Leviticus 12
Explanation and Bible story for toddlers and preschoolers (ages 3-6)
The Explanation
Long, long ago, God spoke to a man called Moses. God had something to say. Listen carefully.
When a mommy has a baby, something very special happens. A tiny baby boy or a tiny baby girl. So small. So new. The mommy is very tired, and her body needs to rest. God knew that. God said: "Mommy may stay home for a while. She may hold her baby close. She does not have to come to my big tent yet."
That big tent was the place where God lived with his people. It was a holy place. A special place.
And after many days, when the mommy was strong again, she could come to God's tent. She brought a little lamb with her. Or two little birds. Soft birds, with fluttering wings. She gave them to the priest. The priest was God's helper. He laid the gift on the altar for God.
And then the mommy was allowed to come back in. Right up close to God. She was so happy.
What Does This Mean?
God cares about mommies. God cares about babies. God cares about you too!
God saw the tired mommy. God said: "Rest, sweet mommy. Hold your little one close." God is not in a hurry. God is gentle.
And God loves it when people come close to Him. He made a way. Even a mommy who had no money could bring two little birds. Small birds were enough. God did not want big, expensive things. God wanted her heart.
The Common Thread
Do you know who else was a tiny baby once? Jesus. Yes, Jesus!
Mary was his mommy. And when Jesus was very small, Mary and Joseph walked to God's big house. They brought two little birds with them. Two soft turtledoves. Just like in this story!
Because Mary did not have much money. But God said that was fine. Two birds was enough.
And later, when Jesus was big, He gave the biggest gift of all. Jesus Himself. So we could all come close to God. Always. Forever.
For You
Did you know that God saw you when you were a tiny baby? Yes, really! When you were so small you could not even talk yet. God knew your name. God loved you already.
And God still loves you. When you sleep. When you play. When you eat your bread. God sees you. God says: "Come close, little one. Come close to me."
You do not have to bring a lamb. You do not have to bring a bird. You may come just as you are. With your little hands. With your little feet. With your whole heart.
Talk About It
Who is your mommy? What is something sweet your mommy does for you?
God says: come close. How can you come close to God today?
Praying Together
Dear God,
Thank you for my mommy. Thank you that I was once a tiny baby. Thank you that you saw me. Thank you for Jesus. I want to come close to you.
Amen.
Questions about Leviticus 12
Short answers for anyone reading about this for the first time.
What is Leviticus 12 about?
What does Leviticus 12 say?
What does Leviticus 12 teach us about God?
What can toddlers learn from Leviticus 12?
Why is Leviticus 12 an important Bible story?
What others discovered
She has just given birth. She is spent, bleeding, worn thin. And God doesn't ask her to climb her way back to him. He sends a priest: "he shall offer it before Yahweh, and make atonement for her." Someone else carries the offering while she rests. Mary stood in that same line once, holding Jesus. Where are you still trying to clean yourself up, when another has already done it for you?
If a woman conceives, and bears a male child, then she shall be unclean seven days." Unclean here does not mean sinful. Blood was holy ground, life itself, and touching it set you apart for a while. Notice what the law quietly gave her: days with no temple to attend, no duties, nothing required. Just her and her child. Does your God ever seem stranger, and kinder, than you expected?
Looking for something for slightly older children?
We also have dedicated versions for elementary age (7-12) and teens (12 and up).
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