#409: Why Did Jesus Eat With Sinners? - Mark part 8

Mark 2:13–17 & Romans 3:10 In today’s episode, we continue our journey through the Gospel of Mark and meet a man named Levi, a tax collector whose life changed the moment Jesus said two simple words: “Follow me.” But what happened next surprised the Pharisees. Instead of avoiding sinners, Jesus sat down and shared a meal with them. When the Pharisees saw this, they asked a question that still matters today: Why would a holy teacher eat with sinners?  We unpack what Jesus means when he said “ “I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” Help Keep Kids Bible Stories Free for Families Kids Bible Stories has shared over 400 Bible stories with children around the world, helping kids grow in their understanding of God’s Word. This podcast is created by a small family team, and it’s made possible by listeners who choose to support the mission. When you join the Kids Bible Stories Family Library, you help keep the main podcast free for thousands of families while also receiving extra resources for your own kids. You can learn more and try it here: patreon.com/kidsbiblestories Listener Survey Your feedback helps shape the future of Kids Bible Stories. If you are a Family Library member (free or paid), please take our short survey. It only takes about 2 minutes, and your input directly influences upcoming changes. The survey link can be found here and on Patreon.

Scripture: Mark 2:1–12 Jesus returns to Capernaum and a massive crowd gathers so tightly packed that there isn’t even room outside the door. While Jesus preaches the Word, four friends arrive carrying a paralyzed man—so desperate to get him to Jesus that they climb onto the roof, dig through it, and lower their friend down right in front of Him. But instead of healing the man first, Jesus says something surprising: “Son, your sins are forgiven.” This becomes the beginning of controversy because the teachers of the law know that only God can forgive sins. Jesus responds by showing that He has authority on earth to forgive sins, and then proves it by commanding the man to stand, pick up his mat, and walk home. This story reminds us that Jesus cares about our bodies and our needs, but our greatest need is to be forgiven and made right with God—something Jesus accomplished through His death and resurrection. Want Weekly Activities & Family Resources? If your family loves Kids Bible Stories and you want to keep the learning going, check out the Family Library on Patreon. You’ll get episode-based resources like activity sheets, coloring pages, member-only audio, and more—all saved and organized by episode number so you can easily revisit favorites anytime. Join here: https://patreon.com/kidsbiblestories try it for free!

Scripture: Mark 1:40–45 In this episode, we continue our journey through the Gospel of Mark and hear the powerful story of a man with leprosy who came to Jesus and begged, “If You are willing, You can make me clean.” Kids will hear how people in Bible times often stayed far away from those with leprosy—but Jesus did something shocking and beautiful: He came near and touched the man before healing him. Join the Family Library on Patreon for member-only audio, coloring pages for  episodes, and more. New weekly resources are sent straight to your email and are always saved in the library, where you can search by episode number anytime—made for real families and real schedules. Try a free trial at: patreon.com/kidsbiblestories

Scripture: Mark 1:29–39 Jesus leaves the synagogue and goes to Simon and Andrew’s home—where Simon’s mother-in-law is sick with a fever. Jesus comes close, takes her hand, and heals her immediately. That evening, the whole town gathers at the door, and Jesus heals many and drives out demons. Then, while it’s still dark, Jesus goes to a quiet place to pray. When the disciples say, “Everyone is looking for you!”, Jesus explains His mission: to go to the nearby villages and preach the good news. Big Idea: Jesus is compassionate—and Jesus has a mission. Weekly resources for busy parents:Join the Family Library on Patreon to get weekly discipleship resources emailed straight to parents—simple to access, easy to use, and built for real-life families. Ad free episodes and member only audio also just for you!https://www.patreon.com/kidsbiblestories

Mark 1:14-28 In today’s episode, we continue our series through the Gospel of Mark. Jesus walks along the Sea of Galilee and calls His first disciples—ordinary fishermen named Peter, Andrew, James, and John. With just two simple words, “Follow Me,” Jesus invites them into something completely new. In this episode, kids will: Walk alongside Jesus by the Sea of Galilee and imagine the sights and sounds of fishermen at work Learn what Jesus meant when He said, “I will make you fishers of men” Discover why Jesus taught with authority See Jesus’ power over darkness as He heals a man with an unclean spirit Be encouraged that Jesus seeks us first and lovingly calls ordinary people to follow Him We’ll also pause to talk about what it really means to follow Jesus today—at home, at school, and with our friends—and how God loves to use everyday people to share His good news with the world. At the end of the episode, we’ll pray together and share special listener shout-outs. Want to Go Deeper as a Family? If you’d like to join families who are making an impact in the lives of children all over the world—and receive beautiful, episode-matched resources that help busy families go further with each story—you can join the Kids Bible Stories Family Library. Inside the Family Library, you’ll find: Coloring pages and activity sheets for each episode Simple tools to help kids understand and remember God’s Word searchable, easy-to-use resources designed to fit real family life 👉 Explore the Family Library today. Thank you for being part of the Kids Bible Stories community and for helping keep this podcast free for families everywhere.

