TEACHER BIBLE STUDY 4 th -6 th Grade Kids Bible Study Guide Why did Jesus have to die? Why couldn t He just say, You are forgiven? God is just and requires due payment for sin. To simply forgive sin without requiring a payment would be unjust. According to God s Word, the payment of sin is death. (Romans 6:23) But not only is God just, He is also loving. That is why Jesus was willing to die in our place. He loved us. God s law for the people was plain. Read Deuteronomy 6:5. But God s people, and all people, have broken the law. We have loved other things more than we love God. That is sin. Jesus purpose for coming to earth was to save us from our sin. (Matthew 1:21) Jesus came to die to show God s love to us (Romans 5:7-8) so that whoever believes in Him might not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16) Jesus came to die so that we would be forgiven. (Ephesians 1:7) Jesus came to die to bring us to God. (1 Peter 3:18) Jesus died on the cross to satisfy the wrath of God toward sin. Jesus resurrection proved that God was satisfied with Jesus sacrifice. If Jesus had died but not been raised up, He would have been like military leaders who died without a throne. (Acts 5:33-37) But Jesus conquered death, just as He said He would. (John 2:19-21) Jesus resurrection gives us hope for our resurrection. (Romans 6:5) And Romans 8:11 says that the same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead will raise our bodies to life. Jesus crucifixion and resurrection are not the end of the story, but the center. Everything that was written about Jesus in the Old Testament and spoken by the prophets was coming true. As you teach kids this Bible story, emphasize the gospel: the good news of who Jesus is and what He has done. LESSON OVERVIEW/SCHEDULE Session Title: Jesus Crucifixion and Resurrection Bible Passage: Matthew 26:36 28:10; John 18:1 20:18 Big Picture Question: What did Jesus do for sinners? Jesus death and resurrection paid the penalty for sins and provided the promise of new life. Key Passage: Matthew 21:9 Unit Christ Connection: God s plan for redemption is fulfilled through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Transition Time Welcome time Activity Sheet/Table Centers Session starter (10 minutes) 1
Lesson Countdown Introduce the session (3 minutes) Timeline map (1 minute) Big picture question (1 minute) Tell the Bible Story (10 minutes) The Gospel: God s Plan for Me (optional) Sing (4 minutes) Key passage (5 minutes) Discussion starter video (4 minutes) Prayer (2 minutes) Table Time Bible story review & Bible skills (10 minutes) Key passage activity (5 minutes) Activity choice (10 minutes) Prayer (5 minutes) THE BIBLE STORY/OVERVIEW Jesus Crucifixion and Resurrection Matthew 26:36 28:10; John 18:1 20:18 Jesus came with His disciples to a place called Gethsemane (geth SEM uh nih). He said to them, Sit here while I go over there and pray. Jesus became very sad and troubled. Jesus went a little farther. He fell facedown and prayed to God, Father! If it is possible, take this suffering away from Me. But only if it is part of Your plan. Jesus came back and found the disciples asleep. Again, Jesus went away and prayed to God. Then He found His disciples sleeping. He said to them, Are you still asleep? Get up, for it is almost time. Someone is going to betray Me. Suddenly Judas arrived. A large crowd carrying swords and clubs was with him. Judas kissed Jesus so the crowd would know who Jesus was. The men grabbed Jesus and arrested Him. Peter pulled out his sword and tried to stop the men, but Jesus told him to stop. Jesus followers ran away, but Peter stayed nearby. A slave girl saw him and asked, Aren t you one of Jesus disciples? No, I m not! Peter said. Twice more as Peter waited to see what was happening to Jesus, someone asked him if he was a follower of Jesus. Peter denied it. The men who arrested Jesus led Him to the high priest. The priests and high council were trying to find a reason to kill Jesus, but they could not. The high priest asked, Are you the Messiah, the Son of God? Jesus replied, Yes, that s right. The high priest said, Ah ha! He has spoken against God. Caiaphas and the council did not want to believe Jesus was God s Son. They said Jesus was lying, 2
