Teaching the whole Bible story to children
We all love a good story, and children are no exception. From fairy tales and films to family memories and imagination, they love to hear how events unfold, how challenges are overcome and how characters change along the way. The Bible is full of stories: stories that are filled with truth, from Noah building the ark, Daniel in the lion’s den, to Jesus calming the storm and the visions of John in Revelation. If we only give children these stories in isolation, they may enjoy them, but they will miss the main point: that the Bible is one big story of who God is and his plan for his people, in which every part points to Jesus. Helping children see this is one of the most important tasks we have as parents, teachers and churches.
One story
The Bible is not a random set of tales but God’s unfolding plan of salvation. From beginning to end, creation to cross and resurrection to the new creation, it tells one story of God’s purposes and plan. It will take time for children to see and understand this. Yet, what a privilege it is to show them how the garden in Genesis is restored in the garden-city of Revelation, how God’s promises to the forefathers in the Old Testament are fulfilled in Christ, and how the kings and prophets all point beyond themselves. While the stories can teach truths in isolation, when viewed within the big picture, children can see the richness and depth of God’s plan for them and the whole world.
In everything, point to Jesus
Children need to see who stands at the very centre. Every page of Scripture ultimately points to Jesus. He himself said, ‘These are the very Scriptures that testify about me’ (John 5:39). The Old Testament is foundational, where the sacrificial laws of Leviticus point towards Jesus’ once-for-all sacrifice, the promises to David of his family line point to his eternal reign, and the suffering servant in Isaiah points to his death on the cross. The New Testament clearly shows how Jesus is the fulfilment of all these shadows and promises. Yet, knowing the Bible is more than just learning facts about a person from history. If children are helped to see Jesus as the centre of all Scripture, they won’t simply know the Bible better; we can pray that through this, they will come to know and love Jesus as their Saviour.
We have a responsibility to teach children that Jesus is the one they need. It may be tempting to present Bible stories as lessons in being brave like David, obedient like Daniel, or kind like Ruth. However, if we stop there, we risk portraying the Bible as a collection of moral rules for good behaviour. The core message of the Bible is not about what we can do for God but about what God has done for us in Jesus. This perspective helps children recognise that their deepest need is not simply to ‘be good’ but to be forgiven and restored through Christ (Gal. 3:24). Their behaviour and obedience will then naturally flow from their response to God’s love.
Building on a firm foundation
Teaching children the Bible isn’t about filling their heads; it’s about preparing their hearts and equipping them for life, whilst praying for the Holy Spirit to work and bring transformative change. God’s Word provides wisdom when the world offers confusion, comfort when life is painful, and strength when challenges come. The Bible helps them build on a firm foundation that cannot be shaken, like the wise man who built his house on the rock (Matt. 7:24-25). Paul reminded Timothy that from infancy he had known the Scriptures, which were able to make him ‘wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus’ (2 Tim. 3:15). By teaching children the whole big story of the Bible, they are being prepared for a faith that will last.
The stories of Scripture are not just about people who lived long ago; they are an invitation to join in God’s ongoing work today. Children are called to trust Jesus, to follow him, and to see their place as part of his people. When children understand the Bible as a single, unified story of God’s redeeming love that points to Jesus, they discover meaning, hope and a sense of identity. They can see themselves not just as hearers of the story but as participants in it, called to live for Jesus in their families, schools, and communities.
Passing on the truth
Deuteronomy 6 calls parents to talk about God’s Word in the ordinary rhythms of life: sitting at home, walking on the road, waking up and going to bed. Parents carry the primary responsibility, but they are not meant to carry it alone. It’s something the whole church family is called to share. Psalm 78 portrays God’s people as a unified community passing on his truth to the next generation. Churches play a vital role through Sunday school, youth work, and simply through being a loving family of faith where children can see the gospel lived out. Together, parents and churches can help children grow into a faith that is deep, resilient and centred on Christ.
The Bible is more than a collection of stories; it is the true story of God’s saving work through Jesus. When we teach children the whole Bible, showing how every part points to him, we are praying for more than head knowledge; we pray for heart transformation. This foundation will not only shape their childhood but will carry them through life, pointing them always to the One who is at the centre of it all: Jesus.
