Jesus was crucified on a cross like a common criminal, even though he had never done anything wrong. While he was on the cross, the earth became dark. The huge curtain in the temple in Jerusalem suddenly ripped in half at the exact moment Jesus died outside the city. There was also an earthquake. The day of the crucifixion was a terrible day.

Jesus was innocent, but he was killed.

Bible verses used in this episode:

• Matthew 27:32-56
• Luke 23:26-49

Outline:

1. Going to the cross (Matthew 27:32-56)
2. Jesus on the cross (Matthew 27:35-50)
3. Reactions to his death (Matthew 27:51-56)

Tips for teaching:

• Introduce the story by showing pictures or examples of crosses (on churches, jewellery, cemeteries, hospitals, logos, etc.) Ask children what crosses they have seen.
• Explain that crucifixion was punishment for people who had done very bad things.  It was different for Jesus.  He had never done anything bad.  Instead, Jesus was being punished for all the bad things that OTHERS do.
• Draw an outline of a cross.  Guide children in filling in the blank space inside the cross in one of the following ways:
  • Write words and impressions about what happened at the crucifixion.
  • Jesus took the punishment for every person in the world.  Fill the cross with as many names as you can think of.
  • Older children can write their own personal sins inside the cross.
• For adults: Make a cross out of rough wood and ask adults to take turns holding the cross and thinking about its significance.  For a better experience, the cross should be large enough to hold and pass around from person to person while remaining seated.
• If using PowerPoint, include a slide of a significant archaeological discovery in Jerusalem a half-century ago.   Here is a link to the Wikipedia photo and description.

Full teaching instructions available free from Mission Bible Class:
Bible Lesson:  Jesus is Crucified

Scriptures quoted from the International Children’s Bible®, copyright ©1986, 1988, 1999, 2015 by Tommy Nelson. Used by permission.

Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.

For questions or comments email: mary@missionbibleclass.org