God's Big Story: Friends of Jesus Christ
What would it have been like to walk along the dusty roads of Galilee with Jesus? To watch Him teach, perform miracles, ask questions, pray, and call ordinary people to follow Him?
God's Big Story: Friends of Jesus Christ takes young readers on an engaging journey into the lives of the twelve disciples who were chosen to walk with Jesus and become part of His mission. From fishermen and a tax collector to men known for their questions, strong personalities, quiet faith, and very different backgrounds, these ordinary people were brought together by Jesus for an extraordinary purpose.
Readers meet Peter , the fisherman who sometimes doubted and failed but experienced forgiveness and restoration; Andrew , the friend who repeatedly brought people to Jesus; James and John , the "Sons of Thunder" who learned that true greatness comes through serving others; Philip , who was never afraid to ask questions; Thomas , whose honest doubts ultimately led to a powerful declaration of faith; and Matthew , who left his tax booth behind to follow Christ.
The book also introduces the lesser-known disciples— Bartholomew, James son of Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Thaddaeus —showing that a person does not need to be famous or constantly in the spotlight to be important to God. The tragic story of Judas Iscariot provides a sobering reminder that being physically close to Jesus is not the same as truly surrendering one's heart to Him.
Following the disciples beyond Jesus' death and resurrection, the story continues into the empty tomb, the Upper Room, Pentecost, and the growth of the early Christian community. The frightened followers who once struggled with fear and uncertainty became courageous witnesses who carried the message of Jesus into the world.
At its heart, however, this is more than a book about twelve men. It is an invitation for every reader to discover their own place in God's big story .
Through the experiences of the disciples, young readers learn about faith, courage, forgiveness, friendship, service, love, perseverance, humility, and the power of following Jesus . They discover that mistakes do not have to be the end of the story, questions can become part of growing faith, quiet people matter, and God can use ordinary people for extraordinary purposes.
With Scripture-based storytelling, memorable characters, moments of humour, reflection, and practical lessons, God's Big Story: Friends of Jesus Christ brings the world of the disciples to life while encouraging children to ask an important question:
"What will I do with what Jesus has taught me?"
The adventure that began when Jesus said, "Follow me," continues—and readers are invited to become part of the story.
