God’s Rescue Plan

Written by Janice VanCleave
Posted February 27, 2010 at 4:09 pm

“But here is how God has shown love for us. While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8

Topic: Jesus Died for Our Sins
Bible Exploration: Genesis 4:16, Mark 15: 33-34, John 18 and 19, Romans 3:23, 5:6-11, 6:23,
II Peter 2:4-6The Bible is like a jigsaw puzzle with every verse being a puzzle piece. Each piece is important and needed . But there is more understanding of the value of each piece when they are connected. Likewise, each verse in the Bible is very important, but also like a jigsaw puzzle, there is more understanding when the verses are connected.

It is easier to put jigsaw pieces together if you look at the picture on the puzzle box. It is also easier to understand the Bible is you know that it forms a picture of God’s love. So if you read what seems to be a scary part, read on because with more of the puzzle pieces God’s love will be revealed. For example, verses in Genesis explain that the penalty for sin is death (separation from God). Romans 3:23 is a verse that says everyone has sinned. So everyone is guilty and has received a death sentence. But by adding more puzzle pieces, God’s rescue plan is revealed. In this plan, the penalty for sin doesn’t change and God demands payment. But a Savior, Jesus Christ pays the penalty for the sins of the world.
The part of the puzzle revealing Jesus paying this penalty shows Him dying on a cross. This part makes us sad, but we can be thankful that He loved us so much that He suffered and died for us.

For the gloriously, happy part of God’s rescue plan, see Chapter 35, “The Easter Story” in “Hands-On Bible Explorations.”

In the following activity, you will use a sheet of paper to form the shape of a cross. The cross will represent a Bible puzzle piece showing God’s rescue plan.
The Cross
Materials
colored copy paper, 1 or more sheets per child
crayons and/or markers