A 7-Year-Old’s Take on Jesus’ Suffering

04.5.2011 | 1:37 pm | Homeschooling


I’ve mentioned the devotion book we’ve been going through during this Lent season (Journey to the Cross), but I wanted to share something extra that happened during yesterday’s devotion. We’ve gotten up to the point of Jesus’ crucifixion and have spent the past 3 days focusing in detail on the events of that sad morning. Yesterday’s focus was on the pain that Jesus endured willingly while being nailed to the cross, and the casting of lots for his robe.

At the end of each lesson there are usually three thought-provoking questions to ask your child. One of yesterday’s questions was, “Are you grateful that Jesus was willing to suffer and die on the cross?”

When I asked G that question, I was scanning forward in the book, thinking about the next reading, and wasn’t looking directly at G. But after a couple of seconds, I realized he hadn’t answered, so I looked up at him. He was looking at me with a sort of helpless look on his face, which obviously isn’t normal, so I repeated the question, thinking he perhaps didn’t hear it before.

He continued looking helpless, and said quietly, “Well…” and then I noticed his eyes filling with tears. I asked him what was wrong, and he choked softly, “Well…I don’t want to be grateful for him suffering and dying, because it was bad (free-flowing tears at this point)…but I’m grateful, too, that he did it for us” (more tears).

And now, I know for sure, that he gets it.

I pray that he moves closer to making a life decision to follow Jesus, now that he’s truly understanding what Jesus did for him.

But I was also struck by his sweet, sensitive response to that question. Undoubtedly grateful for what Jesus did, but hating that he had to ever go through it. So much so that it’s hard for him to even traverse the concept being grateful for such a thing. Of course, I grabbed him and hugged him, and let him know that his heart is exactly in the right place. He loves Jesus so much, and I’m grateful that he does. I’m also grateful that he’s here with me during the day, so I can take him and hug him at any time—especially when he has moments of fear, insecurity, or, in this case, just being so full of new emotion that he doesn’t even know how to begin to express it. What a special moment together.

I didn’t get around to last week’s Weekly Wrap Up, but I know no one really cares. However, because I love doing it, I’ll try my best to do this week’s Wrap-Up, and to tie in anything important that we covered last week, as well. Things have been pretty routine, with lots of yard work, doctor visits, and minor crises in between lessons. But all’s well, and that’s good! Hope to be back this weekend with the Wrap-Up!

3 Comments »

  1. “Like.”

    Comment by Jericho | 04.5.2011 | 1:59 pm

  2. Love him! and HIM!

    Comment by Em | 04.5.2011 | 3:29 pm

  3. Cam,
    I’m always interested in what’s going on with you and the boys. I was especially touched by the way Grayson reacted to the question asked. Sounds like he’s about ready to make a big committment with a little incouragement.

    Comment by Janice | 04.6.2011 | 8:53 am

 

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