Once upon a time, there was a very special man named Jesus. He loved everyone so much! Jesus always helped people, healed the sick, and told stories about God’s love. But some people did not like Jesus because He told them to be kind and to trust God.
One day, Jesus knew something very hard was going to happen. He told His friends, “I am going to give my life for everyone.” Jesus wanted to show the biggest love ever. He wanted to take away all the wrong things people do, so they could be close to God again.
Jesus was very brave. He was taken to a place called Golgotha. It was a hill with a cross. The cross was a big wooden thing where Jesus was put. It was very hard and painful, but Jesus did not stop loving us. He said, “Father, forgive them, because they do not understand.” Even when He was hurting, Jesus showed love.
The sky became dark like night even though it was daytime. The wind was quiet, and the earth shook a little. Jesus’ friends were very sad and scared. They cried because they loved Jesus so much. Jesus died on the cross to save everyone from their sins — the wrong things we do.
After Jesus died, His body was placed in a quiet tomb. It was like a little cave where He rested. His friends waited and wondered, “What will happen now? Will Jesus come back?” They felt very lonely and sad, but they remembered Jesus’ words about hope.
This day is called Good Friday because Jesus’ love was so big that He gave His life for us. He died to take away all the bad things, so we can be God’s friends forever. Jesus’ sacrifice is the greatest gift of love in the whole wide world!
Even when things are hard, we can remember Jesus’ love. He showed us how to be kind and brave. And the best part is, Jesus did not stay in the tomb forever. He came back to life! But that is a story for another day.
Jesus’ love shines like the brightest star. It makes our hearts happy and full of joy. When we feel sad or scared, we can think about Jesus on the cross and know He loves us so much. He gave His life so we can live with God forever.
Questions to think about
- Why did Jesus go to the cross?
- How did Jesus show love even when He was hurting?
- What did Jesus say about the people who hurt Him?
- How do you feel when you think about Jesus’ love?
- What can we remember when we feel sad or scared?
Message of the story
God loves us so much that He gave Jesus to take away our sins. Jesus’ sacrifice shows us the greatest love ever!
Bible passage
Luke 23
