Matthew 27; Mark 15; Luke 23; John 19
"It Is Finished"
Materials: worksheet (see below), video "Jesus is scourged and crucified", coloring page
Opening Song: "He Sent His Son" (Children's Songbook, 34)
Opening Prayer:
Scripture: John 3: 16 "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on him should not perish, but have everlasting life."
Attention Activity:
Remind your family last week you discussed the sacrament and the atonement of Jesus Christ. What does the water of the sacrament represent? What does the bread represent? Today, we are going to discuss what happened to Jesus' body. We are going to talk about how he died.
Lesson:
After Jesus prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane, he was betrayed by his apostle, Judas and was arrested. The next morning, on what we now call "Good Friday," Jesus was brought before a man named Pontius Pilate. Pilate questioned Jesus. Pilate knew that the Jewish leaders like the Saducees and the Pharisees wanted Jesus to be put to death, but Pilate couldn't find a reason for this. He knew Jesus was an innocent man. Because he knew that the Jewish leaders wanted him dead, Pilate still gave the order to have him crucified.
Using the worksheet provided below, read about the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. The worksheet explains how different parts of the Savior's body were hurt. Remind your family that as we eat the bread during the sacrament, we are supposed to remember Christ's suffering in our behalf.
Why would Jesus endure so much pain and suffering? He was the Son of God and had authority over "legions of angels." The CFMFIAF Manual states, He voluntarily chose to endure unjust trials, cruel mocking, and unimaginable physical pain" (page 95). Read 1 Nephi 19:9. Jesus suffered all of these pains because he loves us. He chose to die so we could live again with our Father in Heaven. His death and suffering allows us all to be able to live with Heavenly Father again.
Optional Activity: Show the video "Jesus is Scourged and Crucified" (Note: this video may be too graphic for some children. You may want to view this video yourself before showing it to sensitive little ones.)
Bear your testimony of the atonement and crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Remind your family that although Jesus' death was sad and full of sorrow, it was only temporary. He concurred death when he was resurrected, which we will discuss more next week.
Activity: Choose a coloring page from this website to have your children color. Write on the top of the page, "Jesus died, so I can live again."
Closing Song: "I Stand All Amazed" (Hymnal, 193)
Closing Prayer:
Refreshment: Vinegar Pie recipe here
