Introduction: The Most Important Story

“But these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name.” — John 20:31

In the last book, Jesus did wonderful things. He healed the sick and stilled the storm and fed the hungry. He told stories about lost sheep and lost sons, and about a God who runs to welcome people home. And at the end of the book, He called His friend Lazarus out of the tomb.

But not everyone was glad. The religious leaders were jealous and afraid of Jesus, and they began to plan how to get rid of Him.

This book tells the most important part of the whole story. Jesus goes to Jerusalem for the last time. He rides into the city on a donkey while the crowds cheer. He eats a last meal with His friends. And then He is arrested, and put on trial, and nailed to a cross, and He dies.

That sounds like the saddest ending there could be. But it isn’t the ending.

Do you remember the very first promise God made, in the garden, on the day everything went wrong? He promised that one day a child would be born who would crush the snake’s head, even though the snake would hurt Him. Do you remember the lamb God provided on the mountain, instead of Isaac? And the Passover lamb, whose blood kept God’s people safe?

All of those stories were pointing to this one. Jesus came to rescue us from sin and death. And the only way to do it was to give His own life.

But on the third day, something happened that changed everything for ever.

Some parts of this book are sad, and some parts are hard. But keep reading. The end of this book is the happiest news the world has ever heard.

Dear Jesus, thank you for loving us so much that you gave your life for us. As we read this story, help us to understand how much you love us, and to believe in you. Amen.