Story Time with Luke

Anyone who teaches or works with children knows that you must be on your toes when they have questions to ask. Children ask some of the best questions, but also some of the most challenging ones.

My son, Luke, is no different. Story time with Luke can be fun, frustrating and sometimes terrifying. We have told him bedtime Bible stories for a long time or read from a Children’s Bible. He never really seemed like he was paying attention though. Until recently.

The last couple of months he has really started to listen to the Bible stories. However, the last few weeks after either Brandi or I finish reading the story he says, “I have a couple of questions.” These are no cupcake questions either. Luke has decided that the tougher the question the better it is to ask.

A few examples are: Why did Jesus send those people away to a place of darkness (hell)? Why did the rich man go away sad? Did he not like Jesus? Why did the rich man not give Lazarus any food? Could he not see that Lazarus was hungry? If we see a hungry person, should we feed them? Why don’t Christians tell people about Jesus if they know the people will go to a bad place? And the list goes on.

This post is not about answering Luke’s questions, although on some of them I could use some help. It is a reminder that first, we need a childlike faith. Not a simple faith that asks no questions, but one that believes the Bible and is open to questions. Children are not afraid of questions, either asking them or being asked.

Second, we need to invest in children. Our own and others. I admit that I would rather speak to college age and above, or at least high school age and above. In fact, the most terrified I am on our furlough’s is when I am asked to speak to children. However, children need to know the truth and they are never too young (or old) to be taught the scriptures.

Third, teaching people, especially children, reminds us that we don’t have all the answers. That is OK. It also reminds us that we need to be prepared so that we can answer some of the questions which will arise. Teaching prepares us and helps us to learn as we share the information with others. And what better information to share and invest my time in than the very word of God.

Finally, I think hearing the questions children ask allow adults to ponder the same things. Many times, I find myself with a similar question to Luke, but I don’t want to ask it. Other times, he asks questions which I had not thought about for a long time if ever. Luke brings a child’s view to the scriptures which is good for me. It gives a fresh perspective, one that is not trying to gain anything other than the truth.

Whether a child or adult, it is a worthwhile investment of time, energy and resources to teach the Bible. Who can you, who will you, invest your life teaching the Bible to?