but Jesus cannot lie! The crowd answered, He deserves to die! They spit in Jesus face and beat Him. The next morning, the chief priests and elders led Jesus to Pilate, the governor. Are you the King of the Jews? Pilate asked. Yes, that s right, Jesus replied. The men accused Jesus of various crimes, but Jesus said nothing. What should I do with Jesus the Messiah? Pilate asked the crowd. They all answered, Crucify Him! Pilate did not think Jesus had done anything wrong, but he said, Do whatever you want. The governor s soldiers put a scarlet robe on Jesus. They made a crown out of thorns and put it on His head. Then they mocked Him, Here is the King of the Jews! Then they beat Him and led Him away to be killed. The soldiers nailed Jesus to a cross. They put a sign above His head that said: THIS IS JESUS, THE KING OF THE JEWS. Two criminals were crucified next to Him. From noon until three in the afternoon, darkness covered the land. Then Jesus cried out, My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me? Jesus shouted again with a loud voice and then He died. Suddenly, the curtain in the temple sanctuary split in two, from top to bottom, and there was an earthquake. One of the men guarding Jesus body said, This man really was God s Son! That evening, Jesus was buried in a rich man s tomb cut into a rock. A stone was sealed in front of the tomb so that no one could steal Jesus body. Three days later, on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene (MAG duh leen) and the other Mary went to see the tomb. Suddenly there was an earthquake as an angel of the Lord came to the tomb. He rolled back the stone and was sitting on it. The guards were so afraid that they fainted. The angel spoke to the women, Don t be afraid! I know you are looking for Jesus, but He is not here. He has been resurrected, just like He said He would. In fact, He is going ahead of you into Galilee. The women left the tomb quickly and with great joy. They ran to tell the disciples the news. Just then Jesus met them. Good morning! He said. The women worshiped Him. Don t be afraid, Jesus told them. Go tell My disciples to meet Me in Galilee. They will see Me there. Christ Connection: The crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus is the center of the gospel. We deserve to die because of our sin, but Jesus died in our place. He was the blood sacrifice made once and for all for the forgiveness of sin. God was pleased with Jesus sacrifice and raised Jesus from the dead to reign as King over all creation. We are forgiven only through Jesus. (Acts 4:12) 3
TRANSITION TIME Session Title: Jesus Crucifixion and Resurrection Bible Passage: Matthew 26:36 28:10; John 18:1 20:18 Big Picture Question: What did Jesus do for sinners? Jesus death and resurrection paid the penalty for sins and provided the promise of new life. Key Passage: Matthew 21:9 Unit Christ Connection: God s plan for redemption is fulfilled through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Welcome time Greet each kid as he or she arrives. Use this time to collect the offering, fill out attendance sheets, and help new kids connect to your group. Ask kids what it means to have something paid in full. Explain that when Jesus died on the cross and God raised Him from the dead, He paid in full for our sin. When we repent and trust in Him, we can know and love God. Activity page Table Centers (Miscellaneous Activities) Bibles Three Letters / Story Sequence activity page, 1 per kid colored pencils or crayons scissors paper Help boys and girls decode the puzzle on the activity page Three Letters. Provide kids with a piece of paper and scissors to follow the instructions to make a cross. Say What does the cross represent? Why is the cross important to us? If a friend asked why Jesus died, what would you say? As time allows, lead kids to complete the activity page Story Sequence. Help kids use their Bibles to verify or correct their answers. Session starter (10 minutes) Option 1: What s Missing? game small items, 25 to 30 blanket or piece of fabric Position the small items in random order on a table or the floor. Cover the items with a blanket. Explain that you will give kids 30 seconds to study the items before covering them with the blanket. Everyone must close their eyes. You will remove one item from the collection and hide it under the blanket. Kids must take turns guessing the missing item. Play several times, pausing to mix up the selection of items. 4
