EXPLORE
Step 2 : Watch or read the story of Good Friday
Read the Bible Story! The Crucifixion of Jesus
As they went out, they came upon a man from Cyrene named Simon; they compelled this man to carry his cross. And when they came to a place called Golgotha (which means Place of a Skull), they offered him wine to drink, mixed with gall; but when he tasted it, he would not drink it. And when they had crucified him, they divided his clothes among themselves by casting lots; then they sat down there and kept watch over him. Over his head they put the charge against him, which read, “This is Jesus, the King of the Jews.” Then two bandits were crucified with him, one on his right and one on his left. Those who passed by derided him, shaking their heads and saying, “You who would destroy the temple and build it in three days, save yourself! If you are the Son of God, come down from the cross.” In the same way the chief priests also, along with the scribes and elders, were mocking him, saying, “He saved others; he cannot save himself. He is the King of Israel; let him come down from the cross now, and we will believe in him. He trusts in God; let God deliver him now, if he wants to; for he said, ‘I am God’s Son.’” The bandits who were crucified with him also taunted him in the same way. The Death of Jesus From noon on, darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon. And about three o’clock Jesus cried with a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” that is, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” When some of the bystanders heard it, they said, “This man is calling for Elijah.” At once one of them ran and got a sponge, filled it with sour wine, put it on a stick, and gave it to him to drink. But the others said, “Wait, let us see whether Elijah will come to save him.” Then Jesus cried again with a loud voice and breathed his last. At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. The earth shook, and the rocks were split. The tombs also were opened, and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised. After his resurrection they came out of the tombs and entered the holy city and appeared to many. Now when the centurion and those with him, who were keeping watch over Jesus, saw the earthquake and what took place, they were terrified and said, “Truly this man was God’s Son!” Many women were also there, looking on from a distance; they had followed Jesus from Galilee and had provided for him. Among them were Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James and Joseph, and the mother of the sons of Zebedee. |
Grades 4 and upThis serious video features a dramatic retelling of the events leading up to Jesus' Death on the Cross.
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EXPERIENCE
Step 3: Discuss or write your responses:
+ What was the name of the man who helped Jesus carry the cross?
+ What did the sign say that they put on Jesus' cross? + What did the soldiers try to make Jesus drink? + What did people say when the saw Jesus on the cross? + Why might they have expecting Jesus to do? + How do you think Jesus felt when he saw that very few of his friends were there with him? + How do you think Jesus mother and Mary Magdalene felt? + What words did Jesus say on the cross? + What do you think the people thought when they felt the earthquake when Jesus died? + How would you have felt if you were there at the cross? |
APPLY
Step 4: Activities for all age groups
Choose one of these actions as a family or let kids choose their own favorite.
Explore Jesus' Reactions as He Made His Way to Calvary
Discuss as a family: How do you respond when you are "squeezed" in stressful situations? Jesus responds by being steadfast, accepting, forgiving. Read the article here: https://www.loyolapress.com/our-catholic-faith/liturgical-year/lent/stations-of-the-cross/responses-to-suffering
Explore Good Friday
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