THE LIFE OF JESUS: Jesus Chooses the 12 Disciples

Anna and Matt tell the story of Zacchaeus, a tax collector who climbed a tree just to see Jesus. Through this story from Luke 19, we'll learn that Jesus came to save sinners and that Jesus has the power to change our hearts. 🌟 What Kids Will Learn: 🌳 Jesus sees us. Jesus noticed Zacchaeus even when he was hiding in a tree. ❤️ Jesus loves sinners. Zacchaeus had done wrong things, but Jesus still wanted to spend time with him. 🔄 Jesus changes hearts. After meeting Jesus, Zacchaeus wanted to make things right. ✝️ Jesus came to save sinners. He died on the cross and rose again so we can be forgiven and follow him. 📖 Bible Passage: Luke 19:1–10 🧠 Big Truth: ✝️ Jesus came to save sinners. He died on the cross and rose again so we can be forgiven and follow him. 🏡 Try This at Home: This week, think of one way you can be generous, like: Helping someone who needs groceries Giving money to help people in need Sharing your time to help someone else Generosity is one way we show that Jesus is changing our hearts. 🎶 Song Featured: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jesus Came to Save Sinners by The Village Kids Don’t miss out: Follow ⁠Welcome to Hope Springs⁠ on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you’re listening now! If you’ve enjoyed this episode, one of the best ways to support the show and make sure others find it, is to subscribe and leave a review. Thank You! Editing and support by⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Good Podcast Co.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  For sponsorship inquiries, email ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]

Anna and Matt explore a wonderful truth: God wants to talk with us. Through the story of Jesus welcoming children in Mark 10:13–16, we learn that Jesus loves spending time with them and that they can talk with God anytime through prayer. 🌟 What Kids Will Learn: 🙌 God loves children. Jesus welcomed kids and wanted them to come to him. 📖 God speaks to us through the Bible. His Word helps us know who he is and what he has done. ❤️ Children are precious to God. Every person is valuable because God made them. 📖 Bible Passage: Mark 10:13–16 🧠 Big Truth: 🙏 God wants to talk with us. We can speak to God anytime through prayer. 🏡 Try This at Home: Practice praying together as a family this week. Use this simple pattern: Praise: Tell God how great he is. Thanks: Thank God for something he has done. Ask: Ask God for help with something. Pray for Others: Pray for a friend or family member. Remember: You don’t need fancy words. God loves hearing from you. 🎶 Song Featured: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠God Wants to Talk With Us by The Village Kids Don’t miss out: Follow Welcome to Hope Springs on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you’re listening now! If you’ve enjoyed this episode, one of the best ways to support the show and make sure others find it, is to subscribe and leave a review. Thank You! Editing and support by⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Good Podcast Co.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  For sponsorship inquiries, email ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]

Anna and Matt encourage parents to build one simple but powerful habit in their homes: regular Bible reading. Research shows that the single biggest predictor of long-term vibrant faith in kids is whether they regularly read the Bible while growing up—and the good news is, it doesn’t have to be complicated. A recent Lifeway study found: Only 29% of kids in Christian households regularly read their Bible. The spiritual activity with the greatest long-term impact on faith was consistent Bible reading. Here are simple ways to build a Bible-reading rhythm in your home: 📚 Use Age-Appropriate Bibles Board books for babies Toddler storybook Bibles Preschool and elementary Bibles 365-day children’s Bibles Kids’ Bible reading plans Bible journals or coloring books for older kids 🎵 Reinforce Throughout the Day Memory verse songs Scripture-based podcasts Worship music tied to what you're reading 🏡 A Simple Daily Rhythm Read. Pray. Sing. 📖 Read one short Bible story. 🙏 Pray a simple 10-second prayer. 🎶 Sing a worship song together. Attach it to a moment that already happens—like bedtime. 💬 Phrases to Use Often “The Bible is God’s true word. It is from God, about God, and it is true.” “God is talking to us right now in His Word.” “Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your Word.” (Psalm 119:18) 🙌 Encouragement for Parents Miss a night? Grace. Start again tomorrow. Celebrate milestones—finishing a Bible, memorizing a verse, remembering a story. Ordinary moments—like a three-minute bedtime story—shape extraordinary faith. You are not doing this alone. You are partnering with the Holy Spirit, who loves your child even more than you do. If you’ve enjoyed this episode, one of the best ways to support the show and make sure others find it, is to subscribe and leave a review. Thank You! Editing and support by⁠⁠ The Good Podcast Co.⁠⁠  For sponsorship inquiries, email ⁠⁠[email protected]

