During our bedtime devotions yesterday, we learned about Simon of Cyrene and how he carried the cross for Jesus. Lauren wanted to talk for quite awhile about how Jesus died on the cross, and even if that was a bedtime delay tactic, it’s one I’ll always go along with! We all tried to help her understand that Jesus died on the cross for us, and for her, to pay for the penalty of her sins. My husband described it this way: Jesus dying on the cross for our sins is like you getting in trouble but someone else taking your punishment. For instance, if Lauren hit Jackson, and she was definitely the one who did wrong, instead of her getting a spanking or going to time out, Jackson would choose to take her time out instead. Jesus loved us and paid for our sins, even though we were the ones who did wrong, not Him.

After breakfast this morning, I was cleaning up in the kitchen and turned around to see Lauren grabbing Jackson and pinching him. After talking with her about her unacceptable behavior, she was sent to time out.

That’s when Jackson turned to me and asked if he could go to time out instead of her, like what we talked about the night before. He wanted to show Jesus’ love to her.

Well, I couldn’t say no! I made sure that was what he really wanted to do, and he went over to Lauren in the corner to ask if he could sit in time out in her place. She agreed, and Jackson sat quietly and took her time out.

Jackson’s precious spirit pierced my heart. He was willing to humble himself in order to display the Gospel. He was willing to take on a punishment He didn’t deserve to demonstrate the redemptive power of Christ. That must be my theme, my aim, today: showcasing the message of Jesus’s sacrificial love.

If a seven-year-old gets it, his mom should too.

He became sin who knew no sin
That we might become His righteousness.
He humbled Himself and carried the cross.
Love so amazing,
Love so amazing!

– Chris Tomlin, Jesus Messiah