Zechariah 5
Explanation and Bible story for toddlers and preschoolers (ages 3-6)
The Explanation
Zechariah was a man of God. God let him see special things. It was like a dream, but wide awake. God wanted to show Zechariah something.
Look, Zechariah said. I see something flying! It was big. Very big. As big as a room. It flew through the sky like a huge piece of paper. It was a scroll. On a scroll you can write words.
What does it mean, Zechariah asked. And God said: on this scroll stand my rules. But some people do not listen. Some people steal. Some people say things that are not true. That makes God sad.
Then Zechariah looked again. And he saw a basket. A big basket with a heavy lid. The lid was made of lead. Very heavy!
The lid went open. And in the basket sat a woman. She wanted to jump out. But an angel pushed her back in. Slam! The lid went shut.
Then came two other angels. They had big wings, like a stork. They picked up the basket. And they flew away with it. Far, far away. All the bad things went into the basket. And the basket went out of the country.
What Does This Mean?
God saw everything. God saw the good things. And God saw the bad things too. And God said: the bad things may not stay. They have to go away. Far away.
God wants a clean land. God wants clean hearts. Just like Mama washes your hands when they are dirty.
The Common Thread
Later Jesus came. Jesus is God's Son. Jesus takes the bad things away. Not in a basket. But on the cross. Jesus said: give it to me. I will carry it.
So your heart becomes clean. So clean, and so light.
For You
Sometimes you do something you know is not right. Maybe you took something. Maybe you said something mean. That gives a heavy feeling in your tummy. Like a stone.
You may tell God. God listens. And Jesus takes the heavy stone away. Then you feel light again. Like a bird.
Talk About It
Have you ever done something that gave you a heavy feeling inside? What did you do then?
The angels flew away with the basket. Would you like to know that Jesus takes your bad things away too?
Praying Together
Dear God,
You see everything. You see me too.
Sometimes I do things that are not nice. That makes me sad.
Thank you that Jesus carries it away. Then I am clean again.
Thank you, Jesus. Amen.
Questions about Zechariah 5
Short answers for anyone reading about this for the first time.
What is Zechariah 5 about?
What does Zechariah 5 say?
What does Zechariah 5 teach us about God?
What can toddlers learn from Zechariah 5?
Why is Zechariah 5 an important Bible story?
What others discovered
Wickedness is not just carried off, she is given a house. Sin always wants an address, a place prepared where it can settle and be served. God lifted it out of Judah, but it found a shrine in Shinar. Ask yourself honestly: what have you let move in? What have you furnished a room for, instead of letting it be carried away?
Then again I lifted up my eyes, and saw, and behold, a flying scroll." Zechariah looks up and sees God's written word airborne, hunting sin across the land. Notice, it flies. God's truth is not stuck on a shelf waiting for you to open it. It goes out, it finds, it lands. Where is it landing in your life today?
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
