Teaching the Bible relevantly poses a challenge. Too much "modernization" can potentially distort Scripture. Not good. Conversely, relying on kids to figure out how a Bible story applies to the world they live in now is equally not good. An ideal amount of relevancy will connect the message of a passage with life today—while preserving the original meaning.

For example, consider telling the story of the rich young ruler (in Matthew 19) as a drama using a rich young music star. Children can picture a youthful, wealthy musician—thanks to the entertainment industry. And when they do, the light turns on that the message of the story applies to people living in today's world.

The dialogue from this story demonstrates that relevancy need not require complexity. The script that follows comes from a unit called "Got Wisdom?" used by Promiseland, the children's ministry of Willow Creek Community Church.

The scene. Jesus teaches a crowd. Tim enters at a distance, sometime during the opening paragraph and just listens. He is dressed like a pop star that has "made it."

Jesus: [to crowd] Don't you see how it's different than you thought? God has a different plan for this life, one that will bring true happiness and joy after this life is over-an eternity spent with God-one that is greater than you've dreamed of yourselves, if you will stay on his path and follow him.

Tim: Jesus! [pause, all eyes on Tim, who is off to the side apart from the crowd] You talk about true happiness.

Jesus: Yes.

Tim: Is that really possible?

Jesus: Yes.

Tim: Then what do I have to do to have this life you're talking about?

Jesus: For one, you should follow the commandments.

Tim: What "commands"?

Jesus: You must not kill anyone, you must not commit adultery, you must not steal or lie. You should always honor your father and mother and love your neighbor as yourself. These commands were given to you because God knows they will help you get the most out of life.

Tim: But I've done all that [moving through the crowd] … well, the best I can … and I still feel like I have this big hole inside of me. Like … [pause … he can't put his finger on it] … there's something missing. No matter how much I do, no matter what I buy, I can't make it go away. There has to be something else I can do.

Jesus: There is one thing you can do if you are willing to do it.

Tim: I'll do anything, 'cause I'm tired of feeling this way. I thought I had everything I'd ever need to make me happy, but I'm not happy.

Jesus: You need to let it all go. Sell everything you have and give the money to the poor. If you can do this, you'll find the life you're looking for. [Jesus turns back to the other crowd members.]

Tim: [stopping Jesus] Wait a minute … you're asking me to sell everything I own and give the money away?

Jesus: Yes, I am.

Tim: I can't do that! You don't know what you're asking me to do. I have a brand new Porsche sitting at my house. It takes a warehouse to hold all my designer clothes. I've got people working for me who would do anything I say. So, what … because I have money … I can't have happiness … I can't have what you have?</p>

Jesus: Tim, it's not about the money, I don't care about that. Has money become so important to you that you won't let go of it if I ask you to let it go? Following me will bring you the life you're looking for, and eternal life besides. But how can you follow me if you can't do this?

[Tim looks at Jesus, almost ashamed but not wanting to show it.]

Tim: Sorry. [long pause] I just can't. I have to go.

[Tim exits in a hurry. Jesus sadly watches him go.]

Copyright © 2001 Willow Creek Community Church.

To learn more about Promiseland curriculum and other tools to help you teach the Bible relevantly and creatively, visit www.PromiselandOnline.com.

Read more from 'Programming and Teaching'

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