John 17
Explanation and Bible story for toddlers and preschoolers (ages 3-6)
The Explanation
It was evening. Jesus sat with his friends. They had just eaten together. Soon Jesus would have to go away. His friends did not know that yet.
Jesus stood still. He looked up. Up, up, to heaven. Then he began to pray. He talked with God. Jesus called God his Father.
"Father," said Jesus, "I love you. And I love my friends here. Will you take good care of them?"
Jesus prayed for a long time. His voice was soft and warm. He talked about his friends. Peter. John. All of them. He knew each one.
"Father, they belong to you," said Jesus. "And they belong to me. Please hold them tight. Keep them safe."
Outside it was dark. But inside, Jesus kept praying. He prayed for his friends. And then, listen carefully, he prayed for someone else too.
Jesus prayed for children who did not exist yet. He prayed for people who would later hear about him. He prayed for you.
Yes, really. For you.
What Does This Mean?
Jesus was going to do something very hard soon. But first he prayed. He wanted his Father to take care of his friends.
Jesus knows every name. He knows your name too. And he talks about you with his Father in heaven.
The Common Thread
Jesus called God "Father." A good Father. A Father who listens.
And Jesus said something wonderful: "Father, you have loved me forever. Even before there were trees and stars. That is how much you love me."
And then Jesus said: "I want them to feel that love too."
That love is for you. Jesus wants you to know it. God is your Father. He loves you very much.
For You
Do you know what is so nice? Jesus still prays. He is in heaven now. And he still says your name to his Father.
When you are scared in bed, Jesus prays for you. When you are happy on the swing, Jesus prays for you. When you are sick, Jesus prays for you.
You are never alone. Jesus is thinking of you. Always.
You can pray too. Just like Jesus. Just talk with God. He listens. He hears every little word.
Talk About It
Did you know that Jesus prays for you? How does that feel inside?
Who would you like to pray for? Mommy, Daddy, Grandma, a friend?
Praying Together
Dear Father in heaven,
Thank you that Jesus prays for me. Thank you that you know my name. Please hold me tight, like a big warm hand. And help me to love other people too.
Amen.
Questions about John 17
Short answers for anyone reading about this for the first time.
What is John 17 about?
What does John 17 say?
What does John 17 teach us about God?
What can toddlers learn from John 17?
Why is John 17 an important Bible story?
What others discovered
Even as you loved me." Sit with that. Jesus doesn't ask the Father to love you a little, or as much as can be spared. He asks that the love poured into the Son be poured into you. And the world learns it not from our arguments but from watching us stay together. Who are you refusing to be one with today?
Glorify me with your own self with the glory which I had with you before the world existed." Notice He asks for nothing new. Only what was always His, laid down for a while. He emptied His hands to pick you up. And the road back to that glory ran straight through the cross. What have you refused to set down?
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
Kenya
Indonesia
DR Congo
Ghana
Nepal
Cameroon
Mozambique
Benin
