jesus lives! family devotions to accompany the let’s...

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Family devotions to accompany the 6-Part Activity Magnet accompany the activity magnet. Enclosed are six FREE reproducible devotions, written to Jesus Lives! Let’s Celebrate Each picture piece on the magnet has its own devotional outline. Here are some ways to use the devotions . . . Distribute copies in Sunday school, as part of worship time in your Christian day school, as part of devotional time in a midweek club or class, or during the Sunday morning children’s sermon. Give one complete magnet and all six devotions to families six weeks before Easter. Encourage grown-ups to use one devotion each week as they prepare to celebrate Easter. Families could also use one each day for the six days leading up to Resurrection Sunday. Host a Mom’s Day Out or other community event. Use the devotions to tell the story of Jesus’ victory to all the children who attend. Then give each family a Jesus Lives! Let’s Celebrate activity magnet and a set of devotions to take home. However you choose to use these materials and the Jesus Lives! Let’s Celebrate activity magnet, we pray that many individuals and families will be drawn closer to their Savior, Jesus, as they use them. May our Lord continue to bless all the work you do for his people! © 2013 CTA, Inc. Permission to make photocopies or reproduce by any other mechanical or electronic means is granted only to the original purchaser and is intended for use within a church or other Christian organization. Scripture quotations are taken from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. #JLL3DF

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Page 1: Jesus Lives! Family devotions to accompany the Let’s Celebratecdn.ctainc.com/downloads/resource/JLL3DF.pdfGetting to the Heart (Invite the children to listen as you read today’s

Family devotions to accompany the

6-Part Activity Magnet

accompany the activity magnet.

Enclosed are six FREE reproducible devotions, written to

Jesus Lives! Let’s CelebrateEach picture piece on the magnet has its own devotional

outline.

Here are some ways to use the devotions . . .

• Distribute copies in Sunday school, as part of worship

time in your Christian day school, as part of devotional

time in a midweek club or class, or during the Sunday

morning children’s sermon.

• Give one complete magnet and all six devotions to families

six weeks before Easter. Encourage grown-ups to use one

devotion each week as they prepare to celebrate Easter.

Families could also use one each day for the six days

leading up to Resurrection Sunday.

• Host a Mom’s Day Out or other community event. Use

the devotions to tell the story of Jesus’ victory to all the

children who attend. Then give each family a Jesus Lives! Let’s Celebrate activity magnet and a set of devotions to

take home.

However you choose to use these materials and the Jesus Lives! Let’s Celebrate activity magnet, we pray that many

individuals and families will be drawn closer to their

Savior, Jesus, as they use them.

May our Lord continue to bless all the work you do for his

people!

© 2013 CTA, Inc. Permission to make photocopies or reproduce by any other mechanical or electronic

means is granted only to the original purchaser and is intended for use within a church or other Christian

organization.

Scripture quotations are taken from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®), copyright © 2001 by

Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

#JLL3DF

Page 2: Jesus Lives! Family devotions to accompany the Let’s Celebratecdn.ctainc.com/downloads/resource/JLL3DF.pdfGetting to the Heart (Invite the children to listen as you read today’s

P u l l o u t R e p r o d u c i b l e P a g e * * * A c t i v i t y M a g n e t * * * P u l l o u t R e p r o d u c i b l e P a g e

P u l l o u t R e p r o d u c i b l e P a g e * * * A c t i v i t y M a g n e t * * * P u l l o u t R e p r o d u c i b l e P a g e

Message 1: Friend

Getting Ready

Familiarize yourself with today’s devotion. Bookmark John 15:13–14; you will read it to your group later in the devotion. Attach the red circle piece of your Jesus Lives! Let’s Celebrate activity magnet to a metal cookie sheet or pizza pan. Place the metal panand your Bible inside a bag.

Think about how to distribute the Jesus Lives! Let’s Celebrate magnet pieces to each child in the group.If your group is large, you may want to ask a volunteer or two for help.

Introduction

(Warmly greet the children and invite them to sit down in front of you. Nearby, place the bag of items you prepared ahead of time. Invite listeners to tell what they know about a “countdown.” After several children have spoken, summarize:)

example.

