Journey to the Cross
So much happened during the last week of Jesus’ life, as he prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice for us. This series is designed to be used the six weeks before Easter, to show the events leading up to and including Jesus' death on the cross – where he made a way for us. In Countdown to Easter 6-Week Children's Ministry Curriculum, kids will learn the details of Jesus' final week before his crucifixion.
MEMORY VERSE:
“But here is how God has shown his love for us. While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8 (NIrV)
LESSONS:
1) All Hail the King
Scripture: Luke 19:28-44, The Triumphal Entry
When Jesus rode into Jerusalem for the last time, the people came out to celebrate. They celebrated him as the king and as being sent from God. Hard to believe that less than a week later, those same people would reject him.
Objective: Kids will learn that we celebrate Jesus as King and Savior.
2) Den of Robbers
Scripture: Mark 11:12-19, Jesus Clears the Temple
When Jesus entered the temple courts, he saw that the people were dishonoring God's holy place. In his passion for God, Jesus overturned the tables and drove the merchants out.
Objective: Kids will learn that we should honor and revere God.
3) Two Reactions
Scripture: Matthew 26:6-16, Jesus Anointed & Judas Agrees to Betray Jesus
A woman came to him and washed Jesus' feet and anointed him. She knew that she was not worthy of Jesus' love. Perhaps because Jesus did not act the way Judas wanted, he went out and made plans to turn Jesus over to those who wanted to kill him. Two different people with two very different reactions to Jesus.
Objective: Kids will learn that our reaction to Jesus should be love and a desire to serve.
4) Remember
Scripture: John 13:1-17, Jesus Washes The Disciples' Feet & Luke 22:14-23, Last Supper
In his last time with his disciples before his death, Jesus washed his disciples' feet and encouraged them to serve others just as he had served them. Then Jesus shared a meal with them, asking them to remember him each time they ate the bread and drank the cup together.
Objective: Kids will learn we should remember the goodness of Jesus and strive to follow his example.
5) The Only Way
Scripture: Mark 14:32-50, In the Garden & Mark 15:1-20, Jesus Before Pilate
Jesus was sad and distressed; he knew his death was coming soon. Although it was painful, in the end, Jesus went willingly. He knew that his death and resurrection was the only way that we could be saved from our sin.
Objective: Kids will learn that Jesus is the only way that we can be saved from our sins.
6) Dead and Buried
Scripture: Matthew 27:27-51, The Crucifixion & John 19:38-42, The Burial of Jesus
Jesus did not deserve to die. But he allowed himself to suffer, to be humiliated, and to die. He did it for us. He did it because of his love for us. Jesus’ death and burial are the saddest part of the story, but they will lead us to Easter morning and the victory we have in Jesus.
Objective: Kids will learn that Jesus suffered and died because of his great love for us.
EACH LESSON INCLUDES:
Make It Stick! Parent Sheet
Memory Verse
Game
Large Group Lesson
Small-Group Discussion
More!
ABOUT THIS CURRICULUM:
Perfect for kids ages 6-12.
6 Weeks
Includes both Large Group and Small Group resources.
MEMORY VERSE:
“But here is how God has shown his love for us. While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8 (NIrV)
LESSONS:
1) All Hail the King
Scripture: Luke 19:28-44, The Triumphal Entry
When Jesus rode into Jerusalem for the last time, the people came out to celebrate. They celebrated him as the king and as being sent from God. Hard to believe that less than a week later, those same people would reject him.
Objective: Kids will learn that we celebrate Jesus as King and Savior.
2) Den of Robbers
Scripture: Mark 11:12-19, Jesus Clears the Temple
When Jesus entered the temple courts, he saw that the people were dishonoring God's holy place. In his passion for God, Jesus overturned the tables and drove the merchants out.
Objective: Kids will learn that we should honor and revere God.
3) Two Reactions
Scripture: Matthew 26:6-16, Jesus Anointed & Judas Agrees to Betray Jesus
A woman came to him and washed Jesus' feet and anointed him. She knew that she was not worthy of Jesus' love. Perhaps because Jesus did not act the way Judas wanted, he went out and made plans to turn Jesus over to those who wanted to kill him. Two different people with two very different reactions to Jesus.
Objective: Kids will learn that our reaction to Jesus should be love and a desire to serve.
4) Remember
Scripture: John 13:1-17, Jesus Washes The Disciples' Feet & Luke 22:14-23, Last Supper
In his last time with his disciples before his death, Jesus washed his disciples' feet and encouraged them to serve others just as he had served them. Then Jesus shared a meal with them, asking them to remember him each time they ate the bread and drank the cup together.
Objective: Kids will learn we should remember the goodness of Jesus and strive to follow his example.
5) The Only Way
Scripture: Mark 14:32-50, In the Garden & Mark 15:1-20, Jesus Before Pilate
Jesus was sad and distressed; he knew his death was coming soon. Although it was painful, in the end, Jesus went willingly. He knew that his death and resurrection was the only way that we could be saved from our sin.
Objective: Kids will learn that Jesus is the only way that we can be saved from our sins.
6) Dead and Buried
Scripture: Matthew 27:27-51, The Crucifixion & John 19:38-42, The Burial of Jesus
Jesus did not deserve to die. But he allowed himself to suffer, to be humiliated, and to die. He did it for us. He did it because of his love for us. Jesus’ death and burial are the saddest part of the story, but they will lead us to Easter morning and the victory we have in Jesus.
Objective: Kids will learn that Jesus suffered and died because of his great love for us.
EACH LESSON INCLUDES:
Make It Stick! Parent Sheet
Memory Verse
Game
Large Group Lesson
Small-Group Discussion
More!
ABOUT THIS CURRICULUM:
Perfect for kids ages 6-12.
6 Weeks
Includes both Large Group and Small Group resources.
