Illustrated Family Bible by Christian Media Publishing

Illustrated Family Bible

Introducing the New Illustrated Family Bible Your Gateway to Meaningful Faith Development In a landscape where Children’s Bibles have long been overshadowed by a focus on superficial aesthetics, the New Illustrated Family Bible (IFB) emerges as a beacon of profound significance. Over the decades, the neglect of crucial elements in Children’s Bibles has fostered a perception that the visual appeal alone defines quality. The IFB challenges this norm and redefines the standard for excellence in children’s biblical literature.

1. Purposeful Integration of Faith Development: Unlike traditional Children’s Bibles, the IFB prioritizes the developmental phases and faith journey of its focus group—the families of Christian Faith Communities. It recognizes that a truly excellent Children’s Bible goes beyond captivating artwork; it seamlessly weaves the essential elements of faith development into its fabric. The IFB is a testament to the belief that the story of God is a continuous thread that must be thoughtfully integrated and reflected in each narrative.

2. A Unified Story of God: The IFB goes beyond presenting Bible stories as isolated narratives. It emphasizes the crucial concept of “weaving,” where the stories are interwoven to reveal the intricate tapestry of God’s relationship with His Kingdom. This intentional connection between stories is vital for understanding the Covenant relationship of God with His people—a narrative that is often lost when stories are presented in disconnected “silos.”

3. True Reflection of the World of the Bible: The IFB addresses the common pitfall of using art styles that fail to reflect the context of the biblical world. By steering clear of comic art, it ensures that children grasp the true essence of the Bible—an historical account of God’s relationship with His children. Real contextual and historically accurate artwork and stories in the IFB transport readers to specific places, with specific people, at specific times, fostering a deep appreciation for the Bible as a witness to God’s interaction with humankind.

4. A Comprehensive Resource for Faith Communities: The IFB isn’t just a Children’s Bible; it’s a comprehensive resource for the entire family within Christian Faith Communities. It’s not merely a book; it’s a tool designed to be a “must-have Bible” that impacts the faith development of all family members, young and old. As one of the most meticulously developed Children’s Bibles ever published, the IFB stands as a testament to the commitment to providing a profound and lasting impact on the faith journey of families over time.

Elevate your family’s faith experience with the New Illustrated Family Bible— a unique blend of artistry, integration, and historical accuracy that transcends the ordinary, making it an indispensable companion on your family’s spiritual journey. 2

Concept Development Paradigm

The revelation of your words brings light and gives understanding to the inexperienced ... They give insight to the untrained. (Psalm 119:130 New Revised Standard Version)

PROFESSIONAL TEAM

A Professional Team of Theologians, Researchers, Bible Art Historians, Art Director, Design and Production Teams

WEAVING CONNECTIONS

GOD’S WORD IN ART

Visual Contextual Reconstruction

GOD’S WORD / THE STORY OF GOD

Enhancing the Understanding of the Bible by Making Connections Between this Story & Event and Other Events In the Bible - Psalms - Connecting the Old and New Testaments

The Bible Verses Selected as the Focus Point for the Story and Artwork. The ‘Pericope’ is presented as Part of a Larger Event

PROMISES, TRUTHS, SYMBOLISM, CONTEXT & CULTURE

- God’s Promises and Theological Truths - Symbolism in the story and artwork - Important contextual & cultural information

FOUNDATIONS

Sound Biblical Historical Research Biblically Correct Interpretation and Meaning of the Story of God in the Bible True Reflection of Cultural and Historical Interpretation

OLD TESTAMENT 1. The Creation, The Fall, The Flood and The Barrier 2. God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob 3. Egypt – Joseph and Moses 4. Forty Years in the Wilderness 5. The Promised Land 6. Judges and Ruth 7. United Kingdom – from Saul to Solomon 8. The Prophets 9. Exile 10. Returning Home

NEW TESTAMENT

1. Early Life of Jesus Christ 2. Ministry of Jesus 3. Trials and Crucifixion 4. Resurrection and Ascension 5. Birth of the Church to the Jews 6. Spread of the Church into Samaria 7. Missionary Journey to the Gentiles 8. Paul’s Trials and Imprisonment 9. Global Expansion into Eternity

