Job 16
Explanation and Bible story for toddlers and preschoolers (ages 3-6)
The Explanation
Job was sad. Very, very sad. He sat on the ground. His clothes were torn. His face was wet from crying.
You know Job, right? First he had everything. A big family. Lots of sheep. A warm house. But then it all went away. His children died. His animals were gone. And Job got sick. His whole body hurt.
Now his friends came. They sat next to Job. But oh dear, they did not help. They said mean things. They said, "Job, it is your own fault!"
That made Job even sadder. He said, "Friends, you are not helping me. Your words hurt. It feels like you are laughing at me."
Job looked up. He looked up high, all the way up to the sky. And he said something very important. He said, "God, You are up there. You see me. You know I am sad."
Job cried and cried. But he kept talking to God. Even now. Even when everything hurt.
What Does This Mean?
Job was very, very sad. And do you know what he did? He talked to God about it. Not softly, but out loud. He said, "God, I am crying. God, it hurts."
God likes it when we talk to Him. Also when we are sad. Also when we cry. You do not have to pretend you are happy. God sees your tears. Every single one.
The Common Thread
There was Someone else who was very sad too. His name is Jesus. Jesus also cried. Jesus was also alone sometimes. His friends were not always there for Him either.
Jesus knows exactly how Job felt. Jesus knows exactly how you feel when you are sad. Because Jesus was sad too.
And now Jesus is with God, up high. And He looks at you. He knows your tears. Isn't that nice?
For You
Sometimes you are sad too. Maybe you fell down. Maybe someone said something mean. Maybe you miss someone very much.
Then you can do what Job did. You can look up. You can say, "God, I am sad. God, please help me."
God hears you. Always. Even when you cry very softly. Even when no words come out. God sees your tears.
And you know what else? You can go to Papa or Mama. They will give you a big hug. Because that is also how God comforts you. Through a hug from someone who loves you.
Talk About It
When were you very sad? What happened then?
What do you think God does when He sees you crying?
Praying Together
Dear God,
Sometimes I am sad. Sometimes I cry. Thank You that You see me then. Thank You that You listen. Thank You for Jesus, who was sad too. Please hold me tight.
Amen.
Questions about Job 16
Short answers for anyone reading about this for the first time.
What is Job 16 about?
What does Job 16 say?
What does Job 16 teach us about God?
What can toddlers learn from Job 16?
Why is Job 16 an important Bible story?
What others discovered
Job, scraped raw and sitting in ashes, tells his friends what he would do if their places were swapped: "I would strengthen you with my mouth. The solace of my lips would relieve you." He knows exactly what he needed and never received. Someone near you is hurting right now. You already know what words would help. Say them.
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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