Easter – Trial and Crucifixion
Video Workshop
State Street UMC G.R.E.A.T. Adventure
Summary of Lesson Activities:
Children will view a video showing the events leading up to the Easter Story. Uses the video-The Story Behind The Cross, A production of Tommy Nelson, A division of Thomas Nelson, Inc. Running Time – 25 minutes.
Scripture Reference:
Matthew 26:47-60
Leader Preparation:
- Review the Bible Background, Behavioral Covenant and lesson materials.
- Preview the video.
- Have the DVD ready to go.
- Pop the popcorn
Materials List:
- Popcorn
- The Story Behind The Cross DVD (out of print - check amazon)
A production of Tommy Nelson, A division of Thomas Nelson, Inc. Running Time – 25 minutes. (from the Visual Bible for Kids Series) - Bibles
Important Note for Video Workshop Leaders:
Children LOVE this workshop! Often the video is a direct correlation with the Bible story and creates a concrete, visual image in the children’s minds. They refer to this image over and over throughout the rotation as they visit other workshops. Some videos may take some liberties with the story – you may need to point out these discrepancies. As much as possible sit down with the children and watch the video together. Feel free to pause the video to discuss something that you especially want them to note.
Time Guidelines:
- Welcome/Introduction 10 minutes
- Bible Study 15 minutes
- Video 25 minutes
- Journal/Closing 10 minutes
Lesson Plan
Opening:
Gather the children together at the tables with their Bibles. Make sure children are wearing name tags. Welcome the children and introduce yourself. Always begin each class with introductions. Remember that workshop leaders rotate often and the children may not know you.
Tell the children that today we will be learning about Jesus’ trial and crucifixion. We will learn how he loved us so much that he would die for us.
Opening Prayer:
Dear God, Thank you for bringing us together to learn of your word. Thank you, Lord for sending your Son. Guide us to live our lives and make loving choices as Jesus did. Help us to understand your stories so we may continue to learn about you. Amen
Dig:
Bible Study:
Matthew 26:47-60, Little Kids’ Adventure Bible pages 348-355.
Important Notes:
Each workshop begins with the Bible story. One of our primary goals is to improve the children’s Bible literacy! If children do not bring their Bibles from home, use the classroom Bibles. Shepherds should help the children locate the stories. Use the handout “Helping Children Learn to Use their Bibles” and the background information to help you introduce the story.
Remember, that as the rotation progresses, the children will become more familiar with the story. When this happens, allow the children to tell you what they know. The children should still locate the story in their Bibles every week. Use the bold headings in their Bibles to guide your discussion. You may want to review some of the Bible notes as well. Be sure to fill in any missing information and add additional details using the Background Information to help you. One of greatest advantages of this model is that children who come regularly learn the story in great depth.
Today’s story is too long to read from the children’s Bibles. Instead have them locate the beginning of the story and note the titles (in bold red and blue print for grades 1-2, in bold print for grades 3-6). Paraphrase the story or use the paraphrased passage below. Be sure to pause and discuss the Bible notes as you come to them and take time to answer any questions the children may have.
All Grades:
Ask: Where would we find a story about Jesus and his friends? (gospels in the New Testament)
Today’s story is actually found in all four gospels. What are the four gospels? (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John) What does gospel mean? (good news – because it tells the good news of Jesus coming to earth to save us)
Say: Today’s story is pretty long, so we won’t read the whole thing from our Bibles. Instead I am going to tell you the story and you will find certain parts of it in your Bibles. First let’s remember what Jesus was doing…
Introduce the Story:
Jesus had eaten his Last Supper with his disciples. They were celebrating the Passover, the biggest Jewish festival of the year. After the meal, Jesus wanted to pray. He knew it was his last night to be on earth and he needed to spend time with God. He asked the disciples to pray with him. What happened? (they fell asleep). After many hours of prayer, a crowd of soldiers came looking for Jesus. They were carrying clubs, swords and weapons. One of Jesus’ disciples was leading them to Jesus. Do you remember who the disciple was who betrayed Jesus? (Judas – with a kiss) So the soldiers came and arrested Jesus and they took him to the house of the high priest, named Caiaphas. He was president of the Sanhedrin, the ruling court for the Jews.
Have children open their Bibles to “Jesus is Taken to the Sanhedrin” (Grades 1-2: page 348, Grades 3-6: Matthew 26:57)
Locate and read the Did You Know Bible note: "What was the Sanhedrin" (Grades 1-2: page 348 and Grades 3-6: page 1159)
The Sanhedrin was a very powerful Jewish court. They didn’t like Jesus and what he had been teaching. They had been looking for a way to get rid of Jesus since Lazarus was raised from the dead. They were more interested in following the rules that they made up, rather than really doing what God wanted. The Sanhedrin was very powerful, but the Romans were really in charge. As long as the Sanhedrin kept things peaceful and quiet, the Romans let them do their own thing. Caiaphas was the high priest and the president of the Sanhedrin. He was afraid that Jesus was getting people too riled up – all this talk about new Kings and all. Maybe the people would even riot. If that happened, the Romans would take over and take away the Sanhedrin’s power. Caiaphas thought it would be better for Jesus to die, since he was just one man. Then everything would get back to normal.