The First Passover

The First Passover The Importance of the Passover Story in the Context of the Egypt Event The first Passover marked a pivotal moment in the Israelites’ history, a night when God’s mercy prevailed, and a new chapter began. In remembrance of this sacred night, the Israelites observed the Passover annually. Families gathered, recounting the tale of liberation and the providence of a merciful God. The blood of the lamb became a symbol, not only of protection but also of redemption. This story speaks of a God who hears the cries of the oppressed and intervenes with compassion. The lamb’s sacrifice prefigures a greater truth—that of Jesus, the Lamb of God, whose blood would one day bring ultimate freedom and salvation to all who believe. As families today come together to share in the Passover story, they remember the courage of Moses, the mercy of God, and the profound symbolism of the lamb’s blood. It is a story of liberation, sacrifice, and the enduring promise of a God who leads His people from darkness into light.

Introduction The descendants of Abraham faced a difficult life in Egypt. Their time in Egypt began with Joseph, one of Jacob’s sons, who was sold into slavery by his jealous brothers. But God looked after Joseph and he rose to a position of power in Egypt, helping the land prosper during a severe famine. Over time, the Israelites multiplied in Egypt, but a new Pharaoh rose to power who did not remember Joseph’s kindness. Fearful of their growing numbers, Pharaoh enslaved the Israelites, subjecting them to harsh labour and suffering. In this time of hardship, a baby named Moses was born. His mother bravely placed him in a basket by the river to save him from Pharaoh’s decree to kill Hebrew baby boys. Miraculously, Pharaoh’s daughter found Moses and adopted him. As Moses grew, he witnessed the suffering of his people. Moses was called by God to lead the Israelites to freedom. God spoke to Moses from a burning bush, instructing him to confront Pharaoh and demand the release of the Israelites. Moses, with the help of his brother Aaron, took God’s words to Pharaoh. Pharaoh, however, resisted, and God sent plagues upon Egypt to persuade him. These plagues included frogs, gnats, boils, and even the death of livestock. Yet, Pharaoh’s heart remained hardened. As Moses faced the stubborn heart of Pharaoh, God declared the tenth plague—the death of the firstborn. It was a night of destiny—the first Passover. God told Moses that each Israelite family must choose a flawless lamb. The families gathered around their hearths, preparing for a solemn ritual. The lamb, symbolizing innocence, was sacrificed, and its crimson blood carefully marked the doorposts of their homes. That night, the Angel of God moved through the land. Houses marked with the blood of the lamb were spared, passed over. In homes without the sacred sign, a cry rose up as the firstborn died. Pharaoh, grief-stricken, finally relented, allowing the Israelites to leave Egypt. 6

This story, known as the Passover, marked the beginning of the Israelites’ journey to freedom, their exodus from Egypt. They left Egypt in haste, and God, through Moses, led them through the lands beyond the Red Sea. The story highlights God’s faithfulness, the importance of courage, and the power of liberation—a journey from slavery to the promise of a new life for the Israelites. The Israelites, in haste, gathered their belongings and began a journey into the unknown, led by the guiding hand of God.

Connecting the Old and New Testaments

as the “Lamb of God” (John 1:29), symbolizing His sacrificial death on the cross. His blood provides salvation and protection from spiritual death.

The Passover story in Exodus 12 has significant links to the New Testament, where Jesus Christ is seen as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and symbols. Here are some key connections between the Passover in Exodus 12 and the New Testament:

Blood of the Covenant:

In Exodus 24:8, Moses uses blood to seal the covenant between God and the people. In the New Testament, Jesus refers to His blood as the blood of the new covenant (Matthew 26:28, Mark 14:24, Luke 22:20). The shedding of His blood on the cross inaugurates a new covenant between God and humanity.

Paschal Lamb as a Type of Christ:

In Exodus 12, the Israelites are instructed to sacrifice a lamb without blemish and smear its blood on their doorposts. The blood of the lamb served as protection from the Angel of Death. In the New Testament, Jesus is often referred to

God’s Promises and Theological Truths:

The story emphasizes redemption, protection, purity, and the covenantal relationship between God and His people.

blood was a visible sign that distinguished the households of the Israelites, securing them from the impending judgment.

Symbolism in the story and in the artwork:

Unleavened Bread:

The use of unleavened bread carries symbolic significance. Leaven often symbolizes corruption or sin in the Bible. Eating unleavened bread during the Passover emphasizes the need for purity and the removal of sin.

