Summary of Today s Story. Where You ll Find Today s Story. Jesus Hour Has Come; He Prepares His Disciples at the Last Supper

Transcription

1 Lesson 31 Jesus Hour Has Come; He Prepares His Disciples at the Last Supper Summary of Today s Story As Jesus enters Jerusalem before the Passover, a great crowd comes out to give Jesus a royal welcome, meeting him with branches of palm trees. At the beginning of Chapter 13, Jesus leads his disciples into the upper room for what we now call the Last Supper. Before supper, Jesus begins to wash his disciples feet, as a slave would do. Peter resists, but Jesus insists, showing his disciples that this act of humility and servanthood must also be done by them for others. Then Jesus gives notice that one of the disciples will betray him to the authorities, and then Judas leaves to do just that. Left with the remaining faithful disciples, Jesus begins to say his farewell to them, his friends. For children, the most important is his New Commandment in 13:31-35 that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. Where You ll Find Today s Story In the Bible We recommend the New Revised Standard Version Bible. John 12:12 13:38 In Children s Bibles If you plan to use a children s Bible for storytelling, write the page numbers of today s story in the space below. In Our Sunday Lectionary The stories from today s lesson are told in church on the following Sundays: Years A, B, C: Wednesday of Holy Week; Maundy Thursday Year B: Palm Sunday, alternate reading (RCL) Year C: Fifth Sunday of Easter Peter evidently perceives that Jesus is going away and insists that he will follow his Lord and will lay down his life for Jesus. Jesus then foretells that Peter will deny knowing Jesus before morning comes.

2 2 Lesson 31 jesus hour has come WEAVING TOGETHER THE FAMILY OF GOD, YEAR 2 Weaving Our Story with the Biblical Story Upon his entry into Jerusalem, Jesus is hailed as king, a title that will assume significance at his trial and death. But Jesus knows that the hour of his death is at hand. He then likens himself to a seed dying to bear fruit (12:24-25). There is a lot of sadness here. Jesus keeps assuring his followers not to be afraid. Obviously, it is a very fearful time, but Jesus is in control and he knows just what he must do with his disciples to prepare them. He begins by washing his disciples feet, showing them that a spirit of humility and service is part and parcel of the Kingdom of God. Think of the bewilderment of the disciples when their Lord and Messiah bends down to wash their feet! But nothing is said until we come to dear Peter always impulsive, never tongue-tied! If we put ourselves into Peter s sandals, or the disciples sandals, we can understand their stunned amazement at this act of humility. Can we accept it from our Christ? And can we wash others feet as he told us to? Then they come to the table. But this gospel writer, unlike Matthew, Mark and Luke, does not include the act of our Lord that began the church s observance of the Eucharist ( Our Lord Jesus Christ took bread; and when he had given thanks he broke it, and said... ). Instead, John gives us the words that Jesus told to his disciples during this dark time which begins Jesus great hour (13:12-20). Judas leaves at the beginning of supper, and Jesus says farewell to the rest of his disciples. The words in chapters 13, 14 and 17 are called Jesus high priestly prayer, said to his own, in which he dedicates himself to his last act of sacrifice. He then intercedes for his disciples that they may continue his work in the world. And Jesus gives his new commandment that is essential in continuing his work: Love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another (13:34). In these simple words, Jesus is telling us the way to union with the Divine with the Father. In the Gospel of John, Jesus doesn t talk much about the kingdom of heaven or the kingdom of God. What Jesus does talk about is being with the Father and going to the Father. How can we be with Jesus Father? Through Jesus himself: As I have loved you, you also should love one another. He tells his disciples, In my Father s house, there are many dwelling places I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go to prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also. (14:2-3) In his dialogue with the disciples, he makes clear that the way to the Father is through himself, and it is by being, or abiding, in Jesus that we can be in God. As Jesus says, I am in the Father, and the Father is in me. (13:10) So the place where Jesus is leading us is not a place like heaven but an abiding in the Godhead, who is Jesus, his Father, and the Holy Spirit. And how do we abide in God? By loving the way Jesus loves us. So this is our new commandment, given by Christ himself, to be the call for the new family of God: Love one another as he loves us. The Episcopal Thread The footwashing is one of the two great themes of Maundy Thursday, the other being the institution of the Eucharist by our Lord in the same Upper Room where the footwashing took place. As Jesus in the Gospel of John promises the coming of the Holy Spirit, so we, in our Eucharistic Prayers, pray for the Holy Spirit to come and bless the meal for us. And just as Jesus prays, in John 17:22, that

