I’ve noticed some of the new children’s Bibles have left out the story of the cross and Jesus’ death. They have Jesus’ birth and life in it. They talk about His miracles and then Him being lifted by the clouds. When I was reading this to my son I just told him the story of the Cross and picked out another children’s Bible which also was lacking the story of the cross. This has really upset me. Why are they leaving out the cross and the reason Jesus came? If the book only told one Bible story I think it would be the story of the cross because that’s the climax of the Bible. Most all of the other Bible stories are leading up to or refer back to the story of Jesus’ death and resurrection. The story of the cross tells us that Jesus paid the penalty for our sins and it leads us to salvation. What if children grow up not knowing that they are in need of a Savior?
I’m not sure why the cross has been taken out of children’s Bibles. Maybe the authors found it too violent. So how are children going to give their lives to Christ? Are they going to read that Joseph got a colorful coat then realize that they are living in sin and need Christ? My son needs to hear about Jesus’ death. The only way to salvation is through Jesus Christ.
Beginning of 2011 I have started reading the Bible to my son more regularly. At first I wasn’t for sure how he will sit still and listen. He is 2 and a half years old and hyper. It has been a challenge and I’m not sure how much he understands. He has to sit down with me while I’m reading (no toys). I usually can only get through one chapter then do a minute or two of discussion with him. I’d rather read the whole truth to him and he not understand half of it than to tell him half of the truth and him understand all of it and be stimulated by pictures.
I believe that the right way to raise a child is to have Christ as the focus. Much secular literature on raising children is child focused and some is very parent focused. Both children focused and parent focused are dangerous and lead to division in the family. If I’m putting my child first, he will grow up thinking the world revolves around him and become selfish. If I’m putting myself and my husband first then the child could be neglected or my control will not show humbleness or that I need a Savior. Christ needs to be my center in all that I do. His sacrifice on the cross must be what I turn to daily. I should teach Christ to my children and focus on Him. No one is a perfect parent and no child is perfect. We need a Savior. We need the cross.
