THINK TOGETHER
Why did Jesus die on the cross?
READ TOGETHER
Each of the four gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) records different things that Jesus said while he was on the cross. Luke's gospel records two things that Jesus said that also explain exactly why Jesus died on the cross. Listen to these words from Jesus on the cross:
Luke 23:34. And Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do."
Luke 23:43. And [Jesus] said to [the thief on the cross next to him], "Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise."
Why did Jesus die on the cross? So that we could be forgiven. When Jesus said Father forgive them, he was talking about the soldiers who were nailing him to the cross. Wow. Have you ever forgiven someone who hurt you? Jesus could forgive these men because he knew God loved him and would make everything better. Guess what – we know these same things don't we? We know God loves us and that he will make everything better for us too. And we know that we are forgiven just like the men who nailed Jesus to the cross. Every bad thought and deed, every selfish action, all erased by Jesus' death for us on the cross. Praise God!
But Jesus also died on the cross so that we might live with him forever in heaven - today you will be with me in paradise. Like the thief on the cross next to Jesus, we are also brought into the presence of God forever. Of course, one day we will go to heaven with Jesus, but right now we are with God. How? Because God is with us, living inside of us all of the time when we trust in Jesus. We may not be in paradise yet, but paradise is in our hearts. All of God's love for us is already ours and it lives inside of us reminding us that we are loved no matter what and that ultimately we will be OK.
Because of Jesus we are forgiven and we will live with God forever in heaven.
With Jesus we can forgive others and enjoy the presence of God all the time.
DO SOMETHING TOGETHER
Talk about the importance of apologizing and asking for forgiveness with each other, and the importance of offering forgiveness. God forgives us even before we ask - all we have to do is receive his forgiveness.
PRAY TOGETHER
Jesus, you have forgiven me of all my sins and come to live in my heart. Help me to always know that you are with me. Amen.
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