Malachi 1
Explanation and Bible story for toddlers and preschoolers (ages 3-6)
The Explanation
Listen. A long, long time ago, God had a special people. They lived in a land God had given them. God loved them very much. He was like a good Father.
But something sad was happening. The people had forgotten how special God was. They still went to God's big house, the temple. They still brought presents to God. But look what they brought!
At home they had strong, healthy sheep. Fat and beautiful. Those they kept for themselves. And to God? To God they brought the sick sheep. The blind sheep. The lame sheep that could barely walk.
Then God said, "Oh, my children. Would you give a sick sheep to a king? No, right? A king would say, 'What kind of present is this?' And I, I am the great King. The very greatest King of all!"
God was sad. Very sad. Because He saw that His children no longer thought He was really important.
What Does This Mean?
God is big. God is good. God is the greatest King there is. And God sees everything. He sees what you give Him. Not just the sheep from long ago. He sees your heart too. He sees when you sing for Him. He sees when you fold your hands.
God does not want leftovers. God does not want, "Oh, here, I still have this little bit for You." God wants the best. Because He is worth it.
The Common Thread
Do you know what is so beautiful? God's people were sad presents-givers. But God Himself gave the most beautiful present ever. God gave His own Son, Jesus. Not something old. Not something broken. The very best.
And Jesus gave Himself back to God. All of Himself. His whole heart. His whole life. Jesus was the most beautiful present, from God to us, and from us to God.
For You
What can you give to God? You do not have sheep. But you have something else. You have you!
You can give God your song, when you sing. You can give God your hands, when you fold them. You can give God your ears, when you listen. You can give God your love.
And you know what? When you draw something for God, do you make a scribble in ten seconds? Or do you make your very most beautiful drawing? God likes it when you say, "This, God, this is for You. The very best I have."
Because God is a big King. And God is a good Father. He deserves your best. And He loves you very, very much.
Talk About It
What is the most beautiful thing you have? Would you give that to God?
How can you show God today that He is very important to you?
Praying Together
Dear God, You are so big. You are the greatest King. I love You. I want to give You my song. I want to give You my heart. Thank You for Jesus, the most beautiful present. Amen.
Questions about Malachi 1
Short answers for anyone reading about this for the first time.
What is Malachi 1 about?
What does Malachi 1 say?
What does Malachi 1 teach us about God?
What can toddlers learn from Malachi 1?
Why is Malachi 1 an important Bible story?
What others discovered
Behold, what a weariness it is!" They still showed up. They still brought something. They just sighed on the way in, and gave God the animal they would never have served a guest. God noticed the sigh more than the sacrifice. What do you hand Him out of leftovers, and what do you save for the people you want to impress?
You say, 'How have we despised your name?'" That question is the saddest part. The priests weren't rebels. They simply stopped noticing what they were handing God, the lame lamb, the leftover. Contempt can grow quiet and look like routine. So ask honestly: what am I giving Him that I would be embarrassed to give anyone I actually feared losing?
Present it now to your governor! Will he be pleased with you?" The question stings because it is so ordinary. You would never hand your boss half finished work, yet God gets the tired end of your day, the prayer mumbled while falling asleep. Not because he matters least. Because he complains the least.
God opens the conversation with "I have loved you," and His people answer with a question: "How have you loved us?" They were back in the land, but life was small and hard, and love felt like a word without evidence. Notice God doesn't point to their circumstances. He points backward, to Jacob, to a choice made before they earned anything. When you can't feel it, look further back.
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