Soon, we will celebrate something much more exciting and wonderful than even a rocket launch. We will celebrate Jesus’ resurrection! Because Jesus died and rose from the dead, all our sins are forgiven. Because of what Jesus did for us, God will be our friend forever.

Today, we will begin the countdown to our Resurrection Day celebration. We will begin counting down at the number six. Each

(Invite everyone to join you as you count down together. You may want to practice a few times: 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1—Jesus lives! Let’s celebrate!)

Getting to the Heart

Since we began with the number six in our countdown today, I would like us to think about six friends or groups of friends Jesus loved when he was here on earth.

First, the disciples. The disciples were ordinary people, people a lot like us. Jesus’ disciple friends sometimes disappointed him. They sometimes disobeyed God. They sinned. But Jesus kept on forgiving and loving them. Jesus kept on teaching them. And the disciples kept on sharing God’s love and forgiveness with others.

Second, Jesus was a friend of children. You might remember that when children came to see Jesus, his disciples tried to chase the children away! But Jesus said, “No! Let the children come!” Jesus was never too busy for even his littlest friends—the children.

Third, Mary, Martha, and Lazarus were also friends of Jesus. Mary and Martha were sisters; Lazarus was their brother. They were

them to love one another, too.Continued . . .

Page 3: Jesus Lives! Family devotions to accompany the Let’s Celebratecdn.ctainc.com/downloads/resource/JLL3DF.pdfGetting to the Heart (Invite the children to listen as you read today’s

Message 1: Friend (Continued)

Fourth, you might be surprised to know about a sinful woman who became Jesus’ friend. The Bible doesn’t even tell us her name, but we know that Jesus met her at a well one day as she came to get water. Jesus knew this woman had sinned—over and over and over again! Jesus told the woman that what she had done was wrong. But he also he assured her that he loved her, and that he forgave her. She got so excited about God’s love and forgiveness that she told her whole town about Jesus!

Fifth, Jesus loved all the people who came to hear him teach about God. Many, many, many people came. One time, Jesus had to stand in a boat and push out into the lake just so that all those people could see him and hear him teach God’s Word.

Let’s see, Jesus’ friends included the disciples; the children; Mary, Martha, and Lazarus; the woman at the well; the crowds of people—and one more! That’s YOU! (Point to children and call them by name, if possible. Then show them today’s red puzzle piece with the hearts.)

Jesus loves us, too! Jesus is our friend, too! Listen to what the Bible says. (Read John 15:13–14 from your Bible or below.)

“Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you” (John 15:13–14).

Jesus calls us friends. He even gave up his life for us! Jesus didn’t suffer and die for his own sins. Jesus had no sins; he neverdisobedient, unloving things we do! What a Friend!

now and every day—to teach us, to listen to us when we pray, to protect us, to take care of us, to help us get along with others, to forgive us when we sin, and to help us love other people. Jesus does all of this because he loves us so much!

Taking It Home

(Teach the children the following song. Sing the words to the tune of “The Farmer in the Dell.”)

Jesus is my Friend!Yes, Jesus is my Friend!Do you know he loves me so?His love has no end!

Let’s pray together to thank Jesus, our Friend, for his love:

Dear Jesus, we are so glad you call us friends. Help us live as your happy, forgiven children today and always. Amen.

(Distribute the Jesus Lives! Let’s Celebrate magnet pieces to the children. Encourage them to put today’s piece on their refrigeratoror another magnetic surface at home. Explain that they’ll receive another piece next time.)

© 2013 CTA, Inc. Permission to make photocopies or reproduce by any other mechanical or electronic means is granted only to the original purchaser and is intended for usewithin a church or other Christian organization.

Scripture quotations are taken from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

sinned at all! Jesus died for our sins, for all the

P u l l o u t R e p r o d u c i b l e P a g e * * * A c t i v i t y M a g n e t * * * P u l l o u t R e p r o d u c i b l e P a g e

P u l l o u t R e p r o d u c i b l e P a g e * * * A c t i v i t y M a g n e t * * * P u l l o u t R e p r o d u c i b l e P a g e

Page 4: Jesus Lives! Family devotions to accompany the Let’s Celebratecdn.ctainc.com/downloads/resource/JLL3DF.pdfGetting to the Heart (Invite the children to listen as you read today’s

Message 2: Power

Getting Ready

Familiarize yourself with today’s devotion and bookmark Acts 10:38 in your Bible. Place today’s orange magnet piece of your Jesus Lives! Let’s Celebrate activity magnet on a metal cookie sheet or pizza pan. Put the red piece from last time on the other side of the pan. Place the metal pan and your Bible inside a bag.

