How the story is organized
Each of the 35 places in the imagined city tells one part of the Gospel, in order, in ten chapters: the promise, Jesus is born, growing up, Jesus begins his work, Jesus teaches, Jesus heals and welcomes, the last week, the cross and the empty tomb, the good news spreads, and everything new.
Every part quotes the Berean Standard Bible, which is in the public domain, so the verses can be printed and shared freely. Each page also has a real-world section about the places and history of the Bible, such as Bethlehem, the Sea of Galilee and Jerusalem.
A six-week plan
- Week 1: parts 1 to 6, the promise and the birth of Jesus.
- Week 2: parts 7 to 13, growing up, baptism, the first sign and the first followers.
- Week 3: parts 14 to 22, Jesus teaches, heals and welcomes.
- Week 4: parts 23 to 27, the last week in Jerusalem.
- Week 5: parts 28 to 31, the cross, the empty tomb and Jesus going up into heaven.
- Week 6: parts 32 to 35, the good news spreads, and everything new.
For each part
- Read the Gospel section aloud, then find the same passage in a Bible.
- Look at the picture together and find the details in "Look closer".
- Talk through the "Think about it" questions.
- Learn the three key words.
- Follow the link to the next part.
Activities
- Story map: as you go, number the places on a printed map of the city.
- Memory verses: choose one key verse from each chapter, such as John 3:16.
- Act it out: in small groups, act out a story such as the lost son or Zacchaeus.
- Where it happened: find Bethlehem, Nazareth, the Sea of Galilee and Jerusalem on a map.
Questions students and teachers ask
Which Bible translation is quoted?
The Berean Standard Bible (BSB), which was placed in the public domain in 2023, so the quotations can be printed and shared freely.
Is the Heavenly City a real place?
No. The city and its art are imagined, inspired by the Bible's picture of the heavenly city in the Book of Revelation. The story itself is told as the Bible tells it, with chapter and verse.
What ages is it for?
The parts are short and written for children from about 5 to 12. Read them aloud with younger children; older children can read the full Bible passages.
Can families use it at home?
Yes. Reading one part a day takes 35 days, for example through Lent before Easter.
Building pages to use with this guide
Heavenly CityTree of lifeA great tree with golden leaves and glowing fruit. The Bible begins and ends with a tree of life, and the story of Jesus begins here.
Heavenly CityWelcome hallA hall with a bed for every guest. When Jesus was born in Bethlehem, there was no room at the inn, so he was laid in a manger.
Heavenly CityDove statueA golden dove with open wings. When Jesus was baptized, the Spirit of God came down on him like a dove.
Heavenly CitySharing pavilionA golden pavilion full of baskets of food. Jesus fed a crowd of five thousand men with one boy's five loaves and two fish.
Heavenly CitySky bridgeA golden bridge across the sky. Jesus died on a cross, and the Bible says his death opened the way between God and people.
Heavenly CityGarden of lightA walled garden of glowing lilies. In the garden by the empty tomb, Mary Magdalene met Jesus, alive again.
Sources
The facts in this guide are based on these sources:
- The Berean Standard Bible (2023), placed in the public domain