Mark 13
Explanation and Bible story for toddlers and preschoolers (ages 3-6)
The Explanation
Jesus was in Jerusalem. That is a big city. There stood the temple. A very, very big house for God. The stones were huge. As big as a car!
The friends of Jesus looked up. They said: "Wow, look at those big stones!"
But Jesus said something strange. He said: "One day these stones will not stand here anymore. They will all fall down."
The friends were surprised. They walked with Jesus up a hill. There they sat down. The city was down below. And they asked: "Jesus, when will that happen?"
Then Jesus began to tell. He said: "There will be hard times. There will be storms and wars. People will feel scared. But you do not have to be afraid. I am with you."
Jesus also said: "One day I will come back. Everyone will see me. I will come from heaven. Full of light. Very beautiful."
And then Jesus said: "Stay awake. Keep watching. Just like a watchman at the door."
What Does This Mean?
Jesus knows what is coming. Jesus knows everything. Even things very far away.
Sometimes things happen that are scary. A big storm. Or someone is sick. Then Jesus says: "Do not be afraid. I am close by."
And Jesus makes a promise. A very great promise. He is coming back one day. Then everything will be new.
The Common Thread
Jesus went up to heaven. Long ago. But he did not stay away forever.
He is coming back. From up high. Everyone will see him. And it will be a big, big party.
Then there will be no more crying. No more owies. No more being scared. Only joy. Because Jesus is King.
For You
Jesus says: "Stay awake." What does that mean? It means: keep looking for Jesus.
You can talk to him every day. When you eat. When you play. When you go to sleep.
And when you feel scared? Then you may whisper: "Jesus, are you here?" And yes. He is there. Always.
He is not far away. He is very close.
Talk About It
When do you sometimes feel a little bit scared?
What do you think it will look like when Jesus comes back?
Praying Together
Dear Lord Jesus,
You are so big. And so good.
Thank you that you see me. Also when I am scared.
I am glad you are coming back one day.
Then we will have a big party with you.
Amen.
Questions about Mark 13
Short answers for anyone reading about this for the first time.
What is Mark 13 about?
What does Mark 13 say?
What does Mark 13 teach us about God?
What can toddlers learn from Mark 13?
Why is Mark 13 an important Bible story?
What others discovered
These things are the beginning of birth pains." Jesus doesn't call the wars and hunger meaningless, and He doesn't call them the end either. He calls them labor. Pain that is going somewhere. When the news makes your stomach drop, ask yourself what a midwife knows: something is being born, and God is not panicking.
Brother will deliver up brother to death, and the father his child." Jesus doesn't promise that following him will keep your family intact. He says the wound may come from the table you grew up at. Notice he tells them beforehand. He would rather you be hurt and warned than shocked and alone.
You will be hated by all men for my name's sake, but he who endures to the end will be saved." Notice Jesus doesn't promise you'll win the argument or change their minds. He promises you'll be hated, and that staying is enough. Not eloquence. Not victory. Just remaining, one ordinary day after another, still His.
Notice what Jesus tells them to watch. Not the sky, not the headlines, but themselves. "But watch yourselves, for they will deliver you up to councils." And then the surprise: the beating, the trial, the hostile king, all of it becomes "a testimony to them." Your hardest room may be your pulpit. Who is watching you there?
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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