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.