"Carrying his own cross, he went out to the place of the Skull (which in Aramaic is called Golgotha). Here they crucified him, and with him two others - one on each side and Jesus in the middle."
(John 19:17-18)

John 19:16-30
Death is the elephant in the room nobody wants to talk about – especially if the conversation involves children. It’s even more difficult to discuss a gruesome, painful death such as Jesus’ crucifixion. Yet, to appreciate all Jesus did for us, we need to recognize His death on our behalf.


We can explain the crucifixion to children without including all of the harsh details. Depending on the child’s age, it may be enough to say, “Jesus loves us so much that He died on the cross to take our punishment for all our sins.”


But we also need to give children hope the same way any grown-up hearing the salvation story needs hope. Tell about Jesus’ victory over death: “Then something special happened. Jesus did what no one else could do. He did not stay dead! Because He is alive, we can be friends with God forever!”


Death may be the elephant in the room, but we still need to talk about it. By carefully choosing the right time and using appropriate vocabulary, we can help even young children appreciate Jesus’ death for them.



Scripture Focus

John 19:16-30

Insight

Does talking to children about Jesus' death make you uncomfortable? Don't allow discomfort to prevent you from sharing about His death and His victory!

Bible In A Year

  • Jeremiah 17-18
  • Psalm 112
  • Romans 15-16

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