Matthew 8
Explanation and Bible story for toddlers and preschoolers (ages 3-6)
The Explanation
Jesus came down from the mountain. Lots and lots of people walked with Him. Suddenly, a sick man came close. His skin was full of spots. Nobody wanted to touch him. But he knelt down and said: "Lord, please, You can make me better." Then Jesus did something surprising. He reached out His hand. And He touched the sick man. Right away, the man was all better!
Later, Jesus went to a town called Capernaum. A soldier came to Jesus. He said: "Lord, my helper is very sick at home. Please, just say a word. Then he will be better." Jesus was surprised. "This soldier really trusts Me!" And it happened. The helper got better.
Then Jesus went to Peter's house. Peter's mommy was sick in bed. She was hot with fever. Jesus touched her hand. And the fever ran away! She stood up, all better. She made food for Jesus.
When evening came, many sick people came to Jesus. And He made them all better. All of them.
What Does This Mean?
Jesus got in a boat with His friends. He was so tired. He fell asleep. Then, whoosh, the wind began to blow. The waves splashed high. Water came into the boat! His friends were scared. Very scared. They shook Jesus. "Wake up! We are sinking!"
Jesus opened His eyes. He stood up in the boat. He said to the wind: "Stop!" And He said to the waves: "Be quiet!" And guess what? The wind stopped. The waves lay down. Everything was still. His friends stared. "Who is this? Even the wind listens to Him!"
The Common Thread
Do you know who Jesus is? Jesus is God's Son. He came from heaven. The sick get better when He touches them. The wind stops when He speaks. Even scary things listen to Jesus. Because He is stronger than anything. Stronger than sickness. Stronger than the storm. Stronger than the dark.
And this Jesus is good. He is not scary. He touches the sick man that nobody wanted to touch. He helps the soldier. He helps Peter's mommy. He helps His friends in the boat. Jesus helps.
For You
Are you ever scared? Maybe of the dark. Or of a loud storm. Or when you are sick in bed. Then you can do what Jesus' friends did. You can call to Jesus. Just say: "Jesus, help me." He hears you. Really. He is close by, even when you cannot see Him.
And do you know what? Jesus loves you. Just like He loved the sick man. Just like He loved Peter's mommy. He loves you too.
Talk About It
What would you say to Jesus if you were sitting in that boat with Him?
Jesus touched the sick man. Whom would you like Jesus to touch to make better?
Praying Together
Dear Jesus, You are so strong. The wind listens to You. The waves listen to You. Thank You that You help. When I am scared, please be close. I love You, Jesus. Amen.
Questions about Matthew 8
Short answers for anyone reading about this for the first time.
What is Matthew 8 about?
What does Matthew 8 say?
What does Matthew 8 teach us about God?
What can toddlers learn from Matthew 8?
Why is Matthew 8 an important Bible story?
What others discovered
The herdsmen ran and "told everything, including what happened to those who were possessed with demons." A true report, every detail accurate. Yet the city heard it and asked Jesus to leave. Knowing exactly what He did is not the same as wanting Him near. What has He done in you that you can describe, but still keep at arm's length?
They had begged him to save them, and he did. Then came the strange part: "The men marveled, saying, 'What kind of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?'" The storm they understood. Him they did not. Sometimes an answered prayer unsettles you more than the trouble did, because it shows you who has been in the boat all along.
A Roman officer with soldiers under his command says, "Lord, I'm not worthy for you to come under my roof." He had power, yet he knew what he lacked. And notice who he was begging for: a servant, someone Rome counted as property. Real authority bends low for people no one else notices. Whose need are you carrying to Jesus today?
A Roman centurion walks up to Jesus. Think about that. An officer of the occupying army, a Gentile, comes seeking help from a Jewish teacher. He crosses every social line to get there. What need in your life is bigger than your pride? Sometimes love for someone else is what finally moves us to Jesus.
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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