Have extra Jesus Lives! Let’s Celebrate magnet pieces on hand and plan to distribute them to children who didn’t receive one to take home last time.

Introduction

(Warmly greet the children, and invite them to sit near you. Nearby, place the bag of items you prepared ahead

may want to practice a few times: 5, 4, 3, 2, 1—Jesus lives! Let’s celebrate!)

Soon, we will celebrate Christ’s resurrection. (Show the children the word “powerful” on today’s summary piece. Ask a volunteer to read the word.) What does it mean to have power? (Show the orange puzzle piece for today, pointing out the lightning bolt.) Howdoes a lightning bolt remind us of power?

Getting to the Heart

(Invite the children to listen as you read today’s Bible verse from your Bible or below.)

“God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power” (Acts 10:38).

Jesus, God’s Son, had miraculous power. Lightning bolts can hurt people, but Jesus used his power to help people in many,

Jesus’ miracles.

(Invite the children to participate by raising their arms to show their bicep muscles every time you say: Jesus is powerful! Practice together so everyone knows what to do. Encourage the children to listen carefully so they know when to demonstrate. As you did last

Miracle 1:

Jesus is powerful! (Wait while the children demonstrate.)

Miracle 2: Another time at the lake, a terrible storm blew in. Jesus and his friends were caught in the middle of the lake in a boat during the storm. Waves swept over the boat. The wind roared and pushed the boat back and forth. Any minute, the boat would tip over and everyone would drown. It was terrifying! Then Jesus stood up and commanded, “Peace! Be still!” Just like that, the storm stopped completely. It was a miracle! Jesus is powerful! (Wait while the children demonstrate.)

Continued . . .P u l l o u t R e p r o d u c i b l e P a g e * * * A c t i v i t y M a g n e t * * * P u l l o u t R e p r o d u c i b l e P a g e

P u l l o u t R e p r o d u c i b l e P a g e * * * A c t i v i t y M a g n e t * * * P u l l o u t R e p r o d u c i b l e P a g e

Page 5: Jesus Lives! Family devotions to accompany the Let’s Celebratecdn.ctainc.com/downloads/resource/JLL3DF.pdfGetting to the Heart (Invite the children to listen as you read today’s

Message 2: Power (Continued)

Miracle 3: One day, thousands of people came to hear Jesus teach them about the heavenly Father. The people listened all day,

Jesus is powerful! (Wait while the children demonstrate.)

Miracle 4: Bartimaeus could not see at all. He was blind. He asked Jesus for help. Jesus said to him, “Go, your faith has healed you.” At that moment, Bartimaeus could see everything around him! It was a miracle, a powerful miracle. Jesus is powerful! (Wait while the children demonstrate.)

stopped a terrible storm; Jesus made food for thousands; Jesus healed Bartimaeus’s eyes so he could see again. That’s four.

he wants to help you. Not only does Jesus want to help, he can and does help! No matter how big the problem, Jesus loves you and stands ready to act powerfully for you! It’s a miracle!

(Assemble the red and orange pieces on the metal pan.)

Soon, we will celebrate Jesus’ greatest miracle of love and power. On Resurrection Day, Jesus rose in power and left the tomb. Death was not strong enough to hold our mighty Savior! Jesus came alive and is living right now and forever. He is our strong, powerful Savior!

Taking It Home

(sing) Jesus loves me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so.Little ones to him belong. We are weak . . . (shout) Jesus is strong!(sing) Yes! Jesus loves me!Yes! Jesus loves me!Yes! Jesus loves me! (shout) He is strong for me!

Let’s pray together:

you to help us with all our troubles, big and small. We love you, Lord. Amen.

(Distribute the red piece of the Jesus Lives! Let’s Celebrate activity magnets to any children who didn’t get one last time. Encourage them to put the orange and red pieces together. Encourage everyone to watch for Jesus’ love and power at work in their lives this week. Remind them to thank Jesus when that happens.)

