Bible Reading: Matthew 27; Mark 15; Luke 23; John 19

Love That Never Ends

After the Last Supper, Jesus went to a quiet garden to pray. He knew that difficult things were about to happen, but he trusted God.

Soon, soldiers came and arrested Jesus.

Some leaders accused him of things that were not true. Even though Jesus had spent his life loving, healing, and teaching others, he was treated unfairly.

Jesus was taken outside the city and nailed to a wooden cross.

Even while he was suffering, Jesus prayed for the people around him.

He said,

“Father, forgive them.”

Many of Jesus’ friends felt very sad. His mother Mary stayed nearby, and some of his followers remained with him.

After several hours, Jesus died.

The sky grew dark, and many people grieved because they loved him.

A kind man named Joseph of Arimathea carefully took Jesus’ body and placed it in a new tomb. A large stone was rolled across the entrance.

Everything seemed quiet.

It looked as though the story had ended.

But God was not finished.

A wonderful surprise was coming.

What Can We Learn?

Jesus showed God’s love all the way to the end. He forgave others, even when they were unkind to him. His story reminds us that love is stronger than hate, forgiveness is stronger than revenge, and hope remains even in our saddest moments.

Love Like Francis and Clare

If someone hurts your feelings today, ask God to help you respond with kindness. Forgiveness can be difficult, but it helps our hearts grow in love.

Prayer

Dear God,

Thank You for Jesus, who loved with all his heart. Help us forgive others, choose kindness, and trust that Your love is always with us, even in difficult times.

Amen.

Remember This Verse

“Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.” — Luke 23:34