1. Jesus’ death was the only solution to our sin problem.
2. Jesus died for guilty people—like us!
3. Jesus’ death changed everything.
The morning of February 18, 2020, started out like any other day for students at Christ the King Catholic School in Kansas City, Kansas. As they hurried to campus, they were greeted by their friendly, 88-year-old crossing guard, who stood watch over the crossing of Leavenworth Road just like he did every other morning and afternoon. The kids always knew they could expect to find Mr. Bob holding a big red stop sign in one hand and waving to them with the other.
Approximately five minutes before the first bell rang, the students’ humdrum morning routine screeched to a violent halt. As two brothers were preparing to step off the curb, Mr. Bob noticed a car speeding toward them. He signaled for the boys to step back while he maintained his position in the middle of the road with his big red sign still in hand. Moments later, the sign lay in the middle of the road near his broken body. Mr. Bob had made the ultimate sacrifice to protect two of the children he loved.
Jesus’ Death Was the Only Solution to Our Sin Problem
For all who witnessed the accident, that gruesome scene will remain with them for the rest of their lives. It was a terrible moment. And yet, it was also a beautiful reminder of Mr. Bob’s tremendous love for the children he greeted each day. Given a choice, there is little doubt that Bob Nill would have preferred to return home safely that morning, but he considered his life to be an acceptable sacrifice for the children’s sake. In the words of John 15:13, “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.”
Two thousand years ago Jesus Christ made a similar decision. As the cross loomed before Him, He prayed, “Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done” (Luke 22:42). There was no other way. While kind people like Mr. Bob might succeed in protecting our physical bodies, Jesus was the only One who could stand between us and spiritual death. That is why God did not spare Him from suffering, and it is why Jesus willingly laid down His life for our sake on Good Friday.
Jesus Died for Guilty People—Like Us!
As we compare these two stories, there is a difference of responsibility to consider. The boys at the street curb were obeying safety protocols on their way to school. When Mr. Bob stood in front of a speeding car, he was protecting children who were innocent bystanders—they were not in any way responsible for the speeding car or for the impending accident. But Jesus died for the driver of that car and for the Romans soldiers who nailed Him to a cross and for every sin anyone has ever committed—He died for people who deserve to experience the consequences of their choices. The apostle Paul explains it this way:
Romans 5:7-8 (NLT)
Jesus’ Death Changed Everything
Mr. Bob’s legacy will live on in the hearts of his family and friends for years to come, but he never again will stand guard at Leavenworth Road or greet children on their way to school. What makes Jesus’ story so amazing—so good—is what happened after He died. According to the customs of His day, His body was wrapped tightly in cloths and placed in a sealed tomb. Then, three days later, some of His friends visited the tomb. As they approached, there was an earthquake, and an angel opened the tomb. He explained,
Romans 28:5-7
Jesus was alive again! And He lives to this day. He conquered death for Himself and for everyone who trusts Him as their Savior. Friday was good because it demonstrated Jesus' great love for us, and it offers us the hope of eternal life. Without Good Friday, there would be no Easter, and we would have no way to get to heaven. His death changed everything. Let’s praise our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, for Good Friday!
As you teach the children you love about Good Friday, consider sharing Mr. Bob’s story with them or help them think of people they know who have given sacrificially for the good of others. If your child has a copy of the Airship Genesis Kids Study Bible, the following study notes may help guide your conversations about Good Friday and Easter.
| RUPERT REPORTS | POWER FORCE SIDEBARS |
| Atonement, Exodus 29:36 (page 100) | Be Forgiven, Hosea 1 (page 967) |
| Branch of the Lord, Isaiah 4:2 (page 741) | Be Reconciled, Hosea 1 (page 966) |
| Calvary, Luke 23 (page 1168) | Be Saved, Acts 16:30-31 (page 1234) |
| Christ Our Cornerstone, Ephesians 2:20 (page 1305) | Be Victorious 1 Corinthians 15 (page 1283) |
| Gospel, Matthew 4:23 (page 1054) | |
| Justified, Job 32:2 (page 576) | LOGOS DISCOVERY ARTICLES |
| Lamb (The), Revelation 5 (page 1397) | The Day Sin Came In, Genesis 3 (page 6) |
| Mediator, 1 Timothy 2:5 (page 1333) | A Father Who Loves, Psalm 103 (page 653) |
| Passover, Exodus 12:11 (page 78) | Skull Hill, John 19:17-30 (1202) |
| Propitiation, Romans 3:25 (page 1255) | The Suffering Servant, Isaiah 53 (page 794) |
| Ransom, 1 Timothy 2 (page 1332) | The Ten Commandments, Exodus 20 (page 89) |
| Repentance, Hosea 6 (page 971) | To Touch His Scars, John 20:24-29 (page 1205) |
| Righteousness, Jeremiah 23 (page 837) | |
| Sacrifice, Genesis 31:54 (page 41) | |
| Salvation, Psalm 68:19 (page 629) | |
| Soul, Job 27:2 (page 571) |