© 2013 CTA, Inc. Permission to make photocopies or reproduce by any other mechanical or electronic means is granted only to the original purchaser and is intended for use within a church or other Christian organization.

Scripture quotations are taken from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

P u l l o u t R e p r o d u c i b l e P a g e * * * A c t i v i t y M a g n e t * * * P u l l o u t R e p r o d u c i b l e P a g e

P u l l o u t R e p r o d u c i b l e P a g e * * * A c t i v i t y M a g n e t * * * P u l l o u t R e p r o d u c i b l e P a g e

Page 6: Jesus Lives! Family devotions to accompany the Let’s Celebratecdn.ctainc.com/downloads/resource/JLL3DF.pdfGetting to the Heart (Invite the children to listen as you read today’s

Message 3: Forgiven

Getting Ready

Familiarize yourself with the devotion. Bookmark Acts 10:43 in your Bible and practice reading this verse as you clarify the pronouns (him, his) as Jesus, our Savior. Place today’s white magnet piece of your Jesus Lives! Let’s Celebrate activity magnet on a metal cookie sheet or pizza pan. Put the assembled red and orange pieces on the other side of the pan. Place the metal pan and your Bible inside a bag.

Have extra red Jesus Lives! Let’s Celebrate magnet pieces on hand and plan to distribute them to children who didn’t receive one to take home last time.

Introduction

(Warmly welcome the children and invite them to sit near you. Nearby, place the bag of items you prepared ahead of time. Remind your listeners that you are counting down until Easter—the wonderful day when Jesus came alive after his death on the cross. Show the children the white puzzle piece and point out the word “forgiven” on it.

Tell the group that soon we celebrate Christ’s resurrection. Invite everyone to join you as you count down together, this time beginning at four: 4, 3, 2, 1—Jesus lives! Let’s celebrate!)

What’s the greatest thing Jesus, our Savior, has done for us? Yes, Jesus “four” -gave us! Jesus died for us and rose again to forgive our sins.

Getting to the Heart

Listen to what the Bible says about forgiveness. (Read Acts 10:43 from your Bible or below. Be sure the children understand that the “him/his” pronouns in this verse refer to Jesus, our Savior.)

“Everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name” (Acts 10:43).

What does the word forgiveness mean? Yes, Jesus took the sins of the world to his cross. Jesus paid the price for sin. Jesus washed away our sins. He died for all the wrong things we do. He was punished instead of us. Our sins are gone—forgiven—forever! (Show the “No Sin” symbol on today’s puzzle piece and put together the three pieces you’ve talked about so far.) Jesus forgives our sins and he helps us live more loving, obedient lives, too.

The Bible tells of many, many people that Jesus forgave. Let’s think about four forgiven people from the Bible. Help me keep track of the for

One: Jesus for

forforgave him?

Yes, very happy! (Lead the children in happily twirling your index finger.)

Two:them. He told them that the important thing is not to be first, but to be humble. Jesus forgave his friends for their pride and arguing. Then he helped them care about each other. How do you think the friends felt when Jesus forgave them? Yes, very happy! (Happily twirl two raised fingers.) Continued . . .

P u l l o u t R e p r o d u c i b l e P a g e * * * A c t i v i t y M a g n e t * * * P u l l o u t R e p r o d u c i b l e P a g e

P u l l o u t R e p r o d u c i b l e P a g e * * * A c t i v i t y M a g n e t * * * P u l l o u t R e p r o d u c i b l e P a g e

Page 7: Jesus Lives! Family devotions to accompany the Let’s Celebratecdn.ctainc.com/downloads/resource/JLL3DF.pdfGetting to the Heart (Invite the children to listen as you read today’s

Message 3: Forgiven (Continued)

Three: As Jesus hung on the cross, dying for us, Jesus forgave a man who had done some very, very bad things. The Bible doesn’t tell us the man’s name, but we know he was a very bad criminal. This man was hanging on a cross beside Jesus. The man was suffering and dying for his crimes. Jesus comforted and forgave this criminal. That very day, Jesus said, the criminal would be with Jesus in paradise! How do you think the forgiven man felt when he heard this? Very, very happy! (Happily twirl all three fingers.)

