3/24-3/25

THIS IS EXACTLY WHAT YOU RECEIVED AS A HARD COPY OVER THE WEEKEND. The reason the whole thing is posted is so that dialouge can take place and you can be specific about something written in the lesson.

WEEK #1

Key verses – I Corinthians 15:3-4

Matthew 21:1-9, 26:1-46

Jesus enters Jerusalem riding a donkey and will end with Jesus being arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane. You will use 4 eggs, blue, light pink, light purple, and orange.

You will need to open them in correct sequence so that the story is in proper order. We will begin with the blue egg (a donkey is inside).

1.) Blue Egg – Donkey–Jesus rides in the parade on a donkey. Read Matthew 21:1-9

The Easter story begins with a parade. The parade is in honor of their King. He is Jesus. Jesus rides in the parade on a donkey. The parade was going to Jerusalem so the people (Jews) could celebrate the Feast of the Passover. The people were so excited to see the Messiah, the Savior, the chosen one of God! They wanted to be near Him, and hear Him speak.

Thoughts:

You my want to discuss the significance of Jesus riding on a donkey. This was prophesied and restated from Zechariah 9:9.

Questions:

• Why would Jesus pick a donkey instead of a big horse or in a cool chariot?
• Have you ever been to a parade? Why do we have parades?

2.) Light Pink – Coins–Judas accepts money to betray Jesus. Read Matthew 26:6-16

The Jewish leaders wanted to get rid of Jesus. He was not the kind of Messiah or Son of God they wanted. They were looking for God to send a warrior-king-one riding on a horse, not a donkey-who would conquer the Roman Empire and pay back the people for all the bad things that they had done to the Jews over the years. But that was not God’s plan.

Thoughts:

Judas was one of Jesus’ disciples who at first followed Jesus, but decided later to be disobedient to God. He chose to throw away his love for Jesus by betraying Him to His enemies. And Judas betrayed Jesus for only 30 silver coins.

Questions:

• Have you ever gave away or traded something that you liked a lot? What did it feel like? Did you want it back after you got rid of it?
• Has any of your friends ever told you a lie or told a lie about you to others? How did it make you feel?

3.) Light Purple – Cup – The Last Supper – Matthew 26:17-19,26-28

On the first day of the Feast Jesus and his disciples met that evening to have the Passover meal together. At Jesus’ last supper with His disciples before He died on the cross, He used the cup of wine to explain His death. Christians still drink from a cup to remember Christ’s blood poured out for us and our sins.

Thoughts:

It was important for all the disciples to be at the supper. It was here that Jesus told them what was about to happen. He told them that He would be betrayed, arrested, and crucified.

Questions:

* Have you ever taken communion or seen it being taken in church?

* What is the bread for?

4.) Orange – Praying hands – Jesus praying in Gethsemane – Matthew 26:36-46

After the supper was over Jesus and His disciples left going to the Mount of Olives. It was there that they entered the garden area known as Gethsemane.

Thoughts:

Jesus gives us a wonderful example of the importance of prayer. Jesus knew the days ahead were going to be very rough and He wanted His disciples to pray with and for Him. His disciples got tired and fell asleep 3 times while Jesus was praying.

Questions:

• Do you ever get tired praying?

Is it hard to be strong when you’re tired?

Global Ministry Conference for the next 2 weeks :)

We will be meeting in room 12 and having some activities planned and will be hearing from missionaries.