#401: Not Everyone Wants to Follow Jesus

📖 Scripture Matthew 2 & John 10:10 In today’s episode of Kids Bible Stories, we continue the Christmas story and discover that not everyone was happy about Jesus’ birth. While the Magi followed the star and worshiped Him, King Herod felt threatened and refused to bow down to the true King. When Herod realized that he had been outsmarted by the Magi, he was furious and gave orders to destroy all the boys in Bethlehem and the surrounding towns—hoping this terrible plan would get rid of Jesus. Through the story of the Magi, King Herod, and God’s unstoppable plan, kids will learn one important truth: not everyone wants to follow Jesus—some want to be their own king. Of course, there are many reasons people resist God, and it would take far more than one episode to explore them all. In this story, we focus on just one: the human desire to be our own god- thinking we know best. Jesus reminds us that He came to give us life to the full (John 10:10). Following Him isn’t about losing freedom—it’s about being rescued into a life filled with forgiveness, love, and joy. This episode invites kids to reflect on everyday choices—like patience, honesty, and humility—and to consider what it means to let Jesus be King of their hearts. ****PARENTS: I also want  you to know that I believe Scripture clearly teaches that only God can change a heart. It is the work of the Holy Spirit.   ‘“The biblical picture is that God does the decisive work of heart transplant and heart circumcision and heart unhardening, and we are immediately participants in this miracle as conscious, intentional, willing actors renouncing the old heart, cutting away with all of the opposition we can muster the old life, and embracing the new and feeding the new tenderness of heart on God’s word and by God’s Spirit.”-John Piper.  **** This is a great article you can read on this topic!***** with scripture cited so you can reference it.  🎁 This podcast is free because of the generosity of families like yours. Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠kbspodcast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and click Support & Bonus Content to: 💛 Give a one-time gift of any amount 🙌 Join Patreon for just $5/month and enjoy weekly bonus episodes and AD FREE! 📅 Or choose a discounted annual plan 📣 Interested in partnering with us? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn more about advertising here.⁠⁠⁠ ---------------------SPECIAL THANKS and LINKS:----------------------- Please donate today at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MercyShips.org/podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Visit OmahaSteaks.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for 50% off sitewide during their Sizzle All the Way Sale. And for an extra $35 off, use promo code FUN at checkout.