Talking To Your Kids About Good Friday

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My 5 year old recounted a conversation she had with a classmate at school about Easter. She told me her friend thought Easter was sad and didn’t like it because Jesus died. My daughter, however, held an entirely opposite view about Easter–she told me that she reasoned with her classmate that Easter was her favorite day. In fact, she told her Easter was even better than Christmas because Jesus rose again so we could be with him forever. 

Immediately, my jaw dropped (internally). I was completely blown away by this conversation between two 5-year olds! But you know what, they were both right in their opposed feelings of sadness and joy. The events of Jesus’ last moments on earth were brutally heartbreaking and gruesome, and yet the resurrection that took place days later was the most magnificent event in human history. Within the span of a few days, followers of Jesus felt both the deepest sorrow and the greatest joy. 

I was really touched when my daughter shared about this conversation with her classmate. As an adult I get choked up when I re-read about Jesus’ crucifixion–I think most believers do. However, hearing about a child’s response to the crucifixion and resurrection was new to me. I think on some level, parents are a bit in the dark on exactly how much your children are receiving what you teach them. Did they understand me? How are they emotionally processing this information? There’s a lot of questions and it’s not always easy to get an answer from your kids. 

As parents, how can we talk to our kids about the significance of Good Friday? Yeah–churches have their Easter activities and outreach events, but children should be a parent’s first mission field. Good Friday is quite literally the crux of the gospel message. Helping our children understand this message will give them a deeper grasp of the meaning of salvation. 

Below are some talking points to engage your kids in conversation about the crucifixion and resurrection.

Read scripture together.

The first place to start is to read the biblical account of the crucifixion. You can do this over the dinner table or in whatever setting that’s most comfortable for your family. But carve out a time to read from Luke 22-23 and discuss as a family. If you have little ones at home, you can break out a children’s Bible to help paraphrase the story and give them visual aids through illustrations. 

We look to scripture first, instead of only recounting the crucifixion in our own words; this is out of obedience as believers. Hebrews 4:12 says, “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow”. 

We have to trust that there is power in God’s word, even if our kids can’t sit still through an entire passage reading. 

Talk about sin.

Sin in the Bible is described as a transgression against God’s law and rebellion against God. It’s when we decide to do, say, or think things that God told us not to do. Sin spoils things and it separates us from God who is holy and perfect (sinless). 

Romans 3:23 tells us that sin requires death, which means we all deserve death. However, Romans 6:23 reveals Jesus atoned for our sins through the work on the cross, which means all who sin now have the opportunity of eternal life with Him.

Here are two video explanations about sin: how sin entered the world and the significance of sin. 

What did Jesus do for us?

Jesus paid the penalty for sin by dying on the cross. He was perfect and sinless. Jesus was fully God and fully man. Part of being fully human gave Him the experience of death.

Kids might need more time to process this piece or express their feelings of sadness around Jesus’ death. Death is a difficult topic and varies amongst people and their experiences with grief and loss. 

Jesus acted as a spotless lamb that was sacrificed to atone for sins. As was common in the Old Testament, people had to offer sacrifices up to God for their sins. But Jesus became the last sacrifice that would end all sacrifices for mankind. He would mend what was broken between humans and God. The Bible Project has a video for older kids/teens that explains atonement.

“On the cross, Jesus took our sin. All the bad things we do, and all the sad things they cause–Jesus took them all from us.” - The Garden, the Curtain, and the Cross”

Because of Jesus’ love for us, He took away our sin so that we did not have to be separated from God anymore. He allowed a way for us to be with Him forever–just as He planned. 

It’s important to let this part of the message sink in. 

How can we respond to what Jesus did?

Jesus’ atonement for our sins was the greatest act of love in history. Give your child a hypothetical example to help them grasp the concept of someone else taking the punishment for something they did wrong. If someone took a punishment on their behalf, how would they respond to that person? They would probably thank them, they would feel cared for and want to do nice gestures for them. 

We can respond to the crucifixion and resurrection by confessing our sins and surrendering in worship and obedience to Jesus. Help your children to draw real life connections to what this practically looks like. This is not to emphasize the legality of being “good” and not sinning, but to help them realize what their genuine reaction is when they understand the sacrifice and the hope that Jesus has given to us through the cross.

We hope these talking points can be used as a springboard for current and future discussions about the cross with your kids. And that your discussions will be fruitful and a blessing to you and your family.

You Might Also Like:

5 Intentional Ways To Celebrate Easter At Home

Teaching Big Truths To Little Minds

sources:

https://passioncitychurch.com/article/talking-to-your-kids-about-good-friday/

https://www.gominno.com/parents/how-to-talk-to-your-kids-about-good-friday/ 

https://voices.lifeway.com/marriage-family/4-questions-to-ask-your-kids-on-good-friday/