For Christians, the death of Jesus on the cross was a monumental event. From His crucifixion to his resurrection, every detail is important to understand. However, when it comes to teaching children about these events, it cab be nerve-racking. How do you make sure that you tell the story right and not mess anything up for the kids? Here are some helpful tips on how to can teach children about the cross, crucifixion, resurrection, and Easter.
Make the Story Visual and Fun
When introducing complex concepts to children, it will help to tell the story with pictures or one where the kids can interact with you. You can start with an activity that teaches the concept of sacrifice and miracles, just to give them an idea. When I was young, my Bible class teacher would stick figures on the board (beautifully drawn and colored ones) that will get our attention. She will continue to tell the story while moving the figures around, which in turn helped us to follow her story too.
However, it will also take your discernment to determine which details of the story you have to include. There are some parts of the story that might be too harsh or too hard to understand for children. Like when Jesus was carrying the cross, you can spare them the details and just tell them that Jesus was badly hurt. It is important that you don't paint a scary picture for the kids to remember. The story is about glorifying Jesus, not being scared of what he went through.
Answer Their Questions
After telling them the story, it is very important that you ask them questions that will make them think. This will help them analyze the story further, which will lead them to ask you questions. Most of the questions will be hows and whys and it's only natural. Allot time to answer every bit of question. Don't just end it by telling them the answer, make sure that they understand your answer.
This is crucial in allowing the children to fully understand why Jesus had to die, why God was willing to sacrifice His son, and why Jesus rose from the dead. What these kids must understand is not that nothing can defeat Jesus, not sin nor death.
Have An Open Forum
After answering the questions, have an open forum with your child/children. Now, it is time to listen to their thoughts. Hear what they have to say, do not exercise judgement. When you hear that they've misunderstood something, don't call them out on it immediately. Instead, try to correct it in a way that will make them think; you can do that by asking questions.
During the Lent season, many kids do not understand what's happening. All they know is that by Easter Sunday, they'll be hunting eggs and painting them. Perhaps it is time to tell them the reason for the celebration and why Christians are making sacrifices during this time. Do not underestimate your child's ability to understand everything too. The truth is, they can understand more than you think and with God's guidance, your child's wisdom will continue to grow.
