Easter. Jesus' Crucifixion and Resurrection
Matthew 26-28; 1 Corinthians 15
Kids Church. April 12, 2020
Volume 7 Jesus the Messiah. Unit 20 Prepare the Way. Session 2
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Matthew 26-28; 1 Corinthians 15
Kids Church. April 12, 2020
Volume 7 Jesus the Messiah. Unit 20 Prepare the Way. Session 2
Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection are essential to the Christian faith. If we teach Jesus as a respected teacher and miracle-worker who claimed to be the Messiah and who was crucified on the cross—but who was not resurrected—then we are teaching the Jesus of Judaism. If we teach Jesus as a wise teacher and prophet who ascended into heaven—but who was not crucified—then we are teaching the Jesus of Islam.
Jesus’ purpose for coming to earth was to save us from our sins. (Matt. 1:21) Jesus came to die to show God’s love to us (Rom. 5:7-8) so that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16) Jesus came to die so that we would be forgiven. (Eph. 1:7) Jesus came to die to bring us to God. (1 Pet. 3:18)
Jesus died on the cross to satisfy the wrath of God toward sin. His 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) If there was no resurrection, Paul says, our faith would be worthless. We would be dead in our sins. (1 Cor. 15:17)
But Jesus’ resurrection gives us hope for our resurrection. The same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead will raise our bodies to life. (Rom. 8:11)
Jesus’ death and resurrection is the center of the gospel. In Adam, we were spiritually dead in sin, but Jesus died to pay for our sins. Jesus is alive! God gives new life to everyone who trusts in Jesus. As you share with your kids, emphasize the gospel: the good news of who Jesus is and what He has done. We do not worship a dead Savior. Jesus is alive! There is hope for sinners. Jesus’ resurrection gives believers the promise of new life. “For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive” (1 Cor. 15:22).
Praise God for His attributes: holiness, greatness, grace, mercy, etc.
Thank God for His goodness, provision, etc.
Ask God for His Holy Spirit to prepare our hearts, minds, and spirits to worship God and learn the lesson He has for us today.
You may ask all the kids to take turn to pray as well.
Share praises from this past week of what you see God's been doing in your lives.
Confessing of our sins. Pray to God for His holiness and purity in our lives.
Share prayer requests with each other. Pray for each other.
LEADER SAY • John the Baptist was speaking to his followers who were asking questions about Jesus. John’s mission was to get people ready for Jesus, so John wanted people to follow Jesus! Why did Jesus become human? Jesus became human to obey His Father’s plan and rescue sinners.
Everyone open their Bibles to 1 Corinthians 15. Explain that the apostle Paul wrote 1 Corinthians as a letter to believers in Corinth about 20 years after Jesus’ death and resurrection. He wanted to remind believers what was true.
Choose a child to read aloud 1 Corinthians 15:3-5.
In these verses, Paul shares the gospel—the good news about Jesus. This is the most important news ever! Jesus died for our sins, He was buried, and He was raised on the third day.
(Take your time to ask, ponder and answer the following questions)
Lead kids to recognize that Jesus’ resurrection proved that God accepted Jesus’ death as the payment for sin. It shows His victory over sin and death. Paul said if there was no resurrection, we would still be dead in our sins. (1 Cor. 15:17) Jesus’ resurrection gives us hope that we too will be resurrected one day.
(Option: Choose a volunteer to read Rom. 8:11.)
Guide kids to recall that after Jesus rose from the dead, He appeared to the women and the twelve disciples as well as more than 500 other people. Emphasize that we ultimately believe by faith in Jesus’ resurrection. Today, Jesus is alive in heaven. One day, He will return to set up His kingdom forever.
(Option: Choose a volunteer to read Acts 7:55-56.)
Prompt kids to consider the reality that Jesus has conquered sin and death, providing forgiveness to all who trust in Him. The empty tomb shows that God is faithful, powerful, and loving. Because Jesus is alive, we can live with confidence that our future with Him is secure. Jesus’ resurrection gives us hope for eternal life. We can live with a purpose—to know God and make Him known. We have hope even in hard circumstances.
(Option: Choose a kid to read 1 Cor. 15:57-58.)
Lift high the name of Jesus, Of Jesus our King. Make known the power of His grace, The beauty of His peace.
Remember how His mercy reached And we cried out to Him. He lifted us to solid ground, To freedom from our sin.
Chorus
Oh sing my soul, And tell all He’s done, Till the earth and heavens are filled with His glory!
Lift high the name of Jesus, Of Jesus our Lord. His power in us is greater than, Is greater than this world.
To share the reason for our hope, To serve with love and grace, That all who see Him shine through us Might bring the Father praise.
Chorus
Oh sing my soul, And tell all He’s done, Till the earth and heavens are filled with His glory!
Lift high the name of Jesus, Of Jesus our Light. No other name on earth can save, Can raise a soul to life.
He opens up our eyes to see The harvest He has grown. We labor in His fields of grace As He leads sinners home.
Chorus
Oh sing my soul, And tell all He’s done, Till the earth and heavens are filled with His glory!
Praise and thanksgiving to God that His Son was born to save and redeem us.
Protection from the COVID-19.
Productive at home this week.
For others who are sick.
Wisdom for government officials and President Trump and VP Pence.
Wisdom for church leaders.