This simple activity explores the meaning of the cross and why Jesus died.
At a family event last Easter, we stuck a paper cross on a pin-board and wrote some random negative things on to it.
We invited the people taking part to think about which of the negative things that they identified with the most and then we gave them a colorful piece of paper to pin over the top of that sin.
Christians believe that Jesus gave his life on the cross to deal with the sin that separates us from God. As the sins were covered we explained to the people taking part that Jesus forgives us when we do things wrong, but that he also wants us to choose to try to live in a way where we can be free from those things. We may never lead a perfect and sinless life, but trying to do so will make life better for us and the people around us.
It felt like there was something especially meaningful and symbolic in having to put pins in the cross to cover our sin. The nails may have physically held Jesus on the cross, but it was the defeating of death and sin that really kept Jesus on the cross as he died. Jesus died so that we could know him and live with him forever, that is how much God loves us!
If God loves us that much, how will we love and respond to him in return?
Many years ago I decided that I had to follow Jesus. If Jesus was willing to leave heaven behind and to become human and then to die for us all, then the only appropriate response for me was to offer him my life in return.
Enough about me though, what about you?
How will you respond to the God who loves you enough to make such an extreme sacrifice to save you?
If your interested in further creative ideas then visit the creative communication page.
Honest about my faith 