Good Friday is a tender and powerful day in the Christian faith—a day to pause, reflect, and remember the incredible love Jesus showed when He gave His life for us. As a mom and a homeschooler, I know how important it is to share this truth in a way that speaks to our children’s hearts and minds.
That’s why I created this simple, hands-on devotional just for families. It includes a meaningful Bible reading, a thoughtful reflection, and a fun activity to help kids truly understand what Jesus did for them. Whether you’re gathered around the kitchen table or cozied up for Bible time, I pray this helps your children connect with God’s love in a new and personal way.
Below, you’ll find today’s devotion and an activity to get started!
Bible Story & Reflection
Scripture: Luke 23:33–34 (KJV)
“And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left. 34Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.”
What Happened on Good Friday?
Good Friday is the day we remember that Jesus died on the cross. It’s called “Good” because of what His death did for us—even though the day itself was filled with pain and sadness.
Jesus was arrested, put on trial, and people shouted that He should die—even though He had done nothing wrong. He was hurt, mocked, and nailed to a cross.
But Jesus wasn’t caught by surprise. He chose to go to the cross. He knew this was the only way to save us.
But Why Did Jesus Have to Die?
In this world, sin breaks things—our friendship with God, our relationships with others, and even the peace in our own hearts. Sin brings guilt, shame, and separation from God.
And the only way to fix what was broken was for someone perfect to take the punishment we deserved.
That’s why Jesus came. He never sinned—not once. But He took the wrong, carried the hurt, and made a way for us to be made right with God.
On the cross, He took all our sin—all our selfishness, lies, unkindness, and mistakes—and He carried it with Him.
Because He loves us too much to leave us broken.
What Did Jesus’ Death Do
- It paid the price for our sin
- It opened the way for us to be close to God again
- It showed us the greatest love the world has ever known
At the moment Jesus died:
- The sky went dark for three hours.
- The temple curtain tore in two, showing that we no longer need sacrifices—Jesus paid for our sins once and for all!
- A Roman soldier, who had helped crucify Jesus, realized Jesus was truly the Son of God.
- Jesus’ friends were heartbroken. They gently placed His body in a tomb, and a big stone was rolled in front
But the story doesn’t end here… something incredible is coming on Easter Sunday!
Discussion Questions
- How do you feel when you think about what Jesus did for us? It makes me feel thankful, amazed, and loved. Jesus didn’t have to suffer—but He chose to because He loves us so much.
- Why do you think Jesus forgave the people who were hurting Him? Because His heart is full of mercy. Jesus came to forgive and save—not to fight back. He loved even His enemies and wanted them to have a chance to turn back to God.
- What does Jesus’ sacrifice mean for us today? It means we are completely forgiven. We don’t have to carry guilt or shame. His sacrifice gives us a fresh start and a way to be close to God forever.
Closing Prayer
“Dear Jesus, thank You for loving us so much that You gave Your life for us. Help us to remember Your sacrifice with thankful hearts. Teach us to love others the way You love us. Amen.”
Craft Activities
1. Stained Glass Cross Suncatcher
Supplies:
- Black construction paper
- Tissue paper (bright colors)
- Scissors
- Glue or clear contact paper
- Pencil
Instructions:
- Create the Frame: Fold the black construction paper in half and draw a large cross on the fold. Cut out the cross to create a “window frame.”
- Add the Color: Tear or cut pieces of tissue paper and glue them inside the cross frame, overlapping colors like stained glass.
- Display: Hang it in a sunny window and watch the light shine through!
The Big Lesson: The cross was a place of great suffering, but through it, Jesus brought light and hope to the world—His love shines through even our darkest moments.
2. Crown of Thorns
Supplies:
- Brown or tan pipe cleaners
- Short pieces of twine, yarn, or tan string
- Scissors
Instructions:
- Shape the Crown: Twist pipe cleaners together into a circle to form a small crown.
- Add the “Thorns”: Carefully tie small pieces of twine or yarn sticking out around the circle to represent thorns (no sharp objects needed).
The Big Lesson: Jesus wore a painful crown to show He was a different kind of King—one who chose humility, sacrifice, and love to save us.
3. Tear-to-See Hidden Art Craft
Supplies:
- Drawing paper
- Crayons, markers, or colored pencils
- Tape, glue, or staple
- Plain paper (for covering)
Instructions:
- Create Hidden Beauty: Have kids draw a beautiful picture—maybe a cross, the word “Forgiven,” or a scene like the temple curtain or empty tomb.
- Cover It Up: Staple, tape, or glue a blank sheet of paper over the artwork—only attach it at the top, sides, and bottom so it forms a flap.
- Reveal It: The only way to see the picture is to tear the paper.
The Big Lesson: When Jesus died, the curtain in the Temple tore—removing the barrier between God and us, so we could come close and know His love fully.
4. Invoice of Debts – Paid in Full
Supplies:
- Printable invoice sheet (or blank paper set up like a receipt)
- Pens or pencils
- Trash can or shredder
Instructions:
- Reflect: Kids write down things they’ve done that hurt others or God, and also things others have done that hurt them.
- Fill It In: Use the “price,” “quantity,” and “total” sections to make it feel real (e.g., 3 lies = 3 trust broken).
- Mark It: At the bottom, stamp or write “PAID IN FULL by Jesus.”
- Let It Go: Crumple it, rip it, or throw it away to symbolize forgiveness.
The Big Lesson: On the cross, Jesus paid the full debt of our sin—so we can be completely forgiven and even forgive others, just like He forgave us.
What’s Next?
Tomorrow is Silent Saturday. Jesus rests in the tomb, but God is still working. Hope is coming.
If you and your family enjoyed this devotion and activity, you can download the Good Friday and Easter Week Devotional absolutely free on Teachers Pay Teachers—just click here. Or, grab the full printable version of the Easter Holy Week Devotional plus a special bonus Easter activity for just $0.99 on Kindle or TPT!
👉 Follow my store on TPT for more devotionals, printables, homeschool encouragement, and faith-building resources for the whole family.
God bless you this Easter season!
With love,
Amy
