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Why Jesus Had to Die

Jesus Took Our Place

Day 115of 180
Week 23of 36
25Minutes
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🖨️ Download Worksheet (PDF)

Learning Objectives

1

Understand that sin requires punishment

2

Learn how Jesus paid the penalty for human sin

3

Develop gratitude for God's love and justice

Romans 3:23-26

For all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God; being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God set forth to be an atoning sacrifice, through faith in his blood, to demonstrate his righteousness, because of the passing over of sins done before, in the forbearance of God, to demonstrate his righteousness at this present time, that he might himself be just, and the justifier of him who has faith in Jesus.

Romans 3:23-26 (WEB)

Explains God's plan of redemption through Jesus' sacrificial death

📦 Materials Needed

  • Bible (World English Bible)
  • White paper
  • Red marker
  • Pencil
  • BibleMouse Resource Guide

Lesson Plan

1Opening (3 min)

In today's BibleMouse lesson, we'll explore why Jesus had to die. Remember how yesterday we learned about the great exchange?

💭 Review Question: Can you tell me one thing you remember about how Jesus took our sins?
2Teaching (8 min)

God's justice requires that sin be punished. Just like breaking a family rule has consequences, breaking God's law requires a penalty.

📌 Key Talking Points:
  • All people have sinned
  • Sin separates us from God
  • Jesus paid our penalty completely
💬 Discussion Questions:
  • What do you think sin looks like?
  • How does Jesus help us when we make mistakes?
3Activity: Substitution Illustration (10 min)
necessity study

Create a visual representation of Jesus taking our place

📝 Instructions:
  1. Draw a line down middle of paper
  2. On left side, draw stick figure representing yourself
  3. On right side, draw cross
  4. Use red marker to show Jesus' sacrifice
🔄 Variations:

Simpler: Parent helps draw figures

Challenge: Add Bible verse around illustration

4Closing (3 min)

Review key lesson points about Jesus' sacrifice

📝 Review Questions:
  • Why did Jesus have to die?
  • How does Jesus show God's love?
🙏 Prayer:

Thank you, Jesus, for taking our place and showing us God's love

Coming up: Tomorrow we'll explore the empty tomb and what it means

Isaiah 53:5

But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

Isaiah 53:5 (WEB)

🎯 Activity: Red Dot Memory Verse Game: Write verse on whiteboard. Each time child recites a word correctly, they get to place a red dot. Goal is to cover entire verse with red dots by week's end.

Teaching Notes

📚 Background:

Explain sacrifice in age-appropriate terms, focusing on love not fear

💡 Teaching Tips:
  • Use concrete examples
  • Be patient with complex theological concepts
  • Emphasize God's love
🤔 Common Struggles:

Understanding abstract concept of spiritual penalty

👀 Signs of Understanding:

Child's growing understanding of grace and sacrifice

Extension Activities

  • BibleMouse Printables Library coloring page about Jesus' sacrifice
  • Listen to BibleMouse Song Collection worship tracks about redemption

Ready for Tomorrow?

Great job completing today's lesson!

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