March 29, 2026 – Jesus Shows God’s Great Love

In this part of the story, Jesus is betrayed, arrested, and crucified. Even though Jesus did nothing wrong, He chose to go through suffering because He loves people and wanted to save them. This story shows us how great God’s love is and reminds us that Jesus is willing to forgive and care for us no matter what. Core Teaching Theme This lesson helps children understand that Jesus’ suffering and death were part of God’s loving plan to save the world. Even though the events of the crucifixion are sad, they show the depth of Jesus’ love, forgiveness, and obedience to God. Children will learn that Jesus chose to endure difficult things because He loves people deeply. The story reminds us that God’s love is stronger than sin, fear, or even death, and that Jesus shows us how to forgive and trust God. Lesson Length Total Time: 28–30 minutes

LEADER PREP

Leader Devotional & Invitation (for you, before teaching) The story of Jesus’ betrayal, arrest, and crucifixion is one of the most important moments in the entire Bible. In these chapters of Matthew, we see Jesus facing betrayal from a friend, unfair accusations from leaders, and deep suffering on the cross. Yet through every moment, Jesus remains faithful to God’s plan. What may appear to be a moment of defeat is actually the moment when God’s love is most clearly revealed to the world. One of the most powerful parts of this story is Jesus’ response to the people who hurt Him. Instead of anger or revenge, Jesus chooses forgiveness. Even while suffering, He continues to show love and mercy. This reminds us that God’s love does not disappear when life becomes difficult. In fact, God’s love is often most visible during the hardest moments. As you prepare to teach children this story, remember that the goal is not to focus on the sadness alone but on the love behind it. Jesus chose to endure suffering because He loves people deeply. The cross is not simply a symbol of pain—it is the greatest symbol of God’s love and sacrifice for the world. Teaching children about the crucifixion is a sacred opportunity. You are helping them see that Jesus understands pain, that He forgives people who do wrong, and that God’s love never stops working. As you lead this lesson, trust that God is working through your words, your kindness, and your presence with the children. Leader Prayer Loving God, Thank you for the incredible love shown through Jesus. As I teach this story today, help me share it with gentleness, wisdom, and care. Help the children understand that even in the hardest moments, Your love is still at work. Guide my words and help me reflect the forgiveness and compassion Jesus showed. Amen.

Bible Background (Understanding the Story)

This story takes place during the final hours of Jesus’ life before His resurrection. It begins with Judas betraying Jesus and continues through Jesus’ arrest, His trial before religious and Roman leaders, and ultimately His crucifixion. Jesus is mocked, falsely accused, and sentenced to death even though He has done nothing wrong. The events occur in and around Jerusalem during the time of the Passover festival. Many important figures are involved in this part of the story, including Judas, the disciples, religious leaders, Pontius Pilate, Roman soldiers, and the crowd. Each person plays a role in the unfolding events that lead Jesus to the cross. Although these events are painful, they are central to the Christian story. Jesus willingly endured suffering as part of God’s plan to bring forgiveness and salvation to the world. The key message for children is that Jesus chose to go through these difficult things because He loves people deeply. Even when people did wrong things to Him, Jesus showed forgiveness and trusted God.

Key Vocabulary

Betray To hurt someone by breaking their trust or turning against them. Crucifixion A very painful punishment used long ago where a person was nailed to a cross. Forgive Choosing not to stay angry when someone does something wrong. Sacrifice Giving something up or suffering for the good of someone else. Trial When leaders listen to accusations and decide if someone is guilty or innocent.

Supply Checklist

Bible (for reading the scripture passage) Printed memory verse cards (optional) Whiteboard or large paper for discussion points Markers or pens Simple craft supplies for application activity (paper, crayons/markers, scissors) Tape or glue sticks Optional cross craft materials (construction paper or popsicle sticks) Prep Time Estimated Preparation Time: 10–15 minutes Preparation may include reading the scripture passage beforehand, reviewing the lesson outline, gathering craft materials, and preparing the memory verse for the children.

Welcome Question (displayed): Have you ever forgiven someone even when they hurt your feelings?

