Holy week is an opportunity for youth leaders to reacquaint teenagers with these deep truths. A prophecy made around 500 years before Jesus came witnesses to Christs holiness and purity. Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!" People were profiting off of one another and even taking advantage of one another, all while ignoring the purpose of the temple. But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. For He will be like a refiners fire and like cleansing lye. And when the disciples saw it, they were indignant, saying, "Why this waste? Kirsten Peyton, Real Discipleship It is the center of our faith . Taking turns, players will stand or squat on the side of the table opposite the markers. 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. Christ's "mandate" is commemorated on Maundy Thursday--- "maundy" being a shortened form of mandatum (Latin), which means "command." InThe Characters of Easter, youll become acquainted with the unlikely collection of ordinary people who witnessed the miracle of Christs death and resurrection. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ! Hosanna in the highest heaven! So Jesus, in righteous anger, drove them all out, overturning their tables and their seats (Matthew 21:12). Poem - The Charcoal Fire. Poem - This Day You Will Be With Me. Christs role as judge is also good news because the resurrection reminds us that this world is not all there is. To Week 5. Help us to know that none of us can boast before you. So there are seven daily devotions that focus on the theme and bring you insight, understanding and revelation from the Bible. Thank you for the awesome resources for lessons and games! So what does it mean for Jesus to have absolute authority over you and me? Then the people as a whole answered, "His blood be on us and on our children!". You have six days each week for your ordinary work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath day of rest dedicated to the Lord your God. The act of keeping something Holy is to keep it set aside or reserved for a purpose, and this specific day is meant to rest in dedication to the Lord. Holy Week is a remarkably powerful spiritual week. One of the most celebrated weeks in the lives of Christians is Easter week, or Holy week. In the same way, we ought to use this time of Lent to do some spring cleaning ourselves. Keep before our eyes the image of your Son, Who, being God, became a Servant for our sake. There are many things we could say about him, but first and foremost He is the holy King. But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? He answered, "He who has dipped his hand in the dish with me will betray me. We dont know much about that time, other than the fact that he fasted and prayed and was tempted by the devil. Download free creative youth group lessons that will engage and interest your teenagers. How can weakness be a strength? Each lesson has a point that you want your students to remember, and we provide ideas for how to creatively teach it. 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. Strengthen our hands and our wills for love And for service. If anyone asks you, 'Why are you untying it?' We see in this passage that genuine compassion for the crowd leads Jesus to action. Jesus knew that God the Father had given Him the authority to do everything He had done up to this point in His life and ministry (John 5:19- 29). (A day to indulge before fasting), What does Lent commemorate? 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. Remember that the purpose of the resurrection is grounded in Christs love for us. Shortly before His own death, Jesus told His disciples the following: No one takes it [My life] from Me, but I lay it down on My own. 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. 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 Prayer Before the Crucifix. And He will have the last word in the lives of each of us for all of eternity. 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. For your lovingkindness endures forever. Today's Reflection: But if Jesus rose from the dead, then we must accept everything He said, for His authority is absolute. Your email address will not be published. Well look at three implications concerning the authority of Christ based on the resurrection. you shall say this: 'The Lord has need of it.'" Downloadable compilation and podcast available now. Todd Outcalt, Creating a Life of Meaningful Prayer And they paid him thirty pieces of silver. The realities of tribulation, deception, temptation, and persecution create anticipation. He is our substitute sacrifice, and He has died the death we deserved to die. Jefferson and Alyssa Bethke, Welcome Mats: Entry Points for Youth Ministry He said, "Go into the city to a certain man and say to him, 'The Teacher says, My time is at hand. Malachi speaks of Gods messenger restoring the worship life of the people of God and purifying the priests. ", And when he drew near and saw the city, he wept over it, saying, "Would that you, even you, had known on this day the things that make for peace! Its purpose is to help believers remain focused on the birth of Christ and Jesus' glorious return. Jesus has the right to cleanse the temple because He is the authoritative King. Easter Week Devotional. This message is indeed difficult to take. 