3 3 Lesson 31 jesus hour has come WEAVING TOGETHER THE FAMILY OF GOD, YEAR 2 they may be one, as we are one, so we sing in a #315 (Hymnal 1982): Thou, who at thy first Eucharist didst pray, that all thy Church might be for ever one, grant us at every Eucharist to say with longing heart and soul, Thy will be done. O may we all one bread, one body be, through this blessed sacrament of unity. Gathering As the children enter the room, welcome them and engage them in a simple activity that relates to today s lesson. For younger children, you may have some children s religious music playing in the background. Offer a simple gathering activity for them to do while you are waiting for everyone to arrive. Older intermediate children may be encouraged to visit with one another. Even though their talk may not be about church or faith, the community that they are forming is an important part of our church and our church life together. If you wish, you may have a light snack available at this time. Children may enjoy working on one of two mazes; see Jesus Last Supper on page 11 and Road to Jerusalem on page 12. Another idea for gathering is to give each child a piece of clay and have them play with it. Later they can use the clay to make a plate and cup that reminds them of the Last Supper, during the craft and activity time. Or give them a paper cup and plate to decorate with stickers and markers. They can then use these for their snacks later. After all the children have arrived and had a few minutes of activity or fellowship time, gather them together and say a simple opening prayer: Father in heaven, we thank you for the children here, as we come together to learn more about you and about your Son, Jesus Christ. Bless us now as we hear your story, worship you, share food and play. We ask this in Jesus name. Amen. Telling the Story Read aloud today s story from a children s Bible, showing the pictures, tell the story in your own words, or read from the version of the story we provide, found on pages This lesson is comprised of several excerpts from John: John 12:12-19: Jesus enters Jerusalem John 13:1-15: Jesus washes his disciples feet John 13:21-30: The betrayal at dinner John 13:31-35: Jesus new commandment to us John 13:36-38: Peter s denials foretold The Bible verses selected for today do not include Jesus long discourses. Although these discourses are important for adults, children will have difficulty understanding them. You will need some preparation in telling this story, in order to keep the transitions flowing smoothly. Most of the dialogue that ties one part of the story to another has been omitted from the passages selected for today s lesson. Use the different settings as your transitions. For example: Jesus goes to Jerusalem (Palm Sunday and Jesus triumphal entry). Jesus goes with his disciples to a room for supper (beginning of the Last Supper). After washing their feet, Jesus begins to talk with them, first warning them about Judas betrayal. When Judas leaves, Jesus says goodbye to his friends, first by telling them to love each other. When Peter sees that Jesus is really saying goodbye, he promises to follow Jesus. But Jesus foretells Peter s denial of Jesus.

4 4 Lesson 31 jesus hour has come WEAVING TOGETHER THE FAMILY OF GOD, YEAR 2 It may be helpful to use a miniature scene with figures, or another story aid. Even a construction paper map of Jerusalem with the upper room drawn in, would be helpful to give children a sense of the story. In addition, see Creating Props for Storytelling in Lesson 32, which includes suggestions for Jesus entry into Jerusalem, foot washing and the Last Supper. Let the children hear the story without analyzing it for them or discussing it. For now, simply let the story sink into their minds and hearts. Later, while having snacks, you can bring up the story again and invite the children to talk about it and explore its message. Prayer Set up a small worship center in your room. Materials: small table with a cloth to cover it 2 candles or a single large Christ candle matches Bible cross optional: flowers (real, artificial or handmade by the children) Have the children set up a simple altar with the materials listed above. Invite them to place on the altar any drawings or crafts that they created during Gathering time. Then light the candles. Read a verse from today s scripture from a Bible so that the children connect the story they heard with the Bible, which is the word of God. If working mainly with older children, you might expand the reading to several verses. Suggestions for the readings: For younger children: John 13:5 For older children: John 13:34-35 Help familiarize the children with our liturgy by doing the reading as it is done in church. Read as follows: Reader: A reading from the book of John: (Read the selected passage.) Reader: The word of the Lord. All: Thanks be to God. Invite the children to sit in a circle and join in prayer. Say a brief prayer yourself, then invite prayers from each child in the circle: Invite any prayers of thanks to God for God s presence and gifts to us during the past week. Ask for any prayers for those in any need or trouble. Invite children to pray for themselves or for others, and for God s saving help for them. Give thanks to God for any birthdays or other special occasions, and for the opportunity to share these special times with our church family. End with the Lord s Prayer, prayed together. Carefully extinguish the candles.