Say In our Bible story today, a group of people were concerned that something or someone might be taken away. Another group of people were shocked when they discovered that something or someone was missing. Listen closely to discover what something or someone people were concerned about. Option 2: Notebook Cover clear contact plastic permanent markers The Gospel Plan Guide kids to make notebook covers for sharing the gospel with friends and family. Kids may choose to use the gospel plan as a model, or they may wish to create their own symbols. Encourage kids to include the Scripture references for each statement on their covers. Advise kids that they can remove the paper backing at home and apply the contact plastic to a notebook, folder, or binder. Option: Provide a folder or binder for each kid. Check local school supply lists to see what type of binder or folder would be best to buy. Say What is the gospel? Why is sharing the gospel with others important? Transition to large group LESSON Session Title: Jesus Crucifixion and Resurrection Bible Passage: Matthew 26:36 28:10; John 18:1 20:18 Big Picture Question: What did Jesus do for sinners? Jesus death and resurrection paid the penalty for sins and provided the promise of new life. Key Passage: Matthew 21:9 Unit Christ Connection: God s plan for redemption is fulfilled through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Countdown countdown video (insert provided DVD with lesson videos and worship) Show the countdown video as you clean-up table centers, set up classroom chairs for lesson and set it to end as large group time begins. 5
Introduce the session (3 minutes) butterfly, real or fake [Large Group Leader enters carrying a butterfly.] Leader Do you know why we see a lot of butterfly decorations at Easter? The butterfly is often used as a symbol of what it is like to become a Christian. The butterfly starts as a caterpillar that isn t very pretty. Then it forms a cocoon and eventually emerges as a beautiful butterfly. People say that is a picture of us. We are ugly with sin. But because of Jesus, we can repent and be transformed into a new creation like the beautiful butterfly. Today we are remembering Jesus crucifixion and celebrating His resurrection. Timeline map (1 minute) Timeline Map small group visual pack (Additional copies provided for Table Time Review) Leader When you read a story or watch a story unfold on video, at some point in the story the main event occurs. Everything up to that point has lead to that moment. Everything after that point is affected by that moment. Today our Bible story is that moment in the story of God s plan. Who remembers how God s plan to rescue people began? Walk to the first timeline map section and review the stories God Created the World and People and Sin Entered the World. If you have not taught these two stories, briefly share the main details of each one. Be sure to emphasize how Adam and Eve s sin changed people s relationship with God. Help kids understand that God had a plan to rescue people from sin. Leader Today our Bible story is the highlight, the center, the focus, the key point of God s plan. Our story is about the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus. Big picture question (1 minute) Leader Jesus had been telling His followers for a while that He would have to die and be resurrected to rescue them from sin. His followers did not really understand what Jesus was telling them. They couldn t understand that their Messiah would die instead of becoming an earthly king. God s plans are always better than our plans, even when we don t fully understand them. As you listen to our Bible story look for the answer to our big picture question, What did Jesus do for sinners? Tell the Bible Story (10 minutes) Jesus Crucifixion and Resurrection video Bibles, 1 per kid Bible Story Picture 11x17 poster provided Big Picture Question: What did Jesus do for sinners? 11x17 poster provided TIP: A Bible story script is provided at the beginning of every session. You may use it to guide you as you prepare to teach the Bible story in your own words. For a shorter version of the Bible story, read only the bolded text. Leader The story of Jesus death and resurrection is in all four of the Gospel books Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Today we are going to study Matthew s and John s accounts of Jesus death and 6
