Jesus Saves Us from Our Enemies (The Gospels)
Dear families,
Amid the grief of Christ’s death by crucifixion, we find the gospel’s good news for sinners: “Don’t be afraid, because I know you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He is not here. For he has risen, just as he said” (Matthew 28:5-6). The basis of Christian hope is found within these words as an angel of the Lord reminds us of Jesus' victory over sin and death. Jesus alone has saved us from our enemies: sin and death.
What was the significance of Christ’s cries from the cross to the Father? How should the reality of the resurrection impact our lives as followers of Jesus?
All four Gospels recount the brutality of the crucifixion and how our sinless Savior was mercilessly mocked and killed by sinful men. In previous chapters, we read that Jesus’ sweat was like drops of blood in the garden of Gethsemane, as He knew the treacherous darkness He would face. Yet, Christ's obedience to His Father's will was motivated by the joy He would experience on the other side of the cross. Jesus cried out to the Father, “Why have you abandoned me?” He knew, however, that His sacrificial death was the only way for people to be saved. Jesus bore our sin and shame to set us free from sin and death, allowing those who trust in Him to be born again through the Spirit and welcomed into God's kingdom forever. Every believer has resurrection hope both now and for all eternity. Not only will we spend eternity in the presence of our Savior, but the life we now live, we live by faith in Jesus (Galatians 2:20).
Consider the simplicity of the gospel’s good news: Jesus died for sinners so we could be set free from the tyranny of sin and death with the hope of eternal life. Those who were enemies of God can draw near to Him by faith in the Son who has paid our debts and given us new life. Lead the children in your care to see the power of the resurrection within our everyday lives as believers—no longer slaves to sin but children of God with good news to share!
Check out The Gospel Project At Home for resources designed to help you lead a family worship experience as well as suggestions for morning and evening prayer times and family activities.
FAMILY TALKING POINTS
CHRIST CONNECTION
This is the big idea of how this week’s Bible story points to Jesus.
Babies & Toddlers: Jesus died on the cross for our sins, rose from the dead, and is alive! If we believe in Jesus, He saves us from sin, and we will live with Him forever.
Younger Preschool: Jesus loves us so much that He died for our sins and came back to life. If we believe in Him, we can be forgiven and live with Him forever.
Older Preschool: Jesus came to earth to rescue sinners. Jesus died on the cross and rose again so that everyone who trusts in Him has forgiveness and life with God forever.
Kids: God's plan was always to send Jesus to die for the sins of the world. Jesus died on the cross, was buried, and rose on the third day. All who place their faith in Him will receive forgiveness of sins and eternal life.
BIG PICTURE QUESTION & ANSWER
This is an important biblical truth that your child will encounter each week of this unit.
Younger Preschool: What is repentance? Repentance is turning away from sin and turning to Jesus.
Older Preschool: What is repentance? Repentance is turning away from sin and turning to Jesus.
Kids: What is repentance? Repentance is turning away from sin and turning to Jesus.
KEY PASSAGE
This is a Bible verse that relates to what your child will encounter each week of this unit.
Babies & Toddlers: If we pray, God will hear and forgive our sins. 2 Chronicles 7:14
Younger Preschool: If my people pray and turn from sin, I will forgive them. 2 Chronicles 7:14
Older Preschool: [If] my people pray and turn from their evil ways, then I will forgive their sin. 2 Chronicles 7:14
Kids: [If] my people, who bear my name, humble themselves, pray and seek my face, and turn from their evil ways, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14