Malachi 4
Explanation and Bible story for toddlers and preschoolers (ages 3-6)
The Explanation
Long, long ago there lived a man named Malachi. He was a prophet. That means: God whispered something to him. And Malachi told it to the people.
Listen to what God said.
"There is coming a day," said God. "A very special day. On that day I will make everything new."
God said something else too. "There are people who do bad things. They do not want to listen to Me. On that big day, those bad things will be gone. Like straw in a fire. Poof, gone."
But God also said something warm. "And you, who love Me? For you the sun will come up. A very special sun. He will heal everything that is broken. And you will jump for joy! Like a little calf that may run outside for the first time."
What Does This Mean?
Just imagine. You have been inside all day. And then the door opens. Outside! The sun is shining. You may run. You jump and jump and jump.
That is what God promises. One day everything sad will be over. Then we will jump for joy. Because God makes everything good.
The Common Thread
Do you know Who that special sun is?
That is Jesus.
Jesus is like the sun that comes up in the morning. First it is dark. And then, very slowly, everything becomes light. The birds start to sing. You can see everything again.
Jesus does that too. He brings light. He makes sick people better. He makes sad people happy. And one day He will come back. Then it will be light forever.
God had already promised it, long ago. And God always keeps His promise. Always.
For You
Have you ever been sad? Or had a boo-boo on your knee?
Then Mama or Papa comes. And gives a kiss on the boo-boo. And a hug. It feels a little better then.
Jesus is even bigger than that. Jesus sees you. He knows when you are sad. He knows when you have a boo-boo. And He is close by. Very close.
You do not always see Him. But He is there. Just like the sun. Sometimes there is a cloud in front. But the sun is still there. Really.
And you know what is so nice? You may jump for God. Jump high! Because God loves you. Jump one, two, three times. Like a little calf in the meadow.
Talk About It
Where does it hurt sometimes? Or when are you sad? Do you dare tell Jesus about it?
Can you jump very high, just like the little calf from the story?
Praying Together
Dear Lord Jesus,
You are like the sun. You make everything light. You make me happy.
Thank You that You see me. Also when I am sad. Also when I have a boo-boo.
I want to jump for You. Because You are so good.
Amen.
Questions about Malachi 4
Short answers for anyone reading about this for the first time.
What is Malachi 4 about?
What does Malachi 4 say?
What does Malachi 4 teach us about God?
What can toddlers learn from Malachi 4?
Why is Malachi 4 an important Bible story?
What others discovered
God's last words before four hundred years of silence weren't new revelation. They were a reminder: "Remember the law of Moses my servant, which I commanded to him in Horeb for all Israel." You already have enough to live on. In the quiet seasons, when heaven seems to say nothing new, go back to what He already said.
Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the great and terrible day of Yahweh comes." The day is coming either way. But God sends someone ahead of it, a knock before the door opens. Then four hundred years of silence followed. Can you still trust a promise you cannot yet see moving?
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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