Big Picture Questions and Answers for Kids

DEFINITION

The Bible is not just a story that helps us learn about Jesus; it is a story that helps us know Him and have a relationship with God through Him. The Old Testament helps us understand who God is, who we are, our need for forgiveness and salvation from God, and what God has done to save us through Jesus.

EXAMPLES

• The flood and God's grace (Genesis 6–9)

• The priests and their incomplete sacrifices (Leviticus 16)

• Israel's failures to obey time and time again (Judges 1)

• David's sin and God's mercy (2 Samuel 11; Psalm 51)

• God's faithful love (Hosea 1–3)

• God's patience and mercy (Jonah 1–4)

WHAT DOES A PARENT OR LEADER NEED TO KNOW?

• Every story connects to Jesus, but not every story connects to Him through prophecy, appearances, images, or pictures. We should not force Jesus into a story.

• Many Old Testament stories teach or reinforce basic truths about the gospel (e.g. God's holiness, God's justice, God's love, man's sinfulness).

• All of these gospel truths are fulfilled in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.

WHAT DOES A PRESCHOOLER NEED TO KNOW?

• The Bible teaches us about sin and God's forgiveness.

• Jesus is God's answer for our sin.

WHAT DOES AN ELEMENTARY KID NEED TO KNOW?

• The Bible teaches us about sin and about God's grace and forgiveness.

• The gospel exists so that we can have relationship with God.

WHAT DOES A PRETEEN NEED TO KNOW?

• The Bible teaches us about our sin and God's holiness, grace, and forgiveness.

• The gospel exists so that people can have relationship with God.

• The gospel invites us to have a personal relationship with God.