Show Them Jesus: Teaching the Gospel to Kids

by Jack Klumpenhower

A good-behavior kid… A good-news kid… Divides the world into good people and bad people. Like Peter before he caught the fish, constantly tries to prove himself to be one of the good kids. Sees only bad people and one good person—Jesus. Like Peter after he caught the fish, spends his life trusting and following that one good guy. Is prone to sins of the tongue. Tells lies to protect her image, gets defensive when others criticize her, and gossips to make herself look better than others. Admits when she’s wrong and allows others to correct her without fear because her confidence is in Christ. Tells others about her weaknesses and congratulates them for their strengths. Mostly points out how others do wrong. Often talks about himself in comparison to others—like the Pharisee at the temple in Jesus’s parable: “God, I thank you that I am not like other men” (Luke 18:11). Lets the sins of others go unnoticed. Knows God loves him whatever he’s done, so willingly confesses his own sins—like the tax collector in Jesus’s parable: “God, be merciful to me, a sinner!” (Luke 18:13). Participates in worship, prayer, and Bible study so that God or others will see and approve. Is conscious of what others think when praying aloud or speaking up in a group. Participates in worship, prayer, and Bible study because she loves God and fellowship with him is a joy. Needs for parents, teachers, and other kids to notice when she’s been good. May obey at home and church but struggle with behavior a...