Scripture: Matthew 27:33-56, Mark 15:23-41, Luke 23:32-49, John 19:18-37
Learning Objectives:
- Students will learn Jesus was willing to endure a painful death to provide for the forgiveness of our sins.
- Students will learn Jesus was the ultimate and perfect sacrifice.
- Students will learn when we are baptized, we participate in the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus – getting forgiveness of our sins and becoming Christians. (Romans 6:3-5)
- Students will learn how to share Jesus’ love to others.
Guiding Question: How can students share Jesus’ love to others?
Materials: Fiber fill, fleece, scissors, pillow covers
Procedure: Review the story of the crucifixion from the scriptures above. Explain that when people say “the blood of Jesus washes away our sins” they do not mean that God uses blood to physically wash away our sins. This phrase means that when Jesus died on the cross for us and shed bled, that was the moment when all of our sins were forgiven and we could have a relationship with God and Jesus. When we are baptized, we become Christians and receive forgiveness for all of our sins.
Introduce the activity. Have the students make heart felt pillow to take home or give to someone to help them remember Jesus’ love for us and how we should love others. Cut out two hearts for each pillow from fleece. Make heart two inches larger all the way around than you want finished project. Cut two inch fraying around entire edge of heart begin tying together the two hearts by tying each fringe from top heart to fringe on bottom heart. When two inches remain untied, stuff with fiber fill and finish tying remaining fringe.
Additional Questions: How can students share scripture with others?
Supplemental Activity: Have the students make ornaments with a decorated heart or cross to hang at home or give to others. Have students include a Bible verse about Jesus’ love for us.