Malachi 2
Explanation and Bible story for toddlers and preschoolers (ages 3-6)
The Explanation
Long, long ago, God had helpers. They were called priests. The priests worked in God's big house. They told the people about God. They said, "God is good. Listen to Him."
But something sad happened. The priests forgot God. They said wrong things. They did not listen anymore. God was sad. Very sad.
God said, "Listen, priests! I want you to tell the truth. I want you to walk with Me. Just like Levi did, long ago. Levi loved Me. Levi said good and true words."
But these priests did not do that. They pointed people the wrong way. Like when you point left, but the road goes right. The people got lost.
And there was more. The people were not kind to each other. Men were mean to their wives. They forgot their promises. God saw it all. And God cried with the wives.
God said, "I see you. I hear you. Do not do that. Be faithful. Keep your promises."
What Does This Mean?
God wants us to say true things. God wants us to keep our promises. When you promise something, you have to do it. Even if it is hard.
And God wants us to be kind. Kind to daddy. Kind to mommy. Kind to your little sister. Kind to everybody in your house.
God sees everything. God hears everything. He is not angry for no reason. He is sad when people hurt each other. Because God loves people so much.
The Common Thread
The priests in the story did not do it well. They did not point to God. But do you know what? God had a plan.
Later, much later, someone else came. His name was Jesus. Jesus is the very best Priest. Jesus always says true things. Jesus always keeps His promises. Jesus never, ever forgets you.
Jesus walks with God. And Jesus takes your hand. He says, "Come, I will show you the way to the Father."
For You
Do you sometimes make a promise? Like: "I will clean up my toys." Or: "I will not hit."
Try to do what you say. That makes God glad.
And do you know what else? You can tell about God. Just like the priests should have done. You can say, "God loves you!" to grandma. Or to your friend. That is beautiful.
And when it does not work, when you forget, then you may go to Jesus. He is not angry. He helps you try again.
Talk About It
Have you ever made a promise? Did you keep it?
Who can you tell that God loves them?
Praying Together
Dear God,
Thank You for Jesus. He always keeps His promises. Help me to say true things. Help me to be kind. And if I forget, then help me again.
Amen.
Questions about Malachi 2
Short answers for anyone reading about this for the first time.
What is Malachi 2 about?
What does Malachi 2 say?
What does Malachi 2 teach us about God?
What can toddlers learn from Malachi 2?
Why is Malachi 2 an important Bible story?
What others discovered
Therefore pay attention to your spirit, that you don't be treacherous." Notice where God places the guard. Not on the paperwork, on your spirit. Betrayal never begins in a courtroom. It begins quietly, in the place where you stop cherishing someone. Who have you already left in your heart, while still sharing a roof?
Now, you priests, this commandment is for you." God doesn't announce this to the crowd and hope the priests overhear. He turns and speaks to their faces. There is mercy in that. The ones handling holy things are not exempt from correction, they receive it first. When God's word finds you, do you take it, or pass it quickly to someone who needs it more?
You have turned aside out of the way. You have caused many to stumble in the law." Notice the order. The priests drifted first, then others fell over them. No one announced it. A small compromise at the altar became a stumbling block in someone else's path.
Your walk is never only yours. Someone is watching where you step, a child, a friend, a younger believer who trusts your footing. That is not a burden meant to crush you. It is a reason to come back to the way today, quietly, before anyone else trips.
A priest's lips were meant to be a storehouse, guarding truth so that hungry people could come and find it: "they should seek the law at his mouth." Someone is already coming to your mouth. A child, a friend, a coworker at the coffee machine. What do they find waiting there? God calls that ordinary role messenger.
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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