Four: Are you ready for the best news of all? Jesus forgives you! Jesus knows about all the unkind things you say. He knows about

on loving you! When you sin, he helps you recognize your sin and confess it. He died for your sins and forgives you! Your sins are crossed out forever!

Our sins have been forgiven—crossed out—forever, by Jesus, our Savior. This forgiveness fills us with joy now and forever! (Happily twirl all four fingers.)

Taking It Home

Jesus died (use index fingers to indicate nail marks in each palm)For me (point to self)For you (point outward)To give us (hands out, palms up)Forgiveness. (form cross with index fingers)Our sins are crossed out—forever! (form a cross with your arms)Let’s pray together to thank Jesus for the forgiveness he won for us on his cross:

Dear Savior Jesus, thank you for loving and forgiving us. Your death on the cross crossed out our sins forever, and now we are

(Distribute the Jesus Lives! Let’s Celebrate ac vity magnet pieces to any children who didn’t get one last me as you hand outwhite pieces to everyone. Encourage them to put the three pieces together at home. Remind them that Jesus died and rose for

© 2013 CTA, Inc. Permission to make photocopies or reproduce by any other mechanical or electronic means is granted only to the original purchaser and is intended for use within a church or other Christian organization.

Scripture quotations are taken from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

P u l l o u t R e p r o d u c i b l e P a g e * * * A c t i v i t y M a g n e t * * * P u l l o u t R e p r o d u c i b l e P a g e

P u l l o u t R e p r o d u c i b l e P a g e * * * A c t i v i t y M a g n e t * * * P u l l o u t R e p r o d u c i b l e P a g e

each of us. Jesus will love us forever!)

Page 8: Jesus Lives! Family devotions to accompany the Let’s Celebratecdn.ctainc.com/downloads/resource/JLL3DF.pdfGetting to the Heart (Invite the children to listen as you read today’s

Message 4: You

Getting Ready

Continued . . .

P u l l o u t R e p r o d u c i b l e P a g e * * * A c t i v i t y M a g n e t * * * P u l l o u t R e p r o d u c i b l e P a g e

P u l l o u t R e p r o d u c i b l e P a g e * * * A c t i v i t y M a g n e t * * * P u l l o u t R e p r o d u c i b l e P a g e

Place today’s green magnet piece of your Jesus Lives! Let’s Celebrate ac vity magnet on ametal cookie sheet or pizza pan. Put the assembled three previous pieces on the other side ofthe pan. Place the metal pan and your Bible inside a bag.

Have extra Jesus Lives! Let’s Celebrate magnet pieces on hand and plan to distribute them to

But here is what the Bible says. (Read 2 Corinthians 5:15 from your Bible or below.)

Jesus had done only good, kind things for people, but his enemies were determined to destroy him. They hired false witnesses to

soldiers, they beat him and put a crown of thorns on his head. Then they made him carry his cross to the hill outside the city where he was to die.

Introduction

Invite everyone to join in as you count down together: 3, 2, 1—Jesus lives! Let’s celebrate!)It is now very, very soon

Three powerful men were Jesus’ judges. One of these men was named Caiaphas. He was the High Priest and Jesus’ first judge. Caiaphas hated Jesus. He was jealous because so many people came to hear Jesus teach about God’s love and forgiveness. The second judge was named Herod. He was the ruler in a place called Galilee. He didn’t believe in Jesus either, but he had heard rumors about Jesus’ miracles. He wanted to see Jesus do a miracle—kind of like a magic show. When Jesus wouldn’t do that, Herod sent Jesus away. Jesus’ third judge was Pilate, the Roman ruler of the area. He knew Jesus had done nothing wrong, but he was afraid the people would riot. He sentenced Jesus to die on a cross.

Calvary, the Roman soldiers nailed Jesus to a cross. Two criminals were crucified that day with Jesus. These two men had

He stayed on the cross, because he loved us. He was dying in our place.

(Call a en on to the three crosses on the green puzzle piece.) On a hill called

commi ed many crimes, but Jesus never thought, said, or did anything wrong. He did not deserve to die. He could have told God’s angel army to destroy all his enemies. He could have come down from the cross any me he wanted to. But he didn’t.

