Those of us who tell Biblical stories have our favorite stories, and there are also the stories we’re regularly asked to tell. But which stories should be considered essential for biblical storytellers? That’s the idea behind our list: Twelve Essential Stories.
Why twelve? Well, it’s such a nice Biblical number! And it divides evenly: six stories from the Old Testament, and six from the New Testament.
These are the Twelve stories we’ve identified as Essential for Storytellers. They are our suggestions; you may have others that are essential to your understanding and faith, but consider these a place to start when you’re learning stories.
Six Essential Old Testament Stories:
- Genesis 1:1-2:3 – the First Creation Story
- Genesis 15:1-17 – God Covenant with Abram
- Genesis 18:1-15 – Promise of a son for Abraham
- 1 Kings 17:7-16 – Elijah and the Widow of Zarephath
- Isaiah 6:1-8 – the Call of Isaiah
- Ezekiel 37:1-14 – the Valley of the Dry Bones
Six Essential New Testament Stories:
- Luke 1:26-38 – the Birth of Jesus Foretold
- Luke 2:1-20 – the Birth Narrative
- Luke 2: 21-40 – Simeon and Anna at the Temple
- Luke 15:11-32 – the Prodigal Son/Two Brothers
- John 1:1-28 – the Prelude to John
- John 4:1-26 – The Woman of Sychar (aka The Woman at the Well)
- John 20:1-18 – Mary at the Empty Tomb
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