Here is a 30- to 40-minute Easter-themed lesson plan that highlights the following lesson objectives: “Learn in depth about the significance of the gift of salvation Jesus gave to each person, as well as the responsibilities and accountability of those who are saved to spread that message to others” (Christian Life and Faith: Biblical and Christian Foundation: Salvation-2a) and “Learn what it means to ‘meditate on Jesus,’ and the benefits and importance of it in one’s relationship with Jesus” (Christian Life and Faith: A Personal Connection with Jesus: Reflecting on Jesus and God’s Word: Faith-2d).
Read “The Wonder of God’s Love.” (Note: While this is a Christmas article, it covers aspects of Jesus’ sacrifice and His purpose for coming to earth.)
Explain that Jesus’ sacrifice of love made it possible for us to have a direct connection with God. He took the punishment for us for our sins, because we could never be good enough for God on our own.
Read Romans 6:23: “For the wages (payment) of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (KJV). Explain how this gift of eternal life is free because of Jesus’ sacrifice.
Read “Growing Stronger, No. 5: God with Us.”
Take turns thanking Jesus for a way in which you experience God’s closeness in your life because of Jesus’ sacrifice. For example, “Thank You for the peace I feel knowing You are always with me.” Or, “Jesus, I’m happy that because of Your sacrifice, I can have a connection with God and come to know His love.”
Read “I See His Blood Upon the Rose,” by Joseph M. Plunkett.
Talk about how in this poem the author is describing some of the ways we can see Jesus’ sacrifice of love in creation. Discuss some of the ways nature can speak to us and draw us closer to Jesus, and how those times of quiet meditation can strengthen our connection with Jesus and help us feel His presence. Encourage the children to reflect on certain aspects of this poem throughout their day and learn to see Jesus and His love in all of nature. (As an extra activity, make this poem a memory project.)
Read “Stop! Look! Listen!—Meditate.”
Pick and memorize one of the Bible verses from “Crazily Cool Card Set: Salvation Through Jesus” or “Crazily Cool Card Set: Salvation Through Jesus, 2.”
Listen to “My Secret Garden.” (Note: If the children choose to color their memory card, you can listen to this song while they do so.)
Close with a chain prayer of thanksgiving for Jesus’ sacrifice of love. One person starts the prayer, then go around the group with each person adding something that they are grateful for in their connection with Jesus.
Compiled by My Wonder Studio staff.Copyright © 2022 by The Family International