Zechariah 12
Explanation and Bible story for toddlers and preschoolers (ages 3-6)
The Explanation
Long ago there was a man. His name was Zechariah. He listened well to God. God had something to tell him. It was about a city. A big city called Jerusalem.
God said: "Listen carefully. One day something will happen. Many people will come. They will be angry. They will want to fight Jerusalem."
But God was not scared. Not one bit. God said: "I will help my city. I will help my people. I am strong. Stronger than everyone."
God said something else too. Something beautiful. "I will give my people a new heart. A soft heart. They will look at Me. And they will cry. Not scared crying. But sad crying. Because they see how good I am. And how often they forgot Me."
God is like a shepherd. And the people are like His sheep. He watches over them. Always.
What Does This Mean?
God is very strong. Even stronger than the biggest army. Do you know what a soldier is? A man with a helmet? God is stronger than a hundred soldiers. Than a thousand. God takes care of His people.
And God knows what is in your heart. He wants your heart to be soft. Not hard like a stone. But soft, like warm bread. Then you can love God. And then you can be sad when you did something naughty. That is a good kind of sad.
The Common Thread
Do you know who came later? Jesus. Jesus is God's Son. Zechariah wrote about Jesus too. He said: "The people will look at Him. At the One they hurt."
That is Jesus. People hurt Him. On a cross. But Jesus was not angry. Jesus loved them. And Jesus loves you.
When you look at Jesus, something happens inside. Your heart becomes soft. You think: Jesus, You are so good. And I want to be with You.
For You
You have a heart too. God can see your heart. He knows when you are happy. And when you are sad. And when you did something you shouldn't have.
Do you know what is nice? You can just tell God. "God, I did that. Sorry." Then God says: "Come here. It is okay. I love you."
Your heart becomes soft again. Like warm bread. And you can play again. Happy. Because God is with you.
Try it today. Just look up. And say: "God, You see me." He hears it. Every time.
Talk About It
Is your heart soft or hard right now? What does a soft heart feel like?
What would you like to tell Jesus? He is listening.
Praying Together
Dear God,
Thank You that You are strong. Thank You that You see me. Please give me a soft heart. A heart that loves You. Thank You for Jesus.
Amen.
Questions about Zechariah 12
Short answers for anyone reading about this for the first time.
What is Zechariah 12 about?
What does Zechariah 12 say?
What does Zechariah 12 teach us about God?
What can toddlers learn from Zechariah 12?
Why is Zechariah 12 an important Bible story?
What others discovered
Yahweh also will save the tents of Judah first, that the glory of the house of David and the glory of the inhabitants of Jerusalem not be magnified above Judah."
Notice the order. God rescues the tents first, the ordinary field-dwellers, before the royal city. He guards the humble from being overshadowed by the celebrated.
If you feel small and unseen in the kingdom, read that again. God moves toward you first, not last. He protects your dignity from being swallowed by the spotlight of others.
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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