Before Kids Arrive

Write the welcome question somewhere visible (whiteboard, poster board, or screen). Place chairs in a small circle or semicircle so children can easily see one another. Optional simple prop: a small heart cutout or piece of paper with a heart drawn on it to represent love and forgiveness. This activity requires no supplies beyond the heart prop (optional). Prayer Over the Space (Pray quietly before kids arrive): Dear God, thank You for every child who will walk into this room today. Help them feel safe, loved, and welcomed. As we learn about Jesus and His great love for the world, help us understand how powerful forgiveness is. Open our hearts to hear Your truth today. Amen.

Leader Tip

Younger children (K–2) may think of forgiveness in simple situations like sharing toys or saying sorry. Older children (3–5) may recognize deeper situations like friendships or unfair treatment. Affirm all answers and keep the conversation gentle and positive.

As Kids Arrive (Leader Script)

Hi everyone! I’m so glad you’re here today. Let’s start with a question to think about. Our question today is: “Have you ever forgiven someone even when they hurt your feelings?” You can invite responses by saying: What happened? Was it easy or hard to forgive them? How did it feel after you forgave them? If children struggle to answer, you can prompt them with examples: Maybe someone took your toy. Maybe someone said something unkind. Maybe a friend didn’t include you in a game. Forgiving someone can sometimes feel hard, but it can also bring peace to our hearts.

At Start Time (Leader Script)

Alright friends, let’s come together and get ready for our story today. Today’s story is about one of the most important moments in the whole Bible. It’s a story where some people treated Jesus very badly, even though He had done nothing wrong. But something amazing happens in this story. Even while Jesus was suffering, He showed love and forgiveness to others. Jesus chose to forgive people who hurt Him. Today we’re going to discover just how big and powerful Jesus’ love really is. Curiosity Activity – Game or Object Lesson: “The Forgiveness Pass”

Leader Instruction

This quick activity helps children think about forgiveness and kindness toward others. It connects to the lesson because Jesus showed forgiveness even in the most difficult situation. Step-by-Step:

1. Have children stand or sit in a small circle.
2. Hold up the heart (or pretend object) and say:

“This heart represents love and forgiveness.”

1. Pass the heart to one child and say:

“When you hold the heart, say one kind thing someone could do for another person.”

1. After the child answers, they pass the heart to another child.

Examples children might say: Helping a friend Sharing toys Saying sorry Being kind Including someone in a game

1. Continue passing the heart for several children.
2. After a few rounds, collect the heart and say:

“Those are all ways we show kindness and forgiveness to others.” Leader Tips for Management: Keep the pace moving so many children can participate. If a child is shy, allow them to pass without answering. Affirm every answer with simple encouragement like “Great idea!” or “That’s a kind choice.”

Transition (Leader Script)

Those were wonderful examples of kindness and forgiveness. In today’s Bible story, Jesus shows forgiveness in a way that is even bigger than we can imagine. Even when people hurt Him, Jesus still loved them and asked God to forgive them. Let’s open our Bible story and see what happened.

Leader Instruction

This section is the heart of the lesson where children hear and experience the Bible story. The goal is to help children understand what happened to Jesus and why His actions show great love and forgiveness. Tell the story slowly and calmly, allowing children to imagine the events and respond to questions. Focus on helping children see that even during difficult and sad moments, Jesus showed love and forgiveness. Speak slowly and clearly so children can picture the story. Teaching tips for volunteers: Pause at key moments to ask simple reflection questions. Use gentle tone when describing sad events so children feel safe. Encourage participation with small movements and quiet responses. Remind children that the story shows how much Jesus loves people. Prayer of Invitation (Leader Script): Dear God, Thank You for giving us the Bible so we can learn about Jesus. Help us listen carefully and understand how much Jesus loves us. Open our hearts and minds as we hear Your Word today. Amen. Bible Time Rhyme (say with motions): Open up the Bible wide, (pretend to open a big book) God’s great story is inside! (point upward, then to heart) Listen close and you will see, (cup hand to ear) How much Jesus cares for me! (hug yourself) Storytelling (Leader Script): Today we are hearing part of the story about the last days of Jesus’ life. Jesus had been teaching people about God’s love. Many people followed Him and listened to Him. But some leaders were angry with Jesus and wanted to stop Him. One of Jesus’ disciples, named Judas, decided to betray Him. Pause. That means Judas chose to turn against Jesus and help the leaders arrest Him. Soon, soldiers came and took Jesus away. Let’s all stand very still like the soldiers standing guard. (children stand still) Jesus was taken to a trial. The leaders asked many questions and accused Him of doing wrong things. But Jesus had done nothing wrong. Pause. The leaders decided to punish Jesus. Jesus was taken to a place called Golgotha, where He was nailed to a cross. Have children gently place their hands over their hearts. Even though Jesus was hurting, He said something very surprising. Jesus prayed, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” Pause. Think about that for a moment. Reflection question: Why do you think Jesus chose to forgive people even when they were hurting Him? Allow a few responses. Jesus stayed on the cross until He died. The sky grew dark, and the earth shook. Many people watching began to realize something important. A Roman officer said, “Truly this was God’s Son.” Pause. Reflection question: What does this story show us about Jesus’ love? Allow brief responses. Jesus’ friends carefully placed His body in a tomb and rolled a large stone in front of it. The story feels very sad at this moment. But even during this difficult time, God’s plan of love was still at work.

