Children's Easter Devotion - He Did This All For You

Pilate called together the chief priests, the rulers and the people, and said to them, "You brought me this man as one who was inciting the people to rebellion. I have examined him in your presence and have found no basis for your charges against him. Neither has Herod, for he sent him back to us; as you can see, he has done nothing to deserve death. Therefore, I will punish him and then release him." 

With one voice they cried out, "Away with this man! Release Barabbas to us!" (Barabbas had been thrown into prison for an insurrection in the city, and for murder.)

Wanting to release Jesus, Pilate appealed to them again.

But they kept shouting, "Crucify him! Crucify him!"

For the third time he spoke to them: "Why? What crime has this man committed? I have found in him no grounds for the death penalty. Therefore I will have him punished and then release him."

But with loud shouts they insistently demanded that he be crucified, and their shouts prevailed.

So Pilate decided to grant their demand.

He released the man who had been thrown into prison for insurrection and murder, the one they asked for, and surrendered Jesus to their will.  Luke 23:13-25

The soldiers led Jesus away into the palace (that is, the Praetorium) and called together the whole company of soldiers. They put a purple robe on him, then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on him. And they began to call out to him, "Hail, king of the Jews!"

Again and again they struck him on the head with a staff and spit on him. Falling on their knees, they paid homage to him.

And when they had mocked him, they took off the purple robe and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him out to crucify him.  Mark 15:16-20

He was despised and rejected— a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief. We turned our backs on Him and looked the other way. He was despised, and we did not care... we thought His troubles were a punishment from God, a punishment for His own sins!...He was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed...He was oppressed and treated harshly, yet He never said a word. He was led like a lamb to the slaughter...Unjustly condemned, He was led away...But it was the Lord’s good plan to crush Him and cause Him grief. Yet when His life is made an offering for sin, He will have many descendants.

Isaiah 53:3-10

I offered my back to those who beat me and my cheeks to those who pulled out my beard. I did not hide my face from mockery and spitting. Isaiah 50:6

"All this I have told you so that you will not go astray.

They will put you out of the synagogue; in fact, a time is coming when anyone who kills you will think he is offering a service to God.

They will do such things because they have not known the Father or me.

I have told you this, so that when the time comes you will remember that I warned you." John 16:1-4

Questions:

- Before you begin, ask the children to pray, asking God to help them understand, in even some small way, what Jesus did for them and for the world, so that we might be saved

- Why did all this have to happen to Jesus?

- Whose plan was this? (read Isaiah 53:3-10)...this was God's plan. Talk to children about how it wasn't Satan defeating Jesus but all of this happened according to God's plan, to fulfill prophecy

- What did Pilate believe about Jesus?

- Why did he decide, in the end, to have Him crucified?

- How did the soldiers treat Jesus?

- How did Jesus react? (read Isaiah 50:6)

- Read John 16:1-4...what did Jesus say would happen to His followers?

- Is this happening right now in the world? (talk about persecution of Christians...to learn more go to Kids of Courage

- Do you think you could stand for Jesus even if you were being treated cruelly?

- How can you prepare now so that like Pilate, you won't give into peer pressure and like Jesus, you can take abuse for Jesus?

Thoughts: 

It's hard to begin to understand why Jesus suffered this way. He didn't have to. At any time He could have stopped it all. It wasn't the Jewish leaders or the crowds or the Roman soldiers who were in control. God was in control. It was the Lord’s good plan to crush Him and cause Him grief. Yet when His life is made an offering for sin, He will have many descendants. We are those descendants when we accept Him as our Lord and Savior. Jesus did this for each of us. He stayed there and took all the hurt and pain because He did not want us to suffer the same thing in Hell, forever. He loves us more than we can ever imagine. It's His love that kept Him there.

Prayer: 

Lord Jesus, how can we begin to thank You for what You did for us. You took the hurt of the world on your shoulders, the beatings, the mocking, the crown of thorns and the cross, out of Your great love for us. What a wonderful Savior we serve. May we live our lives, every day, in honor of You. We so look forward to one day being with You forever, in Heaven. We love You Jesus!