Lamb Without Blemish:

The instruction to select a lamb without blemish symbolizes purity and perfection. This lamb serves as a representation of innocence and the absence of sin.

Beginning of the Year:

Designating this month as the beginning of the year symbolizes a new beginning for the Israelites. The Passover event marks their liberation and the start of a new phase in their journey.

Blood on Doorposts:

The act of smearing the lamb’s blood on the doorposts serves as a symbolic marking, signifying protection and redemption. The 7

The First Passover Exodus 12:1-30 New Living Translation (NLT)

While the Israelites were still in the land of Egypt, the Lord gave the following instructions to Moses and Aaron: 2 “From now on, this month will be the first month of the year for you. 3 Announce to the whole community of Israel that on the tenth day of this month each family must choose a lamb or a young goat for a sacrifice, one animal for each household. 4 If a family is too small to eat a whole animal, let them share with another family in the neighborhood. Divide the animal according to the size of each family and how much they can eat. 5 The animal you select must be a one-year-old male, either a sheep or a goat, with no defects.

“This is a day to remember. Each year, from generation to generation, you must celebrate it as a special festival to the Lord. This is a law for all time. 15 For seven days the bread you eat must be made without yeast. On the first day of the festival, remove every trace of yeast from your homes. Anyone who eats bread made with yeast during the seven days of the festival will be cut off from the community of Israel. 16 On the first day of the festival and again on the seventh day, all the people must observe an official day for holy assembly. No work of any kind may be done on these days except in the preparation of food. 14

“Celebrate this Festival of Unleavened Bread, for it will remind you that I brought your forces out of the land of Egypt on this very day. This festival will be a permanent law for you; celebrate this day from generation to generation. 18 The bread you eat must be made without yeast from the evening 17

“Take special care of this chosen animal until the evening of the fourteenth day of this first month. Then the whole assembly of the community of Israel must slaughter their lamb or young goat at twilight. 7 They are to take some of the blood and smear it on the sides and top of the doorframes of the houses where they eat the animal. 8 That same night they must roast the meat over a fire and eat it along with bitter salad greens and bread made without yeast. 9 Do not eat any of the meat raw or boiled in water. The whole animal—including the head, legs, and internal organs—must be roasted over a fire. 10 Do not leave any of it until the next morning. Burn whatever is not eaten before morning. 6

“Remember, these instructions are a permanent law that you and your descendants must observe forever. 25 When you enter the land the Lord has promised to give you, you will continue to observe this ceremony. 26 Then your children will ask, ‘What does this ceremony mean?’ 27 And you will reply, ‘It is the Passover sacrifice to the Lord, for he passed over the houses of the Israelites in Egypt. And though he struck the Egyptians, he spared our families.’” When Moses had finished speaking, all the people bowed down to the ground and worshiped. 24

“These are your instructions for eating this meal: Be fully dressed,[a] wear your sandals, and carry your walking stick in your hand. Eat the meal with urgency, for this is the Lord’s Passover. 12 On that night I will pass through the land of Egypt and strike down every firstborn son and firstborn male animal in the land of Egypt. I will execute judgment against all the gods of Egypt, for I am the Lord! 13 But the blood on your doorposts will serve as a sign, marking the houses where you are staying. When I see the blood, I will pass over you. This plague of death will not touch you when I strike the land of Egypt. 11

So the people of Israel did just as the Lord had commanded through Moses and Aaron. 29 And that night at midnight, the Lord struck down all the firstborn sons in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn son of Pharaoh, who sat on his throne, to the firstborn son of the prisoner in the dungeon. Even the firstborn of their livestock were killed. 30 Pharaoh and all his officials and all the people of Egypt woke up during the night, and loud wailing was heard throughout the land of Egypt. There was not a single house where someone had not died. 28

Psalms

This psalm serves as a heartfelt expression of gratitude and praise for God’s intervention and deliverance—a fitting prayer for those reflecting on the events of Exodus 12 and the Passover. Psalm 105 1 Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name; make known among the nations what he has done. 2 Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts. 3 Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice. 4 Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always.

Connecting the Old and New Testaments

as the “Lamb of God” (John 1:29), symbolizing His sacrificial death on the cross. His blood provides salvation and protection from spiritual death.

Blood of the Covenant:

Paschal Lamb as a Type of Christ:

God’s Promises and Theological Truths:

The story emphasizes redemption, protection, purity, and the covenantal relationship between God and His people.

blood was a visible sign that distinguished the households of the Israelites, securing them from the impending judgment.

