The Cross

Our church recently put a large cross on top of the main building. I don't remember exactly when it went up, but I am pretty sure it was before our Christmas vacation. When we were home again and getting back to our routine, the cross is the first thing the kids noticed when we drove to AWANA a week ago Wednesday night and then again the next morning for my ladies' Bible study.

Arden is fully convinced that THAT is the cross that Jesus died on. It sparked a wonderful conversation, both on the way home and later Thursday afternoon, when Arden was building with his Legos and constructed his own building with a cross on top. Our talk went something like this:

Arden: I don't want to die on the cross.
Me: I know, sweetie. That's why Jesus died on the cross--so we wouldn't HAVE to. Do you know why He died on the cross?
Arden: For our sins.
Me: That's right. Do you know what sin is?
Arden: No.
Me: Sin is anything bad that we do. When we disobey, that's sin. Anything that God doesn't want us to do is sin.
Arden: Oh. Jesus died on the cross.
Me: That's right! He died on the cross because all of us do bad things. Do you know why He did that?
Arden: Because He loves us!
Me: Yes! He loves us and wants us to be in heaven with Him someday!
Arden (with a grin of delight): Yes!

Our conversation lasted just a few minutes, but it was so precious, seeing him with his Legos strewn about the room, proudly holding the cross he had made. I cherish the time I got to spend talking about the gospel message with my 3-year-old boy, trying to see things through his eyes as he works his way to a deeper understanding of God's love and Christ's sacrifice. What a privilege to share God's Word with His little treasures!