For children ages 3 to 6

Matthew 23

Explanation and Bible story for toddlers and preschoolers (ages 3-6)

1 min read · Updated August 13, 2026
By Jasper & Review team
Bible
By Jasper & Review team

The Explanation

Then Jesus said hard words. "Woe to you," he said. That means, "Oh, how sad for you." He said it again. And again. Because the teachers looked clean outside. Like a cup washed shiny and bright. But inside the cup was dirty. Full of yucky, sticky stuff. Jesus wanted the inside clean too. Not just the outside.

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Questions about Matthew 23

Short answers for anyone reading about this for the first time.

What is Matthew 23 about?
Then Jesus said hard words. "Woe to you," he said. That means, "Oh, how sad for you." He said it again. And again. Because the teachers looked clean outside. Like a cup washed shiny and bright. But inside the cup was dirty. Full of yucky, sticky stuff. Jesus wanted the inside clean too.

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We also have dedicated versions for elementary age (7-12) and teens (12 and up).

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For parents and teachers: Written especially to be read aloud to children ages 3 to 6. Use it as a starting point for a conversation with your child, not as the only source. This explanation is generated automatically by language models. While we strive for theological soundness, the software can make mistakes.

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