The One All Age Bible Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, John

The first version of the Bible specifically prepared for all ages, The One is a vibrant new interpretation of the four Gospels, using engaging, contemporary language; a modern version that tells the story to every generation.

Take this example of Luke 19:1-10:

So Jesus reached Jericho, and was passing through. In Jericho there was a man called Zacchaeus - a superintendent tax inspector, and a rich man by any standards. Now, he was trying to get a good look at Jesus, but the crowd was so dense he couldn't see through - he was a touch on the short side, you see.

You don't get to be a superintendent tax collector - and survive - without being resourceful though, so he ran ahead and shinned up a sycamore tree to get a better view. He knew Jesus would have to pass right by where he was. Reaching the spot, Jesus looked up, and saw Zacchaeus. 'Hey, Zacchaeus,' he called, 'what's the good of being up there? Come on, hurry up and get down - I'm coming to your place today!'

Well, that was the first Zacchaeus had heard of it, but he wasn't about to argue. He came down at full speed and gave Jesus a warm welcome to his house. Everyone else who'd witnessed the encounter was less happy about it and started whinging among themselves. 'See what he's done?' they complained. 'He's only gone in to share food as the guest of a low-life like that!'

Zacchaeus stood up, and said, 'Look, Lord, I'm going to give half of everything I've got to the poor. And that's just for starters. If I've conned anyone, I'll repay them four times over.'

'Well,' Jesus said, 'salvation's certainly come to this house today, and no mistake - because whether you like it or not, this guy's a descendant of Abraham too. You see, it was the ones who'd wandered away and got lost that the Son of Man specifically came to save.'