One of the most celebrated weeks in the lives of Christians is Easter week, or Holy week. If Jesus rose from the dead, then we must also admit that He has authority over sin and Satan. We walk a different path from the world around us. As a volunteer in my small rural church, I have no budget for curriculum. He is our substitute sacrifice, and He has died the death we deserved to die. It helps us in our small church in the islands. While we can't physically be with our youth and families, we can still resource them on their personal spiritual journeys as we all journey toward the Cross this Easter. He said to him, "You have said so." They ask a lot of questions and we have some of our best Holy Week discussions on this day. In this chapter and the chapters that follow, Jesus authority is put on display. In Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen. We dont know much about that time, other than the fact that he fasted and prayed and was tempted by the devil. For as were the days of Noah, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. This post and resource was originally published on Apr 3, 2020, and has been revised and updated for continual application. But once again, Jesus fulfills these expectations in a way the people never could have expected. Kids can add printable story symbols (either full-color or . The question is not whether or not Jesus is Lord; the question is, Will you submit to Him as Lord now or when it is too late?. Kirsten Peyton, Real Discipleship First, it means He reigns over us supremely. Our celebration of Holy Week often coincides on the calendar with the Jewish celebration of Passover. Third, Christs authority over us means that He will judge us eternally. The Holy week in lockdown. His coming will be no secret: the angels of heaven will let out a trumpet blast, and every eye will behold the Son of Man in the sky (vv. . For He will be like a refiners fire and like cleansing lye. Jesus cry on the cross was a cry of physical agony, spiritual anguish, and relational alienation. However, if they claimed that Johns authority was from heaven, then they would be guilty of rejecting God, since they denied that Jesus was the Messiah. Holy Week. Kari Jobe Scriptures: Matthew 27; Mark 15; Luke 23; John 18, 19 Bible Videos: Jesus is Scourged and Crucified Youth Videos: Repentance, a Joyful Choice; Good Things to . It seems clear, however, that Jesus did not mean that He would return before His disciples died. All rights reserved. Matthew gives us a flashback to Jesus being anointed at Bethany and Judas starting his plot to betray Him. Faithful to original manuscripts. In a very real sense, we keep our eyes on the sky and our hearts prepared, even though we dont know the exact timing of His coming. A Ministry of Virginia Theological Seminary Design by Blue+Pine Creative, Inc. about Intergenerational Celebrations Using Faithful Families, about Learn to Pray with Poetry: Online Course in March 2023, about Simple Ways to Start a Sabbath Practice, Intergenerational Celebrations Using Faithful Families, Learn to Pray with Poetry: Online Course in March 2023. The Angelic Perspective on Easter. Good Friday, April 10, 2020. 29-31). I have the right to lay it down, and I have the right to take it up again. The barrier separating man from God was ripped away by God so that hell-deserving sinners could be welcomed safely into the presence of the infinitely holy God of the universe. April 8, 2020 | Wednesday of Passion Week, April 9, 2020 | Maundy Thursday (Holy Thursday), Surprise Bonus April 13, 2020 | Easter Monday. Download Free Holy Week Devotionals & Palm Sunday Lesson, Download Free Holy Week Social Media Post Graphics. Like a lamb he was led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that is silent in the presence of her shearers, so he did not open his mouth. The 25 Advent devotions, one for every day December 1-25, can accompany the lighting of the candles in a traditional Advent wreath. You can also send out the devotionals in a group text or app and ask students to respond with their completed Challenge!! While we cant physically be with our youth and families, we can still resource them on their personal spiritual journeys as we all journey toward the Cross this Easter. So they went and made the tomb secure by sealing the stone and setting a guard. The rules of the game will vary depending on which site you use, but should be pretty self-explanatory. Holy Week Devotions Monday Creation Read Isaiah 42:1-9. Preserve us in your grace; through your mercy, O our God, you are blessed and govern all things, now and forever. These questions often come from misplaced fear, which is what we see in verse 26. 