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
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?
Notice what Jesus warns about first. Not war, not famine, but deception: "Many will come in my name, saying, 'I am he!' and will lead many astray." The danger wears his name. It speaks his language. Which means the question isn't only whether you believe, but whether you know his voice well enough to tell it from an echo.
A disciple points at the temple, awed: "Teacher, see what kind of stones and what kind of buildings!" It was the most permanent thing he could imagine, God's own house in stone. Jesus answers, "There will not be left here one stone on another, which will not be thrown down."
What are you pointing at right now, sure it will outlast you? The career, the house, the church building you love. Jesus is not being cruel. He is loosening your grip before life does it for you, so that when the stones fall, you are still holding onto him.
He sat "on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple," looking straight at the thing he had just said would fall. Not turning away from it. And the four came to him privately, not to argue but to ask. When something you love is shaking, notice where you take your questions. Across the valley, or to his face?
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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