Daniel 9:3 & Genesis 3:19 Today is Ash Wednesday, so today’s episode is a quick “Bible classroom” moment to help kids understand what Ash Wednesday is, what the ashes symbolize, and how it connects to Lent and our preparation for Easter. Not all Christian denominations observe Ash Wednesday, and even within the same denomination it can vary from church to church—but we still wanted kids to understand what it is in case they hear friends or others talk about it. In this episode, we explain: What Ash Wednesday is. What ashes are symbolic of. What Lent is Kid-friendly examples! Family Library Bonus Activity: If your family is part of the Kids Bible Stories Family Library, I’ve posted a fun Lent activity called a Resurrection Garden with pictures and step-by-step instructions. ➡️ Family Library / Resurrection Garden: here➡️ Browse our Easter Episodes: Go to kbspodcast.com → Podcast → search “Easter” (You can write down your favorite episode numbers and build your own Easter playlist!) Thanks for listening!

Mark 1:9–15 In today’s episode of Kids Bible Stories, we continue our journey through the fast-paced Gospel of Mark and watch Jesus step into His public mission. We’ll see: Jesus baptized in the Jordan—and why He did it even though He never sinned God the Father speak from heaven and call Jesus His beloved Son Jesus face temptation in the wilderness and succeed where Adam failed Jesus begin preaching the good news: “Repent and believe the gospel!” Along the way, we’ll talk about: What priests did in the Old Testament and how Jesus is the better, final Priest What “repent” really means What the gospel is And what Jesus means when He says to “believe” ✨ Plus: Don’t forget to grab our FREE printable Valentine’s cards in the Kids Bible Stories Family Library on Patreon! Want to play a part in spreading God’s word to families? Check it out here.  🎧 Perfect for ages 4–10, families, and bedtime listening.

I wanted to send you a little Valentine’s gift for your kids! 💛 I made two sets of free printable Valentine’s cards and my hope is that these are a small, beautiful way for your family to share God’s Word and His love with others this Valentine’s Day. They’re simple to use: just print, cut, and they’re ready to go. (Tip: for sturdier cards, try printing them on cardstock instead of regular paper.) You can download them right now when you join the Family Library as a free member on our patreon page. I pray they bless your family and the children who receive them.

Mark 1:1–8 Before Jesus begins teaching, performing miracles, or gathering crowds, God sends someone first to prepare the way. In this episode, kids meet John the Baptist—the “voice in the wilderness”—and travel with families to the Jordan River to hear his message and see people being baptized. Along the way, we learn what repentance means, why John said he wasn’t even worthy to untie Jesus’ sandals, and how all of this was part of God’s plan from the very beginning. We’ll also hear a true story about the Titanic and discover why warnings aren’t meant to scare us—they’re meant to save us. Most of all, children will be reminded that God is patient, kind, and loving. Even when people mess up or forget Him, God always welcomes His children back when they ask for forgiveness. 🎯 Big idea: God lovingly warns us because He wants to save us—and Jesus is the King who came to rescue us. ------------ Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠kbspodcast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and click Support & Bonus Content to: 💛 Give a one-time gift of any amount OR 🙌 Access the entire KBS Family Library of content- enjoy weekly bonuses and AD FREE episodes! 📣 Interested in partnering with us? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn more about advertising here.⁠⁠⁠

Today we begin a brand new series through the Gospel of Mark! Because we’re starting a new series, this episode is all about helping kids understand the book before we dive into the stories. When we read a book of the Bible, it’s important to ask: Who wrote it? Who was it written to? And why was it written? In this episode, we discover what a “gospel” is, why there are four Gospels, and that Mark wrote down the apostle Peter’s eyewitness stories about Jesus. We also learn that Mark’s big question is: Who is Jesus? This episode is like laying the foundation before we start building. It prepares us for everything that’s coming next as we begin this journey. ------------ 2 Minute Survey We’re running a very short, listener survey to help us understand our audience and keep Kids Bible Stories going strong. While this podcast is mostly funded by listener support, our sponsors help keep it free for families, and this survey helps them help us. It’s simple, it’s quick, and it’s a really practical way you can support the show. Thanks for helping ------ To connect with me go here