Hebrews 13
Explanation and Bible story for toddlers and preschoolers (ages 3-6)
The Explanation
Someone was writing a letter. A long, long letter. Full of love. At the very end, he wrote something warm. "Keep loving each other," he said. "Like brothers." Like a big brother hugs his little brother.
He said something else too. "If a stranger comes to your door, let them in." Give them bread. Give them a bed. You never know, maybe an angel is standing right there.
He thought of people far away too. People locked in dark rooms. "Remember them," he wrote. As if you were locked up too.
What Does This Mean?
Do you know what he wrote next? "God will never leave you. Never." Not even for one little moment. Not when it is dark. Not when you are scared.
That is why you can be brave. Really brave. You can say, "The Lord is my helper. I will not fear."
Jesus is not far away today, and gone tomorrow. No. Jesus is the same. Yesterday, today, always. Just like the sun that always rises. Just like Papa who always comes back home.
The Common Thread
Now listen closely, because this is beautiful. Jesus once went outside the city. Outside the gate. There it hurt. There he gave his blood, to make people clean.
That is why the letter says: "Let's go to him too. Outside the gate." Even if it is hard sometimes. Even if people laugh at us.
We do not have a city here that always stays. But we are looking for one. A city that will never break down. One that Jesus is building.
For You
What can you do, so small, with your little hands? You can share. Your cookie, your toy, your blanket. "Don't forget to do good, and to share," said the letter. God is happy with that. Really happy.
You can also pray. For people who tell about Jesus. So that they are brave, and glad, and not afraid.
And every night, before you close your eyes, you may say a thank you word to God. That is also a gift. A little sacrifice of praise, right from your mouth.
At the very end of the letter he wrote, softly and warmly: "Grace be with you all."
Talk About It
Can you think of someone you could share your cookie with this week?
What makes you feel brave when it is dark?
Praying Together
Dear God, Thank you that you never leave me. Not even for one little moment. Help me share what I have. Thank you that Jesus is always the same. Amen.
Questions about Hebrews 13
Short answers for anyone reading about this for the first time.
What is Hebrews 13 about?
What does Hebrews 13 say?
What does Hebrews 13 teach us about God?
What can toddlers learn from Hebrews 13?
Why is Hebrews 13 an important Bible story?
What others discovered
Remember those who are in bonds, as bound with them; and those who are ill-treated, since you are also in the body."
Notice the words "as bound with them." Not sympathy from a distance. Not a prayer whispered before you move on with your day. You are to feel the chains on your own wrists.
Somewhere right now a brother is in a cell for the name of Jesus. A sister is being mistreated for her faith. The writer says: you share a body with them. Their suffering is not news, it is family.
Who will you carry today as if it were you?
But don't forget to be doing good and sharing, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased."
Notice the word "sacrifices." Sharing your bread, your time, your attention costs you something. That's the point. When it stings a little to give, God calls it worship. Who has He put near you today that you'd rather not notice?
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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