Use this Easter children’s message about Jesus’ suffering in children’s church or Sunday school to help children understand what Jesus did for them.

Prepare for the Message

Before kids arrive read Matthew 27:27-36, 45-50. Spend time thanking Jesus for his sacrifice, and celebrate his resurrection and forgiveness of your sins!

You’ll need:

• Bible (try this kid-friendly version)
• ice cubes (2 per child)
• paper towels (1 sheet per child)
• soft worship music
• music player

Dim the lights and play soft music in the background.

Lead a Message About Jesus’ Suffering

Say: Jesus died on the cross for our sins—the wrong things we do. He suffered a lot on the cross, but he did it because he loves us so much. Jesus didn’t want sin to be in our lives anymore. We’re going to do an activity and think about Jesus’ crucifixion on the cross.

Have kids hold an ice cube in each of their hands, resting their hands on a paper towel. Then read aloud Matthew 27:27-36 and 45-50 from a Bible.

IMPORTANT: If the scripture reading takes more than two minutes, have the children put down their ice cubes as you continue reading.

Ask:

• How did it feel to hold the ice cubes in your hands?
• What did you want to do with the ice?
• How do you think Jesus felt as he was crucified on a cross? Do you think he wanted to come down from the cross? Why or why not?
• Why didn’t Jesus get off the cross instead of dying?

Say: Jesus is God, so he didn’t have to stay on the cross. But he chose to keep feeling pain on the cross because he loves you and you and you…(continue to point to each child). Dying on the cross hurt Jesus a lot, but he did it because he wants you to live with him forever in heaven. That’s pretty amazing love!

And the best part about Jesus’ story is that he didn’t stay dead. Three days after Jesus died, he rose to life again. Because Jesus is alive, he can save you from the wrong things you do, and he wants to be good friends with you, too!

Finally, close by thanking Jesus for loving us and suffering for us.

Mary Kim

---

Looking for more children’s messages? Check out these posts!