Exploring Holy Weekنموونە

Note to parents: The “Explore” today features artifacts like Roman nails and barbs. For kids with active imaginations, it might be a lot to take in. As you read together, be ready to answer questions honestly and appropriately for their age. You can also remind them that the week (and the story of Jesus) isn’t over yet!

Good Friday has a backward sort of name. How can a day be called “good” when, as we read, it holds so much sadness? The answer here is a bit complicated. Since the foot-washing of yesterday’s reading, Jesus had been arrested on false charges. Pilate (a government official) offered to trade Jesus’ life for Barabbas, a rebel and what Matthew calls a “notorious prisoner.” But the crowd refused, shouting instead for Jesus to be crucified, a death reserved for those who had committed the worst crimes.

The “good” in Good Friday is not talking about death by itself. Instead, we remember Good Friday because of what Jesus’ sacrifice accomplished, wiping away the shame and sins of all who believe in him. This is the core of the Christian faith, that God’s son would receive the punishment in place of us. And those who believe that his sacrifice is enough to make them clean can trust and live like it’s true, both on earth and in heaven. While Jesus did not deserve his death, we celebrate that in his love for us, God makes it possible for us to be in a relationship with him forever. While we mourn for what happened, Jesus’ sacrifice is not the end of the story! Stick around for two more days, and we’ll celebrate Easter, Jesus’ resurrection.

Explore: These artifacts are like the items used during Jesus’ crucifixion. The round, spiked barbs were attached to a whip. Long nails were hammered through Jesus’ body to hold him on the cross. Lots (like dice) were cast to divide up his clothes. Today is a sad day to remember, and it’s okay to be sad or scared, but here’s the good news: God proved his great “love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Rm 5:8). And three days later, Jesus arose!