How to Share the Bridge Illustration
The Bridge illustration is a simple drawing that explains the good news about Jesus in a few minutes. All you need is a pen and something to write on, like a notebook, a whiteboard or even a napkin. As you draw, you walk your friend through the Bible's big story: God made us for relationship with him, sin separates us from him, and Jesus' death on the cross is the bridge back to God.
This guide shows you what to draw, what to say at each step, which verses to use and how to keep the conversation warm and personal.
Before you start
- Ask first. Something like "Can I draw a picture that explains what I believe about this?" keeps it a conversation, not a speech.
- Have the verses ready. Bookmark them in a Bible or Bible app so you can read them together.
- Keep it simple. The drawing doesn't need to be art. Stick figures are fine.
Step by step: drawing and explaining the Bridge
1. God
Draw a cliff on the right side of the page and write God on top.
Say: God created us to know him and to enjoy life with him. He loves us and wants to give us real, lasting life.
Verses: John 3:16, John 10:10.
2. People
Draw a matching cliff on the left side, with a stick figure, and write People (or the person's name).
Say: We were made to be close to God. But most of us sense that something is wrong, and that there's a distance between us and God.
3. Sin: the gap
Leave a wide gap between the two cliffs and write Sin in it.
Say: The Bible calls that distance sin. Sin is more than breaking rules. It's going our own way instead of God's, in what we think, say and do. Everyone has done it, and it separates us from God.
Verses: Romans 3:23 (all have sinned and fall short of God's glory), Isaiah 59:2 (our wrongs have separated us from God).
4. Death and judgment
At the bottom of the gap, write Death. You can add Judgment beside it.
Say: A wage is what we earn. The Bible says what sin earns is death: not only physical death but being cut off from God. After death, each of us faces God's judgment.
Then draw a few short arrows from the left cliff that fall into the gap, and label them with things people try: being good, religion, giving money.
Say: People try many ways to reach God, but none of them can close the gap. We can't earn our way across.
Verses: Romans 6:23, Hebrews 9:27, Ephesians 2:8-9 (we're saved by grace through faith, not by our own works).
5. The cross: the bridge
Draw a cross lying across the gap so that it connects both cliffs.
Say: This is the good news. God didn't leave us stuck. He sent his Son, Jesus, who lived a perfect life, died on the cross in our place and rose again. Jesus is the bridge we could never build.
Verses: Romans 5:8 (God showed his love: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us), 1 Peter 3:18 (Christ suffered once for sins, to bring us to God).
6. Our response: trust
Draw an arrow from the stick figure across the cross to God, and write Trust or Believe above the cross.
Say: Knowing about the bridge isn't the same as crossing it. God invites each of us to turn to him and trust Jesus, receiving his forgiveness as a gift. Jesus promised that whoever hears his word and believes has eternal life and has crossed over from death to life.
Verses: John 5:24, John 1:12.
7. Ask a gentle question
Point to the drawing and ask: "Where would you put yourself in this picture?"
Listen to the answer. If your friend wants to trust Jesus, you can pray together. If they aren't ready, thank them for listening, offer to talk more and let them keep the drawing.
Key verses at a glance
| Step | References |
|---|---|
| God's love and purpose | John 3:16; John 10:10 |
| Sin separates | Romans 3:23; Isaiah 59:2 |
| Death and judgment | Romans 6:23; Hebrews 9:27 |
| We can't earn it | Ephesians 2:8-9 |
| The cross is the bridge | Romans 5:8; 1 Peter 3:18 |
| Trust and new life | John 5:24; John 1:12 |
Verse summaries above are paraphrases. Read the full verses together in your preferred translation.
Tips for real conversations
- Listen more than you talk. Ask about their story and what they think about God before you draw.
- Go at their pace. You can pause at any step for questions. The Bridge can take three minutes or an hour.
- Use their words. Explain "sin", "grace" and "faith" in everyday language.
- Don't argue to win. If a hard question comes up, it's fine to say "That's a great question. Can I think about it and get back to you?"
- Respect their answer. The goal is a clear, loving explanation, not pressure. Keep the friendship either way.
- Pray. Pray before the conversation and for your friend afterward.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Bridge illustration?
It's a simple drawing used to explain the gospel. It shows God and people separated by a gap that sin creates, and the cross of Jesus as the bridge that brings people back to God through faith.
Where does the Bridge illustration come from?
Bridge diagrams like this have been used by churches and ministries for decades, in many versions. A widely known version, The Bridge to Life, is published by The Navigators. Share the Bridge is an independent app and is not affiliated with The Navigators.
Which Bible verses go with the Bridge illustration?
Common choices are Romans 3:23, Romans 6:23, Isaiah 59:2, Hebrews 9:27, Ephesians 2:8-9, Romans 5:8, 1 Peter 3:18, John 5:24, John 1:12, John 10:10 and John 3:16. Romans 6:23 alone can carry the whole drawing.
How long does it take to share the Bridge?
You can draw and explain it in about three to five minutes, or take longer if your friend has questions.
How can I practice before a real conversation?
Draw it a few times on your own, then practice with a friend from church. You can also practice for free in the Share the Bridge app, which walks you through each step and lets you rehearse the conversation with AI practice partners.