I think some of the most intriguing Bible stories for children are the stories of miracles which have occurred. In the beginning of Matthew chapter eight (verses 5-13), Matthew writes of the story of the centurion soldier.
The centurion soldier had a servant who was paralyzed and “suffering terribly” (verse six). Apparently the actions of Christ had spread throughout the land because the centurion soldier sought Christ to heal his servant. When the centurion soldier tells Jesus about the servant’s condition, Jesus says that He will come to the servant. However, the centurion soldier has such great faith in Jesus that he says that the servant will be healed if Jesus only said the word. Jesus marveled at the centurion soldier’s great faith, and Jesus healed the servant.
There are many good applications to share with your children from this story. First, you can discuss the concept of a miracle. I think that this is an especially important topic to discuss because people say that things like the birth of a baby are miraculous. I have heard that a Biblical definition of a miracle is something which occurs that is against the natural order of things. Therefore the birth of a baby would not qualify as a miracle because it goes with the natural order of things. I think it is also important to note that the miracle occurred because of the power of God, and that miracles do not occur any more.
Another topic which can be discussed with children is the concept of faith. Faith is so much more than belief, yet in the world around us it has simply come to mean belief. A Biblical faith is an obedient faith.
Finally, I think children ought to recognize the difference in Jesus’ miraculous healing of individuals and going to a doctor in today’s world. I think a great way to approach this is by looking at time. When Jesus healed someone the individual was immediately healed, unlike going to a doctor today. This fact is most impressive to my mind when considering miracles where people who could not walk, left walking. Also, when Jesus healed someone they were completely healed (not just a little bit).
What other lessons can children learn from this story?
Read the last Bible Stories: Wise Man and Foolish Man