5 5 Lesson 31 jesus hour has come WEAVING TOGETHER THE FAMILY OF GOD, YEAR 2 Sharing This is the lesson on the Last Supper, where Jesus told his disciples to take bread and wine and to remember him in doing so. As a symbolic act, serve a meal of bread and grape juice. A whole loaf of bread or some Middle Eastern-style pita bread would be ideal. Have the bread and juice ready, but break the bread and pass it around after the grace. You may serve a spread for the bread if you wish, like honey, hummus or even tunafish. Say a simple grace, such as this traditional Jewish blessing over the food that Jesus may have prayed at his Last Supper: Blessed are you, O Lord God, King of the universe, who brings forth bread from the earth. Amen. This is an excellent time, while sharing a snack, to begin talking about the story that the children have just heard. Bring the conversation around to the different parts of the lesson: Jesus triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Why do you think Jesus followers called him King of Israel? Why do think the religious leaders didn t like that? Washing his disciples feet. Can you imagine Jesus washing your feet? What would it be like? Why do you think Jesus did this? What message did he want to communicate? The dinner conversation, including Judas s part. What did Jesus talk about with his disciples as they ate together? Jesus knew he was going to die, and so he had some important last things he wanted to say. What was Jesus new commandment to his disciples and to us?

6 6 Lesson 31 jesus hour has come WEAVING TOGETHER THE FAMILY OF GOD, YEAR 2 Activities: Arts, Crafts, Games, Drama, etc. After Sharing, begin an activity to supplement and enhance today s story. While the children are doing an activity, talk about the story so that they make the connection. Activities for This Week s Session Suggested story-related activities are provided at the end of this lesson on pages Additional activity ideas can be found on pages 3-6 in the Appendix (also downloadable) where we ve provided suggestions and directions for a variety of general activities that can be adapted to any lesson. Also included are outreach and service projects that can be done at any time. Take-Home Paper At the end of this lesson you will find a two-page take-home paper for families called Threads. Threads provides parents with a briefer version of the information on scripture and Episcopal faith found in the introduction to the lesson, as well as multiple suggestions for household activities and prayer. Parents can use Threads to continue each child s classroom experience at home throughout the week. We suggest duplicating and distributing these two pages to children and/or their parents at the end of each lesson.

7 7 Lesson 31 jesus hour has come WEAVING TOGETHER THE FAMILY OF GOD, YEAR 2 Memorization There is no passage to memorize for this lesson so that you may focus on the whole lesson and its significance for us. Weaving the Family of God As your time together draws to a close, take a few minutes to help the children summarize the story and say what they learned today by asking questions such as: What happened in our story today? What did Jesus do with his friends? What are some things that Jesus said to his friends during the supper? Encourage the children to remember key family of God words and ideas from the story, such as: Last Supper, footwashing or washing feet, servanthood, love, commandment. Closing Prayer Before the children leave, say a closing prayer to send them into the church worship service or back to their homes with God s love and blessing. You may say one of your own or use this one: Almighty and ever-loving God, we thank you for sharing with us your story of Jesus your Son, and for sharing your Holy Spirit with us in our lesson today. We pray that you will now send us back to our families with the assurance of your presence and love, so that we may go out and love others as you love us. We pray this in Jesus name. Amen. End with a dismissal used in church, such as: The peace of the Lord be always with you. The children respond: And also with you!

8 John 12:12 to 13:38 Jesus Enters Jerusalem with Crowds Cheering The leaders do not like Jesus, but the people do. Wherever he goes, big crowds follow him. Today, Jesus goes to Jerusalem. The feast of the Passover is coming up, and for this special day, all Jews go to Jerusalem if they can. The people hear that Jesus is coming. When he gets to the gates of the city, the crowds start to gather. They want to welcome him. Some of the people jump up and pull down the giant branches of the palm trees that line the streets of the city. Then they run towards Jesus waving their palm branches. The people all shout, Hosanna! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord the King of Israel! Jesus sees the crowds waving the palm branches. He hears them shouting Hosanna! Hosanna! He finds a young donkey and sits on it. Then, riding on the donkey, he enters the city gates into Jerusalem as the people shout and cheer. Jesus Washes the Disciples Feet Jesus goes into Jerusalem and finds a room for him and his disciples to stay and have supper while they wait for the Passover to begin. During supper, Jesus gets up from the table. He takes a long towel and ties it around himself, like a servant. Then he pours some water into a basin. He goes over to the table where the disciples are sitting, watching him and wondering what he is about to do. Then, he begins to wash their feet. He wipes their feet with the towel. Jesus, their leader and their teacher and their 8 Lesson 31 Jesus Hour Has Come; He Prepares His Disciples at the Last Supper Weaving Together the Family of God, Year 2 STORY

