hebrews 10 an important Bible story?
What others discovered
For we know him who said, 'Vengeance belongs to me,' says the Lord, 'I will repay.'" What we know is not a rule but a Person. The same hands that were nailed down hold the scales. That is why this warning stings, and also why you can finally put down the grudge you have been carrying. He sees it all. He will settle it.
Dies without compassion" is a hard phrase to read slowly. Yet the writer is building an argument, not just delivering a threat. If disregarding Moses' law was that serious, what have you been handed in Christ? The warning exists because the blood is precious. What have you started treating as ordinary?
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