resurrection. Open your Bibles to Matthew 26. Matthew is the first book of the New Testament. It is always interesting to read what each writer wrote about Jesus crucifixion and resurrection. Open your Bible to Matthew 26 and tell the Bible story in your own words, or show the Bible story video Jesus Crucifixion and Resurrection. Leader The crucifixion is a sad story. It s hard to understand why God s plan was for Jesus to die. Sin separates us from God. God is holy and we are not. The price for sin is death. In the Book of Leviticus, God explained to the Israelite nation the importance of a blood sacrifice. Sin could not be forgiven unless a blood sacrifice was made. Our sin cannot be forgiven without a blood sacrifice. Jesus is our blood sacrifice. He paid the price for our sin, once and for all. When we repent and trust in Jesus, we are forgiven forever. God doesn t remember our sin. He remembers Jesus sacrifice. We can be forgiven because of Jesus. Our big picture question is, What did Jesus do for sinners? Jesus death and resurrection paid the penalty for sins and provided the promise of new life. Read the big picture question and answer with me. What did Jesus do for sinners? Jesus death and resurrection paid the penalty for sins and provided the promise of new life. The Bible tells us that when we repent and trust in Jesus, the old us our sinful, unrepentant self ends and we have a new life with Jesus. We have a new life filled with new things and a new purpose from Jesus. Tip: Help preteens expand their understanding of the crucifixion and resurrection by locating 2 Corinthians 5:17 in their Bibles. Read and discuss the verse together. For younger kids, you may not want to distract them from the Bible story by giving them extra passages or references unless they ask. The Gospel: God s Plan for Me (optional) Using Scripture and the guide provided, explain to boys and girls how to become a Christian. Tell kids how they can respond, and provide teachers to speak with each kid individually. Guide teachers to use open-ended questions to allow kids to determine the direction of the conversation. Because some kids are not comfortable responding during a large group time, encourage boys and girls to ask their parents, small group leaders, or other adults any questions they have about becoming a Christian. Sing (4 minutes) Worship Song: This Is Love (on provided DVD) Leader I think now is the perfect time to sing our theme song. God truly understands what love is. He sent His one and only Son to die for our sins. Jesus death on the cross shows us how much He loves us. He died for us. Stand with me and sing. Lead girls and boys to sing This Is Love. You may opt to sing the song again at the end of large group if you have time. 7
Key passage (5 minutes) Key Passage Poster: Matthew 21:9 (11x17 poster, provided) Worship Song: Hosanna in the Highest (on provided DVD) Leader God sent Jesus to save people. The Messiah came! He died for our sin and God raised Him from the dead. Who remembers what the people shouted when Jesus entered Jerusalem? It is part of our key passage. Hosanna is right. The people wanted a Savior. They got a Savior who was greater than anyone they could have imagined. Lead the right side of the room to read the key passage together. Lead the left side of the room to read the key passage together. Join kids in singing Hosanna in the Highest. Discussion Starter Video (4 minutes) Unit 20, Session 2 discussion starter video (on provided DVD) Leader Our Bible story today is the most important story you will ever hear. The truth about Jesus death and resurrection can change your life. Think about how knowing and loving Jesus has changed you as you check out this video. Show the Unit 20 Session 2 video. Leader Why would someone want to share with a friend about the Bible? Does God want us to tell others about Jesus? Why? Help kids grasp the truth of today s big picture question and answer. Leader When we understand that Jesus rescued us from sin, we should want to tell others that they can be rescued from sin too. Think of someone you know who does not believe in Jesus. Tell me one thing you could tell them about Jesus. Prayer (2 minutes) Leader Today s Bible story is not just for us. If you have already repented and trusted in Jesus as your Savior and Lord, the Bible commands you to tell others about Jesus. When we understand how amazing God s forgiveness is, we should want to tell others about it. This week think about whom you could tell about Jesus crucifixion and resurrection. What did Jesus do for sinners? Jesus death and resurrection paid the penalty for sins and provided the promise of new life. If you have any questions about how to tell someone about Jesus, come ask me or another one of our leaders when you go to your small group. Close the group in prayer. Dismiss to small groups for Table Time 8
