Christianity — The Gospel — Stories

13 exemplary stories from the tradition, each with full citations and scene-by-scene beats.

The Prodigal Son

He rehearsed his apology on the road home. He didn't get to finish it.

5 beatsintimatereturngracefollyforgiveness

The Good Samaritan

A lawyer asked Jesus who his neighbor was. Jesus told him a story about the wrong person being right.

5 beatsconfrontationalcompassionenemymercyobligation

David and Goliath

Everyone saw the giant and measured the boy. The boy measured the giant against God.

5 beatsdefiantcouragefaithstrengthhumility

The Woman at the Well

She came at noon because she didn't want to see anyone. He was waiting.

5 beatsintimateshamerecognitionliberationtruth

Peter Walking on Water

He was fine until he looked down.

4 beatsintimatefaithdoubtcouragerescue

The Feeding of the Five Thousand

A boy's lunch. Five thousand fed. Twelve baskets left over.

4 beatscosmicprovisionabundancefaithcompassion

The Raising of Lazarus

Jesus wept. Then he shouted at a tomb.

4 beatscosmicdeathgriefpowerlove

The Road to Emmaus

They walked seven miles with God and didn't recognize him until he broke the bread.

4 beatsintimaterecognitionpresencegriefrevelation

Jacob Wrestling the Angel

He wouldn't let go until it blessed him. It dislocated his hip and he still wouldn't let go.

4 beatscosmicstruggleperseveranceblessingtransformation

Joseph and His Brothers

His brothers sold him into slavery. Twenty years later he was the only one who could save them.

5 beatsepicbetrayalpatienceforgivenessprovidence

Daniel in the Lions' Den

They made it illegal to pray. He opened his windows wider.

4 beatsdefiantfaithfulnesscouragepersecutiondeliverance

Jonah and the Great Fish

God said go east. Jonah bought a ticket west.

5 beatscomplexcallingresistancemercyobedience

The Baptism of Jesus — The Trinity Revealed

The only moment in Scripture where the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are all visible at once.

4 beatscosmicidentitycallingrevelationunity