2. Many times Christians say, Ive decided to make Jesus the Lord of my life. I hate to break it to you, but you didnt have a choice in the matter. It must have been quite shocking for Jewish leaders who prided themselves in religious practices at the temple to have Jesus come in and turn it upside down. We praise you, we bless you, Lord! Holy Week and Easter Shalom: the way to reconciliation Written by Ivy Lopedito, Christian Brooks and Donna Frischknecht Jackson For you always have the poor with you, but you will not always have me. Jesus experienced the separation that we as sinners deserve, so that we might receive reconciliation. Holy Week. Dont forget to Invite your youth to share their completed Challenges from the devotional in the comments or using a hashtag you create! (Matthew 27:57-61), The next day, that is, after the day of Preparation, the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered before Pilate and said, "Sir, we remember how that impostor said, while he was still alive, 'After three days I will rise.' This is intended to be used as a daily devotion for families as they prepare to celebrate Easter. The above devotional is an adaptation of an original selection from The Gift of the Cross: Celebrating Christ Through Holy Week which is available for purchase on Amazon or from Brandon Helder's website.Though this book can be read independently, it is intended to be used in conjunction with the Resurrection Block Set available for purchase separately from Worship Wood Works. Todd Outcalt is the lead pastor of Calvary United Methodist Church in Brownsburg, Indiana and is a thirty-year youth ministry veteran. by Fred Alberti. Celebrating Lent is not just about giving things up; it can also be about adding good things to our lives, as well as about serving others. And as they were eating, he said, "Truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me." Then, at the end of the book of Exodus, Gods glory was revealed in a cloud that covered the tabernacle (Exodus 40:34-38). Trevor Miller, Talking to Teens About Suicide Reading Time: 2 minutes. Daily devotions are modified from Exalting Jesus in Matthew from the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series, by David Platt. And when the disciples saw it, they were indignant, saying, "Why this waste? Required fields are marked *. Post the social media graphics and copy and paste the full devotional into the comments/post. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and His kingdom is one that will not be destroyed. Thank you for the awesome resources for lessons and games! In preparation for Passover, our Jewish friends must do a thorough cleaning of their houses and kitchens and get rid of all their old food. It is the day that we remember and celebrate the day Jesus entered Jerusalem as Savior and King. The realities of tribulation, deception, temptation, and persecution create anticipation. This is the good news, and it is our great privilege to proclaim it. 7 Things I Would Do Differently if I Were Raising My Children California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress. His soul was stirred into action. That's so cool! The first player to get all their candy from one bowl to the other is the winner. Uniting Suffering to the Cross. (Matthew 22:41-46). The people came with questions. Hi Lisa, We are glad to hear you all are finding the lessons so useful. How is it that historys most glorious moment is surrounded by fearful fishermen, despised tax collectors, marginalized women, feeble politicians, and traitorous friends? Lent is now upon us. Malachi speaks of Gods messenger restoring the worship life of the people of God and purifying the priests. Here is what we read: See, I am going to send My messenger, and he will clear the way before Me. As people created in God's image, we are a gift to our families and communities. Thank you to all the contributors to this Holy Week bundle series: Sign Up to Receive Youth Ministry Resources Like These in Your Inbox. What Is Palm Sunday? ), Now on the first day of Unleavened Bread the disciples came to Jesus, saying, "Where will you have us prepare for you to eat the Passover?" Learn more. The first time He came to a remote, obscure town just outside Jerusalem, where He went largely unnoticed, save for a few shepherds and some farm animals. The cross is where we see the convergence of great suffering and Gods forgiveness. Thank you that your face is towards the righteous, and you hear our prayers, and know our hearts. He went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. (Excerpt from Whats So Good about Good Friday? In his name, we ask you to help our unbelief. And He will have the last word in the lives of each of us for all of eternity. Use an online version of the once-popular game show. It is the center of our faith . Now while the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them a question, saying, "What do you think about the Christ? God's Big Easter Story: A Holy Week Journey for Families provides your family with a simple, meaningful way to grow in faith together as you remember the events leading up to Jesus' death and celebrate Jesus' resurrection.. 