This lesson teaches children that Jesus forgave the people who hurt him and kept his promise to a man who asked for help, even while he was dying on the cross. It is written for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
Jesus always forgives, and he always keeps his promises, even when things are very hard. We can ask him for help at any time.
Memory Verse
Luke 23:34
Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” Dividing his garments among them, they cast lots.
(WEB)
Put your hands over your heart, then open them wide like you are giving a gift. Say the verse together while you open your hands, and do it again each time you say “forgive.”
The Story: Luke 23 for Kids
The soldiers took Jesus to a governor named Pilate. The leaders of the people said Jesus was causing trouble, but Pilate looked at him and said, “I do not find anything wrong with this man.” The crowd kept shouting, so Pilate sent Jesus to King Herod, who was also in the city. Herod wanted to see a miracle, but Jesus did not do any tricks for him.
Herod’s soldiers made fun of Jesus and dressed him in fancy clothes. Then they sent him back to Pilate. Pilate told the crowd again that he had found no reason to hurt Jesus. But the people shouted louder, and in the end Pilate let them have their way.
Jesus carried a heavy cross, but soldiers made a man named Simon from Cyrene carry it for him. Many people followed along, and some of the women were crying. Jesus turned to them and said, “Do not cry for me.” Then, on a hill called The Skull, the soldiers nailed Jesus to a cross. Two criminals were nailed up beside him, one on each side.
Jesus prayed a prayer that is very special: “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” One of the criminals said to Jesus, “Remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Jesus answered, “Today you will be with me in Paradise.” Jesus was the only one who did nothing wrong, and he kept his promise to that man.
After many hours the sky grew dark. Then Jesus said, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit,” and he died. A Roman officer saw everything and said, “Surely this was a good man.” Later, a kind man named Joseph asked for Jesus’ body and laid it in a new tomb.
Read It Together
Luke 23:4
Pilate said to the chief priests and the multitudes, “I find no basis for a charge against this man.”
(WEB)
Point out that Pilate said Jesus had done nothing wrong. Ask the children how it feels when someone believes the truth about them even when others are unfair.
Luke 23:42-43
42 He said to Jesus, “Lord, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.” 43 Jesus said to him, “Assuredly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”
(WEB)
Show how the criminal asked Jesus for help and Jesus said yes right away. Remind children that they can ask Jesus for help at any time, and he always listens.
Luke 23:46
Jesus, crying with a loud voice, said, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” Having said this, he breathed his last.
(WEB)
Explain that Jesus trusted his Father completely, even at the very end. Ask children who they trust when they feel scared, like a parent or a teacher.
Talk About It
- What did Jesus say when the soldiers hurt him, and why do you think he said that?
- How did the criminal on the cross show that he believed in Jesus?
- Why do you think Jesus kept his promise to the man even though he was in so much pain?
- What is one person you can forgive this week, just like Jesus forgave the people who hurt him?
- When you feel afraid, what can you say to Jesus to ask for his help?
Activity Ideas
Cross and Crown Drawing
You will need paper, crayons, and glue sticks. Ask each child to draw a simple cross, then decorate it with a crown or a heart to show that Jesus is our King and our Savior. Let them hold their pictures while you talk about the story.
Forgiveness Freeze
You will need an open space and a timer. Children move around the room like they are carrying something heavy, such as a backpack of rocks. When you say “forgive,” they drop the rocks, stretch their arms wide, and freeze. Repeat a few times, talking about how forgiveness lets us put down the heavy things we carry.
Promise Card to Take Home
You will need index cards, a pencil, and a marker. Write the words “Jesus keeps his promises” on each card and let children decorate the back. Ask them to put the card on their nightstand or in their school bag so they remember that Jesus is faithful every day.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows the full weight of the cross. Jesus is treated unjustly by leaders, soldiers, and crowds, yet he speaks with forgiveness and trust toward his Father. The promise to the criminal reminds us that even at the last moment, Jesus welcomes anyone who turns to him in faith.
With children, avoid overstating the details of suffering or making the crowd the villain of the story. Keep the focus on Jesus’ forgiveness and his faithfulness, and let children simply notice that he was treated unfairly without describing violence in graphic detail.
A Prayer to Close
Jesus, thank you for forgiving us when we do wrong. Help us to forgive others, and help us to keep our promises too. Thank you that you are always with us. We love you. Amen.
