Jesus died for us
key words
biblical reference
John 19:17-42
memory verse
“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8, NIV*).
lesson objective
To teach children that Jesus died on the cross in order that we might receive salvation.
prepare yourself to teach
Pilate ordered Jesus to be delivered to the execution squad, and carrying his cross, he left the palace and the city and traveled to a hill called Golgotha. Custom required that the condemned criminal carry his own cross. Jesus had already said: “Whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple” (Luke 14:27).
And so they crucified him at Golgotha along with two criminals. Pilate had a sign placed on the cross proclaiming that Jesus was the “King of the Jews.” This sign was written in the three main languages of the time, for everyone to read; Aramaic for local people, Latin for the officers, and Greek for those of the Western Mediterranean world.
The inscription was used to identify the offense for which the victim had been sentenced. Proclaiming that Jesus was the King of the Jews had ironic implications; not only was he the King of the Jews, he is the King of Kings.
When the soldiers crucified him, they took his clothes and divided them into four parts, one for each of them. The robe of Jesus was made of a special cloth and highly valued in those days. It was made with only one seam and it was one piece of cloth from top to bottom; so the soldiers decided not to split it and cast lots for it (John 19:24.) This happened so that the prophecy written in Psalm 22:18 be fulfilled, “They divided my garments among them and cast lots for my robe.”
“Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene” (John 19:25). From the cross, Jesus called his mother and John. In his agony, he showed compassion and affection for her.
adaptation
It is difficult for your children to imagine death on a cross, much less understand. This lesson will create a bridge between the Old and New Testaments. Children will have new information about the sacrifice that Jesus made for humanity.
The expected response from children is to reflect on the bad things they know they have done. It is time for them to give thanks to God because of what Jesus did for them.
Some children may be ready to accept Jesus Christ as their Savior, however, avoid pushing them. Let them respond in a deep and personal way to the news that Jesus suffered for them.
introduce the lesson
Death is an aspect that children do not fully understand. Perhaps some of the class has experienced the death of a family member. For them, it is something undesirable and there is nothing positive about it. However, you must make them understand that Jesus’ death was different, not only because it fulfilled the prophecies of the Old Testament but even more, because it had the character of sacrifice to pay for the sin of humankind.
teach the lesson
Prior to this session study John 19:17-42 and be ready to tell the story in your own words. If possible, for this lesson, bring photographs or pictures of graves in the cemetery and, of course, one of Jesus’ tomb. Use this to highlight the contrast between the graves containing corpses and the empty tomb of Christ. Do not put much emphasis on the resurrection. This will be the theme of the next session. Instead, focus only on the fact of his death in this session. Explain that this did not happen by accident or obligation, or because the Jews determined it. On the contrary, it was announced a long time ago.
Jesus knew what was going to happen. He agreed to be sacrificed for all of us. He did so knowingly and voluntarily. Finally, he died to bridge between the Old and New Testaments, being the fulfillment of Scripture and prophecy.
connect the lesson
The ultimate sacrifice
You need Student Activity Sheet #118-A for each child, crayons or markers, and scissors.
Ask, “What would have happened if the crowd had asked that Barabbas be sacrificed instead of Jesus?” Guide the discussion to the point of determining that Jesus would not have died. And, although he did not deserve to die and Barabbas did not know of Jesus’ great love, Jesus died in Barabbas’ place.
Explain that God, from the beginning of the Old Testament, had warned mankind about the seriousness of sin and that the punishment for those that committed sin would be death, as God told Adam and Eve.
We know in the Old Testament, and when Jesus was on earth, that people brought animals to the temple for the priest to sacrifice. This was how they showed God that they were sorry for having disobeyed him and that they did not want to die for it.
Although an angry mob killed Jesus, they could only do so because he allowed them to. He not only took the place of Barabbas, but was also willing to be the ultimate sacrifice for the wickedness of mankind.
Let your group color and decorate the picture with the words, “Jesus Forgiven.” Read Romans 5:8 and highlight the point that Jesus died for us, and that there is no need for sacrificing animals anymore because Jesus was the final sacrifice.
The cross of Christ
You need Student Activity Sheet #118-B for each child, scissors, and glue.
Be sure to make a sample at home before the session starts today. Give each of the children a worksheet and allow them to make the cross by following the instructions. Use what you did to show how it should be done. Do not forget to have your children write their names on their work. Use this activity to also review last week’s lesson, which has a direct connection to today’s lesson. Tell your children, “When you see a cross, remember that this is the symbol that for thousands of years has been used to identify Christians and this symbolizes the sacrifice that Jesus made for us all.” Make it clear that he did it because he loves us.
practice the memory verse
If you are using the system of hearts for competition, ask children who have already learned the verse to say it. For this lesson, use the large heart with the verse written on it. Sing a rhythm song that relates to the class. Ask your children to form a circle and walk around the classroom and when you say, “Stop!” have them all repeat the verse. Continue to do this several times. Finally, ask who has learned it and put their heart into the assigned place, to show that they have memorized the verse.
wrap-up
Pray
Sing a song, and come together to pray. Ask the Lord to help everyone make wise decisions as they follow Jesus this week, and intercede for each other.
Encourage
Help your children to remember everything that they should take home. Encourage those who have not learned the verse to do so.
Invite
Thank everyone for attending today’s class. Tell something about the next lesson, so they will not want to miss class. Mention that next week will end this unit. Tell them that during the next class there will be an overview of the unit.
* Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™