Part 26 - The Very Good Ending - The Big Picture Story Bible

Summary3 min read

The Big Picture Story Bible:

Episode: Part 26 – The Very Good Ending
Host/Narrator: David Helm
Date: April 28, 2020

Episode Overview

This final episode brings an uplifting and hope-filled conclusion to the journey through the Bible’s story. Narrator David Helm shares John’s vision in Revelation, offering children and families a vivid glimpse into God’s promise of restoration—a “very good ending” where God’s people dwell with Him forever. The episode invites listeners to imagine the fulfillment of all God’s promises: the defeat of evil, the end of suffering, and a beautiful, eternal life with God.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

John’s Final Journey: From Prison to Vision

John's Circumstances (00:01):
The story opens with John, now an old man and imprisoned for his faith. Despite his confinement, God intervenes in a surprising way:

“God had a big surprise for John. There was one more place for him to go.”
The Vision Begins (00:50):
Without warning, John is shown a vision of the future—transported in spirit from his prison to heaven.

Wonders Revealed in Revelation

Scenes from Heaven (01:10):
John witnesses God’s holy throne room, sees Jesus enthroned, and glimpses the ultimate defeat of evil:

“He saw the place of hell for everyone who rejects Jesus as God's king. He even saw Satan crushed forever.”
The New Creation (02:00):
John beholds “a new heaven and a new earth,” signaling the grand restoration God promises.

God’s Eternal Promise

A Voice from the Throne (02:13):
A powerful proclamation resounds, offering assurance of God’s intimate presence and the end of suffering:

“Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more. Neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore. For the former things have passed away. I am making all things new. Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”
(Memorable segment, 02:13–02:50, reminiscent of Revelation 21:3–5)

A New Garden, Eternal Life

Heaven's Beauty (03:00):
John sees “a garden inside a city,” complete with a crystal-clear river and the Tree of Life—a nod to Eden, but now eternal and safe.

John’s Realization and Encouragement

John’s Response (03:40):
Awaking from his vision, John hurries to write down what he’s seen, filled with hope and certainty:

“John knew all God's promises, all the things Jesus had told him years ago were true. The old man could hardly write fast enough. He had seen the very good ending waiting for everyone who follows Jesus as God's king.”
(Memorable quote, 03:40–03:52)

The Forever Kingdom

Summing Up God's Promise (03:55):
The core message is clear and simple for children:

“God's forever people will one day live in God's forever place under God's forever rule. Can you believe it? Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.”
(Finale, 03:55–04:15)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

“God had a big surprise for John. There was one more place for him to go.” (00:25)
“He saw the holy room of God and the throne where Jesus sits.” (01:12)
“Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more.” (02:13)
“John knew all God's promises, all the things Jesus had told him years ago were true.” (03:45)
“God’s forever people will one day live in God’s forever place under God’s forever rule. Can you believe it? Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.” (03:55)

Important Timestamps

00:01 – John’s circumstances and vision begins
01:10 – John sees heaven, the throne, and the end of Satan
02:13 – The voice from the throne declares hope and restoration
03:00 – The garden, river, and Tree of Life described
03:40 – John’s realization and writing
03:55 – Summary of God’s eternal promise and closing statement

Language and Tone

David Helm narrates in a gentle, storytelling style, making complex biblical ideas clear and accessible for children. The tone is hopeful, warm, and deeply reassuring—emphasizing God’s love, faithfulness, and the certainty of His promises.

Summary:
This episode beautifully wraps up the Big Picture Story Bible with John’s vision of the ultimate “very good ending.” Listeners are left with the resounding hope that God’s story ends in joy, restoration, and eternal life for all who follow Jesus as King.

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Transcript2 lines

[00:01]
A
Part 26 the very good Ending. Do you see the man writing? His name is John. Long ago, he had run with Peter to the empty tomb. Later, he had traveled far and wide, telling others of God's king. But now John was very old. He would not be doing much traveling or speaking any more. People who didn't believe his message had seen to that. They were keeping John here as a prisoner. But God had a big surprise for John. There was one more place for him to go. One day, without any warning, God gave John a peek into the future. John was not in prison on the island anymore. He traveled to heaven. In a vision, an angel showed John many things. John saw the holy room of God and the throne where Jesus sits. He saw the place of hell for everyone who rejects Jesus as God's king. He even saw Satan crushed forever. And he also saw a new heaven and a new earth. And then he heard something wonderful. A loud voice came from the throne, saying, behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more. Neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore. For the former things have passed away. I am making all things new. Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true. After hearing this, John saw a garden inside a city. A river as clear as crystal was flowing from the throne. And on either side was the Tree of Life. And then John awoke from his vision. John smiled. John knew all God's promises, all the things Jesus had told him years ago were true. The old man could hardly write fast enough. He had seen the very good ending waiting for everyone who follows Jesus as God's king. God's forever people will one day live in God's forever place under God's forever rule. Can you believe it? Amen. Come, lord jesus.
[04:25]
B
You have been listening to the Big Picture Story Bible by David Helm, published by Crossway, a publishing Ministry of Good News Publishers at Wheaton, Illinois. All rights reserved. For more information on other books, audiobooks, Bibles and gospel tracts, please Visit the website www.crossway.org. this has been a production of Crossway Aud.