What is the good news?

I opened up my five-year old's* homework book on Friday to find that she had been set an RE (Religious Education) task: "What do you know about the good news of Jesus?"

Wow, now firstly I am forever grateful that the Church of England (CofE) school she attends weaves Christian principles and gospel truth throughout her education. This is not a given in this country, despite the school's affiliation with the church. Her class is made up of children from various different backgrounds - Christian, non-Christian, Hindu and Muslim - and we don't take it for granted that her teachers are allowed to be so open about the Christian faith.

Ruby was excited to sit down and complete the task. We discussed it a little and I asked her a few questions, suggesting that she thought about some of her favourite songs that speak of Jesus - but I tried not to put words in her mouth; I of course wanted to see what she would come up with!

What do you know about the good news of Jesus?

She wrote the following:

"I know that Jesus loves us. He lives in our hearts. Jesus died for us so that we could be alive. He makes us better people. Jesus heals us. He makes us brave. We pray to him so that he can make it better. Jesus is my superhero. He has all the victory in his name. He has won!" ~ Ruby, age 5

Now if that's not good news, then I don't know what is!

When we are discouraged with the world, we can add little caveats to these truths - Jesus heals us... but not everyone. He has all the victory... but not always. We don't always realise that we're doing it, but we do. But the good news, is the good news! And to a five year old, there are no caveats, no 'ifs', no 'buts' - the truth is the truth.

I was so inspired by her child-like faith that day, just a simple account of her own thoughts and experiences - this is what I know about Jesus.

What do you know about the good news of Jesus?

*This devotional was originally written almost exactly one year ago as part of my work for MAF International. Ruby is now six and still going strong in her understanding and relationship with God. I learn from her every day and often find little notes around the place, spiritual truth abounding!