Three crosses stood on the hill where Jesus died.

minals. The third cross—Jesus’cross—belonged to me. It belonged to you. (Point to the word “You” on the green magnet piece. Move the piece to the other sideof the cookie sheet to fit it together with the previous pieces.) You and I sin every day. We disobey our teachers and parents.We fail to show love to friends and family members. We say mean, hur ul things to other people. We curse. We think selfishthoughts and act in selfish ways. The Bible calls this sin. All of us sin.

children who didn’t receive one to take home last me.

Page 9: Jesus Lives! Family devotions to accompany the Let’s Celebratecdn.ctainc.com/downloads/resource/JLL3DF.pdfGetting to the Heart (Invite the children to listen as you read today’s

Message 4: You (Continued)

© 2013 CTA, Inc. Permission to make photocopies or reproduce by any other mechanical or electronic means is granted only to the original purchaser and is intended for use within a church or other Christian organization.

Scripture quotations are taken from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

But he didn’t stay dead. Jesus conquered death! In just three short days, Jesus came alive again! Now Jesus lives forever. Jesus loves us forever. Jesus forgives us, and he gives us new life now and forever.

Taking It Home

(Teach the following echo song using the tune “Frère Jacques.” Sing the first few words and encourage your listeners to echo them, singing your words back to you.)

Jesus died. (Jesus died.)On the cross. (On the cross.)Now we are forgiven (Now we are forgiven)And we’re saved! (And we’re saved!)

Can you fold your hands and pray in your hearts as I pray aloud?

Dear Jesus, you must really love us a lot! Thank you for suffering and dying for us. We praise you for your power over sin and ith others. Amen.

(Distribute the Jesus Lives! Let’s Celebrate ac vity magnet pieces to any children who didn’t get one last me as you hand outgreen pieces to everyone. Encourage them to put the four pieces together at home.)

Jesus loved you and me so very much that he took the punishment we deserved. Jesus died on our cross so that we wouldn’t have to be punished for our sins. Jesus died in our place.

But here is what the Bible says. (Read 2 Corinthians 5:15 from your Bible or below.)

“He died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised” (2 Corinthians 5:15).

P u l l o u t R e p r o d u c i b l e P a g e * * * A c t i v i t y M a g n e t * * * P u l l o u t R e p r o d u c i b l e P a g e

P u l l o u t R e p r o d u c i b l e P a g e * * * A c t i v i t y M a g n e t * * * P u l l o u t R e p r o d u c i b l e P a g e

Page 10: Jesus Lives! Family devotions to accompany the Let’s Celebratecdn.ctainc.com/downloads/resource/JLL3DF.pdfGetting to the Heart (Invite the children to listen as you read today’s

Message 5: Care

Place the blue magnet piece of your Jesus Lives! Let’s Celebrate ac vity magnet on a metal

Have extra Jesus Lives! Let’s Celebrate magnet pieces on hand and plan to distribute them to

(Warmly greet the children and invite everyone to sit down around you. Nearby, place the bag of items you prepared ahead of

everyone to join in as you count down together: 2, 1—Jesus lives! Let’s celebrate!)

we see in the story of Jesus’ dying and rising again for us.

On the day Jesus died, most of his disciples, his followers, and his friends ran away to hide. They were afraid—very afraid. Maybe Jesus’ enemies would capture and kill them, too! So as Jesus hung on the cross, he was almost alone.

of Jesus’ cross while he died: Mary and John.

about our heavenly Father. She helped him learn Bible verses by heart. She told Jesus stories from the Bible—some of the stories you have learned! Adam and Eve. Noah and the Great Flood. David and Goliath. All those stories and many more.

When Jesus grew up, Mary no doubt listened to Jesus teach. She heard about all the many miracles he was doing, and she probably witnessed some of them, too. How proud and happy she must have felt.

But now Mary stood on the hill called Calvary, watching her son Jesus die on a cross. It must have broken her heart!

Mary wasn’t there by herself. Jesus’ disciple John stood near Mary beneath Jesus’ cross. John was one of our Savior’s closest friends. Like Mary, John had seen Jesus heal, forgive, and teach. John had seen crippled people healed. He had seen hungry people fed. He had seen guilty people forgiven. Now, John watched as his Lord and Teacher suffered and died on the cross. John, too, must have felt as if his heart was breaking.

