Crucifixion and Resurrection
Matthew 27:32-66; Mark 15:21-47; Luke 23:26-56; John 19:16-42
This week our children are learning about the central events that give definition to the Christian faith: the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus. I pray these discussion questions and highlighted themes will give you an opportunity to reflect together with your children on these events as you grow together in your faith.
- If Jesus never did anything wrong, why was he crucified on a cross as if he had done something wrong?
- While Jesus was on the cross, and all the people around were shouting mean and hurtful things at him, what did he do and say back to them? Why do you think he prayed for them and asked God to forgive them?
- After Jesus died, what did they do with his body?
- When Jesus’s friends came to his tomb who did they find there? What did the angel tell them about Jesus?
- When Mary met Jesus in the garden, who did she think she was talking to? How did she know it was Jesus?
Jesus died on the cross like a criminal. He had never done anything wrong, but he was treated like one of the worst criminals so that he could die for our sins. Our sin means we deserve death and separation from God forever. So to forgive us, Jesus, the Son of God, took the death we deserved and forgave our sin.
Forgiving – I don’t hold grudges against my friends.
Forgiveness is a hard thing to learn. It is not what comes naturally to us. We want others to pay for the wrong things they do. When someone does something wrong to us, we want them to make it right. When we forgive, we give up our right to have the other person pay us back. True forgiveness is only possible with God’s grace. Help your children recognize opportunities to offer forgiveness to others when they feel wronged.
Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
Colossians 3:13b
