I haven’t run across a resource that I’ve been so excited to endorse as The Moments with Jesus Encounter Bible by Bill Johnson and Eugine Luning. I’m not an affiliate. I don’t make a penny from this recommendation. I am just ecstatic about this children’s Bible.
The Moments with Jesus Encounter Bible is unlike any other children’s Bible I’ve ever come across. Most children’s Bibles contain an array of Biblical stories told in various ways, many of which focus on how amazing the Bible characters were (heroes of the Bible) or the godly character we should develop from the lessons within the stories (i.e. be more patient, be braver, be more kind) instead of how awe-inspiring God is. His character and nature are rarely the main focus, and yet it is by beholding Him that we become like Him. (More on that here.)
What makes The Moments with Jesus Encounter Bible Different is that Jesus is the center, for one. Every chapter centers around Him. But more than that, the stories are told in a way that draws the reader in and ignites the imagination so that the reader steps into the story with Jesus and experiences it with Him. I say “the reader” here because this isn’t just for children. I encounter Him as I read these stories to my children.
In every story, Jesus looks at you. You see His eyes. His expression. I tear up, so full of love for this One who is so full of love for me. My children have broken out in declarations of love for Him mid-story. It truly is an Encounter Bible.
After each story, there are a few questions to activate what you’ve read. This makes it a wonderful devotional-like experience.
And can I just say how much I appreciate the fact that Jesus and His followers are brown-skinned? I am thankful for a culturally accurate depiction of Christ for our children to partake in. This isn’t a whitewashed, Americanized version of Jesus. It’s the real deal. The illustrations are magnificent.
You can check out The Moments with Jesus Encounter Bible here and download a free chapter while you’re at it. I hope you enjoy it as much as our family has.
