I’ve got to tell you, my heart nearly broke last night.
As a family, we’ve been reading through, The Jesus Storybook Bible: Every Story Whispers His Name, with my four-year old son, Liam. If you’re shopping for a children’s Bible, this one has my highest recommendation.
Needless to say, Liam has had some interesting questions as we’ve gone through the stories. It’s been fun working through the stories and seeing my son process everything. During this time, Liam has genuinely started expressing more and more love for Jesus. He’s been talking about him, saying how much he loves Jesus, and even making up songs randomly about Jesus. This is such an awesome thing for me to see as a dad.
Because of this, I haven’t been looking forward to reading the story of the crucifixion. Knowing my son, I didn’t want to see him saddened by the death of someone he loved. I didn’t want to see him despair. In our society, we try so hard to protect our children from the brutal realities of the world–and as a product of our culture, it was hard for me to share the story with Liam. But I knew I had too.
As we snuggled in and began reading, I could tell it was already tough for my little buddy. His face was downcast, and his usually busy body was still. Finally, as we got to the last part where Jesus is taunted to save himself, Liam exclaimed excitedly, “Yeah! He’s going to get down from the cross!”
He even jumped up and down with joy.
But then I had to go on. I had to tell the story that Jesus didn’t get down. He stayed on the cross. And he died. For me and for you.
Liam knows the ending. He knows that Jesus is alive today. We even discussed it. And you know what, Jesus’ disciples knew this too. Yet, just as with the disciples, my son’s grief at seeing Jesus die–even knowing intellectually that he would raise again–was real and it was palatable.
It has been a long time since the story of the crucifixion brought tears to my eyes. I’d heard it so many times before. But last night, seeing it again as a fresh and painful story through Liam’s eyes, I once again was tearful.
I think we could all benefit from seeing Jesus through a child’s eyes. And I can’t wait to see the resurrection through Liam’s eyes tonight.
I’m sitting here, crying at my desk, because of this! Thank you so much for sharing. It will be amazing for you to see the joy in Liam’s heart as you talk about the resurrection.
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This post was mentioned on Twitter by thejakers: Seeing Jesus like a child. My son’s response to Jesus’ death. http://bit.ly/dvoVLc...
We read this children’s Bible to Paige & Ethan and love the way it tells the stories of the Bible so accurately yet so simply for our little 3 year-olds minds to comprehend. What a great story, thanks for sharing:) Liam has such a gentle soul!
Jake, thank you for sharing this.
Wow Jake. I’m not much of a crier, but this did bring a tear. Such a beautiful story. It’s amazing how seeing the faith of a child can increase ours as well as our appreciation for the most selfless, amazing sacrifice that ever has or ever will occur. Your account is a great reminder. Thanks for sharing.
[...] following up on my post earlier this week, Seeing Jesus Like a Child. In that post I talked about how moving it was to read the crucifixion account as told in the [...]
Oh my gosh! What a blessing to hear what God is doing in you and through you and Liam! Love ya Jacob!!
Jake- Jason and Shelly bought this Bible for us and we’re on our second time reading through it. It’s amazing! Brandon usually ends each story in tears. (I’m sure he is loving that I just shared that with people.) The story of Jesus’ crucifixion was really hard for my kids, too. It is sad to see them hurt, but such an important lesson to be learned-for them and for us as parents.