Most of us read scripture the same way, as if all the stories of old are independent of each other. Short. Disconnected. I can read my kids the story of “Daniel in the Lions Den” one night, and within a couple of days, we are reading about “Jonah in the Whale.” We can do this night after night, but never understand how they all play into a bigger story.
I started searching for a new Bible. One that would help me tie together the stories. I finally found it. And, after reading some of it, I have recommended it to college students and adults, as it is eye opening.
Here is what I love about this Bible:
1) My 4 year old stays engaged.
This is big. I agree with the founder of Young Life, Jim Rayburn, when he says that it is a sin to bore someone with the gospel. It is important to me that my kids are drawn into the story of God from a young age. In other words, I don’t want to sit down to read the Bible, and the first thing they see is a big, thick, leather-bound King James Version in front of them.
2) The pictures actually enhance the story, not take away from it.
I think the illustrator, Jago, did a great job on this. My 3 year old will stop me and ask a question as we read, because both my boys are studying the pictures the entire time I am reading the text. In fact, sometimes they are too intrigued with the pictures, and that always seems to be the nights that I am tired and want to read a story quickly.
3) It always ties the little story in to the grand story of the Gospel.
This is by far my favorite part. I’ve already read a few bibles through with my older boys, but this is the first one that begins to lay down the whispers of Jesus, beginning in Genesis. I love that. And if I was honest, I’d have to admit I am learning as I read as well. Here is the ending to the story of Daniel in the lion’s den:
“God would keep on rescuing his people. And the time was coming when God would send another brave Hero, like Daniel, who would love God and do what God said ~ whatever it cost him, even if it meant he would die. And together they would pull off the Greatest Rescue the world has ever known.”
All that to say, I’d highly recommend it. Each time I read out of this bible, I am reminded of the awesome story of God redeeming His people.
What do you use that helps you teach your kids about Jesus at such a young age?
I heartily second your recommendation! We absolutely love this bible and with Stella only being 9 months it is more for us than for her (at least for now). I definitely appreciate the story of redemption being woven throughout. It is refreshing compared with some of the other options out there, children’s bibles and bad teaching alike.
I can’t believe she is already 9 months. Wow. I’ll be posting some things soon that will be right in your wheelhouse as far as where you are with a little one….
I will look forward to those posts.
I am a HUGE fan of this Bible.
Glad to see there are others who have already discovered this Bible….
I love this Bible! I initially bought them as gifts for little ones, but then got my own copy and used it as a devo for while. Love it! And really enjoyed your blog. Looking forward to more.
i love this book! we are working on writing a curriculum for our kids and families based on the JSBB and its outline! its a staple here at The Austin Stone.
Yeah, the more I read in this Bible with my kids, the more I love it too.
Hey Kevin thanks for the recommendation. I bought it to read with Ava Rose and it looks great. I’m always looking for tools to help in the parenting process.
Good to hear, Todd. I really think I am learning more from it these days than my kids are, but we are still enjoying it.
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