Forgiveness

A picture of pain

Drama / Role play

Watch an Easter play or an age-appropriate movie about the crucifixion.

Discussion point: Jesus suffered greatly on the cross, but He forgave; because of Jesus, God forgives us too.

The story of the Cross is probably the best object lesson on forgiveness available. To reinforce your teaching on forgiveness, take your children to see an Easter play that portrays the crucifixion – provided they have the maturity to understand it without being traumatized. For young ones, a children’s movie featuring the Easter story may be more suitable.

Questions for discussion

Ask your children the following to help them further understand the significance of Jesus’ sacrifice:

  • What is the worst pain you have ever had?
  • Which is worse, pain in your heart or pain felt in your body?
  • Did Jesus have only body pain or did He have pain in His heart, too? Why?
  • How much do you think it hurt to have nails put through Jesus’ hands and feet? (John 20:24-27)
  • Do you think it hurt Jesus to have His friends turn away from Him? (Matthew 26:56)
  • Did Jesus deserve to be punished like this? (2 Corinthians 5:21)
  • Why did Jesus do it? (John 3:16)
  • What did Jesus say about those who killed Him? (Luke 23:34)
  • Would you like to ask Jesus to forgive your sins?

Ask the Holy Spirit to be present when you offer your children an opportunity to ask God for forgiveness of their sins.

Relevant Scripture

John 20:24-25,27 “Now Thomas (called Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, ‘We have seen the Lord!’ But he said to them, ‘Unless I see the nail marks in His hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe it.’ …Then He [Jesus] said to Thomas, ‘Put your finger here; see My hands. Reach out your hand and put it into My side. Stop doubting and believe.’ ”

Matthew 26:56 “ ‘But this has all taken place that the writings of the prophets might be fulfilled.’ Then all the disciples deserted Him and fled.”

2 Corinthians 5:21 “God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.”

John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

Luke 23:34 “Jesus said, ‘Father forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.’ ”