This lesson contains the proclamation of the kerygma--- the Good News that Jesus died and rose to save us from sin.

The consequences of sin are explained in a way that can be understood by the child. The impossibility of reaching heaven without Jesus cannot be ignored and is presented here in an age-appropriate way. The aim is to help the child grasp the necessity of Jesus for our salvation. At this age, children begin to question authority and test limits. They view things as right or wrong with little middle ground. However, they are interested in rules and have a strong desire to do things right.

Third graders may be afraid of death, and it may be difficult for them to understand why Jesus had to die. This part of the kerygma needs to be presented gently. The concept of "atonement" is foreign to them; a story is presented to help make this clear. The analogy appeals to their sense of justice and helps children understand what Jesus accomplishes through His passion, death, and resurrection. It's "unthinkable" that a friend would pay the price for someone else's mistake; this unlikely act can help the child open up to the radical love of God. Indeed, God's ways are not our ways. (cf. Is 55:8