PLAN OF SALVATION

 

memory verse for this unit

“God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of it” (Acts 2:32, NIV*).

objectives of this unit

This unit will help the children:• Know why Jesus came into the world and died on the cross for their sins; and understand the need to ask him for forgiveness for their sins• Know and believe that Jesus died and was buried, but God resurrected him; and learn that the Easter story is to celebrate that Jesus lives• Know that Jesus’ disciples saw him return to heaven after God raised him from the dead.

the reason we teach this unit

A person who dies on a cross is a figure almost incomprehensible to children of this age because it is not a custom of the current world. Therefore they cannot understand it, or even imagine it (unless they have been told the story of Jesus since they were little or have seen the Jesus Film). It will be essential, then, to show pictures of Jesus’ death on the cross, and explain that he was subjected to that specific type of death for two reasons: one, so that what was announced in the Old Testament would be fulfilled, and two, to pay with his death for the sins of everyone. It is important that students do not see this only as a history lesson, but understand that Jesus’ death, which occurred about 2,000 years ago, has an effect on their lives today. And although at this age they do not have the maturity to understand the responsibility of all human beings in Jesus’ death, it is necessary that they feel that because of the wickedness of all people, including children, Christ had to suffer such a sacrifice. Give them a positive note by teaching them that death served to give them life forever, eternal life.

* Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™