For Kids · 4 min with a grown-up
This is a hard and holy part of the story — the day Jesus gave up everything for us, out of love. We'll tell it gently.
Today's Story
Jesus had done nothing wrong. But some people who didn't like Him took Him to the leaders, and even though He was innocent, they decided to put Him on a cross.
Jesus carried His cross up a hill. He was placed on it between two criminals. It was a sad, sad day.
But even there, Jesus showed love. He looked at the very people who were hurting Him and prayed, “Father, forgive them. They don't know what they are doing.”
One of the men beside Him believed. “Jesus, remember me,” he whispered. And Jesus said, “Today you will be with Me in paradise.” Even in His last hours, Jesus was still bringing people home to God.
Then the whole sky went dark in the middle of the day. And Jesus said, “Father, into Your hands I give My spirit.” And He died.
Jesus' friends were heartbroken. A kind man named Joseph gently laid Jesus' body in a tomb cut into the rock.
It looked like the saddest ending ever. But it wasn't the ending — because Jesus had done all of this on purpose, out of love for us. And Sunday was coming.
A Big Word
Memory Verse
Talk About It
- Even while He was being hurt, Jesus prayed, “Father, forgive them.” Why do you think Jesus did that? Is forgiving ever hard for you?
- Jesus told the man next to Him, “Today you will be with Me.” He was loving and saving people right to the very end. What does that show about how much Jesus loves people?
- This was a very sad day — but Jesus did it on purpose, out of love. Who is someone who has loved you by doing something hard for you?