Ask children to stand still like soldiers when Jesus is arrested.

Engagement Tips: Invite children to place their hands over their hearts when Jesus speaks. Encourage quiet listening during the moment Jesus forgives others.

Ask children to whisper the word “forgive” together when the verse is read.

Connecting the Wonder Truth (Leader Script): Even though Jesus suffered and died, God’s love and plan were still at work. Jesus chose to go through suffering because He loves people so much. Even when others hurt Him, He showed forgiveness and trust in God. Let’s say this together: “Jesus’ love is stronger than anything.” (Have children repeat together.) Word of Wonder (Memory Verse): “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” — Matthew 27:34 Teaching motions:

Father (point upward) forgive them (open hands outward like letting something go) for they do not know (shake head gently) what they are doing (shrug shoulders) Practice the verse together:

1. Whisper the verse slowly with motions.
2. Say the verse together in a normal voice.
3. Say the verse loudly and confidently with motions.

Optional Engagement Game: Forgiveness Echo The leader says a phrase and children echo it back with motions. Leader: “Father, forgive them!” Children echo: “Father, forgive them!” Repeat several times using quiet voices, loud voices, or silly voices. End by saying the full verse together one more time with motions.

Leader Instruction

This section helps children connect the Bible story to their own lives. After hearing about Jesus’ suffering and forgiveness, children now reflect on what it means to trust God and choose forgiveness in everyday situations. Remind children that everyone faces hard moments, confusing feelings, or situations where forgiveness is difficult. Just like Jesus trusted God and showed love even in suffering, we can ask God to help us when life feels hard. Encourage all children to participate. Invite quieter children gently, and help manage dominant voices by saying, “Let’s hear from someone who hasn’t shared yet.” The goal is conversation, not perfect answers. Affirm every response with kindness and encouragement. Keep questions simple and allow children time to think before answering. Tips for Volunteers: Affirm every response with phrases like, “That’s a thoughtful answer,” or “Thank you for sharing that.” Help children connect the story to everyday life situations they understand. Remind children that everyone is still learning how to trust God and forgive others.

Discussion (Leader Script)

Younger (K–2):

1. In our Bible story today, what happened to Jesus?

(Guide: Jesus was betrayed, arrested, and put on the cross even though He did nothing wrong.)

1. What did Jesus say while He was on the cross?

(Guide: Jesus asked God to forgive the people.)

1. When something hard or sad happens, who can help us?

(Guide: God helps us. Jesus understands how we feel.)

1. Who are people God gives us to help when life feels hard?

(Guide: Parents, teachers, friends, family, and church.)

1. What is something this week you might ask God to help you with?

(Guide: Being kind, forgiving someone, being brave, making good choices.) Older (3–5):

1. Why do you think Jesus chose to forgive people even while He was suffering?
2. Sometimes strong feelings like anger, sadness, or fear make choices harder. How can trusting God help when we feel those things?
3. Jesus understands pain and difficult situations. How might knowing that change the way we talk to God when life feels hard?
4. What is one situation this week where you could practice trusting God or showing forgiveness?

