In this lesson, children learn that Jesus died on the cross for us because He loves us, and that the story did not end there. This lesson is for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach, including a short activity.
Big Idea
Jesus loved us so much that He gave His life for us, and He is still with us today. Even on the saddest day, God was in control of everything that happened.
Memory Verse
John 19:30
When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, “It is finished.” He bowed his head, and gave up his spirit.
(WEB)
Have the children stand up and slowly lower themselves down, then slowly stand back up again. Explain that Jesus finished the job God gave Him, and then say the verse together while doing the motion.
The Story: John 19 for Kids
Pilate, the Roman governor, had Jesus taken and beaten. The soldiers made a crown out of sharp thorns and pushed it onto Jesus’ head. They dressed Him in a purple robe and mocked Him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” Even though Jesus had done nothing wrong, the soldiers laughed and hit Him.
Pilate told the crowd that he could find no reason to punish Jesus. But the crowd kept shouting, “Crucify Him! Crucify Him!” Pilate asked them, “Shall I crucify your King?” The leaders answered, “We have no king but Caesar!” So Pilate gave Jesus to them to be crucified.
The soldiers led Jesus outside the city to a hill called Golgotha, which means “the place of a skull.” Jesus carried His own cross part of the way there. Then the soldiers nailed Him to the cross, with one man on each side of Him. Pilate had a sign written and placed above Jesus. It said, “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.”
Jesus looked down and saw His mother Mary standing close by, along with the disciple He loved, John. Jesus said to His mother, “Woman, behold, your son!” Then He said to John, “Behold, your mother!” From that moment on, John took care of Mary as his own mother.
Later, Jesus said, “It is finished.” He bowed His head and died. After that, a good man named Joseph of Arimathaea asked Pilate for Jesus’ body. Joseph and Nicodemus wrapped Jesus in linen cloths with spices and laid Him in a new tomb in a garden. The story was sad, but it was not the end.
Read It Together
John 19:1-3
1 So Pilate then took Jesus, and flogged him. 2 The soldiers twisted thorns into a crown, and put it on his head, and dressed him in a purple garment. 3 They kept saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” and they kept slapping him.
(WEB)
Point out that the soldiers were cruel to Jesus, but Jesus was innocent. Ask the children how they would feel if someone was being treated unfairly, and remind them that Jesus was never afraid to be kind even when others were unkind to Him.
John 19:26-27
26 Therefore when Jesus saw his mother, and the disciple whom he loved standing there, he said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son!” 27 Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother!” From that hour, the disciple took her to his own home.
(WEB)
Show the children that even while suffering, Jesus thought about His mother and His friend. Point out that Jesus cared about the people He loved, even in the hardest moment, and that families take care of one another.
John 19:41-42
41 Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden. In the garden was a new tomb in which no man had ever yet been laid. 42 Then because of the Jews’ Preparation Day (for the tomb was near at hand) they laid Jesus there.
(WEB)
Explain that the tomb was in a garden and was new and clean. Tell the children that this detail matters because the story is leading toward something new and good happening. Let them know that Jesus was laid in a place of peace.
Talk About It
- Why do you think Jesus let the soldiers hurt Him, even though He had done nothing wrong?
- How did Jesus show love to His mother and to John, even when He was hurting?
- What is one way you can show love to someone who is sad or hurting this week?
- How do you think the disciples felt when they saw Jesus die on the cross?
- What do the words “It is finished” make you think about?
Activity Ideas
Paper Cross Craft
You will need two craft sticks or strips of cardboard, glue, markers, and scrap paper. Have each child glue the two pieces together to form a cross. Then let them decorate it with markers and write “Jesus loves me” on it. Talk about why the cross reminds us of Jesus’ love while they work.
Tomb and Stone Game
You will need a small box or basket and a light object like a pillow or a folded blanket. Have one child hide in the box while the others roll the stone (the pillow) in front of it. Then have them roll the stone away and say “Jesus is alive!” This shows that the tomb was not the end of the story.
Take-Home Love Card
You will need index cards, crayons, and a pencil. Have each child draw a picture of someone they love and write one way they can show that person love this week. Encourage them to give the card to that person at home. This helps children practice living out what they learned about Jesus’ love for others.
Teacher Notes
For adults, John 19 shows the full weight of what Jesus did for the world. The chapter moves from injustice and suffering to a quiet, faithful death that fulfills God’s plan. It also shows Jesus caring for people in His last moments, which reveals the heart of God toward those who are vulnerable.
With children, avoid overstating the graphic details of the crucifixion. Focus on the love and purpose of Jesus rather than the physical pain, and be ready to answer questions simply and honestly. Remind them that the story continues beyond the tomb.
A Prayer to Close
Dear Jesus, thank You for loving us so much that You gave Your life for us. Help us remember that You are always with us, even when things are hard. Teach us to love others the way You loved us. Amen.
