Jesus' words on the cross before he died are some of the most poignant and significant in the Bible. In Matthew 27:35-56, Mark 15:24-41, Luke 23:34-49, and John 19:22-37, Jesus speaks several times while hanging on the cross, despite the excruciating pain and suffering he is enduring.
He prays for forgiveness for those who are crucifying him, saying "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do" (Luke 23:34). He speaks to the criminal crucified next to him, offering him hope and salvation: "Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise" (Luke 23:43). Jesus also cries out to God in despair, saying "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" (Mark 15:34) before finally declaring "It is finished" (John 19:30), indicating that his mission of redemption was accomplished.
We have compiled a range of creative ideas and activities below that relate to this Bible story. These resources are designed to help you share this important message in an engaging and interactive way, whether you are a children's ministry leader, a Sunday school teacher, or a religious educator in a Christian primary school.
Our activities below are suitable for use in various settings such as church children's programs, children's ministry, catechism classes, children's services, Bible clubs, vacation Bible school, and Sunday school, and will help students understand the relevance of the Bible to their lives, and the importance of applying its teachings in practical ways.
