Jesus in Gethsemane

COMPUTER LESSON IDEA #3:

"Thy Will - My Will" Scripture Memory
using Cal & Marty Scripture Memory Game

This one uses Cal and Marty's Scripture Memory Game software and focus on the profound meaning of "not my will, but thy will be done."

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The story of Gethsemane, like the chapters before and after it, has some memorable and important words on the lips of Jesus. This lesson activity cements them into your students' memories.

The Computer Activity:

Using Cal and Marty's Scripture Memory Game (Sunday Software), have the kids enter the verses into the software's verse editor so that they begin to learn them during the input phase (they like that). Have kids add a 'teaching comment' to their verse, and a 3 question quiz (Cal and Marty CD gives those options). Then they play an unscramble game with them.

"Not my will, but thy will be done." (the version for the younger kids).

"Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done." (the longer complete version)

The Bible Study:

"Not my will, but thy will be done," may be the most succinct summary of the Bible ever uttered, right up there with "For God so loved the world...."

Every story, from Genesis to Revelation, and every teaching, from the Ten Commandments to the Parables of Jesus, is about choosing God's Way, instead of trying to go our own.

My Will vs Thy Will is the problem at the heart of the Creation and Exodus stories, the struggle with the Kings, and what the prophets railed about. So it's really no surprise that we find this same fundamental issue on the lips of Jesus HIMSELF in his moment of truth and decision in the Garden. Jesus momentarily asks for that the cup be taken away (my will) and then become obedient (thy will). You could say that Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane brings us back full circle to Adam and Eve's choice in the Garden of Eden, only this time, the Messiah also referred to as the "Second Adam," makes the right choice.

Write these phrases on the board and ask students for examples of each.

My Will vs Thy Will

• Self or God
• Selfishness or sacrifice
• My Way or God's Way
• What I want vs. What I need
• What feels good vs. What's good for me

What options did Jesus have?

Point out that Jesus had the option to go his own way. He wasn't a puppet. What could he have done differently? How do you think would God have responded if Jesus had escaped the Garden to avoid being captured?

What helped Jesus make the right choice?

Let's also keep in mind that we are not Jesus. We cannot always make the right choice. That's why Jesus' decision is all the more important. We are forgiven by his sacrifice.

Conclude by memorizing the scriptures using Cal and Marty's Scripture Memory Game software.