Should you not think it very kind if a little brother were to offer to be punished instead of the one who had done wrong?
That is what Jesus did. He took upon Himself the sin of the whole world, that whoever trusts Him and comes to Him, may be forgiven, and may go at last to live with Him, and with God our Heavenly Father, in that bright and beautiful home which He is getting ready for all who love Him.
Perhaps you ask, "Why does Jesus want you to come to Him?"
When you have been naughty and are sorry, why does mother hold out her loving arms to you?
Is it not that you may run into there and be forgiven and comforted? Is it not because she loves you?
Does she not wipe away your tears, and tell you that she will not think of your fault any more?
Does she not take you with her about the house, or in the garden, and show you by her manner how glad she is that you have come to her for forgiveness, and that you are going to try to do better?
Well, that is just a little bit like the love of Jesus.
He wishes you to come to Him, that you may have happiness and joy.
He wants you to live with Him all day long, and walk about by His side; to go to Him in every trouble; to ask His help in anything difficult.