Do not skip over this review just because the sub-title is "Teaching the Gospel to Kids." Show Them Jesus is a wonderful exposition on both the why and the how of connecting the good news of Jesus Christ to all of Scripture, both Old and New Testaments alike.

Typical religion will say "live a good life and things will go well for you." Atypical, Christ-heralding religion will proclaim the good news of what Christ has done. Jack Klumpenhower proceeds to show the radical need to preach nothing but Jesus Christ and him crucified (1 Cor. 2:2). This is not only for salvation but for all of life. Obedience is addressed, but only as an “outgrowth of all the joy and freedom Jesus gives us” (pg. 156).

Sounds good, doesn’t it? But how is this done? The author provides over 30 examples throughout the book illustrating how we can make gospel connections in all of Scripture.

Here is one example. What is your takeaway when you read the story about the time young Samuel heard from God (1 Sam. 3)? Is it a lesson on how we should be good listeners and respond to God? Yes, but how could you move from this Old Testament text to the good news of Jesus?

First, remember the context. At the time of the story, God had been largely silent. The people of God needed to hear from him. God drew near and spoke to Samuel in a familiar voice that Samuel mistook for the voice of Eli. God condescends and speaks to his people.

And now for the connecting question. Does God still speak today? Yes, he does. He speaks through His Son who drew near to us, taking upon himself our humanity. Through Jesus, God spoke good news to us through his life, death and resurrection. And God continues to speak today as the Spirit of God communicates the good news about Jesus through his word and to our hearts.

Admittedly, it is not always easy to make those connections in a way that remains true to the passage. It takes time to be in the word and to know what the Scriptures say. But, there are riches to be mined for our own soul and the souls of others when we do.

Some may question whether teaching God’s free grace will lead to lax obedience. Klumpenhower also seeks to answer these questions and others throughout the book.

I have already handed out copies of Show Them Jesus to our Wednesday night children’s ministry teachers. I encourage you to get a copy for yourself and consider the atypical good news of Jesus.