Good Friday

April 10 is Good Friday. It is the day when Jesus died on the cross.

Good Friday is a very sad day—so why do we call it “good”? We use this name because Jesus’ death eventually led to something wonderful! By dying on Good Friday and coming back to life on Easter, Jesus made it possible for all of us to live with God forever!
As you read or listen to today’s story, you may find parts of it sad or even a little scary. It’s okay to be sad and scared--Jesus felt that way, too! But like Jesus, we can feel better by remembering that all the sadness and fear will be wiped away on Easter morning.

Hear
The story of the Last Supper comes from Mark 14:43-15:47. You can click here to read the story using an online Bible.

Because this story is long and emotionally difficult for many kids, it may be more appropriate to read the version in found in a children’s Bible.

Another alternative is to watch the video below, which follows the story of Good Friday with a brief overview of Easter. This video reminds us that the sadness of Good Friday will soon be replaced with great joy!

Think
When you’ve finished reading the story, talk about these questions with your family:
  • Which people in the story wanted Jesus to die? Why? Did any of these people surprise you?
  • How do you think the disciples felt when Jesus was arrested? What about when he was put on the cross?
  • When Jesus was on the cross, what did he ask God to do?
  • When was God with Jesus in this story? How do you know?
Then, watch the following short video:

Do
Connect more deeply with the story of Good Friday by trying one or more of these activities:
Picture
Make a mini cross.
Without the cross on Good Friday, there would not be the joy of Easter. Remind yourself that Jesus' death brings new life by making a simple wooden cross. Go outside and find two straight, sturdy sticks. One stick should be a few inches longer than the other. Position the sticks to form a cross, and bind them together using twine, string, or dental floss wrapped in a criss-cross pattern.
Picture
Paint and peel a colorful cross picture.
Use masking or painter's tape to make a cross shape on a piece of paper. Then paint all over the paper using watercolors. For an extra-special effect, try sprinkling salt on your picture while the paint is still wet. Once the paint has dried, carefully peel off the tape (and brush away any salt) to reveal the cross underneath.
Picture
Show the size of Jesus' love.
When Jesus stretched out his arms on the cross, he showed the world how BIG his love is! Share Jesus' big love with others by making your own large cross on a door or window. Decorate several sheets of paper and tape them up in a cross shape. Or, cut out a few dozen hearts, flowers, or butterflies in bright colors, then arrange them to form a large cross. Make sure you put the colors facing outward so the whole world can see!
Share what you've made! Take a picture of your project and send it to sfelde@ctkluth.com so we can include it in our online gallery!

Pray
Dear Jesus,
Thank you for dying on Good Friday
So that we could have the joy of Easter
And live with you forever.
Help us to be brave when we are scared,
To be forgiving when we are hurt,
And to remember that God is always with us,
No matter what happens.
Amen.
CHRIST THE KING LUTHERAN CHURCH
17195 CLEVELAND ROAD  +  SOUTH BEND, IN 46635  +  (574) 272-4306