Romans 11
Explanation and Bible story for toddlers and preschoolers (ages 3-6)
The Explanation
There was a big tree. A very old tree. God planted it long, long ago. It had strong branches, and green leaves.
Some branches broke off the tree. They just fell. Snap. Down they went.
But God did not throw the tree away. No. God loves this tree. He took new branches, little wild ones, and put them onto the tree. Right where the old ones fell off.
Now the tree had old branches and new branches together. All drinking from the same root. All growing on the same tree.
What Does This Mean?
The root of the tree is very special. It is old, and good, and strong. The branches do not hold up the root. The root holds up the branches.
So the new branches must not be proud. They did not make the tree strong. The root did that. The root always did that.
And guess what? God can still put the broken branches back on. He is that kind of gardener. He never forgets a branch.
The Common Thread
Paul, who wrote this letter, loved the tree too. He said, "the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable." That is a big word. It means God does not take back what He gives.
Jesus is like the deep, deep root. Everything good comes from Him. Old branches, new branches, all of them need Him to live.
God said, "There will come out of Zion the Deliverer." That is Jesus. He comes to take sins away. He comes to make broken branches grow again.
For You
Are you a branch on God's tree? You did not make yourself grow. God put you there. He gives you rain, and sun, and love, every single day.
You do not have to be big or strong to belong on the tree. You just have to stay close to the root. Close to Jesus.
Even a very small branch can hold a leaf. Even a very small child can hold onto God.
Talk About It
Have you ever seen a tree with old branches and new branches together? What do you think holds the whole tree up?
God never forgets a branch, even a broken one. How does that make you feel?
Praying Together
Dear God, Thank You for the tree. Thank You that You put me on it. Help me stay close to the root. Help me stay close to Jesus. Amen.
Questions about Romans 11
Short answers for anyone reading about this for the first time.
What is Romans 11 about?
What does Romans 11 say?
What does Romans 11 teach us about God?
What can toddlers learn from Romans 11?
Why is Romans 11 an important Bible story?
What others discovered
Even so these also have now been disobedient, that by the mercy shown to you they may also obtain mercy." The mercy God gave you was never meant to dead end in your own heart. It was handed to you on its way somewhere else, often toward the very people you would struggle to sit beside. Who is waiting downstream of the grace you received?
Elijah was sure he was the last one left. God's answer was seven thousand names he had never met. Paul says the same thing still holds: "there is a remnant according to the election of grace." Not a remnant of the strong or the loud, but of grace. When your faith feels solitary, remember God keeps people you cannot see.
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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