25 Short Bible Stories For Children To Read
Faith-filled bedtime stories that build character, kindness, and courage
Do you want to introduce your child to the Bible in a fun, simple, and age-appropriate way? Bible stories are a beautiful way to teach kids about God’s love, faith, kindness, obedience, and bravery. Whether you’re reading at bedtime or during quiet moments throughout the day, short Bible stories make it easier for little ones to connect with these life-changing truths.
In this post, you’ll find 25 short Bible stories perfect for toddlers, preschoolers, and early readers all written in a gentle, easy-to-understand style.
Why Read Bible Stories to Children?
Sharing Bible stories with your child is more than just reading. It’s about:
- Building Faith: Introducing spiritual foundations early
- Teaching Values: Love, kindness, honesty, bravery, and obedience
- Creating Moments: Time to bond, cuddle, and reflect
- Sparking Curiosity: Encouraging questions and conversation
- Developing Literacy: Early language skills through stories
Gentle parenting means guiding our children with compassion and what better way to do that than through stories of hope, courage, and love?
How to Use These Stories
Here’s how to make the most of them:
- Read one story a day during bedtime or quiet time.
- After each story, ask simple questions like “What did you like about this story?”
- Talk about how God’s love shows up in each one.
- Use these as conversation starters for character-building moments.
25 Short Bible Stories For Children To Read
1. Creation – God Made Everything (Genesis 1)
God made the whole world in six days light, sky, land, animals, and people. And on the seventh day, He rested.
Lesson: God is powerful and creative. We are His special creation.
2. Adam and Eve – The First People (Genesis 2-3)
God created Adam and Eve and placed them in the Garden of Eden. But when they disobeyed, they had to leave.
Lesson: Obeying God brings blessings.
3. Noah’s Ark – The Big Boat (Genesis 6-9)
Noah obeyed God and built an ark. God saved Noah’s family and all the animals during a big flood.
Lesson: Trusting God keeps us safe.
4. Abraham’s Promise (Genesis 12-17)
God promised Abraham he would have many children and be the father of a great nation.
Lesson: God always keeps His promises.
5. Baby Moses in the Basket (Exodus 2)
Moses’ mother placed him in a basket to keep him safe, and Pharaoh’s daughter found him.
Lesson: God watches over us, even when we’re small.
6. The Burning Bush (Exodus 3)
God spoke to Moses through a burning bush and gave him a big job.
Lesson: God talks to us in amazing ways.
7. Crossing the Red Sea (Exodus 14)
God parted the Red Sea so Moses could lead the people through safely.
Lesson: Nothing is impossible with God.
8. The Ten Commandments (Exodus 20)
God gave Moses rules to help people live kindly and fairly.
Lesson: God shows us how to live right.
9. David and Goliath – The Brave Boy (1 Samuel 17)
Young David defeated the giant Goliath with faith and a slingshot.
Lesson: You’re never too small to do big things with God.
10. Daniel in the Lions’ Den (Daniel 6)
Daniel kept praying to God, and God protected him from lions.
Lesson: Stay faithful, even when it’s hard.
11. Jonah and the Big Fish (Jonah 1–2)
Jonah ran from God but ended up inside a fish! He prayed, and God gave him another chance.
Lesson: God gives us second chances.
12. The Fiery Furnace (Daniel 3)
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego stayed true to God and were saved from the fire.
Lesson: Be brave and trust God no matter what.
13. Jesus Is Born (Luke 2)
Jesus was born in a manger, and angels told the shepherds the good news.
Lesson: Jesus is God’s gift of love to us.
14. Jesus Heals the Sick (Mark 2)
Jesus made a paralyzed man walk again because his friends had faith.
Lesson: Faith and friendship are powerful.
15. Feeding the 5,000 (John 6)
Jesus fed a huge crowd with just five loaves and two fish.
Lesson: God multiplies what we give.
16. Jesus Walks on Water (Matthew 14)
Jesus walked on water, and Peter did too until he got scared.
Lesson: Keep your eyes on Jesus.
17. The Good Samaritan (Luke 10)
A kind man helped someone hurt on the road.
Lesson: Always show kindness to everyone.
18. The Lost Sheep (Luke 15)
A shepherd left 99 sheep to find the one that was lost.
Lesson: God cares deeply about each of us.
19. Zacchaeus Climbs a Tree (Luke 19)
A short man climbed a tree to see Jesus, who came to his house.
Lesson: Jesus loves everyone, no matter their past.
20. Jesus Calms the Storm (Mark 4)
The wind and waves obeyed Jesus when He said, “Peace, be still.”
Lesson: Jesus brings peace during life’s storms.
21. Palm Sunday – Jesus Enters Jerusalem (Matthew 21)
People cheered and waved palm branches as Jesus rode into town.
Lesson: Jesus is our King.
22. The Last Supper (Luke 22)
Jesus shared a special meal with His friends before He went to the cross.
Lesson: Remembering Jesus is important.
23. Jesus Dies and Rises Again (Matthew 27-28)
Jesus died for our sins and came back to life!
Lesson: Jesus brings hope and new life.
24. The Holy Spirit Comes (Acts 2)
God sent His Spirit to help us be brave and share His love.
Lesson: We’re never alone God lives in us.
25. Paul’s Shipwreck (Acts 27)
Even in a storm, Paul trusted God, and everyone was saved.
Lesson: God is with us through rough times.
Final Thoughts: Gentle Faith Begins With Simple Stories
You don’t need big words or long sermons to teach your child about faith. You just need love, consistency, and a little story each day. These 25 short Bible stories help plant seeds of hope, truth, and character in your child’s heart.
Bonus Ideas to Make It Fun
- Use felt storyboards or draw stick figures for each story
- Create a Bible Story Jar and let your child pick one daily
- Ask: “How can we live this story today?”
- Print out coloring pages related to each story