Supplies: glue, sand, a set of hearts for each child (black, red, white), pipe cleaner (we had pretty gold one’s lying around) and a hole punch. Optional: plastic egg and candy heart for each child.
After naps, we found a shady spot on our back porch where we plopped down and I handed each of them a black heart and let them spread a bit of glue on it and then sprinkle sand.
Due to the copious amount of glue used, we cut our object lesson short to let it dry and I went in to fix dinner. At dinner that night, Keegan (my 4.5 year old) was unexpectedly kind to his younger brother.
As we thanked him for this kind gesture, his eyes lit up and he asked if this would help make his heart clean. As I whispered a thanks to God for this wonderful opportunity, I explained that no amount of good works on his part could clean his heart. Only Jesus could do that because He took the punishment for our sin on the cross. A flash of understanding flickered across his face…
The next morning we picked up where we left off and lined the hearts up to punch holes in them. I cut the pipe cleaner into thirds and let them thread it through each of the hearts and we twisted it into a loop.
And the object lesson picked up again as we reviewed the hearts while the kids added more illustrations to the cards…
First up:
Jesus came to rescue us and clean our hearts. Nothing else, but HIS perfect sacrifice by laying down his life could clean our hearts and bring us back into relationship with God. We can’t do ANYTHING to clean our own hearts. It is only Jesus. He’s the only way. (This was a great opportunity to talk with my oldest son about how we are called to obedience and genuinely want to obey because of what Jesus has done in our hearts, but that it actually has nothing to do with our standing before God and how freeing it was to not have to worry about being good enough, but instead focus on loving and being loved by Jesus.)
And once we’ve asked Jesus to clean our hearts, God doesn’t see our imperfections, sin and dirtiness anymore. That has been replaced and the only thing our heavenly Father sees when he looks at us is His perfect son, Jesus, and counts us as His children. We are in His family, forever.
The best news ever!
There was sweet follow-up when each child received a plastic egg with a chocolate heart as a reminder that Jesus came to give us a new heart! Although in hindsight, this would have also been a great introduction into this activity as well. {I’m definitely stashing away some Valentine’s candy next year so the kids can share this truth with their friends and family!!!}
Throughout the rest of today, it was clear the kids were processing this news as they asked more questions and thought about things from various angles.
The beauty of this hands-on activity is it really helped them to visualize WHY Jesus came to earth and how significant this weekend is to humanity. We do not have to be stuck in despair, lonely, without hope, full of guilt or lacking purpose. God loved us so much, He wouldn’t give up on us and sent His own Son to rescue us.
That is what Easter is all about!
As one who is rescued, I’m once again filled with awe at how much God loves us. And I’m excited to give my children a peek into this reality as well!
May you have a wonderful weekend dwelling on the best news humanity has ever received!
What a brilliant idea! I may try this with my 3 year old.
I just did the “heart” object lesson with my kids today. The four year old definitely understood, although I’m not sure about the almost three year old! Still, a wonderful activity. I didn’t have red paper, so we water colored white hearts a deep red, which actually turned out very cool.
Makes me want to come over and learn right along with you friend. I will keep voting each day …
Be blessed bunches,
Sarah
Ah Heather this one makes me want to dance around! I am inspired again, and more than that encouraged by the reminder of a Savior who cleaned my heart!
Very neat project – I love the way you were able to discuss how good works don’t clean the heart – only Jesus can…
Have a blessed weekend!
Jane from HSV
Love, love, love it! I’m so w/you that kids CAN and DO understand the big truths of the Bible. Thank you for the great object lesson.
O how I love this activity! I’ve tucked it away for next year. Thank you for another wonderful idea!!!
This is amazing, Heather!
I love it. I think I’m going to do this with my kiddos… thanks for the idea. We’ve been doing our “Easter Tree” but I’d like to add this to it as well.
Happy Easter to you and your family!
Love, Heather