I recently started a new side project to provide resources in Spanish for anyone wanting to teach the word of God to the young generations. I called it Aprende su palabra, meaning “Learn his word”.
As I journeyed through the pages of the Bible and wrote stories adapted for children, I was struck by the universality and timeless wisdom embedded within them. These stories, despite their simplifications, continue to resonate and teach lessons relevant to all ages.
Here are four things that struck me and can serve as a good reminder of what the Bible teaches us.
The simplicity of the gospel
Simplifying complex narratives and stories for kids reminded me we do not need to overcomplicate things. For example, when reading the creation story for children, we are reminded of how sin entered the world and how, even though Adam and Eve could not live in that beautiful garden any longer, God had already planned to send his Son.
When talking to non-believers who understandably question why there is evil in the world or why they need Jesus in their lives, we can find the answers right there at the very beginning of the Bible.
The call to go
The shepherd who leaves the 99 and searches for the 1 lost sheep needs to go on an unknown journey to find it. Similarly, after Jonah comes out of the whale’s belly, he must go on an unknown journey to tell people about God.
Whether we are reaching out to one person or a hundred people, we can see that it is highly unlikely that we will find the lost sheep that do not know their Good Shepherd from the comfort of our living room.
Think of the many troubles Paul experienced, the last few hours of Jesus before dying for us on the cross. It is costly and sometimes scary to leave the 99 to go in search of the lost sheep, but we are reminded that Jesus commanded us to go and make disciples in all nations so that there is joy in heaven over the one sinner who repents.
The need to stop
The Good Samaritan did not stick to his agenda. Perhaps he had an important meal or meeting to attend, but he decided to be interrupted. We are all called to be instruments of God and His witnesses. Unless we are in paid ministry, how will we serve our King if we do not make time to be interrupted?
Sometimes, being interrupted may mean cooking for our loving husband or wife, playing with our kids (remember that no app will replace your lap), sending a text message or stopping to pray with a homeless person, even if it is just to keep his hope alive because you can tell them that there is hope in the name of Jesus.
I am learning daily to reconsider my priorities and plan less so that there are white spaces in my calendar. I have realised that it is okay if I do not follow my own plans, for “the heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps”.
The answer is Jesus
How can we go to the streets to tell people about Jesus when it rains? How can we stop to care for people when we have this big responsibility nobody else seems to understand? Maybe it is good to remember the faithfulness of God to Moses and His people or the favour and protection over Joseph.
God’s faithfulness, favour and protection are upon us when we share the gospel – even though we do not know what to say, God teaches us what to say -, when we read our Bibles, when we pray, when we worship him from the intimacy of our bedrooms, when we are interrupted.
That’s how we can serve God, knowing that Jesus lives in us and we do all things through Him. Every time we serve the King of kings, in the blessing of others, we have immensely blessed ourselves. The closer we get to God, the clearer the answer is Him.
Revisiting these Bible tales through a child’s lens is transformative. Their simplicity does not detract from their depth but instead highlights the universal truths they hold. I invite you to delve into these children’s stories anew or share the invaluable lessons you’ve gleaned from them. Together, we can discover and rediscover wisdom for all ages.
