Mother Stories from the New Testament: A Book of the Best Stories from the New Testament that Mothers can tell their Children

In Short

This volume is an illustrated retold collection of Gospel events and parables designed for mothers to read to their children. Covering key moments from the Nativity through the early Apostolic church, the narrative pairs simplified biblical retellings with direct moral applications. The text moves from Christ's birth and childhood to His public ministry, miracles, teachings, and ascension, closing with acts of the early believers. Its enduring warmth stems from its accessible structure, clear moral framing, and focus on nurturing personal faith, kindness, and obedience in young listeners.

The Story

The narrative opens near Bethlehem, where shepherds guarding their flocks at night hear an angel declare the birth of a Saviour, accompanied by a heavenly host praising God. Returning to the city, the shepherds discover the infant Jesus in a manger with Mary and Joseph, while wise men guided from the East later bring gold, frankincense, and myrrh before being warned by God to avoid King Herod, who slays the infant boys of the region. As Jesus grows, He travels at age twelve with His parents to Jerusalem for the Passover, where He sits among the teachers in the Temple.

As His public ministry unfolds, Jesus performs signs and preaches to crowds. He calls fishermen after a miraculous catch, heals a Roman centurion's paralyzed servant, forgives a repentant woman who wets His feet with tears, cures a woman suffering twelve years of disease, and restores sight to blind men including Bartimeus. He feeds five thousand people from a meager supply of food, walks upon the sea, casts a legion of unclean spirits into a herd of swine, and restores life to Jairus' daughter. Across these miracles, He rewards the persistence of those who come to Him in faith, including a Canaanite woman seeking healing for her daughter.

Interspersed with these deeds are His parables, explained directly for a child's understanding. Jesus compares those who act on His words to a wise man building on a solid rock rather than shifting sand. He cautions against hoarding worldly wealth through the story of the rich fool, contrasts the unfruitful fig tree with one given careful cultivation, and likens the kingdom of heaven to hidden treasure, a pearl of great price, leaven in flour, and a net gathering fish. He speaks of a lost sheep, a lost coin, and a prodigal son to show the joy of repentance, while contrasting the humble tax-gatherer's prayer with the proud Pharisee's boast.

Following His resurrection, Jesus spends forty days with His disciples before leading them toward Bethany, where He promises the gift of the Holy Spirit and ascends into heaven in a cloud. The narrative extends beyond the Ascension to show the early church's spread, including the conversion of the Philippian jailer and the youth of Timothy, who learns the scriptures from his mother Eunice and grandmother Lois. The book culminates in Christ's invitation to welcome the young, receiving little children into His arms and pronouncing that of such is the kingdom of God.

How It Unfolds

The promise fulfilled Shepherds hear angelic tidings in the night and hurry to a Bethlehem manger, while distant wise men follow a guide to present costly gifts to the young child.

Teaching in the holy city At twelve years old, Jesus travels to Jerusalem with his family for the Passover feast, where he remains behind in the Temple listening to and questioning the learned teachers.

Miracles along the shore Jesus calls humble fishermen by filling their nets, cures the paralyzed servant of a faithful army officer, and restores health to those deemed beyond human healing.

Parables of the Kingdom Through stories of hidden treasure, fine pearls, casting nets, and sown seeds, Jesus explains the high value of spiritual truth and the distinction between righteous and unrighteous lives.

Mercy to the outcast From casting out a legion of spirits into swine to welcoming the quiet prayer of a penitent tax-gatherer, Christ consistently offers restoration to those rejected by others.

The final blessing After ascending to heaven in the presence of His followers, Christ's legacy continues through families like Timothy's, where mothers pass down sacred scriptures to the next generation.

The People

• Jesus Christ — The center of every scene, who seeks to bring spiritual light, heal the sick, and guide listeners toward the Kingdom of God. Confronted by suspicious leaders and needy crowds, He demonstrates divine authority through quiet compassion, patient teaching, and ultimate triumph over death.
• Mary and Joseph — The earthly parents who care for Jesus during His infancy and youth, protecting Him from King Herod's wrath and taking Him to Jerusalem for religious feasts.
• The Shepherds and Wise Men — Early seekers who respond to divine signs, bringing joy and precious gifts to the infant Messiah while heeding God's guidance.
• The Disciples and Apostles — A group of ordinary men, including fishermen like Peter, who leave their livelihoods to follow Christ, learn from His parables, witness His ascension, and continue His work.
• Timothy and Eunice — A young assistant to Paul and his devout mother, who model how family guidance and early instruction in scripture prepare a child for a life of quiet service.

In Its Own Voice

"He thought by so doing to kill Jesus among them, but God prevented him from doing so."

Context: Describing King Herod's violent decree after the departure of the wise men.

"The lesson Jesus sought to impress upon the people by this parable was, that it is not enough simply to hear what He says."

Context: Explaining the meaning behind the parable of the house built upon the rock versus the sand.

"He loves them, though He hates their sins."

Context: Addressing the Pharisee Simon's secret criticism when a sinful woman anoints Jesus' feet.

"They were proud, and pretended they were more religious than other men, but it was only pretense."

Context: Characterizing the Scribes and Pharisees prior to the parable of the Pharisee and the tax-gatherer.

What It's Really About

Beneath its simple retellings, the text argues that authentic religion is a matter of the heart rather than superficial performance. It contrasts outer displays of piety—represented by proud Pharisees and uncaring debt collectors—with inner humility, active mercy, and persistent faith. The collection stresses that wealth, social standing, and formal rituals mean nothing without genuine love for God and neighbor.

By placing heavy emphasis on parables like the lost sheep, the prodigal son, and the merciful steward, the book asserts that no person is too insignificant or far gone to receive grace. It frames home life as the primary sanctuary for moral instruction, where mothers gently guide children to choose spiritual values over worldly gain.

Why Read It Today

This collection appeals to readers seeking a historic example of turn-of-the-century religious pedagogy. It captures the warm, conversational tone used by Victorian and Edwardian parents to convey complex theological concepts to small children. Reading it offers an enlightening look at how classic stories were curated for domestic family life, complete with simple poetic summaries and straightforward moral takeaways.

Modern readers should expect period stylistic choices, including archaic phrasing, Victorian poetic inserts, and simplified characterizations of ancient religious groups. The text presents its narratives with absolute moral clarity, avoiding nuanced historical context in favor of direct ethical lessons. For those interested in children's literature, home education history, or traditional devotional books, it remains a clear, affectionate artifact of early twentieth-century storytelling.