After Easter services, one of our teachers shared with me how her 5-year-old and kindergarten students responded to the story of Christ's death on the cross. She said her students, particularly the boys, couldn't get over the injustice of Jesus dying in our place.
"But why did He do it?"
"Jesus didn't do anything wrong, He didn't deserve to die!"
There is so much truth and beauty in those statements. While we will never fully grasp the weight of Christ dying in our place, we can take advantage of the "injustice" of that action to teach our children.
At some point this week, it's safe to assume your child will disobey. During one of those acts of disobedience, take the opportunity to show him or her a picture of what Christ did on the cross.
When your child knows he or she has disobeyed and is expecting a swift punishment, show mercy. Instead of time out or a spanking, extend grace. Stop what you are doing, sit down with your child and talk to him or her about what is deserved. Explain that we deserve so much more than a spanking or time out for all the sins we do. And just like you showed your child mercy by not punishing him or her, so God showed us incredible mercy by allowing Jesus to die in our place. It's not fair, but it it's true and wonderful.
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