9 Messiah and the Son of God washing their feet! The disciples don t know what to say, so they sit there speechless. Except for Peter. When Jesus gets to Peter, Peter pulls away his feet. Lord, are you going to wash my feet? Jesus says, Yes, I am. You don t know what I am doing or why I am doing it, but later you will understand. But Peter only knows that servants wash feet, not teachers and never the Son of the living God! He says, You will never wash my feet! Jesus says to Peter, Unless I wash your feet, you will not be able to share what I am doing. Peter wants so much to be with Jesus and to share everything with him. So he says, Well then, don t just wash my feet. Wash my hands and my head and everything else! Jesus says, Peter, I am not giving you a bath! I am washing your feet. Do you know why? All of the disciples shake their heads. No, we have no clue why you just washed our feet! Jesus says, You call me your teacher and Lord. And you are right. And I just washed your feet. If I can do that, you need to do the same to each other. This is an example for you. What I do to you, you must do to each other. And most of all, as I have loved you, so you must love each other. Jesus Starts to Say Goodbye Now the supper is over and it is dark outside. The end is coming for Jesus. So he tells his disciples, The time has come. I will only be with you for a little longer, and then I am going away. And where I am going, you cannot come with me. The disciples are confused. Why can t they follow him? Where is he going, that they cannot come also? 9 Lesson 31 Jesus Hour Has Come; He Prepares His Disciples at the Last Supper Weaving Together the Family of God, Year 2 STORY CONT.

10 Then Jesus says, So now, I give you a new commandment. Love one another. Just the way I have loved you, so you must love one another. This is how everyone will know that you are disciples, when they see that you have love. Peter asks Jesus what all the others want to ask but are afraid to ask, But Lord, where in the world are you going? Why can t we follow you? I will follow you anywhere! I will even give my life for you! Jesus says to Peter, You say you will give your life for me, but let me tell you, before the rooster crows in the morning, you will have told people three times that you do not even know me! Jesus Reassures His Disciples But Jesus gives his promise to his disciples, and to us. He says, You will not see me, but where I am going, I will prepare a place just for you. We will never be separated. I will be with you always. I will live in you. And if you live in me, and you live in my love, you will have my peace and joy. And then Jesus makes another promise. Even when I am gone, I will not leave you alone. I will send the Holy Spirit to comfort you, and to guide you, and to help you, and to be with you always. After Jesus says these things, he is ready ready to show the world that even his death will not stop God. 10 Lesson 31 Jesus Hour Has Come; He Prepares His Disciples at the Last Supper Weaving Together the Family of God, Year 2 STORY CONT.

11 Gathering Activity: Jesus Last Supper Find the way through the maze and mark your path in pencil. After you reach the end, go back and write down the letters in your path, in the order they appear. Then you will find out what Jesus gave to us at his last supper. Jesus and the disciples go to the Upper Room, beginning here: X E U N W C H Y A M O I N R K S T And this is how we follow them: 11 Lesson 31 Jesus Hour Has Come; He Prepares His Disciples at the Last Supper Weaving Together the Family of God, Year 2 activity

12 Gathering Activity: Road to Jerusalem Jesus and his disciples took the road to Jerusalem, where he had his Last Supper with the disciples and then was crucified on the cross. Can you help him find his way to Jerusalem? 12 Lesson 31 Jesus Hour Has Come; He Prepares His Disciples at the Last Supper Weaving Together the Family of God, Year 2 activity

13 3D Heart for Preschool, Primary Children put a message of Jesus love for them inside a heart made of felt. Materials: red felt squares, approximately 8" x 8" pillow stuffing hot glue gun (leader only) picture of Jesus and Jesus loves us all message (p. 14) hole punch thin ribbon Preparation: Cut two felt squares for each child into identical heart shapes. Use a hot glue gun to glue one half of the hearts together. Make a copy of the picture of Jesus and the sign, for each child. Directions: Invite each child to make a heart as follows: 1. Color the picture of Jesus and cut out. 2. Cut out the Jesus loves us all message. 3. Stuff the heart shapes with pillow stuffing. In the middle of the stuffing, place the picture of Jesus and the sign. 4. Finish putting in stuffing, then have an adult seal the edges with a hot glue gun. 5. Punch a hole into the top of the heart. Thread ribbon through and tie in a bow. 13 Lesson 31 Jesus Hour Has Come; He Prepares His Disciples at the Last Supper Weaving Together the Family of God, Year 2 craft

14 Jesus loves us all and he always will 14 Lesson 31 Jesus Hour Has Come; He Prepares His Disciples at the Last Supper Weaving Together the Family of God, Year 2 craft cont.