4 o Matthew 26:1-5 (NIV) 1 When Jesus had finished saying all these things, he said to his disciples, 2 "As you know, the Passover is two days away--and the Son of Man will be handed over to be crucified." 3 Then the chief priests and the elders of the people assembled in the palace of the high priest, whose name was Caiaphas, 4 and they plotted to arrest Jesus in some sly way and Help us to hope always in you, and through Your resurrection, the making of all things new. If you are an unbeliever, turn from sin and trust in Christ. The service will mirror our Ash Wednesday service . March 30, 2021 By ClioBethany. Article Images Copyright , Holy Week Devotional Guide with Scripture & Prayer, 10 Reasons Why the Trial of Jesus Was Illegal, Easter Traditions and Crafts to Do with Your Kids. He said to them, It is written, My house will be called a house of prayer. But you are making it a den of thieves! In Isaiah 56:7, God says that His house will be called a house of prayer for all nations. Yet here in Matthew 21, the people of God were preventing the nations from praying. We've provided a Palm Sunday lesson for you to use with your youth online and 6 daily devotionals you can send to your students each day next week: Monday - Saturday of Holy Week. After the smoke cleared, all that was left were the witnessesHis friends. For larger groups, divide students into teams and have them send a representative up for each of the games. We must enter the darkness and pain of Holy Week to really understand the joy and light of Easter." Families need to spend time in God's story. Consider reading through a Holy Week devotional or even better, one (or a couple) of the Passion narratives from the Gospels: Matthew 21-28. Hannah Aloi, 15 Awesome Summer Games Ask them the following questions and have them write down their answers. But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. If you are a believer, continue daily to trust in Christ, your substitute. (Isaiah 53:7) Almighty God, grant that we who are continually afflicted because of our evil deeds may be freed by the passion of your only-begotten Son; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Man of Sorrows, People of Joy paints a revealing picture of Jesus as He winds His way to the cross. Jeremiahs wider context is worth quoting here: Do you steal, murder, commit adultery, swear falsely, burn incense to Baal, and follow other gods that you have not known? Why Do We Need to Be Crucified with Christ? Teach us to call your name As Jesus did. Neither disease nor natural disasters have the last word in this world; because of the resurrection, Jesus does. Christianity stands or falls on the resurrection of Jesus Christ. What is Maundy Thursday?What Is Good Friday? Easter is a time when we celebrate God's love and sacrifice for us. Would I be ready? If not, then repent and believe in Christ today. This will provide students with some encouragement and accountability in their decisions. As he was drawing near--already on the way down the Mount of Olives--the whole multitude of his disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen, saying, "Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Lent is a time of self-reflection and self-denial in preparation for the celebration of Christs death and resurrection during Holy Week. Walking Through Holy Week Focus on the Family's free Easter activity kit retraces the events of Jesus' final days on earth, helping kids learn more about Christ's sacrifice and victory over death. Then do you come and stand before Me in this house called by My name and say, We are delivered, so we can continue doing all these detestable acts? Monday: Matthew 21:12-19 (Jesus cleanses the temple), Tuesday: Matthew 21:23-46 (Jesus rebukes the Pharisees), Wednesday: Matthew 24:1-36 (Signs of things to come), Thursday: Matthew 26:20-75 (The Significance of the Last Supper), Friday: Matthew 27:1-61 (Jesus crucifixion), Saturday: Matthew 27:57-61 (Responding to the Cross), Sunday: Matthew 28:1-20 (Startling Implications of the Resurrection). "He himself bore our sins" in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; "by his wounds you have been healed." "Hosanna! If they give up their candy and win the quiz game, then they get their piece back plus two more. None of us decides when we will come into this world, and when we die, none of us has the power to say, Im coming back to life. But thats precisely what Jesus did, and if He did rise from the dead, then He has absolute authority over life and death. Following Jesus description of His second coming in verses 29-31, He tells the parable of the fig tree in verses 32-33. Prayer Works Study and Quiet Times For Students, April 6 Jesus Washed the Disciples Feet. I will turn darkness to light in front of them and