Why I Wrote 36 Days in John: A Devotional for Parents Who Want to Disciple Their Kids
As a pastor and a father of two, I know how hard it can be to find time for meaningful spiritual conversations at home. Mornings are rushed. Bedtime can feel chaotic. And even when we want to lead our kids toward Jesus, we’re often unsure where to start—or what to say.
To be honest, this all started out of my own personal struggle. I desperately wanted to lead regular devotions with my family, but I found myself constantly scrambling for a plan. I’d miss days, lose momentum, or feel overwhelmed with trying to piece something together on the spot. So I sat down and created something simple—something that would help my family stay consistent in God’s Word, with a plan that was both theologically grounded and realistically doable.
At the same time, our church is going through a sermon series on the Gospel of John. As a pastor, I was already marinating in this gospel—week after week, studying and preaching through it. I began to realize just how rich and relational John’s account of Jesus really is. It’s full of personal conversations, vivid images, and clear declarations of who Jesus is. It was exactly the kind of gospel I wanted to walk through with my children.
So I wrote 36 Days in John first with my family in mind. I thought I’d share it with my family, then with the families in our local church. And finally, I realized this might be a helpful tool for other parents too—parents like me, trying to be faithful in the middle of real life.
What’s Inside Each Day?
Every devotional follows a simple, repeatable format that makes it easy to use whether you’ve got five minutes or fifteen.
📖Scripture Reading
Each day begins with a short passage from the Gospel of John. We encourage you to read it aloud with your child—forming the habit of hearing God’s Word together.
🧠Devotional
This section explains the passage in a way that’s accessible for kids without losing theological depth. It’s written with warmth and clarity, offering insights that will encourage both children and parents as you discover Jesus together.
🤓Fun Fact
Kids love fun details! Whether historical, cultural, or surprising, each fact adds a layer of curiosity to keep your child engaged.
💬Think About It
Reflection questions at the end encourage conversation and help connect God’s Word to your child’s world.
🙏Prayer
A brief, guided prayer helps your child respond to the truth they’ve heard. It models how to talk to God simply and sincerely.
Why John?
The Gospel of John is uniquely relational. It invites us to see Jesus up close—His miracles, His “I AM” statements, His conversations with seekers and skeptics, His prayer for His people. And John tells us exactly why he wrote his Gospel: “so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name”(John 20:31). That’s what I want for my children too—not just to learn about Jesus, but to know Him, trust Him, and walk with Him.
A Tool for Real Life
This devotional isn’t perfect—neither is my parenting. But 36 Days in John was written to meet real families in real rhythms. Whether you’re gathered around the breakfast table, sitting in the carpool line, or winding down before bed, I hope this devotional gives you a way to slow down, open Scripture, and fix your family’s eyes on Christ.
If you’re a parent who wants to disciple your children but struggles to stay consistent, this was made for you. My hope is that it helps take the pressure off, brings gospel joy into your home, and gives you a sense of purpose and peace as you lead your family.
Let’s keep digging deep—into God’s Word, into our kids’ hearts, and into the grace that makes all of it possible.
Cristian Moscoso
Creator of Digging Deep Family Resources