15 Heart Box for Elementary, Intermediate Children place prayers of love for people around them in heart-shaped boxes. Materials: heart-shaped boxes with lids (available at craft stores), 1 per child acrylic paints paintbrushes glitter glue paper pens or pencils Directions: Invite each child to make a box as follows: 1. Paint the outside of the box and lid. Decorate with glitter glue. 2. On small pieces of paper, write prayers for loved ones or for anyone in your neighborhood, community or in the world. Put these prayers in your box. 15 Lesson 31 Jesus Hour Has Come; He Prepares His Disciples at the Last Supper Weaving Together the Family of God, Year 2 craft

16 Stained Glass Heart for Elementary, Intermediate Children use colored beeswax between transparent sheets to create a stained-glass effect. Materials: transparent report covers, transparencies or contact paper colored beeswax (usually packaged in sheets of different colors) heart pattern (p. 17) thick black marker, or simulated liquid lead plastic knives Preparation: Make a copy of the heart pattern for each student. Directions: Invite each child to make a stained glass heart as follows: 1. On the transparent paper, trace the heart design with thick black marker. If you have liquid lead, cover over the marker with the liquid lead. 2. Cut the transparent paper around the outline, leaving only the heart shape. 3. Cut out a small piece of beeswax. Squash it into a ball, then flatten it onto the design. Use the plastic knife to cut off the edges of the beeswax where it goes past the colored boundaries. 4. Continue applying beeswax until you have finished the picture. Variations: Use colored cellophane paper instead of beeswax for a more shimmery effect. As with the beeswax, cut to fit the boundaries. If you use colored cellophane, you will need to use adhesive contact paper so that the cellophane will stick to the heart shapes. If using beeswax, cover with a clear varnish, then remove the transparent paper. The picture will consist of only the beeswax, for an interesting effect. 16 Lesson 31 Jesus Hour Has Come; He Prepares His Disciples at the Last Supper Weaving Together the Family of God, Year 2 craft

17 17 Lesson 31 Jesus Hour Has Come; He Prepares His Disciples at the Last Supper Weaving Together the Family of God, Year 2 craft cont.

18 Jewel Cookie Crowns for Preschool, Primary, Elementary, Intermediate Children make cookies to give to the homebound or to the elderly in the church or to any other group that they wish to serve. Materials: already-baked plain sugar or butter cookies plastic knives gumdrops any other decorative elements small paper plates curly ribbon pencils or markers frosting, white or various colors small cups sprinkles napkins small baggies plain, unlined index cards hole punch Preparation: 1. Make arrangements with your clergyperson or pastoral care team to distribute the cookies to elderly or homebound members of your church. 2. Make or purchase cookies. 3. Put frosting in small cups so each child can have at least one cup of frosting to spread. Directions: Invite the children to decorate the cookies and prepare the gifts as follows: 1. Put a cookie on a paper plate. Spread frosting, then add decorations. Let the frosting dry a little. 2. Put the cookie or cookies in a small baggie. 3. Cut an index card in half. Write a cheerful greeting on it, from your group. Punch a hole on the side. 4. Cut a length of ribbon and thread the greeting through it. 5. Tie the ribbon in a bow around the top of the baggie. Curl the ribbon. 6. Deliver the gifts to your pastoral care team for distribution to elderly or homebound members of your church. 18 Lesson 31 Jesus Hour Has Come; He Prepares His Disciples at the Last Supper Weaving Together the Family of God, Year 2 activity

19 Hummus: A Food Jesus Might Have Eaten for Primary, Elementary, Intermediate Children make hummus, a traditional Middle Eastern food. Ingredients for 3 cups of hummus: ¼ onion ½ cup sesame seed paste ⅓ cup water ¼ cup olive oil ½ cup lemon juice 2 teaspoons pressed garlic 2 medium cans garbanzo beans ½ teaspoons cumin ½ teaspoons coriander 1 teaspoon salt ½ pounds feta cheese Preparation: 1. Gather the ingredients for making hummus and purchase pita bread or crackers. Directions: 1. Blend together everything except the feta cheese, until smooth. Add the cheese. 2. Serve on pita bread, cut into triangles, or on crackers. 19 Lesson 31 Jesus Hour Has Come; He Prepares His Disciples at the Last Supper Weaving Together the Family of God, Year 2 activity

