The Cross for Kids: The Bible Story Explained Simply

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.

Watch the Full Story of The Cross

Watch The Cross in our 60-second video lesson. Your child can follow along and take a quiz after to check what they learned.

Watch "The Cross" on Faithful Kids

Part of our Road to the Cross series, 10 episodes covering sacrifice, love, courage, Easter.

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.

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.

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.

Quiz: Test What Your Child Learned

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

1. Who was forced to help carry Jesus' cross?

Discussion Questions for Families

Use these questions at the dinner table or during bedtime:

1. What was your favorite part of the story of The Cross?
2. What do you think God was teaching us through this story?
3. How can we be more like The in our own lives?
4. If you were in this story, what would you have done differently?
5. 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:

• The Triumphal Entry for Kids
• Cleansing the Temple for Kids
• The Last Supper for Kids
• The Garden of Gethsemane for Kids
• The Betrayal for Kids
• The Trial for Kids
• Peter Denies Jesus for Kids
• It is Finished for Kids
• The Burial for Kids

400+ Bible Stories for Kids on Faithful Kids

Faithful Kids has 400+ Bible story videos covering the entire Bible from Genesis to Revelation. Every story is 60 seconds, designed for kids Ages 6+, with a quiz after each lesson. No ads, ever.

Try Faithful Kids free for 7 days

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 60 seconds 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 60-second 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 60-second 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.

What does The Cross teach kids?

The story of The Cross teaches children about sacrifice, love, courage, Easter. Jesus gave His life because He loves every person that much.