Stories

At The Cross

A classroom reflection from Melissa Westmore, who teaches grades 5 and 6 at Minnetonka Christian Academy.

It was the day of Preparation of Passover Week, about the sixth hour.

“‘Here is your king,’ Pilate said to the Jews. But they shouted, ‘Take him away! Take him away! Crucify him!’” (John 19:14, 15, NIV).

My classroom was quiet, reverent, as we read the crucifixion passage from the Gospel of John. It was the day before Good Friday, and 5th and 6th graders at Minnetonka Christian Academy were reflecting on the sacrifice of Jesus.

After reading the words “It is finished,” we watched the crucifixion depicted on the DVD movie, The Gospel of John. I sat at my desk, facing the screen with the students in my peripheral vision. I leaned my face into my hand, feeling tears starting. I sensed my students being transfixed as well, trying with me to grasp the depth of our Savior’s love.

Our classroom was silent as a tomb after we watched the crucifixion. Not a word was spoken. I asked the class to write a letter to Jesus telling Him anything—asking forgiveness, thanking Him… just expressing their feelings about what we had witnessed and experienced. As students finished writing, they walked up to a small, wooden cross and nailed their letters to it. This physical act symbolized accepting Jesus’ sacrifice, giving their hearts to Him.

We ended our special day with a small agape feast of fruit and crackers. I sensed a spirit of humility, with a quiet peace permeating the room. The students thanked me as they left—I’m not sure why.

That day I renewed my own commitment to Jesus. I want to follow through with what we had discussed in class—moving beyond a one-time emotional commitment followed by daily life as if nothing had changed. The challenge, for my students and my own walk with God, is to make surrender to Christ and humility with Him a daily, intentional practice.

Teaching at a Christian school is a privilege. It offers us educators the opportunity to introduce students to Christ and experience Him in a real and personal way.

“Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29, ESV).