20 Sweet Gift for Primary, Elementary, Intermediate Children work together to make gifts for others in their church or community. Materials: cinnamon, approx. ½ cup per child measuring cup or plastic cup pompons, various sizes pens pipe cleaners white sugar, ½ cup per child small jelly jars (mason lid), with lids glue felt squares, various colors small googly eyes Directions: Invite the children to work together as follows to make the gifts: 1. In a bowl or large jar, mix cinnamon and sugar to make a cinnamon-sugar mix (good on buttered toast and sliced apples). 2. Use the cup to scoop some cinnamon sugar into a jelly jar. Cover with the lid. 3. Outline the shape of the lid on the felt, using the pen, and cut out. Glue this onto the lid. 4. Decorate the lid with pompons and other decorations. Here are some decorating ideas: Flowers: Cut leaves from green felt and glue to lid. Glue a small yellow pompon to the center of the lid. Around this pompon, glue five larger red or pink or blue pompons. This will make one flower. To make more than one, use smaller pompons and place them in a grouping of three flowers. Cuddly Creatures: Use a large pompon for the body. Glue two googly eyes onto the pompon. Add felt feet. Cute Caterpillar: Glue five same-sized small pompons to the lid, end to end. Glue tiny googly eyes to one end. If desired, cut two small pieces of a pipe cleaner and glue these to make antennae. 5. Give these gifts to loved ones in your church or community. 20 Lesson 31 Jesus Hour Has Come; He Prepares His Disciples at the Last Supper Weaving Together the Family of God, Year 2 craft

21 Last Supper Scene with Wooden Craft Dolls for Elementary, Intermediate Children can use this scene in the same way they use a nativity scene, but observing and remembering Holy Week rather than Christmas. Materials: wooden craft doll shapes, 13 per child acrylic paints thin paintbrushes paper towels for clean-up of paints block of wood for each child, around 10"-12" long optional: assorted pieces of fabric glue scissors Directions: Invite each child to make the figures and scene as follows: 1. Decorate the doll shapes, making Jesus and his twelve disciples. 2. Add fabric for clothing, if desired. 3. Paint the table. Either paint the entire table, or paint pictures like bread and wine on the tabletop. 21 Lesson 31 Jesus Hour Has Come; He Prepares His Disciples at the Last Supper Weaving Together the Family of God, Year 2 craft

22 New Commandment Wreath for Primary, Elementary Children make a wreath of paper hearts with messages of love. Materials: poster board construction paper, various colors scissors pencils markers or crayons glue thin ribbon or raffia hole punch Directions: 1. Cut hearts from the construction paper. They may be differing sizes, on average around 3"-4" across. Each child will be using 12 to 25 hearts. 2. Cut a ring from poster board around 12" in diameter and around 2"-3" in width. This will serve as the base for the wreath. 3. Using green construction paper, cut some leaves. 4. On the hearts, write words that give meaning to Jesus New Commandment to love one another. They may be words that indicate who we are to love: family, friends, neighbors, community, world, the poor. Or they may be words that signify love, like peace, world peace, gentleness, kindness. Or they may be words that describe the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5: Glue the hearts and the leaves onto the ring, covering it completely. 6. Punch a hole at the top of the wreath. Thread ribbon or raffia through and tie in a bow for hanging. 22 Lesson 31 Jesus Hour Has Come; He Prepares His Disciples at the Last Supper Weaving Together the Family of God, Year 2 craft

23 Images of Servanthood for Intermediate Children consider ways in which they can serve others now, then make a wire sculpture to represent their service. Materials: flexible wire, such as 14-point copper gauge strong scissors or wire cutters Styrofoam sheets, 1 per child Preparation: Cut lengths of wire for each student, each one at least three pieces around 24" long. Directions: 1. Discuss Jesus washing of his disciples feet and how he told them that they are to be servants to others as he was to them. Ask: What are ways in which we can be servants to others today? 2. Invite them to think individually of ways in which they might help or serve others. Then use the wire to sculpt a shape that symbolizes that kind of servanthood. For example, if they think of making a meal, shape a pot or a pie or a kitchen fork. Helping with yard work might be symbolized by a garbage can or a rake. Washing someone s car might be symbolized by a car or a bucket. 3. Share these symbols with each other. Then place them on the Styrofoam sheet to display through Holy Week. 23 Lesson 31 Jesus Hour Has Come; He Prepares His Disciples at the Last Supper Weaving Together the Family of God, Year 2 craft

24 Last Supper Mural for Elementary, Intermediate Children make a life-size mural of Jesus and his disciples sharing the Last Supper. Materials: butcher paper pencils scissors crayons or acrylic paints optional: fabric pieces optional: yarn or cotton filling for hair Directions: 1. Explain that as a group you will make a table and 12 disciples plus Jesus. 2. Cut a long sheet of butcher paper for the supper table. 3. To make Jesus or a disciple, roll out a sheet of butcher paper and have a child lie down on top of it. Outline his or her body in pencil and cut out. Color the figure with crayons or paints. 4. If desired, decorate the people with fabric for clothing, and other decorative items. 5. Draw and cut out accessories for the table: chalices, bread, etc. and glue on. 6. Tape the people to the wall or hallway where you will display your mural. 7. Tape the table over the people and add the table accessories. 24 Lesson 31 Jesus Hour Has Come; He Prepares His Disciples at the Last Supper Weaving Together the Family of God, Year 2 craft

