Celebrating Easter should always
include sharing the good news of the Gospel with those we love. The story of God’s perfection, our sinfulness
and separation from God, and the saving work of Jesus is the ultimate Easter
message. As Christians, our love and value of people go hand in hand with sharing
the good news. But, does the good news
of the Gospel apply to those with intellectual disabilities? Should we share about Jesus’
death and resurrection with them when we don’t know if they can respond?
Since Jacob has autism and speech and
language communication disorder, it is often tempting to do everything for him and to simplify life. For instance, Cret and I can tell that he
wants milk when he is looking in the refrigerator, so we get it for him. We can tell when he is frustrated at the
sound of thunder and we quickly grab his headphones for him. Though his therapists continuously remind us
of the hindrance we can cause when we assume instead of having him ask us for
things verbally, we still occasionally take over. Since each word and thought he has is slowly
articulated, we often answer for him when we are in a rush or not thinking.
People that teach individuals with
special needs can sometimes make this mistake, as well. The Gospel may not be preached because of the
assumption that the learner doesn’t understand right from wrong or the concept
of God and His good story. While merely
singing songs and loving on students or our children is good intended and may
well be appropriate for some, often the most growth comes from not placing
limits on them and raising expectations for them in a reasonable way. I love to
watch Jacob and observe for potential opportunities to teach him about God in a
deeper and meaningful way. Most
importantly, we should never assume that God cannot work amazing things in and
through people with cognitive differences.
Colossians 1:16 says, “For by him all things were created, in heaven and
on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or
authorities—all things were created through him and for him.”
Just like when I share the Gospel
with neurotypical individuals, I describe God, man, sin, Jesus, and ask if they
want to make a decision to place their trust in God. However, sharing the Gospel to someone with a
cognitive disability can be more challenging if there are language barriers. My son, for instance, thinks in a very
concrete and literal way. Therefore, I
try to share the Gospel in a way that he can understand. Just as we have Gospel tracts for children, I
believe it is valuable to try and discover ways to share the Gospel to thinkers
like my son.
I like to keep a few helpful things
in mind. First, I try not to overcomplicate things. Just like when I modify curriculum for
individuals with communication disorders, I make sure I use language that is
easy to understand and direct. Next, I don’t discriminate based on cognitive
ability. Many people are under the
assumption that individuals that are nonverbal or that have cognitive
impairments can’t understand the Gospel, but that is absolutely not that case
for everyone. It is incredibly dangerous
to assume someone is incapable of making the decision to live for Christ and
the consequences of assuming are far too great.
I have seen many accounts where parents or caretakers are amazed to
realize their children understand so much more than they ever thought possible. Mark 16:15 says, “And he said to them, “Go
into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.” I trust the
Lord’s goodness and grace with those that can’t comprehend, and I believe
sharing the Gospel with all of God’s people acknowledges their value and dignity. Last, I ask them if they want to make that
decision to trust in Jesus and make Jesus the boss of their lives. I continue to share the Gospel again and
again and I pray for them before and after I share that God will open their
eyes to His truth.
Sharing the Gospel doesn’t have to be
a 30-minute conversation and it doesn’t have to be in a perfect ‘tract’
format. I like to have a
conversation. Here is one example of how
I would share the Gospel with a child like my son:
God is our creator. Here look at your windchime. Someone created this windchime. That means they made it. Just like you make silly videos on your iPad. Well, God made us! But God is different than
the person that made this windchime. Do
you know how? God has never done
anything bad ever.
Can you think of something that you
have done that is bad? What about when
you hit your brother or when you threw a fit?
Those were bad things. The Bible says that everyone does bad things or
things that God doesn’t want us to do.
You do, the person that made your beautiful wind chime does, and even
Mommy does bad things! Everyone does!
But not God.
God has a rule about those bad
things. Those bad things mean that we
can’t be with God now and we go to a very bad place forever after we die. It means we are in trouble. Mommy’s punishment for bad things is time
out. God’s punishment means not being
with God forever.
But guess what? God did a very good
thing for you. He sent his son, Jesus,
to take the punishment for the bad things we do so that we don’t have to get
that punishment!
Jesus died on a cross and then rose
up from the dead and that was the full punishment. If you believe that and make Jesus the boss
of your life and you can be with Jesus forever.
You don’t have to go to the bad place when you die, you get to be with
God. Making Jesus the boss of your life
means listening to God. Mommy can help
you to learn about God by reading the Bible to you.
I want to encourage you not to
underestimate your child’s/student’s ability to learn, understand, or accept
God’s truth. I believe God is capable of
opening anyone’s eyes. As we embark upon
an Easter Sunday like no other due to the Coronavirus quarantine, wont’ you be
faithful to share the Gospel with all people. I pray this Easter many
individuals with cognitive impairment will come to a saving faith in Christ.