The Gospel: God s Plan for Me Ask kids if they have ever heard the word gospel. Clarify that the word gospel means good news. It is the message about Christ, the kingdom of God, and salvation. Use the following guide to share the gospel with kids. God rules. Explain to kids that the Bible tells us God created everything, and He is in charge of everything. Invite a volunteer to read Genesis 1:1 from the Bible. Read Revelation 4:11 or Colossians 1:16-17 aloud and explain what these verses mean. We sinned. Tell kids that since the time of Adam and Eve, everyone has chosen to disobey God. (Romans 3:23) The Bible calls this sin. Because God is holy, God cannot be around sin. Sin separates us from God and deserves God s punishment of death. (Romans 6:23) God provided. Choose a child to read John 3:16 aloud. Say that God sent His Son, Jesus, the perfect solution to our sin problem, to rescue us from the punishment we deserve. It s something we, as sinners, could never earn on our own. Jesus alone saves us. Read and explain Ephesians 2:8-9. Jesus gives. Share with kids that Jesus lived a perfect life, died on the cross for our sins, and rose again. Because Jesus gave up His life for us, we can be welcomed into God s family for eternity. This is the best gift ever! Read Romans 5:8; 2 Corinthians 5:21; or 1 Peter 3:18. We respond. Tell kids that they can respond to Jesus. Read Romans 10:9-10,13. Review these aspects of our response: Believe in your heart that Jesus alone saves you through what He s already done on the cross. Repent, turning from self and sin to Jesus. Tell God and others that your faith is in Jesus. Offer to talk with any child who is interested in responding to Jesus. 9
TABLE TIME LEADER Session Title: Jesus Crucifixion and Resurrection Bible Passage: Matthew 26:36 28:10; John 18:1 20:18 Big Picture Question: What did Jesus do for sinners? Jesus death and resurrection paid the penalty for sins and provided the promise of new life. Key Passage: Matthew 21:9 Unit Christ Connection: God s plan for redemption is fulfilled through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Bible story review & Bible skills (10 minutes) Bibles, 1 per kid Timeline small group visual pack craft sticks markers glue construction paper or cardstock Distribute craft sticks, markers, and paper to kids. Guide kids to list on one side of each craft stick some sins they or kids their age commit. Guide kids to turn over the craft sticks and glue them on the paper in the shape of a cross (handwriting should not be visible). Say When we repent and trust in Jesus, God no longer sees our sin as separating us from Him. We can know and love God because Jesus paid the price for our sin. God sees the righteousness of Jesus instead of our sin when we repent and trust in Jesus as our Lord and Savior. Read John 20:1-9. Discuss the disciples response to the resurrection. Read John 20:11-18. Review Mary Magdalene s response to the resurrection. Say What did Jesus do for sinners? Jesus death and resurrection paid the penalty for sins and provided the promise of new life. Who reigns as King over all creation and why? (Jesus died in our place. He was the blood sacrifice made once and for all for the forgiveness of sin. God was pleased with Jesus sacrifice and raised Jesus from the dead to reign as King over all creation. We are forgiven only through Jesus.) If you choose to review with boys and girls how to become a Christian, explain that kids are welcome to speak with you or another leader if they have questions. God rules. God created and is in charge of everything. (Genesis 1:1; Revelation 4:11; Colossians 1:16-17) We sinned. Since Adam and Eve, everyone has chosen to disobey God. (Romans 3:23; 6:23) God provided. God sent His Son, Jesus, to rescue us from the punishment we deserve. (John 3:16; Ephesians 2:8-9) 10
Jesus gives. Jesus lived a perfect life, died on the cross for our sins, and rose again so we can be welcomed into God s family. (Romans 5:8; 2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Peter 3:18) We respond. Believe that Jesus alone saves you. Repent. Tell God that your faith is in Jesus. (Romans 10:9-10,13) Review the timeline in the small group visual pack. Key passage activity (5 minutes) Third Day, Shout it Out! Key Passage Poster: Matthew 21:9 Form a circle of chairs. Invite each kid to sit in a chair. Position the key passage poster where the kids can see it. Choose a kid to start by saying the first word of the key passage. The second kid will say the second word. The third kid