25 Prancing Donkey for Preschool, Primary Children make donkeys out of long paper tubes and construction paper. Materials: gift wrap paper tubes, 1 per child lunch bags, 1 per child crayons or markers brown construction paper donkey ear pattern (p. 26) scissors cotton stuffing or tissue paper tape ribbon Preparation: Make a copy of the donkey ears to use as an outline. Directions: Invite each child to make a donkey as follows: 1. Stuff some cotton filling or tissue paper into the paper bag. 2. Wrap the bag over the end of the paper tube and tape down securely. 3. Tie a ribbon around the donkey s neck, where the tape is. 4. Cut out the donkey ear pattern and use it to outline two donkey ears on the brown construction paper. Cut out the ears and tape to the side of the head. 5. Draw eyes, nose and mouth on the donkey. 25 Lesson 31 Jesus Hour Has Come; He Prepares His Disciples at the Last Supper Weaving Together the Family of God, Year 2 craft

26 26 Lesson 31 Jesus Hour Has Come; He Prepares His Disciples at the Last Supper Weaving Together the Family of God, Year 2 craft cont.

27 Magnetic Last Supper Scene for Preschool, Primary, Elementary Children make magnets of Jesus and the disciples that can be assembled to create a scene of the Last Supper. Materials: sheet magnet or strip magnet, adhesive Last Supper pictures (pp ) crayons, colored pencils or markers scissors paper Preparation: Make a copy of the Last Supper pictures for each child. Directions: 1. Color the pictures and cut out. The frame on page 30 can be used to draw the background for the picture, on which the magnets will be placed. 2. Cut a piece of magnet and apply it to the back of each picture. 3. Older children can create their own pictures depicting the Last Supper, including things like bread and chalice. 4. Tape the background picture to sheet of metal (like a cookie sheet). Tell the story of the Last Supper as you arrange the magnetic pictures within the frame. 27 Lesson 31 Jesus Hour Has Come; He Prepares His Disciples at the Last Supper Weaving Together the Family of God, Year 2 craft

28 28 Lesson 31 Jesus Hour Has Come; He Prepares His Disciples at the Last Supper Weaving Together the Family of God, Year 2 craft cont.

29 29 Lesson 31 Jesus Hour Has Come; He Prepares His Disciples at the Last Supper Weaving Together the Family of God, Year 2 craft cont.

30 30 Lesson 31 Jesus Hour Has Come; He Prepares His Disciples at the Last Supper Weaving Together the Family of God, Year 2 craft cont.

31 Here We Go to Jerusalem for Preschool Children make donkey ears, then sing a song while marching to Jerusalem. Materials: gray construction paper (12" x 20") donkey ear pattern (p. 26) scissors stapler Preparation: Make a copy of the ear pattern (p. 26) from the Prancing Donkey activity. Use the pattern to cut two ears for each child from the gray construction paper. Directions for making the donkey ears: 1. Cut a strip of gray construction paper around 2" wide and 20" long. 2. Fit the strip around the child s head and staple closed. 3. Put the strip back on the child to determine where to put the ears, then staple the ears on. Directions for the song: Have children wear their donkey ears and sing this song while following you (or a child picked to be the leader) around the room. Sing the song to the tune of Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush. Here we go to Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Jerusalem Here we go to Jerusalem We go with Jesus Christ. 31 Lesson 31 Jesus Hour Has Come; He Prepares His Disciples at the Last Supper Weaving Together the Family of God, Year 2 craft

32 Servant s Towel for Primary Children make a towel to remind them to serve others as Jesus did. Materials: large plain towel, 1 per child pie pan soap old vinyl tablecloth acrylic paint fabric paints tub of water paper towels Directions: 1. This is a good activity to do outside. Spread the tablecloth on the floor or ground. This is your working space. 2. Fill the tub with water and have soap and paper towels nearby. 3. Pour acrylic paint into the pie pan so that the paint just barely covers the bottom. 4. Put the items on the tablecloth next to each other, in this order: pie plate with paint towel pan of water with soap paper towels 5. Invite the children to take off shoes and socks of both feet. Step one foot into the pie plate, then put the footprint on the towel. Then step into the bucket of water and wash. Do the same with the other foot. 6. Use the fabric paints to decorate the rest of the towel. Write the words God s Servant or I Am God s Servant. You may add your name if you wish. 32 Lesson 31 Jesus Hour Has Come; He Prepares His Disciples at the Last Supper Weaving Together the Family of God, Year 2 craft