Symbolism in the story and in the artwork:

Unleavened Bread:

Lamb Without Blemish:

The instruction to select a lamb without blemish symbolizes purity and perfection. This lamb serves as a representation of innocence and the absence of sin.

Beginning of the Year:

Designating this month as the beginning of the year symbolizes a new beginning for the Israelites. The Passover event marks their liberation and the start of a new phase in their journey.

Blood on Doorposts:

The act of smearing the lamb’s blood on the doorposts serves as a symbolic marking, signifying protection and redemption. The 9

The Birth of John

God breaks 400 years of silence Malachi 4:2-6 NIV “But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its rays. And you will go out and frolic like well-fed calves. 3 Then you will trample on the wicked; they will be ashes under the soles of your feet on the day when I act,” says the Lord Almighty.

“See, I will send the prophet Elijah to you before that great and dreadful day of the Lord comes. 6 He will turn the hearts of the parents to their children, and the hearts of the children to their parents; or else I will come and strike the land with total destruction.”

“Remember the law of my servant Moses, the decrees and laws I gave him at Horeb for all Israel. 4

The Birth of John Luke 1 Malachi was the last prophet through whom God spoke; 400 years of silence fell on the people of God, and then this happened … In the time when Herod was the king of Judea, there was a priest named Zachariah, serving in the division of Abijah. His wife, Elizabeth, was from a priestly family, being a descendant of Aaron. They led a righteous life, faithfully following God’s commandments and maintaining a blameless conscience. However, they faced the challenge of being childless, as Elizabeth had never been able to conceive, and now they were advanced in age. The priesthood in Israel was divided into twenty-four courses, each providing temple service for one week twice a year (1 Chron. 24:1–19). His wife, Elizabeth, was also a descendant of Aaron (1:5). Literally, a “daughter of Aaron.” Though priests could marry any godly Israelite woman, it was a sign of special piety to marry a woman of priestly ancestry. They were a couple with deeply rooted faith. At a time when Zachariah was fulfilling his priestly duties in the presence of God, assigned to the duties of his regiment, a rare opportunity came for him to enter the sanctuary and burn incense. The congregation had gathered outside the Temple, engaged in prayer during the hour of the incense offering. Suddenly, an angel of God appeared beside the altar of incense, causing Zachariah to be overcome with fear. However, the angel comforted him, saying, “Fear not, Zachariah. Your prayer has been heard. Elizabeth, your wife, will bear a son, and you are to name him John. Your joy will be boundless, and many will delight in his birth. He will be highly esteemed by God. “He will abstain from wine and beer, being filled with the Holy Spirit from his mother’s womb. His mission will be to turn many sons and daughters of Israel back to God. In the manner and strength of Elijah, he will prepare the hearts of parents for their children and inspire understanding among even the most skeptical, getting the people ready for God.” Zachariah, in disbelief, questioned the angel, citing his old age and that of his wife. The angel identified himself as Gabriel, the sentinel of God, and conveyed that, due to Zachariah’s disbelief, 12

he would remain mute until the day of his son’s birth. Every word spoken by the angel would be fulfilled in its appointed time, according to God’s plan. Meanwhile, the congregation, growing impatient, awaited Zachariah’s return from the sanctuary. When he emerged unable to speak, they understood that he had experienced a divine vision. Zachariah communicated through sign language and, upon completing his priestly duties, returned home. Soon after, Elizabeth conceived, and she secluded herself for five months, savoring the joy of her pregnancy, acknowledging it as God’s remedy for her past affliction Then Zachariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied, Luke 1:68-79 NIV “Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come to his people and redeemed them. He has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David (as he said through his holy prophets of long ago), salvation from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us— to show mercy to our ancestors and to remember his holy covenant, the oath he swore to our father Abraham: to rescue us from the hand of our enemies, and to enable us to serve him without fear in holiness and righteousness before him all our days.”

This is part of the Benedictus, which is Zachariah’s praise and prophecy upon the birth of his son, John the Baptist. The youngster, John, thrived, full of vitality and vigor. He lived in the wilderness until the moment he emerged as a prophet in the land of Israel. The first prophet in 400 years has arrived on the scene, but he is only the foretaste of something bigger… the promised Messiah’s arrival is imminent!

