Rotation.org Writing Team
Jesus in Gethsemane
A Special Bible Skills Workshop
"Words matter, ...especially when they are Jesus' words"
Summary of Activities
Using the attached packet, students will learn how to translate Jesus' words in the Garden -uncovering the more literal, emotional, and powerful meaning of Mark's original description of Jesus' state of mind. Through this process, students will better understand and relate to Jesus, and be inspired by his prayer-powered decision in the face of great fear and distress.
The image-filled packet can be printed and given to students, but we also strongly encourage you to show the PDF copy of the packet on a computer connected to a large television screen, or projected on the wall. Doing so will improve student focus. As well, the web page links built into the PDF, allow the teacher or students to access the scripture passage in any translation, and Strong's Concordance (translation options) found online at the BlueLetterBible.org website --a great tool to study scripture with and share with your students.
Because of the graphics, and with your help, younger children can use most of the packet.
Scripture for the Lesson
Lesson Objectives
See the Bible Background at rotation.org for this set's complete list of objectives.
The Bible Skills and Games Workshop in the Rotation Model is the one workshop where we try to emphasize Bible study skills and tools. This story and lesson are made for that emphasis! We decided not to create a "game" for a story about fear and depression, but rather, produce this creative approach to Bible study which can also be displayed on a large screen and has online Bible resources that can be shown. Knowing that there are Bible resources and where to find them is part of the "skills" this lesson aims to teach.
Preparation and Materials
- Read the Bible Background and scripture.
- Print the lesson plan ~ handouts PDF. (Note: Also attached at the end of this lesson is an editable version of the PDF in the Word docx format for those who want to make changes.)
- Consider also projected/displaying it on a tv or with a projector and preview using the packet on the equipment. This will make the links in the PDF active and clickable!
- We have provided the packet in both PDF and Word Doc format for those who want to make changes.
- Pencils
- Book copies of "Strong's Concordance" (from pastor or church library, or local library). The PDF has links to Strong's translation options at Blue Letter Bible.org website: https://www.blueletterbible.org/niv/mar/14/1/s_971004
Lesson Plan
Below are "screenshot" reference images of the Lesson Pages found in the packet. (Don't use them as your packet.)
- Print the attached PDF Gethsemane Study packet for your students and your own reference.
- The Word docx version is provided for those who want to make changes.
- Save the PDF version of the packet to your computer for easy to display to a large screen.
The PDF has active web links in it that will open the scripture and Strong's Concordance online at BlueletterBible.org and BibleGateway if you're viewing the PDF with a computer. This makes this lesson suitable for use in a computer lab or on a single computer in the hands of a presenter.
Opening Activities and Bible Reading
Welcome your students and explain how the lesson will fold.
Give everyone a copy of the packet and display your PDF copy of the packet on a TV or Monitor using your computer (or tablet).
This next page in the packet, "The Meaning of Mark's Words," is great "Bible Skills" to cover with your students, particularly older ones, and especially if you're viewing the page on a computer screen -as the links in it are active and can be clicked to pull up the online scripture AND the Strong's Concordance options!
Bible Skills for Teachers and Older Students
Digging Deeper: Translation Activities
The attached doc and pdf versions of these activities have additional notes. Kids choose from a list of provided synonyms to re-translate Mark's words with others. Following this activity, as the teacher reads some of the synonyms, students who have ever "felt that way" may raise their hand. More details in the packet on this.
Reflection 1
Reflection 2
Adaptations
For Younger Students: Younger children will respond to the graphics, and can "hear" you discuss details from the handout/screen and respond. For example, you can read the verse to them, and read several synonym choices, and let them pick the one you write in. Print the two "reflection" graphics and help them come up with and write-in simple captions. The images can also be colored.
For those short on time: Do the translation activities together. Give them "Reflection 2." as a take home and ask a few of the questions.
Written by (Rev) Neil MacQueen for the Rotation.org Writing Team
Images either in the public domain or used with permission.
Copyright 2017, Rotation.org Inc.