33 Lesson 31: Jesus Hour Has Come; He Prepares His Disciples at the Last Supper We Believe... The foot-washing is one of the two great themes of Maundy Thursday, the other being the institution of the Eucharist by our Lord in the same Upper Room where the foot-washing took place. As Jesus promises the coming of the Spirit, so we, in our Eucharistic Prayers, pray for the Spirit to come and bless the meal for us. And just as Jesus prays, in John 17:22, that they may be one, as we are one, so we sing in #315 (Hymnal 1982): O may we all one bread, one body be, through this blessed sacrament of unity. Today s Story John 12:12 13:38 Love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another ( John 13:34). In these simple words, Jesus tells us the way to union with the Divine with the Father. In the Gospel of John, Jesus doesn t talk much about the kingdom of heaven or the kingdom of God. What Jesus does talk about is being with the Father and going to the Father. How can we be with Jesus Father? Through Jesus himself. In his dialogue with the disciples, he makes clear that the way to the Father is through himself, and it is by being, or abiding, in Jesus that we can be in God. As Jesus says, I am in the Father, and the Father is in me. (13:10) So the place where Jesus is leading us is not a place like heaven but an abiding in the Godhead, who is Jesus, his Father, and the Holy Spirit. And how do we abide in God? By loving the way Jesus loves us. So this is our new commandment, given by Christ himself, to be the call for the new family of God: Love one another as he loves us. Words of Faith Last Supper the last meal Jesus had with his disciples before he was arrested and crucified; in worship, the basis for Holy Communion or Holy Eucharist, the sharing of bread and wine, Jesus body and blood foot-washing what Jesus did to show that we are to serve and help others, not be served servanthood to help and serve and take care of other people love caring; wanting the best for another commandment something to be obeyed May we love God and others with the same extravagant generosity with which God loves us by Joanna Leiserson. Published by Morehouse Education Resources, All rights reserved.

34 Sharing Read today s story from a children s Bible, showing the pictures, or from your family Bible. Note that this lesson is comprised of several excerpts from John; most of it will be in a children s Bible: John 12:12-19: Jesus enters Jerusalem John 13:1-15: Jesus washes his disciples feet John 13:21-30: The betrayal at dinner John 13:31-35: Jesus new commandment to us John 13:36-38: Peter s denials foretold The Bible verses selected for today do not include Jesus long discourses. Although these discourses are important for adults, children will have difficulty understanding them. While telling the story, it may be helpful to use a map to give children a spatial sense of the story. This Week at Home Wash each other s feet as Jesus washed the disciples feet. First read today s story, then, with a basin of warm water, some fragrant soap and few towels, take turns washing each other s feet. Talk about how this feels (comforting? awkward?) and what it says about your relationships with each other. Find a way to wash the feet of someone hurting or in need, in other words, what humble, loving acts of kindness could your family do together for someone this week? Brainstorm ideas, then settle on a plan of action. Talk about Jesus commandment that we love one another as I have loved you. What does that mean? How did Jesus love his disciples? How would we imitate that kind of love? Where do you see this sort of love demonstrated? Who shows this kind of love to you? To whom do you show this kind of love? Make a centerpiece that reminds you of servanthood. Take scraps of paper and write on each scrap a simple way in which you might serve another, be of service or help somebody. Come up with as many ideas as you can think of as a family. Put these scraps into a small bowl and put the bowl in the center of your dining table. Each day, have each person draw out a scrap and think about how they might do the act that is written on that piece of paper. Ideas include acts such as Ask, Can I help you? of somebody. Help pick up dishes. Find and fetch something that is needed. Change the dog s water bowl. Empty the trash when it isn t your turn. Help carry something heavy. Create signs that remind family members that Jesus is always with them. These can be as simple as index cards or half sheets of construction paper bearing phrases or sentences; tape or tack a few of these up around the house. Allow family members creativity as they create and decorate the signs. The signs could read, for example: Lo, I am with you always. You are here. So is Jesus. Jesus is always by your side. I am here, right now. Jesus Household Prayer Almighty and ever-loving God, we thank you for sharing with us the story of Jesus your Son and for sharing your Holy Spirit with us. We pray for the assurance of your presence and love, so that we may go out and love others as you love us. We pray this in Jesus name. Amen. Lesson 31 Jesus Hour Has Come; He Prepares His Disciples at the Last Supper Weaving god s promises, YEAR by Joanna Leiserson. Published by Morehouse Education Resources, All rights reserved.