This lesson teaches children that Jesus went through the hardest day of his life for us, and that God was with him even when he felt alone. It works well for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes, including a short story, a memory verse, and one activity.
Big Idea
Jesus was treated unfairly, but he chose to love us and trust God all the way to the cross. God keeps his promises, even on the saddest day.
Memory Verse
Matthew 27:46
About the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lima sabachthani?” That is, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”
(WEB)
Have children cross their arms over their chest, like a hug, and say the verse together. Each time they say “God,” have them tap their heart. This helps them remember that God is close even when things feel very hard.
The Story: Matthew 27 for Kids
Early in the morning, the leaders of the people decided they wanted Jesus put to death. They tied him up and took him to a governor named Pilate. Pilate asked Jesus, “Are you the King of the Jews?” Jesus gave a quiet answer, and he did not defend himself.
Judas, the friend who had betrayed Jesus, felt very sorry. He brought back the money he had been paid and said, “I have done wrong.” The leaders did not care. Judas was so sad that he went away and did something terrible. The leaders used the money to buy a field to bury strangers in.
The crowd was asked whether Pilate should free Jesus or a man named Barabbas. The crowd shouted for Barabbas to be set free. Pilate washed his hands and said he did not want to be part of this. Then he let the crowd have their way, and Jesus was handed over to be crucified.
Soldiers made fun of Jesus. They put a crown of thorns on his head and called him “King” as a joke. They led him to a hill called Golgotha, and there he was nailed to a cross between two robbers. People walked by and laughed at him. Even some leaders mocked him.
Then Jesus called out to God, “My God, my God, why have you left me?” He felt completely alone. Then he gave a loud cry and died. Suddenly the ground shook, rocks broke open, and the big curtain in the temple tore from top to bottom. A Roman officer standing nearby said, “Truly, this was the Son of God.”
That evening a kind man named Joseph asked for Jesus’ body. He wrapped it in clean cloth and placed it in a new tomb carved in a rock. Then he rolled a big stone in front of the door, and everyone went home. It was a very sad day, but the story is not over yet.
Read It Together
Matthew 27:35
When they had crucified him, they divided his clothing among them, casting lots…
(WEB)
Point out that the soldiers did something very unkind to Jesus at the cross. Ask children to notice that Jesus was treated badly even though he had done nothing wrong. Explain that this shows how much Jesus was willing to suffer for us.
Matthew 27:54
Now the centurion, and those who were with him watching Jesus, when they saw the earthquake, and the things that were done, feared exceedingly, saying, “Truly this was the Son of God.”
(WEB)
Point out that a Roman officer, someone who had watched Jesus die, recognized who Jesus was. Show children that even people who did not expect it could see the truth about Jesus. Remind them that Jesus is the Son of God for everyone.
Matthew 27:60
And laid it in his own new tomb, which he had cut out in the rock, and he rolled a great stone against the door of the tomb, and departed.
(WEB)
Point out the stone rolled across the tomb door. Explain that this was the end of the story for the people who saw it, but God had a surprise coming. Tell children that this quiet moment is the place where the good news is about to begin.
Talk About It
- How do you think Jesus felt when his friends ran away and people were mean to him?
- Why do you think Jesus stayed quiet when people accused him of things he did not do?
- What did the soldiers do that was unkind, and what can we do instead when someone is treated badly?
- Why do you think the Roman officer said Jesus was the Son of God?
- When have you felt alone or scared, and how can you remember that God is with you?
Activity Ideas
Cross and Hearts Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and scissors. Have children draw a simple cross on their paper and then draw a small heart in the center of it. Talk about how the cross shows Jesus’ love for us. Let them color their picture and write or draw one thing they can do to show love to someone this week.
Stone Roll Relay
You will need a soft ball or a small stuffed animal, and a space for children to line up. Have children roll the ball gently across the floor to a “tomb” made from two chairs or a box. Each time someone rolls it, say a short phrase like “Jesus is alive!” This game helps children see the stone being moved and remember the good news at the end of the story.
Take-Home Memory Card
You will need index cards, a pen, and a marker. Write the memory verse on one side and draw a small cross on the other. Let children decorate the card with stickers or colors. Encourage them to say the verse to a family member at dinner this week. Keeping the card on the fridge helps the verse stay in their minds.
Teacher Notes
For adults, Matthew 27 shows the full cost of sin and the depth of God’s love. Jesus endures injustice, mockery, and abandonment, yet he remains faithful to the Father’s plan. The chapter also shows that God’s power is at work even when events look like failure, from the torn temple curtain to the opened tombs.
With children, avoid making the crucifixion sound casual or using it to frighten them. Keep the focus on Jesus’ love and God’s faithfulness, and be honest that the story is sad before it becomes hopeful. Do not describe the physical details of the violence in graphic terms.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank you that Jesus loved us so much that he went through the hardest day for us. Help us to remember that you are always with us, even when we feel alone or sad. Teach us to show love to others the way Jesus did. Amen.
