“It’s a new storybook Bible for children!” as I looked to my wife from the kitchen table. She rolled her eyes in that familiar way and glanced over to the stack of similar books collecting dust.

“Will it make the pile?”

“Not sure. But it’s a thoughtful author, so there’s hope.”

I unpacked it and began flipping through random pages. The Pentateuch. Poetry. “Looking good so far, and impressive artwork!” A talented hand had visually depicted some great moments of biblical history.

I turned to the New Testament. The eagerness to not see a picture of Jesus heightened within me…

“Aw, c’mon!”

“Another one bites the dust?” inquired my wife.

“Another one gone; and another one gone…” The air deflated out of me.

A Beautiful Letdown

As a father, ordained pastor, and teacher, I’ve not lacked resources to teach my children and others about the faith once-for-all delivered to the saints (Jude 1:3). Today, Christian parents profit from a plethora of resources instructing their children in the Scriptures. They aid family worship, devotions, and catechesis. Even as my family makes its ten-minute drive to school each weekday, these resources help us map the good laws of God on to our day.

I’ve seen artists create captivating, vivid imagery to tune our hearts toward the wondrous works of God throughout the Old and New Testaments. In recent decades, writers have brought the deep doctrines of the Reformation down to the level of our youngsters, from babes to teens. Some of them have utilized exceptionally gifted artists. I’m grateful for these efforts.

But I’m afraid God has this against us— Let’s stop imaging Jesus.

Give me one children’s storybook bible free of images of Jesus, and I’ll commend it to the world. Why? Because it will tell a better story. Read More»

Aaron Roberts | “Let’s Stop Imaging Jesus” | Reformation 21 | August 6, 2026

RESOURCES

• Subscribe to The Heidelblog!
• Download the HeidelApp on Apple App Store or Google Play
• Browse the Heidelshop!
• The Heidelblog Resource Page
• Heidelmedia Resources
• The Ecumenical Creeds
• The Reformed Confessions
• The Heidelberg Catechism
• The Heidelberg Catechism: A Historical, Theological, & Pastoral Commentary (Lexham Press, 2025)
• Recovering the Reformed Confession (Phillipsburg: P&R Publishing, 2008)
• Why I Am A Christian
• What Must A Christian Believe?
• Heidelblog Contributors
• Support Heidelmedia: use the donate button or send a check to

Heidelberg Reformation Association
1637 E. Valley Parkway #391
Escondido CA 92027
USA
The HRA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization

Post authored by:

• Heidelblog

  

  The Heidelblog has been in publication since 2007. It is devoted to recovering the Reformed confession and to helping others discover Reformed theology, piety, and practice.

  More by Heidelblog ›