Matthew 14
Explanation and Bible story for toddlers and preschoolers (ages 3-6)
The Explanation
The sun was going down. Jesus sat by the water. So many people came to see him. So many.
Jesus looked at them. He felt sad for them. He was kind. He healed the sick ones, one by one.
Then it was evening. Everyone was hungry. So hungry. But there was almost no food. Just five loaves of bread. Just two little fish.
Jesus took the bread in his hands. He looked up to heaven. He said thank you to God. Then he broke the bread.
And it did not stop. More bread. And more. And more! Everyone ate. Everyone was full. Five thousand men, and all the women and children too.
What Does This Mean?
After that, Jesus went up a mountain, alone, to talk to God. His friends got into a boat. The wind grew wild. The waves grew big. It was dark.
Then, in the night, they saw something. Someone was walking. Walking right on the water! "It's a ghost!" they cried. They were so scared.
But it was Jesus. He said, "Cheer up! It is I! Don't be afraid."
The Common Thread
Peter said, "Lord, if it is you, let me come too." He stepped out of the boat. He walked on the water, right toward Jesus!
But then Peter looked at the wind. He got scared. He began to sink. "Lord, save me!" he shouted.
Jesus reached out his hand. He held Peter tight. He did not let him fall. Jesus is always stronger than the wind. Jesus is always stronger than the waves. That is why his friends said, "You are truly the Son of God!"
For You
Sometimes you feel scared too. Maybe at night. Maybe when things feel too big. Jesus sees you, just like he saw Peter. He is not far away. He reaches out his hand.
You can hold onto him, just like Peter did. Even when you are afraid. Even in the dark. Even when the wind is loud. He will not let you sink.
Talk About It
Why do you think Peter was not afraid at first, but then got scared?
What do you say to Jesus when you feel scared?
Praying Together
Dear Jesus, Thank you that you are strong. Thank you that you hold my hand. When I am scared, help me remember you. Amen.
Questions about Matthew 14
Short answers for anyone reading about this for the first time.
What is Matthew 14 about?
What does Matthew 14 say?
What does Matthew 14 teach us about God?
What can toddlers learn from Matthew 14?
Why is Matthew 14 an important Bible story?
What others discovered
But when he saw that the wind was strong, he was afraid." Notice the water had not changed. The waves that held him up were the same waves. Only his eyes moved. And when he sank, his prayer was three words: "Lord, save me!" No explanation, no promises to do better. Sometimes that is all the faith you have left, and it is enough for Jesus to reach out his hand.
Peter answered him and said, 'Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the waters.'"
Notice Peter's condition: "if it is you." He isn't asking for proof to stay in the boat. He's asking for a command that will pull him out of safety. Faith sometimes sounds like that. Not "prove yourself to me," but "if it's really you, call me into the impossible."
Where has Jesus been calling you, while you've been waiting for certainty first?
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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