must rise from his seat and shout the third word. Continue this pattern with every third kid rising and shouting. Say How long was Jesus body in the tomb? On the third day, the women went to the tomb and discovered it was empty. Jesus had risen! He is alive! The King of kings had truly saved His people. Activity choice (10 minutes) Option 1: Empty Tomb Game masking tape small table tennis ball or rock regular ball Create a tape circle on the floor. Place a small ball or rock in the center of the circle. Challenge kids to take turns sharing one truth about Jesus life, death, or resurrection. After sharing a truth, kids may roll the larger ball to try to knock the door to the tomb out of the circle. You may choose to provide each kid with a small rock to take home as a reminder that the stone was rolled away to reveal God had raised Jesus from the dead. Jesus is alive! Say Who went to the tomb? What did they discover? Would you have been shocked to find the tomb empty? Confused? Excited? Why were there guards at the tomb? The Pharisees didn t want someone to steal Jesus body. Were the guards able to stop God from raising Jesus from the dead? No! What did Jesus do for sinners? Jesus death and resurrection paid the penalty for sins and provided the promise of new life. Option 2: Map Crosses or Hearts old world maps scissors ribbon tape or glue Guide kids to cut a cross or heart from the old maps. Kids may use glue and ribbon to create a hanger for their art. Kids may also cut a small cross or heart that can be a bookmark. Lead kids to read John 3:16 and Matthew 28:19-20. Discuss ways kids can be involved in spreading 11
the good news about Jesus throughout the world: prayer, giving time or money, telling others the gospel, and so forth. Say What did Jesus do for sinners? Jesus death and resurrection paid the penalty for sins and provided the promise of new life. Why should we share the gospel with others? If a friend asked you to explain why Jesus died, what would you say? If a friend asked you why Jesus death and resurrection paid for your sin, what would you say? Prayer (5 minutes) Encourage boys and girls to think about today s big picture question and answer. Say What did Jesus do for sinners? Jesus death and resurrection paid the penalty for sins and provided the promise of new life. Remind kids that anytime they have questions about the Bible, Jesus, or the gospel, they are welcome to come talk to you or another adult leader. Also encourage kids to talk to their parents (if their parents are Christians). Close the group in prayer. Thank God for sending His Son to pay the penalty for sin. Clean-Up Room 12
Instructions: Decode the message by going forward three letters in the alphabet to find the right letter. G B P R P A F B A C L O J V P F K P UNIT 20 Session 2 Older Kids Activity Pages 2013 Lifeway Easter
Instructions: Number the pictures in order. Fill in the blank with your name. UNIT 20 Session 2 Older Kids Activity Page Easter 2013 Lifeway
Family Journal Page Easter e name and address of th r fo y ar et cr se ch ter Ask a pastor or chur cently or came for Eas re ch ur ch ur yo ed sit a family that vi s or even a small k ac sn h it w e ag ck pa e services. Make a welcom experience below. ur yo re ha S. ily m fa a gift. Deliver the gift as Jesus Crucifixion and Resurrection Matthew 26:36 28:10; John 18:1 20:18 Preschool Key Passage: Matthew 21:9 Big Picture Question: What did Jesus do for sinners? Jesus died on the cross and is alive. Christ Connection: The most important thing that ever happened is that Jesus died and was raised from the dead. Jesus never did anything wrong, but He was punished because we sinned. God forgives us for sin because Jesus died for us. God raised Jesus from the dead to be King over everything. Kids Key Passage: Matthew 21:9 Big Picture Question: What did Jesus do for sinners? Jesus death and resurrection paid the penalty for sins and provided the promise of new life. Christ Connection: The crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus is the center of the gospel. We deserve to die because of our sin, but Jesus died in our place. He was the blood sacrifice made once and for all for the forgiveness of sin. God was pleased with Jesus sacrifice and raised Jesus from the dead to reign as King over all creation. We are forgiven only through Jesus. (Acts 4:12) Unit 20 Session 2 OK TO PRINT
Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest! Matthew 21:9 Unit 20 Key Passage Poster (ESV) OK TO PRINT Easter