Amazing Stories | Kids | NT

The History Lesson

Luke 2:8–20

About this video: The birth of the Jesus began with a series of miraculous events which ended with his arrival in a humble animal stable. His earthly parents, Mary and Joseph, were simply following God’s direction and made the journey by donkey to the town of Bethlehem where the baby was born. Then, in the days that followed, angels appeared and announced the birth to shepherds in nearby fields, who then sought the newborn Messiah foretold by their forefather years ago. Based on the story found in Luke 2, this video shows how the shepherds’ lives were changed that night as they became eyewitnesses to the birth of the Messiah. Questions to consider: How do you think the shepherds felt when the angel first appeared to them? Why do you think God chose the shepherds to announce the birth of his Son in Bethlehem? Why not tell the religious leaders? How would Joseph and Mary feel having a group of shepherds knocking on the door wanting to see the baby Jesus and telling them about the angel’s visit? Do you think any of the shepherds became followers of Jesus as he grew up? Background to the story: This story of the shepherds is recorded only in the book of Luke (2:8-20). Luke records three angelic visits preparing the world for the birth of Jesus. The angels visited Zechariah (John the Baptist’s father), Mary, and the shepherds. Luke often includes stories and reactions of common people who meet Jesus and hear his teachings. Reference - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=luke+2%3a8-20&version=niv

Helping the Outcast

Mark 1:39–45

About this video: Jesus had a reputation of healing the sick and helping the lame to walk. So when a man with leprosy approached him for help, He responded to the man’s belief that he could help heal his diseased body. Jesus responded by completely healing the man as the crowds watched. Many people were amazed as they witnessed the healing miracle. Jesus then told the man to go show his clean body to the priests and temple leaders so that they would know that Jesus has the power of God. Going away, the man could hardly contain his joy and ran to show his family and friends that he was healed. No longer would he need to live separated from his family and friends. Questions to consider: How do you think the man’s family and friends felt when they saw he had been cleansed and was able to return to his home? Do you think his family and friends came to believe in Jesus because of his healing? How do you think the man acted toward his friends in the lepers’ camp after his healing? If you had a sick person and Jesus was nearby, would you take them to Jesus and ask for healing? Background to the story: This story follows Mark 1:39-45. Parallel stories for this book are found in Matthew 8:1-4 and Luke 5:12-16. (Matthew’s version follows Jesus' Sermon on the Mount.) Jesus breaks traditional cleanliness by touching the leprous man. It is a mark of Jesus' great compassion for him and his condition and Jesus' power over leprosy. Reference - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=mark+1%3a39-45&version=niv

The Bedmaker

Mark 2:1–12

About this Video: A man, lame from birth, hears that the miracle worker named Jesus is teaching in his village and calls his friends to help him go to see him. Not discouraged by the large crowds, the friends lower the man through the roof to be near Jesus, who recognizes the lame man’s faith and heals his body and soul. Most of the focus of this story is on Jesus' miraculous power in healing the lame man and the source of his authority to forgive sins. But the other part of this story is how this miracle changed the lame man long after Jesus left. What happened to him and what kind of work did he begin to do once he could walk and move about? Questions to Consider: What did the people in the crowded room think when the men on the roof began to open a hole to let someone enter from above? What do you think the lame man said to Jesus after being healed? Now that he could walk and move, what do you think the people said about Jesus after witnessing this healing? Background to the Story: It is easy to say, “Your sins are forgiven,” but proving that would be hard. On the other hand, saying, “Get up, take your mat and walk” is much easier to prove his power. Isa knew and understood that doubters would benefit from witnessing both. When the teachers of the law question his healing of the lame man, they were ultimately asking him to also prove he had the authority and power to forgive sins. Reference - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=mark+2%3a1-12&version=niv

