Every day, we will publish a new Passion Week devotion and direct you to other content to help you stay tuned in and connected to God throughout the week. Alexis has a Master's degree from Denver Seminary and a Bachelor's degree from Colorado Christian University. Jeremiahs wider context is worth quoting here: Do you steal, murder, commit adultery, swear falsely, burn incense to Baal, and follow other gods that you have not known? by Alexis Waid | Apr 3, 2020 | Blog, Devotions, Easter | 0 comments, As part of the lead up to Easter Sunday every year, there is a week that the Church collectively celebrates and remembers Passion Week. Traditionally, Christians will fast from something (usually certain foods or drink or certain activities) during the 40 days of Lent (with the exception of Sundays, which is a weekly celebration of Christs resurrection). Well look at three implications concerning the authority of Christ based on the resurrection. Instead of fearing God, which the Bible says is the beginning of knowledge (Proverbs 1:7), these leaders had an unhealthy fear of man. They use the straw like a peashooter to try to knock over the markers with the Q-tips. In a very real sense, we keep our eyes on the sky and our hearts prepared, even though we dont know the exact timing of His coming. The barrier separating man from God was ripped away by God so that hell-deserving sinners could be welcomed safely into the presence of the infinitely holy God of the universe. It takes two minutes to read a daily Reflection full of the Gospel of Christ crucified for you. Kirsten Peyton, Real Discipleship You can use our youth ministry lessons in a variety of ways - as a Bible lesson for youth . We receive divine forgiveness, mercy, and peace because Jesus willingly took our divine punishment, the result of Gods righteousness against sin. The player who knocks over the most markers is the winner. (Excerpt from What Is Maundy Thursday? And He will have the last word in the lives of each of us for all of eternity. Help us to stay strong and true to you. They essentially asked, Is it from God or from man? Today people still wonder whether Christianity is from God or whether it is just another man-made religion. Easter is a time when we celebrate God's love and sacrifice for us. Each lesson has a point that you want your students to remember, and we provide ideas for how to creatively teach it. Keep up the great work you're doing! Yes, I too have seen it. This is the Lords declaration. Thank you for joining us for our Holy Week Devotionals as we commemorate the Finished Work of Christ and His Resurrection.Links:** We Do Not Own Rights To Th. Prayer Before the Crucifix. Using Matthew's Gospel as its source, we see Jesus as teacher, healer, comforter, and Savior. Judas, who would betray him, answered, "Is it I, Rabbi?" Their professed agnosticismWe dont knowin verse 27 was simply a smoke screen. They do this by dabbing jelly on their noses and sticking their noses in the bowl of cotton balls and getting a cotton ball to stick to their noses. April 8, 2020 | Wednesday of Passion Week, April 9, 2020 | Maundy Thursday (Holy Thursday), Surprise Bonus April 13, 2020 | Easter Monday. Or, since this is the final game, you can offer a larger candy bar for the winner. This Sunday is Easter and what better way to start off each day this week in preparation of Easter then by reading Gods Word. Poem - The Charcoal Fire. Younger Children This is intended to be used as a daily devotion for families as they prepare to celebrate Easter. The world will know we are his disciples If we love one another. Lent is an important season to celebrate in the life of a Christian, which is why we put together a bunch of games/activities for you. Give us the grace to endure our troubles, And reveal to us the glory of your kingdom, Through your son, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit. Weve seen in Matthew 24 that we are to trust in the authority of Christ and persevere in the power of Christ. Thank you for the awesome resources for lessons and games! While that holy Friday was tremendous, it was only a prelude to Sunday morning when He was raised from the dead. Your browser is outdated, update your browser for more security, Indeed, He is Lord of the temple, and He has the right to do in it whatever He desires, including throwing it into disarray. Let's take a brief look at some of the primary observances in Holy Week: Palm Sunday is the celebration of Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Follow directions to fold your palms from Palm Sunday into a cross or another decorative shape. Jefferson and Alyssa Bethke, Welcome Mats: Entry Points for Youth Ministry She has served in ministry positions such as co-pastor, youth minister, and spiritual director. If our only expectations are for this life, then we have no hope in the face of tragedy in this world. Pilate said to them, "You have a guard of soldiers. In this chapter and the chapters that follow, Jesus authority is put on display. The people came with questions. These actions led the religious leaders to ask, By what authority are You doing these things? He said to them, It is written, My house will be called a house of prayer. But you are making it a den of thieves! In Isaiah 56:7, God says that His house will be called a house of prayer for all nations. Yet here in Matthew 21, the people of God were preventing the nations from praying. Teach us to call your name As Jesus did. All glory be to him who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever. Weve provided social media graphics for you to use if youd like to engage your students with these devotionals online for an added element of connection and interaction. In fact, my kids were off of school all last week because of it. A devotional guide for use from Ash Wednesday through Easter, looking at ten ordinary objects that Jesus would have encountered on his