Grades 3-6 only: People in Bible Times: "Caiaphas" (page 1263)
Now the Sanhedrin was known throughout the world for their just laws. But this night, they broke many of their own laws! (Refer to the Background Information for the list of broken laws.)
Caiaphas asked Jesus a lot of questions. Lots of people told lies about Jesus and what he had been doing. But Jesus didn’t answer any of Caiaphas’ questions. Finally, Caiaphas asked Jesus, “Are you the Christ? Are you the Son of God?” Jesus said, “I am. And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of God.” This made Caiaphas so angry that he tore his clothes. “This is blasphemy! This man is claiming to be God, himself. He must die!”
Locate and read the People in Bible Times note: "Jesus" (Grades 1-2: page 289, Grades 3-6: page 1176). Jesus called himself the Son of God and the Son of Man. This means that Jesus is both God and human.
The Sanhedrin was furious! They spit on Jesus and beat him. They immediately decided Jesus was guilty and pronounced that he must die. But, remember, the Sanhedrin was very powerful, but they didn’t have the power to put anyone to death, only the Roman governor could do that.
"Peter Says He Does Not Know Jesus" (Grades 1-2: page 349, Grades 3-6: page 1159)
Meanwhile Peter, Jesus’ disciple, had followed along. A servant saw Peter and recognized him as one of Jesus’ followers. “You were with Jesus of Galilee,” she said. Now Peter was really afraid. He said that he didn’t know what she was talking about. Two more times someone recognized Peter. Each time he denied it. The third time, as Peter denied Jesus, he heard a rooster crow. Peter remembered what Jesus had said. “Before the rooster crows, you will say three times that you don’t know me.” Peter felt terrible and cried and cried.
"Jesus Goes Before Pilate" (Grades 1-2: page 350, Grades 3-6: page 1160)
Early the next morning, the priests took Jesus to Pilate, the Roman governor. The Sanhedrin could arrest people and punish them, but only the Roman governor could sentence someone to be killed. They wanted Pilate to kill Jesus.
Read the People in Bible Times Note: "Pontius Pilate" (Grades 1-2: page 351, Grades 3-6: page 1160)
Pilate asked Jesus lots of questions too. He really believed Jesus was innocent. Also, his wife had warned him. She had a dream about Jesus and told Pilate not to have anything to do with Jesus. Pilate tried to get the Sanhedrin to deal with Jesus themselves. But the Sanhedrin wanted Jesus killed and, remember, they could not do that. They kept after Pilate. Pilate offered to let Jesus go free, since the Romans always let a Jewish prisoner go free during Passover. But the priests and crowd asked Pilate to release a criminal named Barabbas instead. They wanted Jesus to die. The crowd screamed, “Crucify him! Crucify him!” Finally Pilate gave in. He ordered Jesus whipped and crucified.
Read the Life in Bible Times notes: "Flogging and The Cross" (Grades 1-2: pages 352-353, Grades 3-6: pages 1188 and 1232).
Grades 3-6 can also read People in Bible Times: "Simon" (page 1188) For older children you might want to explain that Jesus was carrying the horizontal part of his cross, unlike many of the pictures we see of him carrying the entire cross – see Background Information.
"Jesus is Nailed to a Cross" (Grades 1-2: page 352, Grades 3-6: page 1161)
They took Jesus away to the place called Golgotha. It means “the skull.” They nailed his wrists and feet to the cross and left him there to die. The soldiers stood guard and made fun of Jesus. They put a sign above his head that read, “This is the King of the Jews.” Two criminals were crucified on both sides of Jesus. One of them asked Jesus to remember him in heaven. Jesus promised that the man would be in heaven with Jesus that very day.
"Jesus Dies" (Grades 1-2: page 354, Grades 3-6: page 1161) (there is good background information in Journey to the Cross about this section - you might want to have it out for the children to see)
At noon the sky turned dark and stayed that way until 3:00. At 3:00 Jesus cried out to God, took his last breath and died. Immediately the earth shook and the curtain in the Temple tore from top to bottom. Rocks split apart. Tombs broke open. Dead people were raised to life and appeared to many people. The Roman commander saw what had happened. “Surely this man was the Son of God,” they said.
"Jesus is Buried" (Grades 1-2: page 354, Grades 3-6: page 1161)
Joseph of Arimathea, a friend of Jesus, asked for Jesus’ body. He put it in a new tomb, which was actually a cave. He prepared Jesus’ body with many spices and wrapped him in strips of linen.
