Zechariah 3
Explanation and Bible story for toddlers and preschoolers (ages 3-6)
The Explanation
Joshua was a priest. He stood in a special place. Right in front of God's angel.
But look at Joshua's clothes. Dirty. Very dirty. Full of mud and stains.
And someone else was there too. Satan. He stood right there, pointing at Joshua. Saying bad things about him.
Then God spoke. Loud and strong. "Satan, stop it! I have chosen Joshua."
God looked at Joshua. He did not see dirty clothes anymore. He said, "Take those dirty clothes off him."
What Does This Mean?
Off came the dirty robe. Right there, in front of everyone.
God said, "I have taken your sin away. Now, I will give you clean clothes."
Beautiful, clean clothes. Soft and new. Someone put a clean turban on his head too. Right on top.
Joshua just stood there. He did not clean himself. He did not wash the dirt off. God did it all. God took the dirty clothes. God gave the clean ones.
The angel stood close by. Watching. Making sure it happened.
The Common Thread
God told Joshua something wonderful. "I will bring my servant. The Branch."
Someone was coming. Someone from God.
God showed a stone too. With seven eyes on it, shining. "I will remove the sin of this land," God said. "In one day."
One day. Not many days. One.
That servant, the Branch, is Jesus. Jesus takes away dirty, sinful hearts. He gives us clean ones instead. Just like Joshua's dirty robe came off. Just like the clean robe went on.
We cannot make ourselves clean. Not by trying hard. Not by scrubbing and scrubbing. God does the cleaning. God gives the new clothes.
And then, something happy would come. "You will invite your neighbor," God said. "Under the vine and under the fig tree."
Sitting together. Resting together. Safe and happy. No more accusing voices. No more dirty robes.
For You
Do you ever feel dirty inside? Like you did something wrong?
Jesus can make you clean. He takes the dirty away. He gives you new, clean clothes for your heart.
You do not have to fix yourself first. Just come to Him. Just like Joshua did. Just stand there. Let Him do it.
Talk About It
What did God do with Joshua's dirty clothes?
Who do you think can make our hearts clean?
Praying Together
Dear God. My heart gets dirty sometimes. Thank You for Jesus. Please make me clean. Give me new, clean clothes. Amen.
Questions about Zechariah 3
Short answers for anyone reading about this for the first time.
What is Zechariah 3 about?
What does Zechariah 3 say?
What does Zechariah 3 teach us about God?
What can toddlers learn from Zechariah 3?
Why is Zechariah 3 an important Bible story?
What others discovered
Notice the order. Joshua doesn't scrub his own filthy garments; God strips them off and clothes him first. Only after that comes "If you will walk in my ways." Obedience isn't the price of the clean clothes, it's what you do while wearing them. What has God already given you that you are still trying to earn?
Notice who speaks up: Zechariah himself. Watching the filthy priest get re-dressed, he can't stay quiet. "Let them set a clean turban on his head." That turban carried the words "HOLY TO YAHWEH" across the forehead. God didn't only wash Joshua, He sent him back to serve. Where are you still calling yourself filthy after He has already declared you clean?
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
Philippines
Nigeria
Zimbabwe
India
Zambia
South Africa
Malawi
Kenya
Indonesia
DR Congo
Ghana
Nepal
Cameroon
Mozambique
Benin
