Easter, Death, Crucifixion & our Children

From time to time I will ask some of you to guest write on this blog.  For the Easter season I have asked my wife, Kiera, who is the Early Childhood Director at Redding First to shed some light on ways to discuss Christ's death and resurrection with our young children.
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Matthew 27:11-66 and Matthew 28:1-10

The story of the Crucifixion is a cruel one.  It’s not just a story about death, but a brutal, hateful death.  As Christians, Easter is just as sacred as Christmas, if not more.  But it’s not filled with all the sweet pictures of a sweet baby, soft lambs and gift giving wise-men, rather one of a violent bloody death and an empty tomb.  We as parents want to convey to our children Jesus' awesome act of love but want to do so in an age appropriate manner.  Christ's atonement is vital to our doctrine, it is a life transforming event and for those who would believe, an event that extends to us forgiveness and hope of a forever future with God.  It is a tragic story with a beautiful ending.  

This is a touchy subject. As Christian parents we are known for shielding our children from violently graphic images.  Yet for a few weeks every spring some Christian parents go as far as to have our children color pictures of a dying Christ hanging on a cross, with the crown of thorns, blood dripping down his face, hands and feet impaled with nails and spear hole in his side.  

I agree 100% that Christ’s death and resurrection is vital to my atonement.  But do my children need the full details of His death at age 3.  I don’t think so.  These are hard graphic images for adults to swallow, let alone children.  I don't purpose we sugar coat Christ's death to our children.  I'm just believe that we give them age appropriate details.  

For children under 5 the concept of death is still something vague and hard to comprehend.  Add to that a violent hateful death for children raised in a loving sheltered environment it is mind boggling.  So talking about death might in and of itself be the first thing a parent brooches when discussing Easter with their preschooler.  Then you can talk about how Christ loved us so much that he chose to die for us.  Stressing His love over His death is important at this age, that this was ultimately an act of love.  

But I also believe that the nature of Christ's death isn't the point that young children need to understand, they need to hear about the love behind the death.  As your child asks you detailed questions about the Crucifixion you should answer them.  Simple straight forward answers are fine.  

• Did Jesus die on a cross?  Yes, Jesus died on a cross for you and for me!
• Were the people mean to him?  Yes, there were mean men that wanted to get rid of Him.
• Did they hurt him?  Yes, they didn't treat him very nice and they hurt Jesus.
• Why were they mean?  They thought Jesus was going to take away their power
• Why didn't Jesus just stop them?  He did all of this because He loves you.  He chose death so you could choose to love Him and live forever.

I don't think any of these answers sugar coat the truth of what happened.  But I also think it gives children age appropriate answers without graphic details that young children don't need or understand. And as with many topics with children, don't be scared to answer the questions, but answer the question with simple truthful answers and then stop.  Wait for them to ask the next question.  If they don't ask the question they are probably not ready for the answer.

Some activities that you may want to participate in as a family....

Resurrection Eggs (preschool version)

Resurrection Cookies
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Thank you very much Kiera for your wonderful insight on this topic!  I look forward to having you guest blog here quite often!

On the journey with you,

Pastor Beau