Grades 3-6: People in Bible Times: "Joseph of Arimathea" (page 1189)
Read the Life in Bible Times note: "Burial" (Grades 1-2: page 355, Grades 3-6: page 1265). (This should be review for our children as we have discussed Jewish burial customs in great length during our last several rotations.)
Read the Life in Bible Times note: "Jesus’ Tomb" (Grades 1-2: page 356, Grades 3-6: page 1162).
"The Guards at the Tomb" (Grades 3-6: page 1161)
Some of the Sanhedrin were worried. They remembered that Jesus had said he would rise from the dead. They were afraid the disciples would come and steal Jesus’ body and tell everyone that Jesus’ had really been raised. That would be even worse than all the other things Jesus had done already. So they went to Pilate and asked him to place soldiers at the tomb to guard it. Pilate agreed. The Roman guards went and made the tomb secure. They put a cord across the opening and put wax or clay with the seal of the Roman governor’s signet ring on to it. If anyone moved the cord, it would break the seal. The penalty for breaking or even scratching a Roman seal was instant death! (see Journey to the Cross, page 166 for a picture)
So… there we have it. Jesus is dead and buried. The guards are at his tomb. Jesus’ disciples, friends and family probably thought it was all over. All their hopes and dreams were vanished. How do you think they were feeling? We know what will happen in three days, but they didn’t… If you had been there, how would you have felt if you had watched Jesus die and seen him buried?
But now for the GOOD NEWS!!! We know that this is not the end of the story… because three days later, what happened? We know that Jesus rose from the dead and is alive today! And that is what we celebrate at Easter!
Memory Verse: Each rotation we ask the children to memorize one scripture verse. Note that this rotation we have a song for our Memory verse. Use the version from the song. (For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in him will never die but have eternal life.) You might want to play the song John 3:16 as the children locate the verse in their Bible. Have them sing along to review the verse.
View Video:
The Story Behind The Cross,
A production of Tommy Nelson, A division of Thomas Nelson, Inc. Running Time – 25 minutes
Begin the video and distribute the popcorn once children are seated.
After the video is finished use the background information and some of the following questions for classroom discussion:
- Where did this story take place? (Jerusalem)
- Why did Jesus get so angry when he entered the temple? (The temple was being used as a marketplace and not as a house of prayer).
- What was the woman doing when she put expensive perfume on Jesus? (preparing him for his burial)
- Why did the Jewish religious leaders arrest Jesus? (They were afraid he would ruin the freedom they had to practice their religion and they might lose the positions they held. They felt he was teaching against What did Judas receive for handing over Jesus? (30 silver coins)
- Did Pilate want Jesus crucified? (No, he did not want this to happen but the priests kept after Pilate, until he finally gave in.)
- Where was Jesus crucified? (Golgotha, the Place of the Skull)
- What unusual things happened when Jesus died? (The Temple Curtain was torn in two from top to bottom. This could have only been torn by God. A Roman commander came to believe in Christ. He witnessed all that had happened and realized that this man was the Son of God, earthquakes, tombs opened, dead people were raised)
Other Important Discussion Questions:
Refer to the Background Information and the section "Meaning of the Cross - FAQs" and
"Definitions and People to Know"
Reflection:
The last 10 minutes should be reserved for Journal Reflection time. This is an opportunity for processing and reflection about what children have learned. Ask the shepherds to pass out the journals and pencils and the journal question sticker for the day. Workshop leaders and shepherds should sit down with children in small groups to facilitate discussion and writing in Faith Journals. Memory verse stickers are also included for each session. Children may also copy the memory verse and illustrate.
Journal Questions:
Grades 1-2: The people who watched Jesus die were very sad. Show how they felt on Easter morning when Jesus was risen!
Grades 3-4: The people who watched Jesus die were afraid, sad, and confused. How did their feelings change when they knew that Jesus was risen?
Grades 5-6: What does Jesus’ death and resurrection mean to you? Grades 1-2: Draw a picture that tells a part of the Easter story.
Extra Activity:
If you have extra time, play a game to review the memory verse. Write the memory verse out on a large sheet of construction paper. Seat the children in the theatre seats. Assign one child one word of the verse. (children may need to take more than one word) Point to each word of the verse and have the children stand up and say their word, then sit back down. After the entire verse has been said, have all the children stand and recite the verse together. Play several times going faster and faster.
Closing Prayer: Gather the children together in a circle. Review with them one word or concept that they learned during today’s session. (Believe, Love, or Resurrection are some suggestions) Encourage the children to come back next week for another workshop, and to invite their friends, especially their friends who do not belong to a church. Remind them to bring their Bibles. Ask for prayer requests and pray together.
Release children only to parents or by prior permission of parents.
A lesson written by Jaymie Derden from: State Street UMC
Bristol, VA,
This lesson created and copyrighted by State Street UMC, Bristol, VA, 2003. Permission granted for non-commercial, local church use, provided credit is give to the source.
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