Jesus’ Crucifixion
OCT 4
New city catechism question of the week:
Question #40:
What should we pray?
Answer:
The whole Word of God directs us in what we should pray.
Memory Verse: Ephesians 2:8–9
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.
Talk about it together
Why did people want to hurt Jesus? The religious leaders were angry because of the things Jesus taught and the miracles he performed. Jesus told people that he is the Son of God and the true King. Everything Jesus said was true, but the religious leaders did not believe him. Even though Jesus had done nothing wrong, they accused him of breaking the law and convinced the crowd that he should die.
Jesus knew it was time to carry out God's plan to rescue people from sin. God loves us so much that he sent his Son, Jesus, to be our Savior. Sin separates us from God, and the Bible teaches that the punishment for sin is death. Jesus willingly died on the cross to take the punishment we deserve so that we could be forgiven and receive God's grace and love.
The soldiers took Jesus to Pilate, the governor. Pilate asked Jesus if he was the King of the Jews, and Jesus answered that he was. Pilate asked the crowd what they wanted him to do with Jesus, and they shouted, "Crucify him!" The soldiers put a scarlet robe on Jesus, placed a crown of thorns on his head, mocked him, and treated him cruelly. Then they made Jesus carry a heavy wooden cross.
The soldiers nailed Jesus to the cross, where he died. Above his head they placed a sign that read, "This is Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews." Before he died, Jesus said, "It is finished!" Jesus had completed the work his Father sent him to do. He gave his life to pay for our sins.
We cannot earn God's forgiveness, and we do not deserve it. God gives it to us because he loves us. This is called grace, receiving a wonderful gift that we could never earn on our own.
On the third day, God raised Jesus from the dead. Jesus defeated sin and death, just as God had promised. Everyone who trusts in him receives forgiveness and the promise of eternal life. From the very beginning, God promised to send a Savior. Even though our sin separates us from him, God loved us so much that he sent his own Son to rescue us.
Family discussion
Why were the religious leaders angry with Jesus?
What did Pilate ask Jesus?
How did the soldiers treat Jesus?
What were the last words Jesus spoke before he died?
Family prayer
Dear God, thank you for your perfect rescue plan through Jesus. Please forgive us for our sins. Thank you for your amazing grace and your great love for us. Amen.
Kids Worship Bulletin
For kids attending worship service, below is the Kids Worship Bulletin for this coming Sunday.