HERO | A Children's Book Connecting Jesus' Ministry To ElishaSample
The people spit and throw old food, rocks and dirt at Jesus as the soldiers march him through the streets carrying a big cross on his back as he stumbles his way up a mountain in Jerusalem called “The Skull.” There, Saba and I watch as Jesus is raised up on a cross between two criminals.
This man Jesus, who has done nothing but help people
... this promised Messiah
... the one better than Elisha ...
... hangs there on a tree to die, like a criminal.
I look in disbelief at Saba, and then back at Jesus, then back at Saba and then back at Jesus. How had everything changed so quickly? Everyone saw Jesus do his miracles. Everyone had talked about his kindness, his love, and his healings, and yet now they all yell at him—wishing him closer to death.
Everything is in slow motion. Tears spill down my face, and I cry so loudly that I cannot catch my breath. This man Jesus, my Hero, is dying. I gasp for air as I try to understand everything, and then like a lightning bolt, out of nowhere, Jesus silences everyone with a cry from the cross.
“Father,” he struggles, “Forgive them!”
Jesus, fighting to stay alive, gasps for air, not able to fill his lungs. Jesus, looking like he wants to say something again, raises his head and is able to get just enough strength to make one last cry. Like a soldier crying out in war he screams, “It is finished.”
Scripture
About this Plan
John's gospel can be broken into four parts: an Introduction (John 1:-1:18), the Book of signs (1:19-12:50), the Book of exaltation (13:1-20:31) and an epilogue (Chapter 21). In the book HERO, children and adults alike, can adventure with Eli and Saba (Eli’s Grandfather) on a wild ride of storytelling and discovery, and discover how John’s Gospel intentionally pairs John the Baptist's ministry with Elijah, and Jesus’ ministry with Elisha.
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We would like to thank Chris Jones and Garden City for providing this plan. For more information, please visit: www.gardencityproject.com