Jesus Died for Sinners
Matthew 21:1–5, 21:8–9, 26:26–28; Luke 23:32–34, 23:44–48
Jesus sent two disciples into the village to bring back a donkey. Jesus entered Jerusalem, and the people welcomed him as their king and Messiah! Many people hoped He was their Savior, but they didn’t quite understand what that meant. Many thought He was coming to defeat the Romans to make them all free again, but Jesus was coming to save them (and us!) from something else. The Jewish religious leaders were jealous and sought to kill Jesus... even though He had done nothing wrong. Jesus’ disciple Judas betrayed him, and Jesus was arrested, tried, and crucified.
As Jesus hung on the cross, he prayed for the people who crucified Him. Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” (Luke 23:34). He asked God to forgive the sins of those who mocked Him and sent Him there to die. That is wonderful love and forgiveness! Remember, Jesus is God. He was still in control even while He hung there on the cross. Jesus gave up His life and took His last breath.
The people watching were devastated! Their hope of a Savior was gone as they watched him die. They thought this was the end. BUT GOD had a plan that would surprise everyone! We’ll find out about that in our lesson next week - and it won’t be sad.
I encourage you to focus on Jesus this Easter and remind your kids what we are celebrating! With the excitement of the fun Easter activities, it’s easy for kids to forget that we are celebrating Jesus. Jesus’ death on the cross took the punishment we deserve for sin so that all who repent and trust in him will be saved.
Family Discussion Questions:
Jesus sent two disciples into the village to bring back a donkey. Jesus entered Jerusalem, and the people welcomed him as their king and Messiah! Many people hoped He was their Savior, but they didn’t quite understand what that meant. Many thought He was coming to defeat the Romans to make them all free again, but Jesus was coming to save them (and us!) from something else. The Jewish religious leaders were jealous and sought to kill Jesus... even though He had done nothing wrong. Jesus’ disciple Judas betrayed him, and Jesus was arrested, tried, and crucified.
As Jesus hung on the cross, he prayed for the people who crucified Him. Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” (Luke 23:34). He asked God to forgive the sins of those who mocked Him and sent Him there to die. That is wonderful love and forgiveness! Remember, Jesus is God. He was still in control even while He hung there on the cross. Jesus gave up His life and took His last breath.
The people watching were devastated! Their hope of a Savior was gone as they watched him die. They thought this was the end. BUT GOD had a plan that would surprise everyone! We’ll find out about that in our lesson next week - and it won’t be sad.
I encourage you to focus on Jesus this Easter and remind your kids what we are celebrating! With the excitement of the fun Easter activities, it’s easy for kids to forget that we are celebrating Jesus. Jesus’ death on the cross took the punishment we deserve for sin so that all who repent and trust in him will be saved.
Family Discussion Questions:
- What is the big problem that all people are born with? We are all sinners. We deserve punishment. We are separated from God.
- Why did Jesus come to earth? To die. To save us from our sins.
- When the people of Jerusalem saw Jesus coming, what did they lay down on the road to welcome him? Cloaks and palm tree branches.
- What did Jesus say about the people who made fun of him on the cross? He asked God to forgive them.
- Because of Jesus’ death in our place, what can we now have? Forgiveness of sin. Direct prayer to God. Promise of heaven after death.
Memory Verse
I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture.
John 10:9
I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture.
John 10:9
Posted in Calvary Kids