Song: He Will Carry You

There is no problem too big

God cannot solve it

There is no mountain too tall

He cannot move it

There is no storm too dark

God cannot calm it

There is no sorrow too deep

He cannot soothe it

If He carried the weight of the world upon His shoulders

I know, my brother that He will carry you

If He carried the weight of the world upon His shoulders

I know, my sister that He will carry you

He said come unto me all who are weary

And I will give you rest

For Further Study: 

There are many children throughout the world who are very bold in their faith in Christ, especially in nations where it is hard to be a Christian. Sharing their stories can encourage a bolder faith in your children. A wonderful resource is Kids of Courage

* Some of the content of this blog is based on the book Family Celebrations at Easter by Ann Hibbard.*

Children's Easter Devotion - Truth Will Prevail

The men who were guarding Jesus began mocking and beating him.

They blindfolded him and demanded, "Prophesy! Who hit you?"

And they said many other insulting things to him.

At daybreak the council of the elders of the people, both the chief priests and teachers of the law, met together, and Jesus was led before them.

"If you are the Christ," they said, "tell us." Jesus answered, "If I tell you, you will not believe me, and if I asked you, you would not answer.

But from now on, the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the mighty God."

They all asked, "Are you then the Son of God?" He replied, "You are right in saying I am."

Then they said, "Why do we need any more testimony? We have heard it from his own lips." 

Then the whole assembly rose and led him off to Pilate. And they began to accuse him, saying, "We have found this man subverting our nation. He opposes payment of taxes to Caesar and claims to be Christ, a king."

So Pilate asked Jesus, "Are you the king of the Jews?" 

"Yes, it is as you say," Jesus replied.

Then Pilate announced to the chief priests and the crowd, "I find no basis for a charge against this man."

But they insisted, "He stirs up the people all over Judea by his teaching. He started in Galilee and has come all the way here."

On hearing this, Pilate asked if the man was a Galilean.

When he learned that Jesus was under Herod's jurisdiction, he sent him to Herod, who was also in Jerusalem at that time.

When Herod saw Jesus, he was greatly pleased, because for a long time he had been wanting to see him. From what he had heard about him, he hoped to see him perform some miracle.

He plied him with many questions, but Jesus gave him no answer.

The chief priests and the teachers of the law were standing there, vehemently accusing him.

Then Herod and his soldiers ridiculed and mocked him. Dressing him in an elegant robe, they sent him back to Pilate.

That day Herod and Pilate became friends—before this they had been enemies.  Luke 22:63 - 23:12

"Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and then turn and tear you to pieces.  Matthew 7:6

Questions:

- What did the guards do to Jesus? Why?

- What questions did the Jewish leaders ask Jesus?

- How did Jesus answer them?

- What lies did the people tell about Jesus?

- What did Pilate think of Jesus and why did Pilate send Him to Herod?

- Why did Herod want to see Jesus?

- Why did Jesus not answer Herod? (read Matthew 7:6)

- Why did Herod and Pilate become friends that day?

Thoughts: 

Here is God Himself being abused by the very people He created. During this abuse, Jesus spoke nothing but the truth, and they hated Him for it. The world will often hate the truth and those who dare to speak it. Pilate, the Roman governor put in charge of Judea at that time, recognized that there was nothing wrong with Jesus...that He should not be condemned to death. But Pilate gave into the desires of the people...he was swayed by peer pressure. Herod, the local ruler who ruled with permission of the Roman government, was really only interested in being entertained. When Jesus wouldn't perform for Herod, ie, "giving dogs what is sacred or casting pearls before pigs," Herod turned on Jesus and abused Him.  Ironically, Herod and Pilate became friends that day...partners in the greatest crime committed in the history of the world. Today there are military leaders, church leaders and political leaders who will mock Christianity and do all they can to abuse those who follow Jesus, but ultimately, God is in charge. Jesus is "seated at the right hand of the mighty God." He will reward those who are on the side of truth and punish those who oppose Him.

Prayer: 

Lord Jesus, what You suffered for us is unimaginable. You, the way, the truth and the life, allowed incredible abuse so that we would not have to suffer that same abuse for all eternity. We love You so much Jesus. Please help us to stand up for truth and to pray for those who suffer abuse because they are Christians. Thank You Jesus.

Song: Oh How He Loves You and Me

Oh, how He loves you and me,

Oh, how He loves you and me.

He gave His life, what more could He give;

Oh, how He loves you, Oh, how He loves me,

Oh, how He loves you and me.

