Holy Week. It’s a time for us to focus on what Jesus did to earn our salvation—to remember his agonies in the garden, his beatings and humiliation when under arrest, and his suffering on the cross, and then remember and celebrate his resurrection. To truly appreciate these things, we need to slow down and shift our focus to them. Yes, even we parents of children with extraordinary needs need to slow down and focus on Jesus’ saving work. When we do, we find some undeniable truths in God’s Word:

1. Jesus loves our children even more than we do.

This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. (1 John 3:16, NIV)

We parents tend to say and think, “I would die for my children.” And that very well might be true for you and me. But have we ever been put to the test? None of us has ever died for our children (or we wouldn’t be writing or reading this). Jesus was put to the test, however, and he willingly laid down his life for us. Not only did he die for us and our children—he even endured unspeakable torture and humiliation before his death. I can’t even fathom the agony he suffered on the cross—physically, emotionally, or spiritually! Yet he did it for you and for me and for our children! It’s safe to say that Jesus loves our children even more than we do. And as true God, he is watching over them and caring for them.

2. Our parenting mistakes and sins are all forgiven.

As far as the east is from the west,

    so far has he removed our transgressions from us. (Psalm 103:12, NIV)

Have you ever gotten so caught up in all the demands of parenting that you didn’t make time in God’s Word your top priority? Me, too. Have you ever lost patience with your children? Me, too. Have you ever worried about them excessively, rather than trusting in Jesus to care for them? Me, too. We all make parenting mistakes, and we all sin. No parent is perfect, and no human being is sinless. But Jesus’ suffering and death have paid the price for our sins. They are gone. Removed. As far as the east is from the west. Thank you, Jesus!

3. We are not alone as we struggle to keep up with the demands of parenting.

“Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20, NIV)

Jesus spoke these words to his followers—including you and me—after his resurrection, before he returned to heaven. Our Savior isn’t dead and buried. He is alive, and he is omnipresent, which means he is everywhere, all at once. He is listening as we pray to him through our parenting struggles. He is ruling over all things, including our homes, with his almighty power. We are never in this alone.

4. The future for Christian families is bright.

“My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” (John 14:2-3, NIV)

Jesus spoke these words to his followers on the night before his death. He promised to come back and take all who believe in him to his Father’s home in heaven. In heaven, our children will no longer have any disabilities, suffer the effects of trauma, or need medical treatments. We parents will no longer feel stressed, overwhelmed or discouraged. Because of what Jesus did for us during that first Holy Week, we all have a bright future in heaven!

Holy Week. It’s a time for us to focus on what Jesus did to earn our salvation. Do your best to slow down and focus on Jesus’ saving work over the coming weekend. You will be glad you did!

Dear Jesus, words cannot possibly express my gratitude for what you did for me and for my children during that first Holy Week. Your love for us is beyond my comprehension! I praise you now for all you have done for us, and I look forward to praising you eternally in your Father’s home! Amen.

by Jane Mose