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 Our salvation is not because we've done any good works, but it's because of God's gracean expression of God's kindness. But those things would not be the end. Each daily devotion is about five minutes in duration. But if that wicked servant says to himself, 'My master is delayed,' and begins to beat his fellow servants and eats and drinks with drunkards, the master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he does not know and will cut him in pieces and put him with the hypocrites. 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? Holy Week. Remind them that whatever they choose should be meaningful to them and beneficial to others. But Jesus, aware of this, said to them, "Why do you trouble the woman? They said to him, "The son of David." Prayer Works Study and Quiet Times For Students, April 6 Jesus Washed the Disciples Feet. For she has done a beautiful thing to me. The winner gets a piece of candy (or two, if they gave up their candy before the 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. Translate into 100+ languages! It was on the Thursday of Christ's final week before being crucified and resurrected that He said this commandment to His disciples. If your students have limited access to technology and social media, consider emailing these to your students (or to the parents directly if your youth dont have emails either) or drop off printed copies at their homes! All of Scripture builds to this pivotal week, pointing to the moment when Jesus would bear the weight of humanity's sin. The gospel is the greatest news in all the world. Now while the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them a question, saying, "What do you think about the Christ? Who does He think He is? Dont forget to Invite your youth to share their completed Challenges from the devotional in the comments or using a hashtag you create! Matthew 21 has already presented several aspects of this authority: Christ came to Jerusalem and received praise and worship from the people, cleansed the temple, and taught in the temple courts. Here is a complete timeline of the Holy Week, also known as the Passion Week of Jesus Christ. Help us to hope always in you, and through Your resurrection, the making of all things new. However, Jesus is one man in all of history who died without sinning; so why did He die? Learn more. 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. 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 was given authority to rule, and glory, and a kingdom; so that those of every people, nation, and language should serve Him. It is only in Christ Jesus that we can boast. Stop toying with sin and pursue the One who died to set you free from it. Passion Week also helps illuminate what God has to teach us through this very historical moment in time. The player who knocks over the most markers is the winner. These questions often come from misplaced fear, which is what we see in verse 26. (Matthew 26:26-29). Weve seen in Matthew 24 that we are to trust in the authority of Christ and persevere in the power of Christ. 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). Scripture says that one day every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord (Philippians 2:10-11). Jesus knew that His question would uncover their hearts. Jesus responded to the questions of the chief priests and the elders by posing a question of His own. Hi Lisa, We are glad to hear you all are finding the lessons so useful. For larger groups, divide students into teams and have them send a representative up for each of the games. This is intended to be used as a daily devotion for families as they prepare to celebrate Easter. Lent is an important season to celebrate in the life of a Christian, which is why we put together a bunch of games/activities for you. Use this devotional to help your students strengthen their spiritual muscles and learn to become more like Jesus. No. These daily devotionals are centered around a weekly theme. Check out the. Wednesday Jesus is Betrayed ~~~ Lectionary Readings. At the close of a worldwide devotional broadcast on Sunday, Jan. 29, Elder Gerrit W. Gong of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles assured youth that wherever they are, the Lord gives them spiritual trail markers to manifest His love and guide their path. 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. If they drop any candy, they must take it back to the beginning. Jesus did none of these things. Your role as a youth ministry leader is vitally important because you have the privilege of pointing students to Jesus. These actions led the religious leaders to ask, By what authority are You doing these things? Pleading for Mercy and Forgiveness of Sin. Unbelief isnt the only reason people question Jesus authority. 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. After the smoke cleared, all that was left were the witnessesHis friends. ThisFREE podcast provides a fresh approach to the Lenten season and can be used as a devotional or study for individuals and groups. This will provide students with some encouragement and accountability in their decisions. 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. 