- an old shoemaker learns an important Biblical lesson
- unintentionally, he lived out the truth of Matthew 25:35-40
- convo: believing dreams, extra-biblical messages*
- simple and impactful illustrations
Type: picture book
Ages: 4-12
Author: Leo Tolstoy
Illustrator: Hannah Thibaudeau
*I do recommend this book, but I also advise being prepared to converse about reading into dreams and “receiving messages” from God (if you want to hear from God, open His Word–it has all we need [2 Timothy 3:15-17]).
If you know much about Tolstoy, you know his faith was complicated–which is why I was initially on guard regarding the dream his main character had (that Jesus would visit him the next day). However, the tale felt more like a fable than a realistic story–enough so that the final scene of him seeing a vision and hearing Jesus’s voice say the words of Matthew 25:35-40 did not feel out of place. I am mentioning it, though, since it might cross the line for some families.
The ultimate message of the book is that you serve Christ by loving your neighbors who are in need. We shouldn’t constantly look for a sign that Jesus is coming, but, rather, we should love with compassion those He has already put in our path.
Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.
May we not miss our opportunities. 💛