The Traveling Preacher

Mark 5:1–20

About the video: While passing through the region of Gerasene, Jesus encountered a demon possessed man who was shouting and causing panic among the people in that area. Jesus recognized that the man was being held hostage by several demons who had taken control of his body and mind. Sensing the power that Jesus had to control the demons, the man begged Him to go away, but He refused. Instead, Jesus ordered the demons to leave the man and take up residence in a herd of pigs. Once the demons were in the pigs, the pigs became frantic and rushed away from Jesus, falling over a cliff where they died from the trauma. This miracle changed the man who had been forced by the demon possession to leave his family and live among the tombs. Once released from the demons, he went around telling everyone about Jesus and his power to change lives. Questions to Consider: How do you think the man’s mother and father felt when they saw him healed and in his right mind returning to them? Do you think his family and friends came to believe in Jesus also because of his healing? Why do you think the people begged Jesus to go away from their region instead of being amazed at His healing the man possessed by demons? What would you do if you saw Jesus heal a man like this? Background to the Story: This story follows Mark 5:1-20. Parallel stories for this book are found in Matthew 8:28-34 and Luke 8:26-39. Pigs were considered unclean animals by the Jewish people because of food restrictions in Leviticus 11:7. Jesus declared all foods clean in the New Testament in Mark 7:14-23. Decapolis means “ten cities” and refers to a group of towns east of the Jordan River and the Sea of Galilee during the time of Isa. Reference - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=mark+2%3a1-12&version=niv

The Bedtime Story

Mark 5:22–42

About the video: This story shows the faith of Jairus who begged Jesus to use his spiritual power to help his dying daughter. Jairus’ daughter was very sick and near death when Jesus came to their village. Jairus ran to Jesus and begged him to come to his house to heal his daughter. Jesus and Jairus rushed to their home where they found the girl had already passed away. But Jesus prayed for the girl and she rose from the dead! This story focuses on how the lives of Jairus, his wife, and daughter changed because of Jesus' miracle. Questions to Consider: Do you believe in miracles? What do you think the neighbors thought when they saw the little girl alive again? How do you think this miracle changed the girl after she was raised from the dead? Would you yourself ‘run’ to meet Jesus if you were in Jairus’ shoes? Background to the Story: This story is also told in another book but with an identical outcome. Many believe this helps prove the truth of this event because of having many eyewitnesses. The similar story also tells that Jesus healed another sick woman on his way to Jairus' house. Because he was a religious leader in his community, Jairus' story quickly spread all over the region. Reference - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=mark+5%3a22-42&version=niv

The Generous Fisherman

John 6:1–14

About the video: Crowds of people were following Jesus to hear him teach and witness his miracles. Showing concern for the people, Jesus asked his disciples if there was anything available to feed the people gathered that day. It turns out that all they could find was a boy who had a basket of fish and bread. Taking this small amount of food, Jesus blessed it and told the disciples to distribute it as far as it could go. Miraculously, the supply multiplied, and over 5000 people were fed by what Jesus had produced using the power of God. And there was leftover once everyone was fully fed. The people were amazed at this miracle and their fascination with Jesus and his powers made them want to hear more from this prophet from God. Questions to Consider: How do you think you would feel if you had seen Jesus multiplying the bread and fishes that day? How do you think the miracle affected the little boy’s belief in Jesus? If Jesus can use the little boy’s two fish to feed 5,000 people, how could he use what little you have to do something for others? Do you think Jesus can do great things for others through you? Background to the Story: This story basically follows John 6:1-14 with a few additions from parallel stories in Matthew 14:13-21, Mark 6:32-44 and Luke 9:10-17. This miracle is one of the few that is recorded in all four gospels. The story also shows that some people follow Jesus only for what they may gain from him rather than because they desire to faithfully become his disciples. Reference - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=john+6%3a1-14&version=niv

The Unexpected Gift

Luke 19:1–10

About this Video: This is the story of Zacchaeus, a despised tax collector, who is confronted by Jesus about his dishonesty. After Jesus visits his home, Zacchaeus feels sorry for his past and chooses to restore what he has stolen and become generous to the poor. This story shows an amazing change in Zacchaeus’ heart from greed to generosity. It highlights his promise to give back money and to help the poor, which made them curious to know more about Jesus. Questions to Consider: Why do you think Zacchaeus wanted to see Jesus? Most people did not like tax collectors, but Jesus still wanted to go to Zacchaeus’ house. What was Jesus hoping to do there? Do you think Zacchaeus’ heart had truly changed? Background to the story: Paying back four times is not a financial penalty. It was considered a way of blessing the victim and making a special effort to restore relationship. Giving to the poor was one of Isa’s teachings to demonstrate a heart turned to God (Matthew 19:21; Mark 10:21; Luke 11:41; 12:33). Reference - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=luke+19%3a1-10&version=niv

