Forgiving Challenge Kids: The 11-Day Forgiveness AdventureSample

How Do We Mess Up?

Yesterday we learned that sin is missing that bullseye of being perfect. Anything outside of perfect is a sin. Today we will learn about how we sin and what Jesus does with our sin.

All kids have a first name that their parents picked out, and then the last name, whatever the parent's last name is. Many have a middle name too. So think about your first, middle, and last name. Do you know what your first name means? Look it up if you don't know, or ask a parent or guardian. Back in Jesus' time, a name was significant. It wasn't just a fancy monogram on a baby bib or a name that sounded cute to your parents. Someone could tell your dad's work, father's name, possibly your location of birth, or even physical features from your name! (Anyone out there named Blue Eyes or US Bank?!?)

Jesus changed His disciple's name from Simon to Peter when He called him a disciple. Peter's name means the Rock. Peter probably felt pretty cool to have such a mighty name. But soon after, Peter messed up BIG TIME.

Peter denied even knowing Jesus three times after promising he would never leave Him or abandon Him. Talk about missing the mark. He lied to save his skin.

Just like Peter, even after creating us in His image and being SO good to us, there are times that we fail to live up to what God wants from us. There is a punishment that comes with every sin. But, rather than making us pay the penalty, God sent His son, Jesus, into this world to die for each and every one of us.

Hebrews 9:22 tells us, "Practically everything in a will hinges on a death. That's why blood, the evidence of death, is used so much in our tradition, especially regarding forgiveness of sins."

Jesus didn't just go to the cross so you could get to be a good person. Jesus came to kill sin once and for all. He came to give you a new name. Don't worry; you can keep the name you got at your birth! The new name Jesus calls you is "Daughter" or "Son." You are part of His family now.

So don't pull out the baby book and start practicing a new name. The one you have works just fine; just add this to the end of it: “God's Child."

Challenge: Make a list of mess-ups you have done, and then crumple them up and throw them away. Even though it's tough to think about our mess-ups, we can do it knowing that God forgives us and calls us His perfect children.