Mark 9
Explanation and Bible story for toddlers and preschoolers (ages 3-6)
The Explanation
Jesus walked up a big, high mountain. With him were Peter, James, and John.
At the top, something wonderful happened. Jesus began to shine. His clothes turned bright white. Whiter than snow, whiter than anything.
Two men appeared next to him. Moses and Elijah. They talked with Jesus.
Peter did not know what to say. He was so surprised. So he said, "Let's make three tents!"
Then a cloud came. Soft and big. And out of the cloud came a voice.
"This is my beloved Son. Listen to him."
Peter, James, and John looked around. The cloud was gone. Moses and Elijah were gone too. Only Jesus stood there.
What Does This Mean?
Later, Jesus and his friends came down the mountain. Down at the bottom, a boy was very sick. He fell to the ground. He could not talk.
His papa was so sad. "Please," he said, "help my boy."
"I believe," the papa cried, "but help me believe more."
Jesus looked at the boy. Jesus said, "Come out!" And the sick spirit left. The boy lay very still. Then Jesus took his hand. He helped him stand up. The boy was well again.
The Common Thread
The voice from the cloud said something important. "This is my beloved Son. Listen to him."
That is what the whole story is about. Jesus is God's own Son. When Jesus talks, we listen. When Jesus helps, he really helps, even when things seem impossible.
Jesus also told his friends something hard. He would die. But after three days, he would live again. His friends did not understand yet. But it was true.
For You
One day, Jesus took a little child into his arms. Right in front of everyone. He said, "Whoever welcomes a little child like this, welcomes me."
Jesus loves little children. He held this child close, just like that. He would hold you close too.
Jesus also said something simple. If someone gives another person a cup of water, that is good. Small things matter to Jesus.
Talk About It
What did the voice from the cloud say about Jesus?
Jesus took a child in his arms. How do you think that felt?
Praying Together
Dear Jesus, You are God's own Son. Thank you for taking children in your arms. Thank you that you help even when things are hard. I want to listen to you. Amen.
Questions about Mark 9
Short answers for anyone reading about this for the first time.
What is Mark 9 about?
What does Mark 9 say?
What does Mark 9 teach us about God?
What can toddlers learn from Mark 9?
Why is Mark 9 an important Bible story?
What others discovered
Down the mountain, an argument was in full swing. Nobody was getting anywhere. Then Jesus walks in, and "immediately all the multitude, when they saw him, were greatly amazed, and running to him, greeted him."
They stopped debating and ran. Notice your own instinct when things go wrong. Do you keep arguing, or do you run to him?
If your hand causes you to stumble, cut it off." Notice Jesus says your hand, not your neighbor's. And He doesn't pretend it costs nothing. "It is better for you to enter into life maimed" admits you will genuinely lose something you love. He isn't asking you to stop wanting it. He's asking you to want life more.
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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