Bringing the Bible to Life for Kids: A Journey Through Scripture

How to Bring the Whole Bible to Life for Kids

A couple years ago, my wife stumbled upon a blog by a mom who had been reading the Bible to her children, one chapter a day. Not a children’s Bible. The Bible. She started when they were young, and eventually worked through all 66 books. I was inspired.

That same week, I sat my three- and four-year-old daughters down and opened up Genesis 1. The Bible consists of 1,189 chapters (929 in the Old Testament and 260 in the New). If we read one chapter each day, it will take us a little over three years. As I write this article, we are twelve chapters into 1 Kings. And it has been one of the most surprisingly fruitful spiritual disciplines we have done as a family.

I say “surprising” because reading the Bible, especially the Old Testament, can feel daunting even for adults, let alone for children (especially for those not yet old enough for grade school). Many of us have started strong in those familiar Genesis stories only to lose steam when we reach the detailed descriptions of the tabernacle construction in Exodus or the seemingly endless lists of genealogies in Chronicles. But as we have persisted in reading, we have discovered the richness and relevance of every chapter.

The Power of Reading the Whole Bible

Reading the entire Bible to your kids is not just about covering the material. It is about immersing them in the grand narrative of God’s redemptive plan. It is about helping them see how all the stories, laws, prophecies, and wisdom literature fit together to reveal God’s character and purpose.

In 2 Timothy 3:16, the apostle Paul writes, “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.” When we read the whole Bible to our children, we expose them to the breadth and depth of God’s Word. We allow them to encounter the different genres and themes that make up the Scriptures, providing them with a solid foundation for their faith.

Practical Tips for Reading the Bible with Kids

1. Start Early

It is never too early to start reading the Bible to your children. Even toddlers can benefit from hearing the stories and truths found in Scripture. As they grow, their understanding will deepen, and they will begin to connect the dots between different passages and themes.

2. Be Consistent

Consistency is key when it comes to reading the Bible with kids. Set a regular time each day to gather as a family and engage with God’s Word. Make it a priority and stick to the routine, even when life gets busy. This will create a habit that will be ingrained in your children’s lives.

3. Use Engaging Resources

While reading the Bible itself is essential, using engaging resources can enhance your children's understanding and engagement with the text. Consider incorporating age-appropriate study guides, illustrated Bible storybooks, and interactive devotionals that help bring the stories to life.

4. Encourage Discussion

After reading a chapter or passage, take the time to discuss it with your children. Ask open-ended questions to encourage them to think deeper and apply the lessons to their own lives. This will foster a sense of ownership and understanding of the Scriptures.

5. Emphasize Jesus

Throughout the entire Bible, Jesus is the central figure. Point your children to Jesus in every story, prophecy, and law. Help them see how all of Scripture ultimately points to the person and work of Christ.

Examples of Bible Stories to Read with Kids

As you embark on the journey of reading the whole Bible with your children, here are some Bible stories that can capture their imagination and help them grasp the overarching narrative:

• Noah and the Ark (Genesis 6-9)


• Moses and the Exodus (Exodus 1-15)


• David and Goliath (1 Samuel 17)


• Jonah and the Big Fish (Jonah 1-4)


• The Birth of Jesus (Luke 2)


• The Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32)


• The Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus (Matthew 26-28)


• The Early Church and the Apostle Paul (Acts 1-28)

These stories provide a glimpse into God's plan for redemption and can ignite a love for the Scriptures in your children's hearts.

Conclusion

Reading the whole Bible to your children is a valuable and rewarding experience that can shape their faith and understanding of God. By immersing them in the entirety of God's Word, you equip them with a solid foundation and open their eyes to the beauty and relevance of every chapter.

So, start today. Begin with Genesis and journey through the Old and New Testaments. Let your children witness the power and transformational truths of Scripture. The Bible is not just a collection of stories; it is the living Word of God that has the power to bring life and light to their souls.