The Jesus Bible is a hardcover children's Bible in the New International Version. But what distinguishes this Bible from other children's Bibles? All the commentaries, devotionals, and study notes in The Jesus Bible point to Christ's presence in both the Old and New Testament. Each book of the Bible is introduced with the standard details about who wrote the book, and when. But The Jesus Bible also includes information pointing out how Jesus is seen in that particular book of the Bible. Prophecies pointing to Jesus and foreshadowing of His role as Savior are pointed out in each of these book introductions.
The Jesus Bible also contains highlighted snippets of information ("Hints of the Savior" and "Jesus Revealed") that explain specific verses that refer to Jesus. These little colored boxes are sprinkled throughout the Bible.
Application notes to help children "Live Like Jesus" also appear throughout the Bible. Each of these short devotional thoughts address character qualities and decisions that children make, encouraging Christ-like behavior.
Key verses that work well for memorization are given their own framed boxes, so they stand out to the reader. It would be great to challenge your child to memorize these verses, but even more meaningful if you memorize them with your child.
The Jesus Bible includes 365 devotional readings, as well. Though trying to use it as a yearly devotional is a bit awkward. Your child would need to use a bookmark and flip ahead to wherever the next devotion is located. Older children could manage this themselves, but younger ones would probably do better to have their parents read the devotions with them each night.
One of my favorite features of The Jesus Bible is actually the supplemental charts and lists about Jesus. There are charts that show the genealogy of Jesus, the timeline of Jesus' life and ministry, Jesus in the Psalms, miracles of Jesus, special numbers about Jesus, the "I Am" statements, parables of Jesus, and people who saw Jesus alive. Those charts are on a thicker, glossier paper, just like the maps at the back of the Bible.
The Jesus Bible is geared for children ages 9 - 12, and I think ZonderKidz have done an excellent job. The devotions and all the special features are perfect for upper elementary students who are beginning to apply their Biblical knowledge to their own relationships with Christ. In our family, that has been the age when they begin to personalize their faith, ask to be baptized, put a new Bible on their wish list, and begin to understand what it means to live like Jesus. When our next child reaches this stage, The Jesus Bible would make a wonderful baptism gift. It's the perfect bridge between young children's Bibles and teen study Bibles.
April E.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
