Jesus, a Jewish boy, was coming to the point where he was expected to take on adult responsibilities and have a good enough grasp of God’s law to be held accountable for obeying it. His parents visited Jerusalem each year to celebrate Passover, in accordance with Jewish tradition. When this visit ended, Jesus’ parents and their travelling companions embarked on the journey back home to Galilee. When they realized that Jesus had failed to join them, they returned to Jerusalem to find him. After a three-day search, they found Jesus in the Temple, discussing scripture with religious leaders. Although they expressed concern, Jesus seemed surprised, asking his earthly parents why they wouldn’t simply assume that he would be in his heavenly father’s house.
Jesus takes three of his disciples, Peter, James and John up to a mountaintop to pray. Jesus begins to shine with bright rays of light, his face and clothes radiant. Then Old Testament figures Moses and Elijah appear with him, and he speaks with them. Then they are covered by a cloud, and Jesus is called the Son by the voice of God the Father, who says to listen to Jesus. The disciples are initially afraid and fall in terror at God’s voice, and Jesus says not to be afraid, and they look up to see only Jesus.
God appears to Moses in the form of a burning bush. God identifies himself as “I Am” (Yahweh), the God of Moses’ ancestors. God outlines the rescue plan to free the Israelites from slavery in Egypt and invites Moses to lead them into freedom.
Moses doubts his ability to achieve God’s mission so God shows Moses his power in a simple act of obedience. Moses throws his staff on the ground and it turns into a snake, then when he picks it up it transforms back into a staff. Moses trusts God’s plan and agrees to lead the rescue mission.
The prophet Samuel is instructed by God to visit the house of Jesse in Bethlehem to anoint one of Jesse’s sons as the future king of Israel. Jesse presents his sons before Samuel, but none of them are chosen by God. When Samuel inquires if there are any more sons, Jesse mentions David, who is tending to the sheep in the fields. David is called, and upon his arrival, Samuel is divinely guided to anoint him with oil. From that moment, the Spirit of the Lord comes upon David, signifying his selection as the future king.
The Israelites were in conflict with the Philistines, and the towering Philistine champion Goliath challenged the Israelites to send out a warrior for a one-on-one battle. Despite their fear, young shepherd David stepped forward, armed with only a sling and stones. With unwavering faith in God, he skillfully aimed a stone at Goliath’s forehead, defeating the giant. This astonishing victory transformed David into a hero, symbolising that faith and determination can conquer seemingly insurmountable challenges.
Bible story resource about the prophet Jonah being sent to Nineveh.