way to Jerusalem: dust, bread, the cross, coins, shoes, oil, coats, towels, thorns, and stones. There are many things we could say about him, but first and foremost He is the holy King. (spiritual renewal), What day of the week does not count in the 40 days of Lent? THE FREE YOUTH SERIES ON EASTER INCLUDES: Sermon Series: 'Easter: The King has Come' includes 3 sermon scripts to help students apply lessons from the Easter story to their every day lives. Spiritually Hungry is a Christian website developed to encourage and guide you into a closer relationship with God by focusing on breaking down barriers to a deeper spiritual life. Reflecting on what Jesus did on the cross and all throughout that precious week is worthy of celebration for every believer! We too have a very small church with all of us volunteering, We are grateful for your free resources as they bless our youth. It helps us in our small church in the islands. He went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. This is what Daniel prophesied centuries before: And I saw One like a son of man coming with the clouds of heaven. Holy Week Devotions We invite you to journey through the sacred events of Holy Week that lead us to Jesus' Resurrection on Easter in this devotional series written by the South Georgia Conference Cabinet. Truly, I say to you, he will set him over all his possessions. Looking for youth ministry curriculum? He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. (Matthew 26:1-5), Now when Jesus was at Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, a woman came up to him with an alabaster flask of very expensive ointment, and she poured it on his head as he reclined at table. Our salvation is not because we've done any good works, but it's because of God's gracean expression of God's kindness. Each devotional is editable so YOU can decide how best to use these with your youth! Download our week-long guide to help you walk daily with your children through the Holy Week leading up to the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Good Friday, April 10, 2020. Its good news because you can be saved from eternal judgment if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead (Romans 10:9). If anyone asks you, 'Why are you untying it?' Stand five to seven highlighter markers up on a table, placing them in a line about two inches apart from each other. (on version one) Attend at least one weekday or special Mass during Holy Week. Yet your word says that Jesus, being God, took on human flesh and suffered the worst kind of death. The best way to introduce younger children to Lenten practices is for them to see adults and older kids in the family practicing them; use their natural curiosity and desire to be "grown up" as a springboard for talking about what you're doing and why. Holy Week is the week leading up to Easter. But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. Spending these days in prayerful preparation can help enrich your celebration of Jesus' resurrection on Easter Sunday. Christians set apart an entire week - Holy Week - to recall the events surrounding the suffering, Death, and Resurrection of Jesus. Would I be ready? If not, then repent and believe in Christ today. Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect. He came the first time lying in a manger; however, He will come the second time riding on the clouds. Walking Through Holy Week Focus on the Family's free Easter activity kit retraces the events of Jesus' final days on earth, helping kids learn more about Christ's sacrifice and victory over death. (As cited in Stott, The Cross of Christ, 345). However, as we noted earlier, Jesus cry on the cross was also a cry of spiritual anguish. This was the holy God of the universe giving His Son to die our death, endure our condemnation, and suffer our separation so that we could be declared righteous and welcomed into His presence. As Jesus rode a donkey into the town of Jerusalem a large crowd gathered and laid palm branches and their cloaks across the road, giving Jesus royal treatment. (Matthew 24:36-51). Just as surely as He came the first time in humility to provide salvation, so He will come the second time in glory to execute judgment. All rights reserved. Let everyone know that the Son of God came to save sinners, and that He has given His life on the cross for those who deserve His wrath. There were, indeed, thousands of people on hand during the Passover (and from all over the Mediterranean landscape); expectations were high. Help us to hope always in you, and through Your resurrection, the making of all things new. He walked into a scene where people were bustling in the outer court of the temple, known also as the court of the Gentiles, a place for the nations to meet with God in worship, praise, and prayer. Psalm 104:3 says that God makes the clouds His chariot, and Isaiah 19:1 depicts the Lord riding on a swift cloud. The picture we get in Matthew 24 is of the glory of God revealed in the glorious Son of God, who will come on the clouds in power to execute judgment. While we can't physically be with our youth and families, we can still resource them on their personal spiritual journeys as we all journey toward the Cross this Easter. So those who were sent went away and found it just as he had told them. The question is not whether or not Jesus is Lord; the question is, Will you submit to Him as Lord now or when it is too late?. Untie it and bring it here. The winner is the first to get all their cotton balls from one bowl to the other. It is a great week to slow down and observe the last moments of Jesus life. At least two responses are appropriate as we think about the cross. In Exodus 24:8 Moses sprinkled the blood of the sacrifice on the people, saying, This is the blood of the covenant that the Lord has made with you concerning all these words. This was a picture not only of Gods forgiveness, but also of His