Road to the Cross·Matthew/Mark/Luke/John

The Cross for Kids: Bible Story Explained Simply

Ages 6+·6 min read·New Testament·By Faithful Kids Team·Updated August 16, 2026

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The Cross

Read the lesson transcript

This is the hardest story I will ever tell you. But I need you to hear it, because this is why I came.

After the beating, they placed a heavy wooden cross on my back and made me walk through the streets of Jerusalem. My body was broken. The crowd that had waved palm branches five days earlier now lined the road to watch me suffer. Some were weeping. Most just stared.

I stumbled. My legs gave out. The soldiers grabbed a man from the crowd — a man named Simon, from a place called Cyrene. He was just passing through. He never planned to be part of this story. But they forced the cross onto his shoulders, and he carried it the rest of the way for me. Sometimes the person who helps you the most is someone you never expected.

We reached a hill called Golgotha — the Place of the Skull. And there, they nailed me to the cross. Iron spikes through my hands and feet. I felt everything. The wood. The weight. The tearing.

The soldiers took my clothes and gambled for them, rolling dice at the foot of my cross like it was a game. People walking by shouted insults. "He saved others — He can't save Himself!" The religious leaders mocked me. "If you're really the Son of God, come down from the cross!"

They didn't understand. I wasn't on the cross because I couldn't come down. I was on the cross because I wouldn't.

Two criminals hung on crosses beside me — one on my left, one on my right. One of them mocked me like the crowd. But the other one — he was different. He turned his head toward me and said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." I looked at him through the blood and the pain and said, "Today, you will be with me in paradise."

Even on the cross, it wasn't too late for him. It's never too late.

Then I looked down and saw my mother, Mary. She was standing there with John, one of my closest disciples. Her heart was shattering. I said to her, "Woman, behold your son." And to John, "Behold your mother." Even while dying, I made sure she would be cared for.

Here's what I need you to understand: every nail was a choice. Every moment on that cross, I could have called ten thousand angels. I could have stepped down and walked away. But I looked ahead through time and I saw your face — and I stayed.

Love that costs nothing isn't love. The cross was the price I paid for you.

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KEY SCRIPTURE: "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." — Luke 23:34

LESSON: Love that costs nothing isn't love. The cross is the price Jesus paid for you.

This retelling is one of our 200 Bible stories for kids — the whole Bible, free, from Genesis to Revelation.

Series: Road to the Cross (Episode 08 of 10) | Scripture: Matthew/Mark/Luke/John | Ages 6+

The Cross is a Bible story from Matthew/Mark/Luke/John in the New Testament. This retelling is designed for kids ages 5 and up, using simple language they can understand and lessons they will remember.

What Is the Story of The Cross for Kids?

THE ROAD TO THE CROSS — Episode 8: The Cross Based on Matthew 27:32-44 and John 19:17-27 Series: The Road to the Cross | Target audience: Ages 7-15

This is the hardest story I will ever tell you. But I need you to hear it, because this is why I came.

This story comes from Matthew/Mark/Luke/John and is part of the New Testament.

What Does the Story of The Cross Teach Children?

The story of The Cross teaches children important lessons about sacrifice, love, courage, Easter:

Jesus gave His life because He loves every person that much
The hardest moments can have the greatest purpose
Sacrifice for others is the deepest form of love

Key Bible Verse

"Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." — Luke 23:34

Parent's Guide: Why This Story Matters

The crucifixion is the most important and most difficult story in the Bible to share with kids. Younger children (5-7) may need a gentler framing focused on Jesus's love and sacrifice. Older children (8+) can handle more of the weight. The key message for all ages: Jesus chose this because He loves us that much. This story is best paired with the Resurrection so your child sees the full picture: Friday was dark, but Sunday was coming.

Illustration from The Cross for Kids: Bible Story Explained Simply

Quiz: Test What Your Child Learned

After watching the video, see if your child can answer these questions:

Who was forced to help carry Jesus' cross?

Simon of Cyrene. Simon of Cyrene. He was just passing through Jerusalem and never planned to be part of this story, but the soldiers pulled him from the crowd.

What is the name of the hill where Jesus was crucified?

Golgotha, which means "the Place of the Skull." This was the hill outside Jerusalem where crucifixions took place.

What did the soldiers do with Jesus' clothing?

They gambled for them, rolling dice at the foot of the cross. This fulfilled a prophecy written hundreds of years earlier in Psalm 22.

What did Jesus say to the criminal who asked to be remembered?

"Today you will be with me in paradise." Even in His final hours on the cross, Jesus offered salvation to someone who simply believed.

What did Jesus do when He saw His mother standing near the cross?

He entrusted her to John, His disciple. Even while dying, Jesus made sure His mother would be taken care of.

What is the main lesson of this episode?

Love that costs nothing isn't love. Jesus could have stopped the crucifixion at any moment, but He chose to stay on the cross because of His love for us.

The Cross for Kids: Bible Story Explained Simply - Key Moment Illustration

Discussion Questions for Families

Use these questions at the dinner table or during bedtime:

What was your favorite part of the story of The Cross?
What do you think God was teaching us through this story?
How can we be more like The in our own lives?
If you were in this story, what would you have done differently?
What does this story teach us about trusting God?

More Episodes in the Road to the Cross Series

This story is episode 08 of 10 in the Road to the Cross series:

300+ Bible Stories for Kids on Faithful Kids

Faithful Kids has 300+ Bible story videos covering the entire Bible from Genesis to Revelation. Every story is a short video lesson, designed for kids Ages 6+, with a quiz after each lesson. No ads, ever.

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Pair the story with our free the cross coloring page — one sheet, ready to print.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the story of The Cross about for kids?

The Cross is a story from Matthew/Mark/Luke/John. THE ROAD TO THE CROSS — Episode 8: The Cross Based on Matthew 27:32-44 and John 19:17-27 Series: The Road to the Cross | Target audience: Ages 7-15

What age is the story of The Cross appropriate for?

This retelling of The Cross is designed for children Ages 6+. The language is simple and age-appropriate, and the video is just a few minutes long, perfect for young attention spans.

Where is The Cross found in the Bible?

The Cross is found in Matthew/Mark/Luke/John in the New Testament. It is part of the Road to the Cross series on Faithful Kids.

Is there a video of The Cross for kids?

Yes. Faithful Kids has a short video retelling of The Cross designed for children, with narration, visuals, and a comprehension quiz. Watch it here.

How can I use The Cross for Sunday School or homeschool?

Play the short Faithful Kids video as an introduction, then use the discussion questions above for group conversation. The built-in quiz checks comprehension. Many Sunday school teachers and homeschool parents use Faithful Kids as weekly curriculum.