Jesus saw how sad Mary and John felt. Jesus wanted to comfort them. He wanted them to help and befriend each other. So Jesus told Mary, “John will be your son.” To John, Jesus said, “Here is your mother.” Jesus was asking John to take care of Mary and love her just as if she were his own mother. Jesus was asking Mary to encourage John just as if he were her own son. The Bible tells us that John and Mary did what Jesus asked. John took Mary into his home and they cared for each other.

Continued . . .

Familiarize yourself with the devo on. Bookmark John 14:27 in your Bible.

cookie sheet or pizza pan. Put the assembled previous pieces on the other side of the pan. Place the metal pan and your Bible inside a bag.

P u l l o u t R e p r o d u c i b l e P a g e * * * A c t i v i t y M a g n e t * * * P u l l o u t R e p r o d u c i b l e P a g e

P u l l o u t R e p r o d u c i b l e P a g e * * * A c t i v i t y M a g n e t * * * P u l l o u t R e p r o d u c i b l e P a g e

children who didn’t receive one to take home last me.

Page 11: Jesus Lives! Family devotions to accompany the Let’s Celebratecdn.ctainc.com/downloads/resource/JLL3DF.pdfGetting to the Heart (Invite the children to listen as you read today’s

Message 5: Care (Continued)Jesus knew how confused and frightened his friends felt. He knew both Mary and John were worried and so, so sad. So Jesus comforted them.

Jesus comforts and cares for us, too. Listen! (Read John 14:27 from your Bible or below.)

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. . . . Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid” (John 14:27).

feel sad. Jesus wants us to know that he cares—really cares—for us! His love comforts us, and his strength protects us.

(Show the children the blue Jesus Lives! Let’s Celebrate puzzle piece and call a en on to the picture and the word “Care” on thepiece.) This is like Jesus’ hand. While he lived here on earth, Jesus used his hands to touch and heal. He used his hands to give food to hungry people. He used his hands to bless. Then he stretched out his hands on the cross—and died. The nails didn’t hold him to his cross. His love for us held him there. Knowing Jesus did that for us, we also know we can trust him to help with all our other troubles, too.

Taking It Home

Dear Jesus, thank you for loving us.Thank you for taking care of us.Help us trust you always.Amen.

blue pieces to everyone. Encourage them to put the five pieces together at home, and tell them that the piece for next me is a

© 2013 CTA, Inc. Permission to make photocopies or reproduce by any other mechanical or electronic means is granted only to the original purchaser and is intended for use within a church or other Christian organization.

Scripture quotations are taken from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

P u l l o u t R e p r o d u c i b l e P a g e * * * A c t i v i t y M a g n e t * * * P u l l o u t R e p r o d u c i b l e P a g e

P u l l o u t R e p r o d u c i b l e P a g e * * * A c t i v i t y M a g n e t * * * P u l l o u t R e p r o d u c i b l e P a g e

(Distribute the Jesus Lives! Let’s Celebrate ac vity magnet pieces to any children who didn’t get one last me as you hand out

very special shape.)

Page 12: Jesus Lives! Family devotions to accompany the Let’s Celebratecdn.ctainc.com/downloads/resource/JLL3DF.pdfGetting to the Heart (Invite the children to listen as you read today’s

Message 6: King

Bible at John 11:25.

Place all of the magnet pieces of your Jesus Lives! Let’s Celebrate ac vity magnet individuallyon one side of a metal cookie sheet or pizza pan. Plan to assemble them on the other side ofthe pan during the introduc on. Place the metal pan and your Bible inside a bag.

Continued . . .

P u l l o u t R e p r o d u c i b l e P a g e * * * A c t i v i t y M a g n e t * * * P u l l o u t R e p r o d u c i b l e P a g e

P u l l o u t R e p r o d u c i b l e P a g e * * * A c t i v i t y M a g n e t * * * P u l l o u t R e p r o d u c i b l e P a g e

• (Red piece: hearts) Jesus is the friend of sinful people. We talked about six friends of Jesus—including us! Jesus is our friend, just as he befriended so many people when he lived here on earth. Jesus loves us so much that he took our punishment, dying for us on the cross. Just think! Jesus loved us so much, that he even died for us!

five• (Orange piece: lightning bolt) Jesus is powerful. We talked about of the many miracles Jesus did—powerful miracles. Jesus calmed terrible storms, fed many people, healed a blind man, and much, much more. This same, powerful Jesus loves us. He wants to help us when we have troubles and problems. He can help us with our troubles and problems. No problem is too big or too hard for Jesus!

