Easter Week Family Devotional 1
Supplies needed for the week: Sunday- matchbox or other small box, construction paper or scrapbook paper, cotton ball or cloth, perfume or other strong scent Monday- printable, 2 clothespins, something to color with, green construction paper Tuesday-twine Wednesday- red construction paper, map Thursday- washcloth, basin of water, and soap Friday- paper, stapler, something to color with Saturday- paper, red marker, yellow construction paper Sunday (Easter)- plastic egg, jelly beans 2
Palm Sunday Mary anointing Jesus with oil Recognizing Jesus as King; John 12:1-11 Mary wanted to recognize Jesus for who He was, and anointed him with a costly perfume, bathing His feet with her hair. Make a box to hold your precious oil. Cut scrapbook or construction paper to cover your box. Saturate your cotton in the perfume. Place the cotton in your box. 3
Questions to Discuss with your family: Why was it so extraordinary Mary washed Jesus feet with the perfume and her hair? How did people react to Mary s actions? Mary gave an extravagant gift. What gift can you give to Jesus? 4
Monday Triumphal Entry Recognizing Jesus as King; Luke 19:28-40 When Jesus entered Jerusalem for the last time, the whole city turned out to recognize Him as King. He rode in on a donkey that had never been ridden, and the people laid palm branches on the ground in front of Him. A story is told about the donkey Jesus rode, it s not true, but it makes for a fun story. 1 Cut out a leaf shape from the green construction paper, and cut fringe pieces to remind us of the palm branches laid before Jesus. Color the donkey printable and cut it out. Glue it together and put the clothespins on the bottom as legs. 1 Donkey poem found here: http://www.adonaifarm.com/origin.htm 5
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Bring me the colt of a donkey," was the Master's request. A young donkey was brought to Jesus to carry Him into Jerusalem. A week later Jesus was ordered to be crucified. The little donkey so loved the Lord that he wanted to help Him carry the cross. But, alas, he was pushed away. The sad little donkey waited to say goodbye until nearly all had left. As he turned to leave, the shadow of the cross fell upon the back and shoulders of the little donkey. And there it has remained, a tribute to the loyalty and love of the humblest of Gods creatures. Mary Singer by 7
Questions to Discuss How did the crowd react to Jesus? Why do you think they were so excited? What did the crowd say about Jesus? What was the Pharisees reaction? What did Jesus say in response to them? 8
Tuesday Jesus clears the temple Recognizing Jesus as Judge; Matthew 21:12-17 After Jesus came into Jerusalem and was disappointed to see people selling animals and trading in the temple. The place created to worship God. When Jesus saw this, He cleared out the money lenders. When Jesus cleared out the money lenders he braided a whip from twine. Stop and braid a whip from twine. 9
Questions to Discuss What did Jesus see at the temple? What was Jesus response? Why do you think He was so angry? What did Jesus do after He cleared the temple? What was the Pharisee s response to Jesus? 10
Wednesday Greeks seek Jesus Recognizing Jesus as Savior of All; John 12:20-36 After Jesus cleared the temple and was teaching Philip brought some Greeks to Jesus to learn from Him. Everyone learned Jesus is not just for the Jews. Cut out a red heart from construction paper, and then glue a map on it to remember that Jesus did not just come for a few people, but for the whole world. 11
Questions to Discuss What did Philip do when the Greeks wanted to meet Jesus? Who do you think he went to Andrew before Jesus? What is Jesus response to Philip and Andrew? What do you think Jesus was talking about? If you were Philip and Andrew how would you have responded to Jesus words? Would you have been scared or worried? 12
Thursday Jesus washing the disciples feet Recognizing Jesus as servant; John 13:1-20 Jesus shows he is a servant when He stops to wash all of the disciples feet. This job was usually given to the lowest servant of all because feet were filthy and covered in who knows what. Use the wash cloth to take turns washing each other s feet. 13
Questions to Discuss: Why do you think Jesus decided to wash the disciples feet? How did Peter respond to Jesus washing his feet? How would you have responded? What does the passage say Jesus feels about the disciples? How does He feel about you? If you re not sure read John 3:16. 14
Friday Jesus prays in Gethsemane Recognizing Jesus as Supplicant; Luke 22:39-46 Jesus knew what was coming and how hard it was going to be. He did not want to die, but was willing to die if it was God s plan. Jesus asked God if the plan could change, but accepted God s answer. Prayer is important and God wants us to take time to pray. Make a prayer book to write your prayers in. Decorate it with markers or crayons. 15
Questions to Discuss Where does Jesus go to pray? Do you need to be alone to pray? Why do you think Jesus wanted to be alone? What did Jesus pray for? What can you pray for? Who comforted Jesus during His prayer? 16
Saturday Crucifixion Recognizing Jesus as Savior; Luke 23:26-49 Jesus, God s perfect son is arrested and nailed to a cross. He did no wrong, broke no law, but he was crucified like a common criminal for our sins. Make a dogwood flower, legend has it the dogwood tree was used to make the cross, and the flowers are in the shape of a cross to remind us of Jesus death for us. 17
Questions to Discuss What is the crowd s response to Jesus? What was their response to Him earlier this week? What does Jesus say to God? Why do you think He said that? How do the two criminals respond to Jesus? What is Jesus response to the second man? 18
Easter Resurrection Recognizing Jesus as Savior; Matthew 28:1-10 The disciples had given up hope. Jesus was dead, and the Roman soldiers guarded His tomb. Some women followers of Jesus went to His tomb to anoint Him with spices and oils, and were amazed to discover an empty tomb. Enjoy eating the jelly beans in the eggs as a sweet surprise, just as the women had a sweet surprise when they found the tomb empty 19
Questions to Discuss What was the guards reaction to the angel s appearance? Why do you think they were so scared? What did the angel say to the women? What did the women do after the angel spoke? Who did they see as they left? What was their response to the person? 20
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