Job 14
Explanation and Bible story for toddlers and preschoolers (ages 3-6)
The Explanation
Job was very sad. Very, very sad. He sat on the ground. His body hurt. His heart hurt too.
Job started to talk. He talked to God. He said hard things, because he felt so bad.
"People do not live very long," said Job. "A person is like a little flower. First the flower grows. It is pretty. But then the wind blows. And the flower is gone."
Job looked around. He saw a tree. The tree was cut down. Only a stump was left.
"Look," said Job. "A tree can get water. Then new leaves grow. The tree lives again."
Job sighed. A big, deep sigh.
"But when a person goes to sleep forever, then he does not wake up. Not like the tree."
Job was quiet for a moment. It was hard for him. Very hard.
Then Job said something soft. Very soft. Like a little wish.
"Oh God… could you please remember me? Could you please call my name someday? Then I will answer you. Then I will come to you."
Job kept talking to God. Even when he was sad. Even when it was hard. Job kept talking to God.
What Does This Mean?
Job was very sad. But look what Job did. Job talked to God about it.
Job did not walk away. Job did not stay silent. Job told God everything. Also the sad things. Also the hard things.
God listened. God always listens.
The Common Thread
Job wished for something. Job wished: "God, please remember me. Please call my name."
And do you know what? God does that! Long after Job, Jesus came. Jesus is God's Son.
Jesus said: "I know your name. I will call you." Jesus is stronger than being sad. Jesus is stronger than everything.
The tree that grows again? That is a little sign. God can make things new. God can bring life back. Jesus does that.
For You
Are you sometimes sad? Really sad?
Then you may do what Job did. You may talk to God. You may say: "God, I am sad." God is not angry then. God comes close.
You may also cry. God sees every tear. He counts them.
And you may know: God knows your name. God will never forget you. Never, never.
Talk About It
When are you sometimes sad? What can you tell God then?
A tree can grow new leaves. What does God do that is new?
Praying Together
Dear God,
Job was sad. And he talked to you.
Sometimes I am sad too. Then I want to talk to you too.
Thank you that you listen. Thank you that you know my name.
Thank you for Jesus.
Amen.
Questions about Job 14
Short answers for anyone reading about this for the first time.
What is Job 14 about?
What does Job 14 say?
What does Job 14 teach us about God?
What can toddlers learn from Job 14?
Why is Job 14 an important Bible story?
What others discovered
Job is staring at a stump. "Though its root grows old in the earth, and its stock dies in the ground." Finished, by every visible measure. Yet one verse later the mere scent of water wakes it. Job says a tree gets that chance and he does not. He was wrong, but the ache was honest. What have you already buried in yourself as dead wood? God knows where the water is.
Job asks the question sitting in ashes, scraping his sores: "Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean? Not one." He is not being cynical. He is being honest about something you already suspect about yourself. You cannot scrub your own heart from the inside. Notice Job does not answer his question. He leaves it open, aching, waiting for Someone to answer it.
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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