Kids hear the powerful story of Jesus meeting the Samaritan woman at the well. Through this conversation, Jesus reveals that He came to save sinners—not just one group of people, but anyone who believes in Him. 🌟 What Kids Will Learn: 💧 Jesus met a Samaritan woman at a well 🌍 Jesus came to save people from every nation 🤍 Jesus knows our sin but still loves us 🗣️ We can tell others the good news about Jesus ✝️ Jesus is the promised Savior (Messiah) 📖 Bible Passage: John 4:25–26 🧠 Big Truth: Jesus came to save sinners. And that good news is for everyone. 🏡 Try This at Home: 🗣️ Share the Good News: Tell a family member or friend one thing you learned about Jesus. 💧 Water Reminder: Every time you drink water this week, remember that Jesus gives living water that saves. 📖 Read Together: Read John 4 as a family and talk about why the woman was surprised Jesus spoke to her. 🤝 Love Others: Think of someone different from you and pray for them this week. 🎶 Song Featured: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jesus Came to Save Sinners by The Village Kids Grab your copy of Sing the Bible: 52 Bible Verses for Kids to Learn and Sing wherever books are sold or visit ⁠⁠⁠HarvestHousePublishers.com/Sing⁠⁠⁠ — and start singing God’s Word together! If you’ve enjoyed this episode, one of the best ways to support the show and make sure others find it, is to subscribe and leave a review. Thank You! Editing and support by⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Good Podcast Co.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  For sponsorship inquiries, email ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]

Kids learn that God is good through the powerful story of Jesus healing a man who could not walk. When four faithful friends bring the man to Jesus, he not only heals the man’s body but also forgives his sins—showing that Jesus has the power to heal both hearts and lives. 🌟 What Kids Will Learn: 🛏️ Jesus healed a man who could not walk 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Faithful friends help bring others to Jesus ✝️ Jesus has power to forgive sins 💛 God cares about our bodies and our hearts 🙌 God is good in everything He does 📖 Bible Passage: Mark 2:1–12 🧠 Big Truth: God is good. Jesus shows God’s goodness by healing people and forgiving sin. 🏡 Try This at Home: 🙏 Pray for Someone: Think of someone who is sick or hurting and pray for God to heal them. 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Be a Good Friend: Talk about ways you can help bring friends closer to Jesus. 📖 Read Together: Read Mark 2:1–12 as a family and imagine being in the crowded house. ❤️ Heart Check: Talk about how Jesus heals our hearts, not just our bodies. 🎶 Song Featured: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠God is Good by The Village Kids Grab your copy of Sing the Bible: 52 Bible Verses for Kids to Learn and Sing wherever books are sold or visit ⁠⁠HarvestHousePublishers.com/Sing⁠⁠ — and start singing God’s Word together! If you’ve enjoyed this episode, one of the best ways to support the show and make sure others find it, is to subscribe and leave a review. Thank You! Editing and support by⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Good Podcast Co.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  For sponsorship inquiries, email ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]

In this episode of God’s Big Story, kids learn that God is in charge of everything through the incredible story of Jesus walking on water. As the disciples face a terrifying storm, Jesus shows His power over creation, reminding them—and us—that we never have to be afraid when God is in control. 🌟 What Kids Will Learn: 🌊 Jesus walked on water to show He is God ⛵ God is in charge of the wind, waves, and every storm 😨 Fear can grow when we forget who is in control ✝️ We can call out to Jesus when we feel afraid 🙌 Jesus deserves our trust and worship 📖 Bible Passage: Matthew 14:25–33 🧠 Big Truth: God is in charge of everything. Nothing is outside His power—not even storms or the sea. 🏡 Try This at Home: 🌌 Look Around: Go outside and name things God is in charge of—stars, wind, trees, animals, and more. 🙏 Pray About Fear: Talk with God about something that makes you feel afraid. 📖 Read Together: Read Matthew 14:25–33 as a family and imagine being in the boat. 🗣️ Faith Talk: Ask, “When have I felt like Peter—brave at first but then afraid?” 🎶 Song Featured: ⁠⁠⁠⁠God's In Charge of Everything by The Village Kids Grab your copy of Sing the Bible: 52 Bible Verses for Kids to Learn and Sing wherever books are sold or visit ⁠HarvestHousePublishers.com/Sing⁠ — and start singing God’s Word together! If you’ve enjoyed this episode, one of the best ways to support the show and make sure others find it, is to subscribe and leave a review. Thank You! Editing and support by⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Good Podcast Co.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  For sponsorship inquiries, email ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]

We'll learn that God is good through an amazing miracle Jesus performed when He fed thousands of people with just five loaves of bread and two fish. This true story from the Bible shows that Jesus has God’s power, cares deeply for people, and meets our greatest need—to be saved from sin. 🌟 What Kids Will Learn: What a miracle is and why Jesus performed miracles Why we can trust that the Bible is God’s true word How Jesus fed more than 5,000 people with a very small amount of food That God cares for both our physical needs and our hearts Why Jesus came to save sinners and show that God is good 📖 Bible Passage: Mark 6:41–43 🧠 Big Truth: God is good. Jesus showed God’s goodness and power through miracles—and by coming to save sinners like us. 🏡 Try This at Home: 🍞 Read Together: Read Mark 6:41–43 as a family and talk about what surprised you most in the story. 🙏 Thankfulness Game: Take turns thanking God for good gifts He’s given you until someone runs out of ideas. ❤️ Talk It Through: Ask, “What does this story teach us about how Jesus cares for people?” 🎶 Sing It Again: Sing the song from today’s episode and talk about what it means that God is good. 🎶 Song Featured: ⁠⁠⁠God is Good by The Village Kids Grab your copy of Sing the Bible: 52 Bible Verses for Kids to Learn and Sing wherever books are sold or visit HarvestHousePublishers.com/Sing — and start singing God’s Word together! If you’ve enjoyed this episode, one of the best ways to support the show and make sure others find it, is to subscribe and leave a review. Thank You! Editing and support by⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Good Podcast Co.⁠⁠⁠⁠  For sponsorship inquiries, email ⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]

