Mark 5
Explanation and Bible story for toddlers and preschoolers (ages 3-6)
The Explanation
Jesus stepped out of the boat. It was quiet at the shore. But then, from far away, there came a shout.
A man came running. His clothes were torn. His hair was wild. He lived by the graves, all alone. Nobody could help him. Something bad was inside him. He was so sad and so scared.
But Jesus was not scared. Jesus said: "Come out of him!"
And whoosh, the bad thing had to go. Away from the man. The man sat down. Quiet. Calm. He had nice clothes on again. He looked at Jesus and smiled.
Then Jesus went back in the boat. He sailed to the other side.
Lots of people were waiting there. A father came running. His name was Jairus. "Jesus, please come! My little girl is very sick!"
Jesus went with him. But on the way, someone touched his coat. It was a woman. She had been sick for a very long time. And look, she was better right away! Jesus said to her: "You may go home. You are well."
Then someone came running. "Jairus, your little girl… she is not alive anymore."
But Jesus said: "Do not be afraid. Just believe."
They walked to the house. Everyone inside was crying. Jesus went to the room where the little girl lay. He took her small hand in his big hand. And he said, soft and kind: "Little girl, get up."
And she opened her eyes. She sat up. She walked! Her daddy and mommy could hardly believe it. Jesus said: "Give her something to eat. She is hungry."
What Does This Mean?
Jesus is strong. So very strong. Stronger than sickness. Stronger than scary things. Even stronger than dying. When Jesus speaks, everything listens.
And Jesus is kind. He looked at the sad man. He looked at the sick woman. He looked at the little girl. He helped them all.
The Common Thread
Jesus is God's Son. He came to make broken things whole again. Sad people happy. Sick people better. He still does that today.
For You
Sometimes you are scared. Of the dark maybe. Or of being alone. Or of getting sick. Then you may tell Jesus. He hears you.
He took that little girl's hand. He can hold your hand too. Not with skin and fingers, but with his love. He is close by. Always.
Do you know what is so nice? Jesus said: "Give her something to eat." He thought of that too! He knows exactly what you need. Even little things.
Talk About It
Which part of the story do you think is the most beautiful? The man, the woman, or the little girl?
What do you want to tell Jesus? Something happy, or something you find hard?
Praying Together
Dear Jesus,
You are so strong. And you are so kind. Thank you that you helped that little girl. Please hold my hand too. When I am scared, you are near. Thank you, Jesus.
Amen.
Questions about Mark 5
Short answers for anyone reading about this for the first time.
What is Mark 5 about?
What does Mark 5 say?
What does Mark 5 teach us about God?
What can toddlers learn from Mark 5?
Why is Mark 5 an important Bible story?
What others discovered
Twelve years. Mark lets that number sit there before he says anything else about her. Twelve years of bleeding meant twelve years counted unclean, twelve years no one embraced her. And Jairus' daughter, the girl Jesus was walking toward, was exactly twelve years old. One child's whole life, one woman's whole grief. Jesus had time for both. How long have you been counting?
Looking for something for slightly older children?
We also have dedicated versions for elementary age (7-12) and teens (12 and up).
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