BIBLE STORY DISCUSSION: 

• Why didn’t Jesus stop this from happening?
• Why did you need Jesus to die for you?
• Why did he not only die – but raise from the dead as well?

Read John 20:30-31 and Revelation 21:1-7 

(In these 2 passages we read about the rewards for those who believe)

• Discuss their meaning
• What is the difference between knowing what happened and placing your faith in Jesus?

(Help your child to see that we must recognize our own need for salvation, which can only come through the sacrifice of Jesus. Believing in Jesus requires the we understand our condition as sinners and that God’s Son came down to die in our place. Then, our trust and belief is in Jesus as Savior, not simply in Jesus as an ordinary man in history.) 

Read Matthew 27:62-66, 28:4, 11-15

• Is it possible to know about Jesus and yet not truly believe?

(Yes, it is possible to know about him and not believe. The guards and the chief priests are perfect examples of this.)

CONNECTING TO THE GOSPEL: 

Read: Hebrews 9:22, Romans 5:8-9, John 19:30 and Luke 23:46

The death of Christ is the heart of the gospel. “Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins” (Hebrews 9:22). Jesus was the Lamb of God who was slain so that we could be forgiven for our sins. 

Romans 5:8–9 says, “God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God.” As Jesus was dying, darkness came over the whole land. At the moment of his death, the temple curtain was torn in two. This curtain separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place, which blocked men from the presence of God. With Jesus’ death, the curtain was torn top to bottom, and the way between man and God was opened. John records that just before Jesus died he said “It is finished” (John 19:30). The wrath of God poured out upon Jesus for all sin was exhausted, and the way to God was opened. Luke 23:46 records that Jesus cried out, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” These words were not just for himself; they were for all those who are “in Christ” through faith in his sacrifice. Jesus died for all of us.

But the Easter story doesn’t end there, with Christ in the tomb. Jesus overcomes death!  Read: 1 Corinthians 15:13-14, 17, 20-23:

This is one of the most critical parts of the gospel. Paul said it like this: “If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain….If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins” (1 Corinthians 15:13–14, 17). Paul goes on to say in 1 Corinthians 15:20–23 that Christ is the “first fruits” (the first to be raised) and that we will also be raised. If Jesus had died but not risen again, we would all be lost. The resurrection is not an add-on to the cross. It is an integral part of the gospel message without which the gospel would have no power!

PRAY: Lord Jesus, thank you for the greatest gift I have ever been given. Forgiveness. Daily I sin and am in need of saving. Thank you for being my Savior. Thank you that not only did you die for our sins, but you took the power of death away. That one day all who believe will not die, but have everlasting life with you. Help me believe. Amen.

CHALLENGE: April 8th – 15th

OPTION 1: A Crown of Thorns

SUPPLIES:

✓ a crown of thorns (With the help of an adult cut narrow branches from any thorny bush like a rose

and weave them into a circle. Use leather gloves to protect fingers from

the prickles.)

✓ a box to hold the crown

✓ stick or length of bamboo or reed

✓ four pieces of a drinking straw or four sticks, one shorter than the others

Read through the account of the crucifixion from Matthew’s gospel (Matthew 27:27–50). 

As you come to each of the objects listed, pass them around. Talk about how terrible it would be to have a crown of thorns forced down on your head. Before you pass the stick, demonstrate how the soldiers hit Jesus with it. Before you pass around the four straws that represent the lots cast for Jesus’ clothing, demonstrate how they would work. 

OPTION 2: Stained Glass Window

Create a Stained Glass Window (or door) in your house this week. This will be a sign to our neighbors, postal workers and the like that we have a Savior named Jesus and he is everything we all need.  For an easy DIY recipe for washable window paint CLICK HERE.

Then take a picture or post a video of what you did. Don’t forget to share it on the @CornerstoneKidsBillings facebook page or email them to Lindsey @cornerstonekids4525@gmail.com 

STAY CONNECTED: For more study questions, activity ideas, devotions and music be sure to follow us on facebook @CornerstoneKidsBillings and ask to join our private Facebook group. You can also have content emailed to you, simply send your request to cornestonekids4525@gmail.com.