Kids learn how Jesus chose twelve ordinary people to be His disciples and invited them to follow Him. Through the calling of fishermen and a tax collector, we see that Jesus didn’t choose perfect people—He chose sinners He loved and came to save. 🌟 What Kids Will Learn: What a disciple is and what it means to follow Jesus Why Jesus chose ordinary people—not famous or important ones How Jesus called fishermen and a tax collector to follow Him That Jesus doesn’t wait for people to be perfect before loving them Why Jesus came to save sinners and invites us to follow Him too 📖 Bible Passage: Matthew 4:18–22 🧠 Big Truth: Jesus came to save sinners. He lovingly calls ordinary people to follow Him and uses them to share the good news about who He is. 🏡 Try This at Home: 🐟 Read Together: Read Matthew 4:18–22 as a family and talk about what the disciples left behind to follow Jesus. 💬 Tell a Story: Ask a family member or friend who follows Jesus when they first decided to follow Him. 🙏 Pray Together: Thank God that He loves and calls imperfect people—including us. 👣 Follow Jesus This Week: Talk about one way your family can follow Jesus through love, kindness, or obedience. 🎶 Song Featured: ⁠⁠Jesus Came to Save Sinners⁠ by The Village Kids If you’ve enjoyed this episode, one of the best ways to support the show and make sure others find it, is to subscribe and leave a review. Thank You! Editing and support by⁠⁠⁠ The Good Podcast Co.⁠⁠⁠  For sponsorship inquiries, email ⁠⁠⁠[email protected]

We learn how Jesus began His ministry by being baptized and then facing temptation in the wilderness. Even when tempted, Jesus obeyed God perfectly by trusting and using God’s Word—showing us why He is the Savior who came to rescue sinners. 🌟 What Kids Will Learn: What it means to be baptized and why Jesus was baptized What temptation is—and why being tempted is not the same as sinning How Jesus obeyed God perfectly, even when tempted by Satan How Jesus used the Bible to fight temptation Why Jesus had to be sinless in order to save sinners 📖 Bible Passage: Luke 4:5–8 🧠 Big Truth: Jesus came to save sinners. He never sinned, obeyed God perfectly, and used God’s Word to fight temptation—so He could be the perfect Savior for us. 🏡 Try This at Home: 📘 Read Together: Read Luke 4 as a family and talk about how Jesus responded to temptation. 🧠 Memory Challenge: Choose one Bible verse to memorize this week and practice it together. 💬 Conversation Starter: Ask, “How can God’s Word help us when we’re tempted?” 🙏 Prayer Time: Pray together and thank God for sending Jesus to obey perfectly for us. 🎶 Song Featured: ⁠Jesus Came to Save Sinners by The Village Kids If you’ve enjoyed this episode, one of the best ways to support the show and make sure others find it, is to subscribe and leave a review. Thank You! Editing and support by⁠⁠ The Good Podcast Co.⁠⁠  For sponsorship inquiries, email ⁠⁠[email protected]

Anna and Matt help kids discover that God wants to talk with us—and He does that through His Word, the Bible. Kids hear the only Bible story about Jesus as a child and learn how even at twelve years old, Jesus loved listening to His Father and talking about God at the temple. 🌟 What Kids Will Learn: God wants to talk with us, and the main way He does that is through the Bible Jesus was fully God and fully human—and He grew up just like we do Jesus loved being in God’s house and learning God’s Word We talk to God through prayer, and He speaks to us through Scripture God invites us into a relationship, not just rules or routines 📖 Bible Passage: Luke 2:46–47 🧠 Big Truth: God wants to talk with us.He speaks to us through the Bible, and we talk to Him through prayer. 🏡 Try This at Home: 📘 Family Bible Time: Read Luke 2 together and talk about why Jesus loved being in the temple. 🙏 Prayer Walk: Take a short walk as a family and thank God for His Word. 💬 Conversation Starter: Ask your child, “What do you think God might want to teach us today from the Bible?” 📖 Daily Habit: Set aside a regular time—even just a few minutes—to read the Bible together. 🎶 Song Featured: God Wants to Talk With Us by The Village Kids If you’ve enjoyed this episode, one of the best ways to support the show and make sure others find it, is to subscribe and leave a review. Thank You! Editing and support by⁠ The Good Podcast Co.⁠  For sponsorship inquiries, email ⁠[email protected]