In this lesson, children learn that Jesus died on the cross and still forgave the people who hurt Him. It is designed for kids ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
Jesus loved us so much that He forgave the people who hurt Him, even while He was dying. Because of Jesus, God is always ready to forgive us too.
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)
Cover your heart with both hands, then open your arms wide while you say “Father, forgive them.” Do this motion together three times so the words stick.
The Story: Luke 23 for Kids
The soldiers and leaders took Jesus to a man named Pilate. They said Jesus was doing bad things, but Pilate looked at Jesus and found no reason to punish Him. Pilate wanted to let Jesus go, but the crowd kept shouting for Him to be crucified.
Pilate sent Jesus to King Herod, who was happy to see Him. Herod asked Jesus many questions, but Jesus did not answer. Herod and his soldiers made fun of Jesus and dressed Him in fancy clothes, then sent Him back to Pilate.
In the end, Pilate gave in to the crowd and let a prisoner named Barabbas go free instead of Jesus. Soldiers carried Jesus up a hill called The Skull. They nailed Him to a cross, with two criminals on either side of Him.
While Jesus hung on the cross, He prayed out loud, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” One of the criminals asked Jesus to remember him, and Jesus told him, “Today you will be with me in Paradise.”
After many hours, Jesus said, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit,” and He died. A Roman officer saw what happened and said, “Certainly this was a righteous man.” Joseph, a kind man who believed in God’s Kingdom, asked Pilate for Jesus’ body and laid it in a new tomb.
Read It Together
Luke 23:1-4
1 The whole company of them rose up and brought him before Pilate. 2 They began to accuse him, saying, “We found this man perverting the nation, forbidding paying taxes to Caesar, and saying that he himself is Christ, a king.” 3 Pilate asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” He answered him, “So you say.” 4 Pilate said to the chief priests and the multitudes, “I find no basis for a charge against this man.”
(WEB)
Point out that Jesus was treated unfairly even though Pilate said he found no reason to punish Him. Ask children how it feels when someone blames them for something they did not do.
Luke 23:43
Jesus said to him, “Assuredly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”
(WEB)
Show children that Jesus did not wait for the criminal to be good first. He welcomed the man right away. Explain that Jesus is ready to welcome us whenever we ask Him.
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)
Point out that Jesus trusted His Father even when things were very hard. Talk about how we can trust God when we feel scared or sad.
Talk About It
- What do you think Jesus felt when the crowd shouted for Him to be crucified?
- Why did Jesus pray for the people who were hurting Him?
- How can we forgive someone who has been mean to us?
- What did the criminal on the cross say to Jesus, and what did Jesus promise him?
- Why do you think the Roman officer said Jesus was a righteous man?
Activity Ideas
Paper Cross Craft
You will need two strips of brown construction paper, glue, and crayons. Glue one strip across the other to form a cross. Let children decorate it and write the word “forgive” in the center. Talk about how the cross reminds us of Jesus’ love.
Forgiveness Freeze Game
Play a simple tag game where one child is “it.” When tagged, a child freezes, and another child can “unfreeze” them by saying, “I forgive you.” Explain that forgiving someone sets them free, just as Jesus’ forgiveness sets us free from sin.
Forgiveness Jar Take-Home
You will need an empty jar, paper, and a pencil. Ask children to write or draw a time they forgave someone or were forgiven, then fold it and place it in the jar. Encourage families to read the notes together during the week and talk about how Jesus forgives us every day.
Teacher Notes
For adults, Luke 23 shows the real cost of sin and the depth of Jesus’ love. Jesus was condemned unjustly, yet He prayed for those who crucified Him and welcomed a repentant criminal into His Kingdom. The chapter points to the cross as the center of God’s plan of salvation.
Avoid overstating to children the details of the crucifixion. Keep the focus on Jesus’ love and forgiveness rather than on the physical suffering, which can be frightening for young listeners.
A Prayer to Close
Jesus, thank You for loving us even when we make mistakes. Help us forgive others the way You forgave the people who hurt You. Thank You that we can always come to You and be forgiven. Amen.
