On Good Friday, Jesus died on the cross to save us from our sins.
Before You ListenTheme: Worshiping God - The Miracle of Easter
Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” When he had said this, he breathed his last.
A: They were afraid that Jesus’ disciples would steal his body to make it look like he rose from the dead.
Good Friday seemed like the worst day ever! Pilate gave Jesus over to his soldiers to be killed. They made fun of him, spit on him, and beat him. At noon, it became dark as night. The day ended with Jesus dead and buried in a tomb. How could this have been a good day? In order to save us from eternal separation from God, Jesus, who had never sinned himself, had to take the punishment we deserved for our sins. He died a horrible death and for the first and only time in all eternity God the Father turned his back on his Son. Jesus’ death separated him from God so that we would not have to be.
That is why we call it Good Friday.
While at first it seems like the worst day ever, God had a plan that didn’t end on that Friday. Three days later, God raised Jesus to life again. Hallelujah!
Read about Jesus’ death in Luke 23. The best part of the story is yet to come. Check out the next Bible story, Resurrection! Want to dig deeper and learn more about why Jesus died for you? Check out 1 Peter 3:18, 1 Peter 2:24 and John 3:16.
Jesus died on the cross, but the story doesn’t end there! Not only is the cross empty, but the tomb is also empty, because Jesus is alive! Make your own empty cross to remind you of Jesus’ sacrifice and his resurrection.
Take two pieces of masking tape and make a cross shape with them on a piece of paper. Use paints, crayons, markers, or chalk to cover the whole paper. When it is dry, carefully remove the tape. You will have an empty cross to remind you of Jesus’ love for you. You can print these words on the top of your page: “Jesus loves me so much he gave his life for me!” Share your picture with an adult and together thank God for His amazing gift for you!
Also, check out the Kids Corner Easter Activity Booklet 5.