Lesson: Jesus' Death (Easter)

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The Day Jesus Died, Easter Arch Books
By Bryan Davis

For more than 35 years, the best-selling Arch ® Books Bible story series has captivated children. This paperback, written by Bryan Davis and illustrated by Ron Gordon, does a fabulous job of teaching children aged 5-9 in grades K-4. The 16-page book tells of the Crucifixion of Christ (Matthew 26:47-27:66, Mark 14:42-15:47, Luke 22:47-23:56, and John 18:1-19:42). Fun-to-read rhymes and bright illustrations make this an enjoyable book to read to your children, or have them read on their own. This well-loved series captures the attention of children, telling scripturally sound stories that are pleasurable and easy to remember.

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Jesus' Death (Easter)

To Remember: Christ voluntarily sacrificed himself for our redemption

Vocabulary

sacrifice: to give (offer) something of value to God

sin: to break God's law, 1 John 3:4

Lesson: Jesus Died on the Cross ...
(See also lesson on crucifixion)

   ...for a reason
God wants a close relationship with man, John 3:16
Our sin separates us from God, Isa. 59:2
Justice requires that our sins be paid for, Rom. 6:23
God provided a sacrifice to pay for our sins, 1 John 4:10

   ...voluntarily
Jesus had the choice, Matt. 26:53, 54
He was sinless, 1 Pet. 2:22
Jesus had the power, John 19:11
Jesus had the will, Matt. 26:39
Pleased not himself, Rom 15:3
He loved us, Eph 5:2

   ...for you
You have nothing to offer that isn't God's already, Luke 17:10
The Father wants a close relationship, so He paid your cost, John 3:16
So that you could choose to be close to Him, James 4:8
This relationship is voluntary, Mark 16:16

Discussion point:
The Jews had to make many specific sacrifices to God. Jesus serves as our sacrifice. Do we still sacrifice for him? (Read: Romans 12:1-2, Philippians 2:7, Hebrews 13:15, Psalm 51:17)

Illustrative Story: to make this an object lesson, give one student (Tom) a dollar bill. Make out a fake restaurant tab.

Say we all went out to a restaurant to eat. We all eat until we're stuffed but Tom eats nothing. Then the waiter delivers the bill. We're broke. Only "Tom" has any money. Who will pay the bill? Tom's the only one with money. Who should pay the bill? We should. But we can't. If Tom pays, is that fair? No. Is it merciful of him? Yes!

Jesus paid our bill for us. We could never have enough to pay for our sins. Should we be grateful? Yes! How do we show our gratitude? Jesus said, "if you love me, keep my commandments." John 14:15

Sing: Jesus loves me

Craft: coloring page Peter cuts off Malchus' ear

Activity: list some things Christ suffered for you

True or False
1. Jesus was forced to die against his will. F
2. God is both fair and merciful. T
3. God wants to have a close relationship with you. T
4. Jesus died because he sinned. F
5. Jesus' blood cleanses us from sin. T

Memory Work:

John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (KJV)

Matthew 26:39 And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wills. (KJV)

Review Questions for gameboard

	linguistic questions
	1. Recite the memory verse. 2. How many words can you make from "sacrifice" in one minute? 3. Name the apostles that abandoned Jesus.
	activity questions
	1. Put together puzzle of color picture. 2. Have student lead group in 1 verse of a song (his choice). 3. Play a quick game of follow the leader, emphasizing that Jesus is our leader.
	emotion questions
	1. During his crucifixion, he was mocked. "Come down from the cross and we'll believe you!" Was that a temptation for Jesus? 2. Why did Jesus ask God to forgive those that killed him? 3. Jesus was obviously in agony when he asked God to "let this cup pass". I know we can't begin to imagine how God felt to hear that. But if you were even just a father whose son was begging him so - how might it feel?
	application questions
	1. What cleanses us from our sins? 1 John 1:7 2. Describe 3 ways we can show our gratitude to Jesus. 3. Why do some people choose not to be cleansed from their sins?
	fact questions
	1. What did Jesus endure even before he was crucified? 2. Name two people instrumental in Jesus' conviction and death. 3. What crime was Jesus charged with by the Jews? (blasphemy) by the Romans? (treason)
	review questions
	1. How significant is sin? What consequences does it have? 2. Why was Jesus the only qualified sacrifice? 3. Name some reasons Jesus voluntarily gave his life for us.