Some things can’t be fixed by trying harder. A bike with a flat tire won’t ride no matter how fast you pedal. You need someone with the right tools. Sin broke our friendship with God, and no amount of being good could fix it. So God sent Jesus, the only one with the power to make it right.

God Sent His Son

God loved us too much to leave us broken.

John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

Jesus came to earth as a baby and grew up to live a perfect life. He never sinned, not even once. He taught people to love God and love others, and he showed them what God is like.

The Cross and the Empty Tomb

Then Jesus did the most amazing thing ever. He died on the cross to take the punishment for our sin. Three days later, he rose from the dead (1 Corinthians 15:3-4)! Jesus did what we could never do for ourselves. The Bible says, “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).

Made Right by Faith

So how do we get in on this? Not by working harder, but by trusting Jesus.

Romans 3:22 This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile,

“Righteousness” means being made right with God. It’s a gift for anyone who trusts Jesus. You don’t have to carry your mistakes around anymore.

The Takeaway

Jesus fixed what sin broke, and we’re made right with God by trusting him. This week, when you catch yourself trying to be “good enough” on your own, remember that Jesus already did the hard work. Thank him, and look for ways to share his love.

Discuss and Dive Deeper

Talk about it:

  1. Read “The Takeaway” above together. What’s one thing you learned?
  2. If you had the power to instantly fix anything broken, what would you fix first?
  3. Read Romans 3:22 together. What does it say we need to do to be made right with God?
  4. Parents, share something you broke as a kid. Who helped you fix it?
  5. When a mistake feels really big, how does knowing Jesus already paid for sin help you stop worrying?
  6. What is one way your family can share the good news about Jesus with a neighbor or friend this week?
  7. Take turns praying, thanking Jesus for dying on the cross and rising again.

See also:

The Bible Story (Family Devo)