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. "He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth." This misplaced fear is what led them to question Jesus, and it leads many people to question Jesus authority today. All glory be to him who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever. This teaching is designed for a small groups. At Easter, the Son of God took on the worlds sin and defeated the devil, death, and the grave. "Please look with eyes to see," the Apostle invited. by Fred Alberti. It is the second day that Jesus was in Jerusalem, and the Bible records Christ teaching and. But once again, Jesus fulfills these expectations in a way the people never could have expected. First, it means He reigns over us supremely. This is a week of remembrance, worship, and dedication to what Christ has done. Hannah Aloi, 15 Awesome Summer Games It helps students to understand that Lent is not just about self-denial for its own sake, but that it can be a time of meaningful sacrifice, service, and self-reflection. Jesus coming into the world the cleansing of our hearts by the Holy Spirit our eternal hope. The more we live in this world, the more we will long for Christ to come back to this world. He approached the Ancient of Days and was escorted before Him. Yet your word says that Jesus, being God, took on human flesh and suffered the worst kind of death. Each devotional is editable so YOU can decide how best to use these with your youth! Computer or tablet (one that can be connected to a projector or big screen TV if you have a large group), Scratch paper or personal white boards and pens/markers for quiz, What is Fat Tuesday? For as were the days of Noah, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. Devotional Reading : Give us the grace to endure our troubles, And reveal to us the glory of your kingdom, Through your son, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit. The Center for Youth Ministry Training is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and all donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. Reading Time: 2 minutes. Discover the history of honoring Holy Week and more details about Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday, and Easter Sunday. Our anticipation will grow as we study more Scripture and light another candle each week of December: the Prophecy Candle, the Bethlehem Candle, the Shepherds' Candle, the Angels' Candle, and the Christ Candle. 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. Christianity stands or falls on the resurrection of Jesus Christ. (1 Peter 2:18-25), Lord God, We wait, on Friday, for the resurrection of Sunday And sometimes our lives seem a succession of Fridays And we cannot see what is Good.. Horton - Nashville Web Design & SEO, a WST Web Design Co. After His death, Jesus rose from the grave, not only in victory over death, but in victory over sin. ), Slaves, in reverent fear of God, submit yourselves to your masters, not only to those who are good and considerate, but also to those who are harsh. Also, if you haven't already, download a daily devotional for Lent. Sunday: Jesus' entry into Jerusalem Scripture: Mark 11:1-11 Written by Dr. Jay Harris Why is Palm Sunday set aside as a special day? What is Holy Week? 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. Matthews reference to the clouds of heaven in verse 30 is not just an allusion to Daniel 7. So when Pilate saw that he could do nothing, but rather that a riot was beginning, he took some water and washed his hands before the crowd, saying, "I am innocent of this man's blood, see to it yourselves.". The object of the game is for students to get all the cotton balls from the bowl on the table into the bowl on the other table. In each object, readers will find meaning in the biblical account of Jesus final days. First, surrender your heart to God. Would He assume the mantle of political leader and lead a revolt? Indeed, He is Lord of the temple, and He has the right to do in it whatever He desires, including throwing it into disarray. My strength is dried up like baked clay; my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth. (Matthew 24:36-51). Included in this devotion are different levels of teaching for different age groups: Your email address will not be published. Easter is a time when we celebrate God's love and sacrifice for us. We give you a playbook to create the youth ministry you've always wanted. In this sudden death showdown, the players will shoot their Q-tips simultaneously at the marker. He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth. For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark, and they were unaware until the flood came and swept them all away, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. In 2012, the city of Indianapolis hosted the Super Bowl. (on version one) Attend at least one weekday or special Mass during Holy Week. Then the Lord you seek will suddenly come to His temple, the Messenger of the covenant you desiresee, He is coming, says the Lord of Hosts. Jesus cry on the cross was a cry of physical agony, spiritual anguish, and relational alienation. Let us know how you used them and how your youth engaged during Holy Week in the comments below! The cross is where we see the convergence of great suffering and Gods forgiveness. We may not have the natural ability to multiply bread and fish on . And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, "Drink of it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. Luke 19-24 . Actually, what youll find is a collection of games, lessons and activities on Lent. The first player to get all their candy from one bowl to the other is the winner.