rough places into level ground. Im very well aware of Lent partly because I live in the New Orleans area and Mardi Gras, which is celebrated the day before Lent begins, is a huge thing here. While that holy Friday was tremendous, it was only a prelude to Sunday morning when He was raised from the dead. We walk a different path from the world around us. After His death, Jesus rose from the grave, not only in victory over death, but in victory over sin. The season begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas and, depending on the year, can range from 22 to 28 days. And Joseph took the body and wrapped it in a clean linen shroud and laid it in his own new tomb, which he had cut in the rock. He walked into a scene where people were bustling in the outer court of the temple, known also as the court of the Gentiles, a place for the nations to meet with God in worship, praise, and prayer. Confess your sin and find mercy in Your Savior, so that you will be ready for His coming. Download our week-long guide to help you walk daily with your children through the Holy Week leading up to the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Holy Monday Devotional Holy Monday is the second day of Holy Week, right after Palm Sunday. But Jesus, aware of this, said to them, "Why do you trouble the woman? Included in this devotion are different levels of teaching for different age groups: Your email address will not be published. That is the effect of the cross for all who trust in Jesus. Jesus does not deal with sin lightly, but in righteous anger. Christs role as judge is also good news because the resurrection reminds us that this world is not all there is. This misplaced fear is what led them to question Jesus, and it leads many people to question Jesus authority today. (Matthew 26:17-25), Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, "Take, eat; this is my body." Before the game, ask participants if they want to give up one piece of candy for the chance at winning two pieces in this game. Weve provided social media graphics for you to use if youd like to engage your students with these devotionals online for an added element of connection and interaction. . On Holy Saturday Christians today can take this a step further in resting or abiding in what the Lord is doing today. We dont have all the answers, but we seek to be friends who will carry the Spirit of Jesus through this life and be witnesses to His love. Devotional Reading : Print your own copy for a beautiful daily devotional leading up to Easter. They dont know why the cross is the centerpiece of all history and the determinant of our eternity; but you do! How different this will be from His first coming! Or, since this is the final game, you can offer a larger candy bar for the winner. We toured the townpressed shoulder-to-shoulder with the thousands of others who were enjoying the atmosphere. Liked this lesson? Translate into 100+ languages! So Jesus, in righteous anger, drove them all out, overturning their tables and their seats (Matthew 21:12). Palm Sunday is the Sunday before Easter that begins the Holy Week. Keep before our eyes the image of your Son, Who, being God, became a Servant for our sake. Thank you that your ways are far greater than our ways, your thoughts far deeper than our thoughts. Would Jesus raise up an army? Your role as a youth ministry leader is vitally important because you have the privilege of pointing students to Jesus. (Matthew 26:6-13), Then one of the twelve, whose name was Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said, "What will you give me if I deliver him over to you?" The resurrection of Jesus validates everything He said, taught, and told us He came to do. Beginning on Palm Sunday and going until Easter morning, we will publish a meaningful and thoughtful devotion for each day of Holy Week. Go, make it as secure as you can." Alexis has a Master's degree from Denver Seminary and a Bachelor's degree from Colorado Christian University. (Matthew 26:1-5), Now when Jesus was at Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, a woman came up to him with an alabaster flask of very expensive ointment, and she poured it on his head as he reclined at table. Provide time and space for young people to be immersed in a quiet Sabbath time and space. (on version one) Attend at least one weekday or special Mass during Holy Week. President Russell M. Nelson of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints speaks during the Worldwide Devotional for Young Adults at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City, Utah, on Sunday, May 15, 2022. Credit: Mengshin Lin, Deseret News Have students (individually, or a representative from each team) take turns playing the game. This is what Daniel prophesied centuries before: And I saw One like a son of man coming with the clouds of heaven. But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into. Jesus