Christ Died for Us (Fifth Easter devotional)

“But here is how God has shown his love for us. While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”  Romans 5:8

It can be a hard concept to understand what sin “can do” to a person but it is especially difficult to explain to children.

Last year my pastor spoke on Psalm 40 and gave me a powerful illustration to share with my children.

“I waited patiently for the Lord;
    he turned to me and heard my cry.
 He lifted me out of the slimy pit,
    out of the mud and mire;
he set my feet on a rock
    and gave me a firm place to stand.
 He put a new song in my mouth,
    a hymn of praise to our God.
Many will see and fear the Lord
    and put their trust in him.”  Psalm 40:1-3 

Photo credit actwild.org

Then he showed a video of a zebra stuck in the mud.  While he struggled to get free, hungry crocodiles inched closer and closer to the zebra ready to attack.  (Thank goodness he stopped it there…I was getting very nervous.)  He likened the zebra to “you and me,” and the mud to “sin.”  The crocodiles were the “death sentence” we all deserve as a result of our sin. 

What a vivid picture!  It was so incredibly sad and hopeless to watch that zebra struggle and wrestle in the mud with his very best efforts and strength BUT to no avail.  Death was inevitably looming and there was absolutely NOTHING the zebra could do to get himself out of that pit. 

Before Christ we are stuck in the mud.  We are hopeless.  Our sin entangles us and brings a death sentence.

Despite our “good works,” it’s not good enough.  We need a Rescuer.  We need someone to reach down, pull us out of that mud, and set our feet on a rock.  (Actually in this video some local wildlife rescuers come and pull this zebra out and save his life.)

Jesus is the only one who can rescue you, me, and our kids from the mud.  He’s the only one who can save us from the punishment our sin deserves, and give us a “new heart” to fear and trust Him (John 14:6).

It is so easy to forget how stuck in the mud I was before Jesus.  Jesus’ love and forgiveness becomes too casual and comfortable to me.

The zebra’s grasp at life and rescue reminded me how MUCH I have been forgiven…how much God has done for me.  He has placed a “new song” in my mouth and given me a firm place to stand.

He wants to do the same thing for our kids.  I want you to know that I am praying like crazy for you and your family…for me, all of us to have the grace to lead our kids to the cross. 

I’m praying they recognize how “stuck” they are in sin and NOTHING but the wonderful grace of Jesus will be able to pull them out.  I’m so excited and thankful to walk this road with you as we are experiencing Easter and the reason for it all– Jesus’ death, forgiveness, and resurrection that leads to new life. 

As a family, read Matthew 27:15-65 or John 19:16-42 and Luke 23:32-43 OR read from your favorite Story Bible (such as “The Sun Stops Shining”–Jesus Storybook Bible).

When finished, let your children tell you what they remember from the story.

There is so much to talk about with the crucifixion, but let them lead with what they remember. 

Ask, “How are you feeling after hearing this story?”  Let them express their emotions.  They may be sad.

My kids really camped out on the passage of Scripture from Matthew 27:50-51.  We have been reading the Old Testament this year at home as a family, and they were fascinated that the curtain to the temple tore in two ALL BY ITSELF!  Go with their interest. 

We were able to talk about how the curtain was a way of separating God’s people (their sin) from His holiness.  Now that the curtain was torn in two, ANYBODY who accepts Jesus’ forgiveness for their sins can approach Him.  ANYBODY can talk to Him, and know Him like a friend.

Ask, “Why did Jesus have to die?”  Get right to the point. 

Share John 3:16, and Isaiah 53:5 (NIrV), “But the servant was pierced because we had sinned.  He was crushed because we had done what was evil.  He was punished to make us whole again.  His wounds have healed us.” 

Use the zebra!!  Share the gospel with your kids!! 

My kids love science and they are always begging me to do experiments.  So we did a very simple experiment to help us understand what happens when Jesus forgives our sins.  (Since I was busy with my hands, I did not get a picture!)

• First, take a clear glass or jar.
• Fill it halfway full with water.
• Add some food coloring (red is appropriate to represent sin).  We even talked about our different sins and added a drop at a time as we said our sins.
• Add 1 cup bleach to the colored water.
• Wait a couple of minutes and you will see that the water turns clear again!  (“Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be white as snow.”  Isaiah 1:18)
• Even if you add more food coloring to the mixture, it will not be able to change the color!

Tell your kids Jesus loves them and wants to be friends with them.  He wants to rescue them.  He died for that very reason.  Psalm 40–“he turned to me and heard my cry…”  He hears our cry!  Invite them to “cry out” to Jesus when they want to be saved.  Encourage them to let you know when they are ready.  Pray in the meantime for God to knock on their hearts and that they would hear and open the door of their hearts to Him.

In worship, sing “Jesus Loves Me” or “Jesus Paid it All.”

If you are joining us by doing an Easter cross or Easter tree with ornaments, here is our creation this week–Simple small beads in  the shape of a cross.

Jesus loves us friends. May we receive it!

{You can print this devotional out here:  Easter Project Devotionals}