The Businessman of Jerusalem

Mark 11:12-19

About this Video: Jesus was passing by the temple court and noticed the large number of businessmen taking advantage of the crowds gathering there for worship. They were cheating customers and extorting money from the poor. Angered by what he saw, Jesus overturned the tables of the money changers and knocked over the displays of goods being sold by the evil vendors. After rebuking these practices which were targeting those coming to worship, Jesus also confronted the temple priests, letting them know their acceptance of these ‘robbers’ in the court was wrong and needed to stop. One businessman felt convicted by Jesus' response and made the decision to stop gouging and cheating his customers for the items of worship they were hoping to buy. The result is that his business began to thrive and his testimony revealed how Jesus had changed his life that day long ago. Questions to Consider: How do you think the businessmen felt when Jesus turned their tables over and called their business area a den of robbers? Do you think the religious leaders at the temple approved of the businessmen selling animals in the temple courts? For those traveling from far away, purchasing animals for sacrifice at the temple was an important ritual. How do you think they felt about Jesus' criticism of the money changers and thieves? Background to the story: This story book combines Mark 11:12-19 and Matthew 21:12-16. Matthew’s use of three Old Testament Scriptures (included in this story book) emphasize Isa’s fulfillment of Messianic prophecy. John’s version of Jesus cleansing the temple (John 2:12-25) is not used in this story. Also notice John puts this story in the beginning of his gospel instead of at the end like Matthew and Mark. References - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=mark+11%3a12-19&version=niv, https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew+21%3a12-16&version=niv

The Soldier's Visit

Matthew 27:11–55

About this Video: Jesus was condemned to die by crucifixion and the event drew large crowds of people who came to witness the execution. Many were happy to see Jesus punished, while others wept and disagreed with the way Jesus was being treated. At one point during the crucifixion, the guards stripped Jesus of his robe and began to draw lots to see who could walk away with the so-called prophet’s only possession. The guard who won eventually realized that Jesus was innocent and felt remorse after his death. Years later, the guard sought out Jesus' earthly mother and gave her the robe which he had won that day. He explained he was an eyewitness to the crucifixion and explained how Jesus had changed his life that day. Questions to Consider: How do you think the Roman soldiers who witnessed the darkness, earthquake, rocks splitting and the death of Jesus felt after these events? What do you think happened to the soldiers who said, “Surely he was the Son of God?” Do you think any of the Roman soldiers became believers in Jesus because of what they saw? What do you think the Roman soldiers thought three days later when it was reported that Jesus raised up from the dead? Background to the story: This story basically follows Matthew 27:11-55. No additional points were included from parallel stories in Mark 15:1-41; Luke 22:54-23:49; and John 18:28-19:37. Because of the short length of this book, many important events during the death of Jesus were left out of this story. Though this story deals with a horrible act of cruelty and punishment, the death of Jesus is central to Christianity and therefore gently dealt with here to introduce the basic truth from the view of the Roman soldiers who guarded him. Reference - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew+27%3a11-55&version=niv

The New Robe

Acts 9:32–43

About this Video: Tabitha was well known for helping the widows and the poor in her village. When she died, the people were sad. But Peter had compassion and, with God’s help, was able to raise Tabitha from the dead. This miracle allowed the people of the village to see how God loves and cares for those who show love to others. The miracle changed Tabitha and her family and had an impact on those around her as well. Because of Peter’s miracle, God’s power was made known to the people in Tabitha’s family and village. Questions to Consider: What do you think happened to Tabitha after she was raised from the dead? What do you think her family or the people in Joppa thought about seeing Tabitha alive again? Do you think seeing her alive again would help her neighbors believe Isa was the son of God? Background to the story: This story basically follows Acts 9:32-43. The companion story of Peter healing a lame man named Aeneas in Lydda has been edited out of this story to focus on Tabitha. Reference - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=acts+9%3a32-43&version=niv

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