knew that His question would uncover their hearts. You put me into the dust of death. And they were very sorrowful and began to say to him one after another, "Is it I, Lord?" When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. . It is only in Christ Jesus that we can boast. And the entire city was immersed in parades and all the festivities. For this could have been sold for a large sum and given to the poor." It takes two minutes to read a daily Reflection full of the Gospel of Christ crucified for you. To Week 5. How can weakness be a strength? (Excerpt from What Is Maundy Thursday? Holy Week recounts the final days of Jesus' life including his death, burial, and resurrection. If they drop any candy, they must take it back to the beginning. All of us have built-in longings and desires for meaning and purpose, and this tells us that this world is not the entire picture. Thank you for sharing your free Lessons. (As cited in Stott, The Cross of Christ, 345). To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. Then the people as a whole answered, "His blood be on us and on our children!". Holy Monday is the second day of Holy Week, right after Palm Sunday. Devotional on "Authentic community" This first devotion for youth comes from I Am A Disciple, a 40-Day Student Discipleship Journal. Whose son is he?" Jesus physical anguish was very real and His suffering was intense. Over one fourth of the book of Matthew is devoted to the last week before Jesus death. Holy Week is an important time in the Church. Well look at three implications concerning the authority of Christ based on the resurrection. The cry on the cross is. "But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only. You are very welcome Tiffany. (Matthew 26:14-16). But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ! Remind them that whatever they choose should be meaningful to them and beneficial to others. Songs: Best News Ever, Mercy Me, What Love is This? The lesson of this parable is that Christians confidently watch, for they see the leaves on the tree (the signs Jesus has spoken of) indicating that the Lords return is near. (Matthew 27:62-66). The Passover meal must be prepared with all new and fresh ingredients. The account of the Last Supper also connects Jesus death with the law God gave to His people. Each day you get a reading, a devotion, and a prayer to help you confront the devil, the world, and your own sinful flesh with hope in your Lord's victory over all of it. Jesus is celebrating the Passover meal with His disciples, a meal they ate every year to remember Gods deliverance from Egypt (see, When Jesus cried out, My God, my God, why have you forsaken Me? in verse 46, He was suffering separation from God for our reconciliation. (spiritual renewal), What day of the week does not count in the 40 days of Lent? Many churches schedule multiple events throughout Holy week, starting with Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Sunday. 10 Reasons God Might Not Be Blessing Your Life, Inspiring Mother Breaks Down after Earning Golden Buzzer with Celine Dion Hit, 7 Things that Will Keep Me from Coming Back to Your Church, 6 Truths about Jesus Coming into the World, 9 Christians You Don't Want to Sit Beside on Sunday Morning, 10 Things You Should Know about the Intermediate State of Death, 'You Raise Me Up' Duet Earns A Standing Ovation From The Judges, 7 Things I Would Do Differently if I Were Raising My Children Again. Christ's death on our behalf is the reason God can forgive us and still be just. Notify me when these are available. Furthermore, Christs judgment means our efforts for justice in this world become meaningful. There were, indeed, thousands of people on hand during the Passover (and from all over the Mediterranean landscape); expectations were high. God sent His Son to pay the price for our sin, and the resurrection lets us know that our hope of salvation is not some made-up story, some fanciful myth. Daily Devotional for Spirit filled living. Jesus is Lord over your life. Thank you for joining us for our Holy Week Devotionals as we commemorate the Finished Work of Christ and His Resurrection.Links:** We Do Not Own Rights To Th. This leads to the next attribute of Jesus. Gods people were offering worship in Jeremiahs day, yet they did not behave in obedience to God. April 6 at 7 pm. All of these things help us get a fuller picture of those last days, and help us understand what it was really like for Christ. (Matthew 24:36-51). Jesus was given the full recompense of our disobedience. Thank you that you make all things new. Join with a different United Methodist pastor daily Monday through Saturday of Holy Week for a special devotion that will guide you through Jesus and his followers' difficult journey. We may not have the natural ability to multiply bread and fish on . If they choose to give something up, it should not be for its own sake, but rather for the sake of gaining something greater (like the candy prizes with the games). ONE YEAR YOUTH CURRICULUM, VOL 3 - Save 82% on one year of Bible studies and teaching curriculum for youth ministry. This 8-day study, Raised with Christ, was written by Will Burrows , our director of publishing at Hosanna Revival. Do not seek to add to His infinitely gracious and worthy sacrifice, but instead repent and embrace this free gift of salvation. The winner gets a piece of candy (or two, if they gave up their candy before the game). Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! lent resources, youth ministry, lent for youth, youth devotionals, youth group, youth discussion guide, lent discussion guide, lent sunday school . In his name, Amen. Maundy Thursday. So, in the same way, we ought to spend time fasting and praying in preparation for our ministry of bringing the good news of the risen Christ to the world. So those who were sent went away and found it just as he had told them. The same should be true for His followers. Horton - Nashville Web Design & SEO, a WST Web Design Co. Luke 2:42. Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes. Youll also like this. Each devotional connects an element of what Jesus said or did to the current crisis and includes a few questions for you to reflect on or discuss with friends or family. We have prepared a brief devotional for each day from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday, following the Gospel of John from chapter 12 to chapter 20. At this point, they can choose to eat the candy now or save it to use in the next game. Jesus has the right to cleanse the temple because He is the authoritative King. For the days will come upon you, when your enemies will set up a barricade around you and surround you and hem you in on every side and tear you down to the ground, you and your children within you. Use this devotional to help your students strengthen their spiritual muscles and learn to become more like Jesus. Holy Week is a remarkably powerful spiritual week. The following devotions, written by United Methodists, are offered to assist you as you remember Jesus' journey through Holy Week: from his entrance into Jerusalem to the tomb. Its good news because you can be saved from eternal judgment if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead (Romans 10:9). We can never grow close enough to God and these Passion Week devotions have been created to enhance and help you grow in your spiritual journey with Jesus in days leading up to Easter. The week, as it turned out, was one of the mildest Hoosier winters on record, and thousands of people turned out on the streets to enjoy the various attractions and the ambiance of the Super Bowl experience in temperatures that were almost spring-like. Gods presence was real at the cross, but it was His presence in judgment and wrath toward sin. When Matthew records for us the events of chapter 28, he is, through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, making claims that change the world. It was a pillar of cloud that led Gods people in the exodus from Egypt (Exodus 13:21). And the disciples did as Jesus had directed them, and they prepared the Passover. What Lent and Why is it Celebrated?What is the Holy Week? In verse 34, Jesus says, I assure you: This generation will certainly not pass away until all these things take place. This verse has been particularly confusing, because it seems that Jesus is saying that the generation He was speaking to would see His second coming. Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were there, sitting opposite the tomb. Give students a piece of paper or whiteboard and a writing utensil. Jesus refers to My blood that establishes the covenant in Matthew 26:28, and this is the only time the word covenant is used in Matthews Gospel. Jesus coming into the world the cleansing of our hearts by the Holy Spirit our eternal hope. This includes God as creator of all nations, all families, and all persons. Throughout the Bible we are commanded and exhorted to be kind ( Gal 5:22; Eph 4:32; Col 3:12 ), even to our enemies ( Lk 6:35 ). In addition, each day on Facebook and on this page, we are posting video reflections from members of our pastoral staff to encourage us to pray, reflect and journey through Holy Week as a congregation. Taking turns, players will stand or squat on the side of the table opposite the markers. Second, He loves us deeply. As each student/team finishes their turn, give them a piece of candy. This was the holy God of the universe giving His Son to die our death, endure our condemnation, and suffer our separation so that we could be declared righteous and welcomed into His presence. Poem - The Charcoal Fire. These actions led the religious leaders to ask, By what authority are You doing these things?