Luke 23:32 to 23:49 Jesus loved us so much that he gave his life on the cross so our sins could be forgiven. Understand that Jesus gave his life willingly out of boundless love for us. Discover Jesus' forgiving prayer on the cross: 'Father, forgive them.' Thank Jesus for taking away our sins through his sacrifice on the cross. Outside the city gates of Jerusalem on a hill called Calvary, Jesus gave his life on the cross between two thieves, fulfilling God's rescue plan for all humanity. The Hill Called Calvary Soldiers led Jesus outside the city of [Jerusalem](/bible/explorer/place/jerusalem) to a hill called Calvary. Two criminals were led out with him. Even though Jesus had never done anything wrong, he was nailed to a wooden cross between them. People mocked him, but Jesus looked at those who hurt him with deep love and prayed: 'Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.' Darkness and the Torn Curtain At noon, a mysterious darkness covered the whole land for three hours. The sun stopped shining. Inside the great temple in Jerusalem, the heavy curtain separating people from God's presence tore in two from top to bottom! This showed that through Jesus' death, the way to God is now wide open for every child and person who believes. Into Your Hands, Father Knowing that his saving work was completely finished, Jesus called out with a loud voice: 'Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!' Having said this, he breathed his last. When the Roman commander standing nearby saw what happened, he praised God and said, 'Certainly this man was innocent!' Loving friends wrapped Jesus' body gently and placed him in a new stone tomb. He loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 1 John 4:10 What loving prayer did Jesus pray for those who mistreated him on the cross? Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do Punish them right now I will never speak to them again Send fire from heaven Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do Luke 23:34 records Jesus praying for the forgiveness of those who harmed him. What happened to the heavy temple curtain when Jesus died? It tore in two from top to bottom It caught on fire It was painted white Nothing happened to it It tore in two from top to bottom The torn curtain showed that Jesus opened the way for all people to come directly to God. Why did Jesus give his life on the cross? Because he loved us and took the punishment for our sins Because he had no friends Because he was too weak to escape By complete accident Because he loved us and took the punishment for our sins Jesus willingly gave his life as our loving Savior to forgive our sins and bring us to God. Draw a cross on a piece of paper and write: 'Thank you Jesus for loving me.' Hang it beside your bed this week. Lord Jesus, thank you for loving me so much that you died on the cross for my sins. Thank you for forgiving me and making a way for me to be God's child. I love you with all my heart. Amen. What does it show about Jesus that he forgave the people who nailed him to the cross? How do you feel knowing that Jesus gave his life specifically for you? Early readers discover the depth of God's love displayed on the cross, where Jesus took our punishment so we could be forgiven. Hold up a wooden cross. Ask what the cross means to Christians. Explain that it is not just jewelry or a building symbol; it is the ultimate proof of how much Jesus loves us! Did Jesus have to die? Yes. Because sin is so serious and separates us from a holy God, only Jesus' perfect sacrifice could pay the penalty and bring us back into God's family. 5 min Cross Hook, 15 min Sensitive Storytelling, 10 min Memory Verse Drill, 10 min Discussion, 5 min Prayer