When we read the Bible with our kids, we’re going to come across some stories that aren’t “family-friendly.” We might be tempted to skip over these R-rated stories, but here’s three reasons we need to read scandalous Bible stories to our kids.
1. Your kids need to know that sin is real.
These scandalous Bible stories paint an honest picture of humanity. We aren’t just people who make bad choices, we are sinners to the core. And sometimes sinners make particularly nasty decisions that put our sinfulness on full display.
As you read the Bible with your kids, they’ll see that while sin is real and frequently looks enjoyable, it never leads anywhere great. Sin really won’t go well with us.
Sodom and Gomorrah is a graphic story that makes human wickedness clear. But the end of the story makes clear that no sin will go unpunished.
2. Your kids need to know that God saves sinners.
Even in the midst of the most heinous sin, God is working to redeem his people. the Bible is not a book about good people getting rewards, but a story of awful people being forgiven.
If our kids understand the horrors of David’s sin against Bathsheba, they will better appreciate the grace of Psalm 51: “Completely wash away my guilt and cleanse me from my sin.”
3. Your kids need to know that the Bible only has one hero.
Almost every major “hero” in the Bible fails in a massive way. All except one. The scandalous stories give us an opportunity to point our kids to Jesus.
- Abraham sold out his wife; Jesus will never abandon his bride.
- Judah sought his own pleasure with Tamar; Jesus laid down his life for our good.
- Moses killed an Egyptian to save an Israelite; Jesus himself was killed for the nations.
- Hosea was abandoned by an unfaithful wife; Jesus continually pursues his sinful church.
Not to mention, if we avoided “R-rated” Bible stories, we couldn’t read the center of Scripture with our kids — when Christ endured horrendous torment on the cross for our salvation.
Our kids need the Bible. Every word of it. So let’s read it with them.
Kids need ALL of Scripture. Family devotionals from God Centered Family will give you an easy-to-use discussion guide for EVERY CHAPTER of Scripture (not just the popular stories). Learn more here.