The Birth of Jesus

The Birth of Jesus Luke 1-2 The arrival of Jesus unfolded in this way. Mary, his mother, was pledged to be married to Joseph. Before their wedding night, Joseph discovered her pregnancy. (It was a result of the Holy Spirit, though he was unaware of it.) Despite feeling disconcerted, Joseph resolved to handle the situation discreetly to spare Mary from disgrace. While contemplating a course of action, he had a dream. In this dream, an angel of God addressed him: “Joseph, son of David, do not hesitate to proceed with the marriage. Mary’s pregnancy is a divine conception by the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you, Joseph, will name him Jesus—meaning ‘God saves’—for he will rescue his people from their sins.” This fulfilled the prophetic revelation: Behold, a virgin will conceive and bear a son; they will call him Immanuel, which means “God is with us” in Hebrew. Joseph awoke and faithfully followed the instructions of God’s angel in the dream; he married Mary but refrained from consummating the marriage until after she gave birth. He then named the child Jesus. The account of Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem brings together various themes of significance for Luke. By linking Jesus’ birth to the census decree of Caesar Augustus, Luke provides his narrative with a firm historical framework (cf. 1:1–4; 3:1–2) and hints at the worldwide significance of seemingly trivial events in Judea. God’s sovereign control over history is evident as Caesar Augustus, emperor of the world, issues a decree that inadvertently moves God’s plan forward. Joseph and Mary are required to take the arduous trip to Bethlehem and so fulfil the prophecy of the Messiah’s birth (Mic.5:2). The commonness of the birth and the lowly shepherd visitors further confirm that this child, though destined to reign in power and glory (Luke 1:32–33), will first bring good news and salvation to the humble, the poor, and the outcasts. In the days when Caesar Augustus ruled over the Roman world, a decree was issued for a census to be taken. This led Joseph, a descendant of David, to journey from Nazareth in Galilee to Bethlehem in Judea with Mary, who was engaged to him and expecting a child. Arriving in Bethlehem, the city of David, they found it bustling with fellow travelers, all returning to their ancestral homes for the census. As the time for Mary’s delivery drew near, there was no room available for them in the crowded inns. In the humblest of places, Mary gave birth to her firstborn, a son. Wrapping him in swaddling clothes, she laid him in a manger. Meanwhile, in the quiet fields nearby, shepherds kept watch over their flocks by night. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared before them, and the radiance of God’s glory enveloped the startled shepherds. The angel reassured them, saying, “Do not be afraid, for I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. Today, in the town of David, a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” As the shepherds absorbed this heavenly proclamation, a multitude of angels joined the first, praising God: 14

“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” (Luke 2:14 NIV)

Compelled by the angelic message, the shepherds hurried to Bethlehem, discovering the newborn, just as foretold. Overwhelmed with awe, they shared the message from the angels, and all who heard marvelled at their account. Mary, in her quiet reflection, treasured these profound events in her heart. 16

The shepherds, their hearts filled with gratitude and praise, returned to their flocks, glorifying and praising God for the wondrous things they had witnessed, all in accordance with the divine message they had received. Born to peasant parents, laid in a feeding trough, visited by lowly shepherds.The commonness of Jesus’ birth reminds us how Jesus, though Lord of the universe, stooped down to our humble level to bring us salvation. as john puts it, “the word became flesh and made his dwelling among us” (John 1:14). Jesus now calls us to represent Him—to live out His incarnation—for a lost world. When the eighth day arrived, marking the day of circumcision, the child was officially named Jesus—the name bestowed upon him by the angel even before his conception. Once the designated days for purification, as outlined by Moses, were fulfilled, the parents took the child to Jerusalem to present him to God in accordance with God’s Law. This law stipulated that every firstborn male opening the womb should be consecrated to God, accompanied by the prescribed offering of either a pair of doves or two young pigeons. During this time in Jerusalem, a man named Simeon lived—a virtuous man who earnestly anticipated divine intervention for Israel. The Holy Spirit was upon him, revealing that he would witness the Messiah of God before he died. Guided by the Spirit, Simeon entered the Temple. When the parents of Jesus brought the child to fulfil the rituals of the Law, Simeon took the infant into his arms and offered a blessing to God: Luke 2:29-32 NIV ‘Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. 30 For my eyes have seen your salvation, 31 which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: 32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.’ 29

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