Jesus Storybook Bible

At Sanctuary, we never  get tired of telling people, “It is all about Jesus, it is only about Jesus, it is always about Jesus!” This mantra is meant to redirect our self-centered, self-absorbed, self-seeking mindset. We need to be reminded on whom we should center our attention, whose glory should absorb us, and who we should seek to know and love more. Nowhere is that more true than when we come to the Bible.

It may surprise you to know that one of the best resources for developing the habit of being Jesus-centered is The Jesus Storybook Bible. We not only recommend this resource for children and parents, we recommend it for anyone of any age. It is beautiful in its simplicity yet rich in its many illustrations of how God loves us.

The introduction itself may be one of the best and most helpful you can find in any Bible. Many children (and adults) are taught biblical stories like they are from the Book of Virtues or Aesop’s Fables. No doubt, illustrative moral education is helpful and memorable role models are instructive. However, the gospel is not about what we are to do but what Jesus has done—and that makes all the difference. Consider how critical this difference is by reading the insightful introduction for yourself.

Some people think the Bible is a book of rules, telling you what you should and shouldn’t do. The Bible certainly does have some rules in it. They show you how life works best. But the Bible isn’t mainly about you and what you should be doing. It’s about God and what he has done.

Other people think the Bible is a book of heroes, showing you people you should copy. The Bible does have some heroes in it, but (as you’ll soon find out) most of the people in the Bible aren’t heroes at all. They make some big mistakes (sometimes on purpose). They get afraid and run away. At times they are downright mean.

No, the Bible isn’t a book of rules, or a book of heroes. The Bible is most of all a Story. It’s an adventure story about a young Hero who comes from a far country to win back his lost treasure. It’s a love story about a brave Prince who leaves his palace, his throne — everything— to rescue the one he loves. It’s like the most wonderful of fairy tales that has come true in real life!

You see, the best thing about this Story is — it’s true.

There are lots of stories in the Bible, but all the stories are telling one Big Story. The Story of how God loves his children and comes to rescue them.

It takes the whole Bible to tell this Story. And at the center of the Story, there is a baby. Every Story in the Bible whispers his name. He is like the missing piece in a puzzle — the piece that makes all the other pieces fit together, and suddenly you can see a beautiful picture.

Since Jesus is our vision and the gospel is what we value, we encourage you to get this resource for yourself. Then, when you’ve become like a child again, make sure you share your new found joy in Jesus with all the little ones in your life.

You can get the hardcover (33% off) here or the deluxe edition which includes amazing audio recording done by David Suchet (40% off) here. Check out JesusStorybookBible.com as well for updates and other resources on the way.