Encourage honest reflection and remind children there are no wrong answers. Faith Practice Moment (Optional but Encouraged) Leader Script:

Let’s take a quiet moment to practice trusting God together. Everyone place one hand over your heart and the other hand open in front of you. Repeat after me: Leader: “God, you love us.” Children: “God, you love us.” Leader: “Jesus understands our struggles.” Children: “Jesus understands our struggles.” Leader: “Help us trust you.” Children: “Help us trust you.” Leader: “Help us forgive others.” Children: “Help us forgive others.” Take one quiet breath together and thank God for being with us.

Transition (Leader Script)

Today we learned that even during the hardest moments, Jesus trusted God and showed forgiveness. Trusting God is something we practice a little more each day. Now let’s think about what this story tells us about who we are and how God cares for us.

Craft Activity – “Forgiven Hearts” Reminder Paper hearts (pre-cut or children can cut them out) Supplies: Crayons or markers Stickers (optional) Small pieces of tape or glue

Leader Instruction

This activity helps children understand that because of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross, we are loved and forgiven by God. In the story today, Jesus showed incredible love by forgiving others even while He was suffering. His words, “Father, forgive them,” remind us that Jesus’ love is bigger than mistakes, hurt, or sin. When children create their hearts, they will write or draw reminders of God’s love and forgiveness. This helps them see that their identity is not defined by their mistakes but by the love Jesus showed on the cross. The heart shape symbolizes God’s love, and taking it home reminds them that Jesus’ love and forgiveness are always with them. Encourage children to think about how Jesus chose forgiveness instead of anger. Help them understand that when we trust Jesus, we belong to God’s family and can share that same love and forgiveness with others. Younger Kids (K–2): Have children color their paper heart and draw pictures of things that remind them of Jesus’ love (a cross, a heart, a smiling family, sunshine, etc.). If possible, help them write the words “Jesus loves me” or “I am forgiven.” Older Kids (3–5): Ask children to write a short phrase on their heart such as “Jesus forgives me,” “I belong to God,” or “Jesus loves me.” They can also write the memory verse reference (Matthew 27:34) or draw a cross to remind them of Jesus’ sacrifice. Prepare heart shapes ahead of time to save time. Classroom Management Tips: Encourage creativity, but remind students this is a quick activity. Walk around and affirm students’ ideas and drawings. Instructions:

1. Give each child a paper heart and crayons or markers.
2. Ask them to decorate their heart with colors, drawings, or stickers.
3. Have younger children draw pictures of God’s love or a cross.
4. Have older children write a short phrase that reminds them of Jesus’ love and forgiveness.
5. When finished, children can hold up their hearts or tape them somewhere visible.
6. Encourage children to take the heart home as a reminder of the lesson.

Leader Script (Identity Connection): “Today we heard about how Jesus suffered and died on the cross, even though He had done nothing wrong. While He was on the cross, Jesus prayed, ‘Father, forgive them.’ That shows us how big His love is.

When we trust Jesus, we are loved and forgiven by God. Our mistakes do not define us—God’s love does. Your heart reminds you that Jesus loves you, forgives you, and calls you part of God’s family.”

Review the Wonder Truth Today we learned that even when Jesus suffered and died, God’s love and plan to save the world were still at work. The events of this story were very sad, but they show us something very important: Jesus chose to go through suffering because He loves people deeply. Even while He was on the cross, Jesus prayed for the people who hurt Him and said, “Father, forgive them.” That shows us how big Jesus’ love really is. God’s plan was not stopped by fear, anger, or sadness. Through Jesus, God was showing the world forgiveness and love. Closing Questions

1. Why did Jesus choose to suffer and die, even though He had done nothing wrong?
2. What did Jesus say about the people who hurt Him while He was on the cross?
3. How can we show forgiveness and love to others the way Jesus did?

Closing Prayer

Dear God, Thank You for loving us so much. Thank You for sending Jesus, who showed us how to love and forgive others. Help us remember that Your love is always at work, even when things are hard or sad. Teach us to forgive and care for people the way Jesus did. Amen. Optional Sending Activity “Forgiveness Reminder” Challenge Before next Sunday, try this challenge: When someone does something that makes you upset (a sibling, friend, or classmate), pause and remember what Jesus said on the cross: “Father, forgive them.” Take a deep breath and try to respond with kindness instead of anger. You can also draw a small cross or heart on a piece of paper and place it somewhere you will see it this week (your backpack, desk, or bedroom). Every time you see it, remember: Jesus showed us how to forgive because He loves us so much.