• (White piece: no sin) Jesus died on the cross for us. He died in our place, taking the punishment we had deserved. Now we are forgiven! Jesus crossed out all of our sins. And he helps us live as God’s loving, obedient children. Jesus is our wonderful friend and Savior.

. But Jesus hung on that cross, dying in our place. Jesus loves us that • (Green piece: three crosses) The cross on which Jesus died didn’t belong to him. He never did anything wrong. He

never sinned. That cross really belonged to usmuch! Amazing!

• (Blue piece: Jesus’ hand) Jesus blessed, healed, and helped the people who came to him for help when he lived here

(Briefly review as you show each corresponding puzzle piece, assembling the pieces as you go.)

Have extra Jesus Lives! Let’s Celebrate magnet pieces on hand and plan to distribute them to children who didn’t receive one to take home last me.

(Warmly greet the children and invite everyone to sit down around you. Nearby, place the bag of items you prepared ahead of

defeated death by rising from the dead.)

have met. Resurrec on victory. We will talk more about that in a moment, but first let’s review our countdown over the past five mes we

Page 13: Jesus Lives! Family devotions to accompany the Let’s Celebratecdn.ctainc.com/downloads/resource/JLL3DF.pdfGetting to the Heart (Invite the children to listen as you read today’s

Message 6: King (Continued)

One that tomb when they took his lifeless body down from the cross. Jesus was dead, and all his friends felt very sad and very, very lonely. Meanwhile, Jesus’ enemies insisted that Governor Pilate secure the tomb, so Pilate sent one group of soldiers to guard Jesus’ tomb. They stood there, guarding Jesus’ tomb for three days.

one great earthquake shook the ground. The soldiers fell over, then ran away in fear. They had seen an angel come down from heaven! That one angel had rolled the one huge stone away from the door of Jesus’ tomb.

But there were zero dead bodies inside! dead! Our one and only Savior one, true king. Jesus

forgiving, loving Savior!

one greatest day of all—the day of the one greatest victory of all. Jesus, our Savior, lives! Jesus’ victory over death is also our victory! Listen to what Jesus promises us. (Read John 11:25 from your Bible or below.)

(Cheer together:) Jesus lives! Let’s celebrate!

Taking It Home

point to each of the six pieces of the now-complete puzzle magnet to cue the group. Then ask them to sing with you as you repeat

Jesus loves me! (red piece: hearts)He has power (orange piece: lightning bolt)Over sin, (white piece: no sin)Over death. (green piece: crosses)Jesus is my Savior! (blue piece: Jesus’ hand)Jesus is my Savior!Jesus lives!

© 2013 CTA, Inc. Permission to make photocopies or reproduce by any other mechanical or electronic means is granted only to the original purchaser and is intended for use within a church or other Christian organization.

Scripture quotations are taken from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

P u l l o u t R e p r o d u c i b l e P a g e * * * A c t i v i t y M a g n e t * * * P u l l o u t R e p r o d u c i b l e P a g e

P u l l o u t R e p r o d u c i b l e P a g e * * * A c t i v i t y M a g n e t * * * P u l l o u t R e p r o d u c i b l e P a g e

There is one last piece for our puzzle. I told you last me that it has a special shape.

(Show listeners the crown on the yellow puzzle piece and the words “Jesus, the King!” Invite the children to listen as you retell thestory of Christ’s resurrec on. Each me your listeners hear the word “one,” they should raise one index finger and point upward.)

Jesus’ body was no longer there. Jesus was no longer in his tomb. Jesus was no longerJesus was alive! Jesus had defeated our greatest enemy—death! Jesus is the

rules! He is our

(Have the children listen and watch as you sing the words of the following song, using the tune for “Frere Jacques.” As you sing,

the song. Prac ce it a few mes.)

Jesus lives!