Leviticus 3
Explanation and Bible story for toddlers and preschoolers (ages 3-6)
The Explanation
Long, long ago, God's people lived in tents in the desert. In the middle of all those tents stood one special tent. That was God's tent. God lived close to His people.
In front of that tent was a big altar. On the altar burned a fire. Wood crackled. Smoke curled up, up, up into the sky.
Now imagine a man walking to that tent. He is smiling. Something good has happened to him. Maybe his sick child got better. Maybe the rain came just in time. He is so glad. He wants to say thank you to God.
So he brings his very best lamb. Not a sick one. Not a wobbly one. His best one, with soft white wool.
He walks slowly. The lamb walks beside him. And then he stands still, right in front of God's tent.
The man lays his hand on the lamb's head. He keeps it there, warm and quiet. It is as if he says: God, this is from me. This is my gift.
And then the lamb dies. That is sad. But listen, because something beautiful happens next.
The priest takes some of the lamb and lays it on the fire. It sizzles. It crackles. And it smells good. A lovely smell, going up, up to God. God smells it and He is glad.
What Does This Mean?
Do you know what happens with the rest of the lamb? The man takes it home. And his family roasts it. Everybody comes. Grandma, the children, the neighbours. They sit together and they eat. Meat and bread. Full tummies. Laughing.
Because this was a happy gift. God called it a peace gift. That means: everything is good between you and Me. We are friends.
So the man ate his dinner, and he knew: God is right here. God is near. God is my Friend.
The Common Thread
God has always wanted that. He wants to be near you, like a good Father.
Later, God sent Jesus. Jesus is called the Lamb of God. Jesus gave Himself, all of Himself, for you.
And now nobody has to bring a lamb to a tent anymore. Now you can just say: Jesus, thank You. And it is good between you and God. You are friends. Forever.
For You
Do you have something happy today? Something that made you smile?
Maybe you got better after being sick. Maybe you played outside in the sun. Maybe someone hugged you tight.
You do not have to bring a lamb. But you can say thank you to God. Out loud, or very softly.
And here is something nice. Next time you eat, look around the table. All those faces. All that food. God is near, just like He was near that happy family long ago.
Talk About It
What makes you happy today? Can you say thank you to God for it?
Who do you like to eat with most?
Praying Together
Dear God,
Thank You for happy things. Thank You for food on my plate. Thank You that You are near me. Thank You for Jesus.
Amen.
Questions about Leviticus 3
Short answers for anyone reading about this for the first time.
What is Leviticus 3 about?
What does Leviticus 3 say?
What does Leviticus 3 teach us about God?
What can toddlers learn from Leviticus 3?
Why is Leviticus 3 an important Bible story?
What others discovered
Notice the detail: "whether male or female." The peace offering widened the door where other offerings narrowed it. And this was the one sacrifice you sat down and ate, part given to God, part to the priest, part to you. Peace with God was never meant to be silence. It was a shared meal. What does your table with him look like?
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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