binding of the people to Himself in relationship. The following devotions, written by United Methodists, are offered to assist you as you remember Jesus' journey through Holy Week: from his entrance into Jerusalem to the tomb. In Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen. In his name, we ask you to help our unbelief. Holy Week is a remarkably powerful spiritual week. All of us have built-in longings and desires for meaning and purpose, and this tells us that this world is not the entire picture. When he drew near to Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount that is called Olivet, he sent two of the disciples, saying, "Go into the village in front of you, where on entering you will find a colt tied, on which no one has ever yet sat. So tell them, and pray for their salvation. What are you doing today that would cause you to be ashamed before Jesus if He were to come this moment? Each daily devotion is about five minutes in duration. Each devotional connects an element of what Jesus said or did to the current crisis and includes a few questions for you to reflect on or discuss with friends or family. Holy Week recounts the final days of Jesus' life including his death, burial, and resurrection. Palm Sunday. But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? When Jesus had finished all these sayings, he said to his disciples, "You know that after two days the Passover is coming, and the Son of Man will be delivered up to be crucified." CRS Rice Bowl Activities for Grades 1-8 Preserve us in your grace; through your mercy, O our God, you are blessed and govern all things, now and forever. We dont know much about that time, other than the fact that he fasted and prayed and was tempted by the devil. This text should cause us to ask ourselves, What if this happened today? The goal of Life Teen and Edge is to provide a safe and fun place for youth to find a solid Catholic community, get answers to their questions, and, most importantly, to experience Jesus in a profound and personal way. (Isaiah 53:7) Almighty God, grant that we who are continually afflicted because of our evil deeds may be freed by the passion of your only-begotten Son; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Matthew gives us a flashback to Jesus being anointed at Bethany and Judas starting his plot to betray Him. This is to remind us of the great sacrifice that Christ made for us. 1. . Before you begin with the quiz, offer the students the opportunity to give up their piece of candy they received after the previous game. For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on . When Matthew records for us the events of chapter 28, he is, through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, making claims that change the world. We asked laity from each participating church to answer the question . Jesus is alluding to Exodus 24, when the law-covenant that God had given His people at Mount Sinai was confirmed. And no one was able to answer him a word, nor from that day did anyone dare to ask him any more questions. How can this be? You can use them all, or pick and choose what you want. Jesus did none of these things. Jesus knew that His question would uncover their hearts. Todd Outcalt, Creating a Life of Meaningful Prayer As he was drawing near--already on the way down the Mount of Olives--the whole multitude of his disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen, saying, "Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Lent is now upon us. April 10, 2022 / Articles / By Bryan Wolfmueller / Leave a Comment. Lenten Devotional 2021 Holy Week and Easter. Break into small groups and have students brainstorm ideas of what they might want to give up for Lent. Now the sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. Each day you get a reading, a devotion, and a prayer to help you confront the devil, the world, and your own sinful flesh with hope in your Lord's victory over all of it. The above devotional is an adaptation of an original selection from The Gift of the Cross: Celebrating Christ Through Holy Week which is available for purchase on Amazon or from Brandon Helder's website.Though this book can be read independently, it is intended to be used in conjunction with the Resurrection Block Set available for purchase separately from Worship Wood Works. In addition, each day on Facebook and on this page, we are posting video reflections from members of our pastoral staff to encourage us to pray, reflect and journey through Holy Week as a congregation. To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. Our Bible lessons for student ministry are designed to be easy to understand and not too long. Encourage your students to make a thoughtful choice that will provide them a meaningful Lenten experience. 33: Fostering Social Justice in Your Youth Ministry The first time He came to a remote, obscure town just outside Jerusalem, where He went largely unnoticed, save for a few shepherds and some farm animals. Each devotion consists of a Bible passage, a devotional thought, an idea for reflection, and a prayer. And some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him, "Teacher, rebuke your disciples." However, if they claimed that Johns authority was from heaven, then they would be guilty of rejecting God, since they denied that Jesus was the Messiah. If they drop any candy, they must take it back to the beginning. We've provided a Palm Sunday lesson for you to use with your youth online and 6 daily devotionals you can send to your students each day next week: Monday - Saturday of Holy Week. Faithful to original manuscripts. The resurrection of Jesus validates everything He said, taught, and told us He came to do. John had made Jesus identity as the Messiah clear, and the people respected John as a prophet. When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. The cry on the cross is. Who gave You this authority? (v. 23). As each student/team finishes their turn, give them a piece of candy. (A day to indulge before fasting), What does Lent commemorate? The Passover meal must be prepared with all new and fresh ingredients. The more we live in this world, the more we will long for Christ to come back to this world. For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. What is Maundy Thursday?What Is Good Friday? Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord" We give you praise and honor for your ways are righteous and true. Truly, I say to you, wherever this gospel is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will also be told in memory of her." Thank you that you reign supreme and we are more than conquerors through the gift of Christ! But they said, "Not during the feast, lest there be an uproar among the people." And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, "Drink of it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. Wednesday Jesus is Betrayed ~~~ Lectionary Readings. How is it that historys most glorious moment is surrounded by fearful fishermen, despised tax collectors, marginalized women, feeble politicians, and traitorous friends? Reading Time: 2 minutes. Before the cross, we were cast out of Gods presence; because of the cross, we are now invited into Gods presence. Find information and activities for Palm Sunday, Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday. "He himself bore our sins" in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; "by his wounds you have been healed." Shelli Latham, the president of Omaha Presbyterian Seminary Foundation for d365.org, an online youth-centered devotional."May God grant you the perfect light that you may see clearly the truths of your life and the path the Spirit lays before you . They said to him, "The son of David." A new resource, Sermons for Holy Week 2020, is an ideal companion for Holy Week devotions.Like all resources offered by The Episcopal Church's office of communication, Episcopal congregations, dioceses, and organizations and agencies have permission to use Sermons for Holy Week 2020 for online worship, study groups, or other virtual use. Whose son is he?" Give students a piece of paper or whiteboard and a writing utensil. Songs: Best News Ever, Mercy Me, What Love is This? Let us know how you used them and how your youth engaged during Holy Week in the comments below! They dont know why the cross is the centerpiece of all history and the determinant of our eternity; but you do! Using a similar set-up as the first game, put about ten M&Ms or Skittles in a bowl on one table and an empty bowl on the other table. Then the people as a whole answered, "His blood be on us and on our children!". This article is part of our larger Holy Week and Easter resource library centered around the events leading up to the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Place them near the edge of one of the long sides of the table. How can weakness be a strength? If Jesus rose from the dead, then we must also admit that He has authority over sin and Satan. We may not have the natural ability to multiply bread and fish on . One features a New Testament chapter each day. So thank you kindly. On each table place a paper bowl for each student playing the game. He was given authority to rule, and glory, and a kingdom; so that those of every people, nation, and language should serve Him. These sermons are filled with strong main points, interactive experiences, and powerful illustrations. This is the good news, and it is our great privilege to proclaim it. Feast of the Santo Nio and Sinulog, Cebu, Philippines, 2018. That's so cool! All history revolves around this scene in Matthew 2627, and all our lives are determined by what we do in response to this scene. Help us not to follow after the voice of the crowds, but to press in close to you, to hear your whispers, and seek after you alone. The Jewish calendar from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday is included as well as the current date observed. Paul speaks to this reality in Romans 10:9-13, what we might refer to as the foundational confession of Christianity: If you confess with your mouth, Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. One of the most celebrated weeks in the lives of Christians is Easter week, or Holy week. 4 o Matthew 26:1-5 (NIV) 1 When Jesus had finished saying all these things, he said to his disciples, 2 "As you know, the Passover is two days away--and the Son of Man will be handed over to be crucified." 3 Then the chief priests and the elders of the people assembled in the palace of the high priest, whose name was Caiaphas, 4 and they plotted to arrest Jesus in some sly way and While churches will vary in how they observe the events of . This Easter Bible study will help you understand Holy Week and how Jesus' death and resurrection applies to your daily life. Chris Mixer, The Greatest Thing You Can Do For Your Man Palm Sunday is the Sunday before Easter that begins the Holy Week. March 30, 2021 By ClioBethany. Editors Note:This post and resource was originally published on Apr 3, 2020, and has been revised and updated for continual application. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and His kingdom is one that will not be destroyed. You have six days each week for your ordinary work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath day of rest dedicated to the Lord your God. The act of keeping something Holy is to keep it set aside or reserved for a purpose, and this specific day is meant to rest in dedication to the Lord. I have the right to lay it down, and I have the right to take it up again. In this sudden death showdown, the players will shoot their Q-tips simultaneously at the marker. If they drop a cotton ball before putting into their bowl, they must pick it up (they can use their hands for this) and put it back in the starting bowl.