Week 47 · New Testament · about 3 minutes · 217 words

✝️ The Day Jesus Gave His Life

Jesus chooses the cross so that sinners can be forgiven, and even a criminal hears a promise.

Jesus was arrested even though he had done no wrong. Soldiers made fun of him. He carried a cross outside the city. It was a sad and holy day. He was not trapped by accident. He had said he would lay down his life for his friends, and he did it out of love.

Two criminals were crucified beside him. One mocked. The other said they were getting what their deeds deserved, but Jesus had done nothing wrong. He asked, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Jesus answered, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.” Mercy spoke in the middle of pain.

Darkness came over the land. Jesus cried out and entrusted his spirit to the Father. A soldier who saw it said, “Surely this was a righteous man.” The curtain in the temple tore, a sign that the way to God was open. Jesus’ body was laid in a tomb, and a stone was rolled in front.

The cross is how God shows love: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. You do not clean yourself up and then get loved. You are loved at the cost of Jesus’ life. Sadness belongs in this story, and so does hope, because the tomb is not the end.

“But God commends his own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”
Romans 5:8 · Luke 23

Say it

Practice Romans 5:8

Tap the words in order. The blanks follow the verse from left to right.

ButGodhisowntowardus,inwhilewewereyetsinners,Christdiedforus.

Talk about it

What did Jesus promise the man who asked to be remembered?
How does the cross show God’s love?
What do we still need to hear tomorrow?

Prayer

Jesus, thank you for dying for us while we were still sinners. Help us trust your love and wait with hope. Amen.

Parent tip

Be honest and brief about the cross, avoid graphic detail, and promise that tomorrow’s story is the empty tomb.

Week 47 · the whole night