A new Barna study of over 24,000 teens worldwide suggests that young people—both Christian and non-Christian—like Jesus. According to Barna, “The global impression of Jesus is that he is trustworthy, generous, wise, peaceful … and the glowing list goes on.” In the study, 46% believed that Jesus “offers hope” and 43% thought that He “cares about people.”  

Some of the most interesting numbers came from the “Bible engaged” teens, those who read their Bible multiple times a week and believe it is the Word of God. Of these teens, 91% were “very motivated” to “continue learning more about Jesus Christ” for the rest of their lives, and 84% thought that the Bible taught them about meaning and purpose in life.  

In other words, we often treat the Bible as a liability with young people. But as youth struggle with an unprecedented loss of satisfaction and sense of meaning, God’s Word is the best way to draw them closer to the One they’re already keen to know.