Matthew 11
Explanation and Bible story for toddlers and preschoolers (ages 3-6)
The Explanation
Come, sit close. I will tell you a story from the Bible.
There was a man named John. John lived far away, in a dark place. It was a prison. John was locked up. He was sad and thinking a lot.
John had a question. A big question. He wanted to know: is Jesus really the One God promised to send?
John sent his friends to Jesus. They asked Jesus the question. And Jesus said something wonderful.
Jesus said, "Look around! Blind people can see again. Lame people can walk. Sick people are better. And poor people hear the good news."
The friends went back to John. Now John knew. Yes! Jesus is the One!
What Does This Mean?
Sometimes you can wonder. Is Jesus really there? Is God really good?
Even John wondered. And that was okay. Jesus was not angry. Jesus gave him a kind answer.
Jesus shows who He is by what He does. He helps. He heals. He loves.
The Common Thread
Long, long ago, God made a promise. He said, "One day I will send Someone. He will help everyone."
And He kept His promise. That Someone is Jesus.
Jesus opens eyes. Jesus makes tired hearts happy. Jesus said, "Come to Me, all who are tired. I will give you rest."
Do you hear that? Jesus says: come. Come close. I am here.
For You
Jesus said something else too. He said, "Come to Me, you who are tired. Lay your head down. I will give you rest."
Sometimes you are tired. After a busy day. Or sad. Or scared in the dark.
Then you can talk to Jesus. Like talking to a friend. Jesus listens. Always.
He says, "Come. I am gentle. I love you."
You do not have to be big or strong. You do not have to know everything. Jesus wants little children close to Him.
Just the way you are. With your happy days and your sad days. Jesus says: come.
Talk About It
When are you tired or sad? What could you say to Jesus then?
Jesus helped sick people and blind people. Who do you know that needs help? Can we pray for them?
Praying Together
Dear Jesus,
You said: come to Me. So here I am. Thank You that You listen. Thank You that You are kind. When I am tired, You are there. When I am sad, You are there. I love You, Jesus.
Amen.
Questions about Matthew 11
Short answers for anyone reading about this for the first time.
What is Matthew 11 about?
What does Matthew 11 say?
What does Matthew 11 teach us about God?
What can toddlers learn from Matthew 11?
Why is Matthew 11 an important Bible story?
What others discovered
In Matthew 11 Jesus says: come to me, all you who are weary and burdened. Not come once you have recovered, not come when you try harder, but come right now. Grace is not a reward for those who make it, it is a hand for those who don't.
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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