
Story 38
Jesus Dies on the Cross
Luke 23:26–49; John 19:16–30
On a very sad day, Jesus was led outside the city of Jerusalem. A man named Simon from Cyrene helped to carry the cross. At a place called the Skull, Jesus was put on a cross. Even then, Jesus prayed, "Father, forgive them." He cared for his mother Mary and asked the disciple he loved to look after her.
At midday, darkness covered the land. Jesus said, "It is finished," and then, "Father, into your hands I place my spirit," and he died. His friends watched from a distance, feeling very sad. A Roman officer praised God and said that Jesus truly was a good man. Jesus gave his life because of his great love. But that was not the end of the story.
Children learn: Children learn that Jesus loves us so much that he gave his life, and that God is with us even when we feel sad.