Why, Mom, Why?

     The question has probably been asked in every language, around the world -- Why did Jesus die?  Today, as we reflect on Good Friday, watch for opportunities to answer this age old question for our children.  If you have the privilege of a little one coming to you with their bright eyes upturned and their head tilted to one side in curiosity, asking you, "Why, Mom, why?" . . . don't be shy!

     I've heard parents say they feel nervous or won't tell their children about Jesus' death because it is too sad or too frightening, but they shouldn't feel that way.   Any child, at any age, can handle at least a piece of the story.  It is truth -- without our children comprehending Jesus' death, there can be no celebration in His life. 

     Jesus' death and resurrection aren't a small piece of the story -- they ARE the story!  Jesus came to earth as a baby, lived out every temptation our children will face (and that we could face) -- WITHOUT sin -- He died on the cross and rose on the third day!  That is THE story!

     From the time our children could sit up in our laps (about 6 months old) we had a Bible storybook open daily exploring the pictures and words that told us the story of Creation, the heroes who have gone before, the birth of Jesus, the miracles He did, His death on the cross and being raised again.  DON'T SKIP the cross -- if we glaze over that for fear of them not being ready, we miss the greatest foundation of the truth.

     Jesus did come . . . He did die . . . and He did rise again.

     Any child can comprehend the basics, then each year we can build on that foundation and share a little more detail as we sense they're ready to understand.

     Embrace the sadness of Good Friday in your heart and share it with your little ones . . . the celebration will be greater when we reach Resurrection Sunday!

"Since the children have flesh and blood,

He too shared in their humanity so that by His

death He might destroy him who holds the

power of death."

Hebrews 2:14