Jesus to Calv'ry did go,

His love for mankind to show.

What He did there brought hope from despair.

Oh, how He loves you, Oh, how He loves me,

Oh how He loves you and me.

For Further Study: 

There are many children throughout the world who are very bold in their faith in Christ, especially in nations where it is hard to be a Christian. Sharing their stories can encourage a bolder faith in your children. A wonderful resource is Kids of Courage

* Some of the content of this blog is based on the book Family Celebrations at Easter by Ann Hibbard.*

Children's Easter Devotion - The Pain of Betrayal

While he was still speaking a crowd came up, and the man who was called Judas, one of the Twelve, was leading them. He approached Jesus to kiss him, but Jesus asked him, "Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?"

When Jesus' followers saw what was going to happen, they said, "Lord, should we strike with our swords?"

And one of them struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his right ear.

But Jesus answered, "No more of this!" And he touched the man's ear and healed him.

Then Jesus said to the chief priests, the officers of the temple guard, and the elders, who had come for him, "Am I leading a rebellion, that you have come with swords and clubs?

Every day I was with you in the temple courts, and you did not lay a hand on me. But this is your hour—when darkness reigns."  Luke 22:47-53

Early in the morning, all the chief priests and the elders of the people came to the decision to put Jesus to death. They bound him, led him away and handed him over to Pilate, the governor.

When Judas, who had betrayed him, saw that Jesus was condemned, he was seized with remorse and returned the thirty silver coins to the chief priests and the elders.

"I have sinned," he said, "for I have betrayed innocent blood." 

"What is that to us?" they replied. "That's your responsibility."

So Judas threw the money into the temple and left. Then he went away and hanged himself.

The chief priests picked up the coins and said, "It is against the law to put this into the treasury, since it is blood money."

So they decided to use the money to buy the potter's field as a burial place for foreigners.

That is why it has been called the Field of Blood to this day.

Then what was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet was fulfilled: "They took the thirty silver coins, the price set on him by the people of Israel, and they used them to buy the potter's field, as the Lord commanded me. (Zechariah 11:12-13)"  Matthew 27:1-10

If an enemy were insulting me, I could endure it; if a foe were raising himself against me, I could hide from him.

But it is you, a man like myself, my companion, my close friend, with whom I once enjoyed sweet fellowship as we walked with the throng at the house of God.  Psalm 55:12-14

Questions:

- Who was Judas? What do we know about him? (disciple, used to steal from the money bag, upset when Mary anointed Jesus' feet with perfume, the devil entered him and he agreed with temple leaders to betray Jesus for 30 silver coins)

- Why do you think he chose to betray Jesus?

- How did he betray him?

- How do you think Jesus felt? (read Psalm 55:12-14)

- How did Judas feel after he saw that Jesus had been arrested?

- Do you think Jesus would have forgiven Judas, the way he forgave Peter, if Judas had gone to Him and confessed his sin, asking for forgiveness?

- What can we learn from Judas?

Thoughts: 

Betrayal - such a horrible, hurtful action. We can only imagine how Jesus felt when one of the men he had spent the last three years with, who He had given all of Himself to, would turn and betray Him. Sadly, in this world, betrayal continues to happen every day. Husbands betray wives, wives betray husbands, children betray parents, parents betray their children, friends betray friends. Jesus did not have to suffer betrayal, but He chose to for our sake. He wanted us to know that He understands the hurt of betrayal. He knows what it feels like when someone you love turns his or her back on you and wants nothing more to do with you. He understands, He cares and He is there to bring comfort, strength and grace.

Prayer: 

Lord Jesus, thank You that You chose to suffer the things on this earth that You knew we would suffer. We love You so much. Help us to never betray You or another person. And, if we are betrayed, may we turn to You for understanding, comfort and the grace to forgive.

Song:  Why?    by Michael Card

Why did it have to be a friend

Who chose to betray the Lord

Why did he use a kiss to show them

That's not what a kiss is for

Only a friend can betray a friend

A stranger has nothing to gain

And only a friend comes close enough

To ever cause so much pain

And why did there have to be a thorny

Crown pressed upon His head

It should have been the royal one

Made of jewels and gold instead

It had to be a crown of thorns

Because in this life that we live

For all who would seek to love

A thorn is all the world has to give

And why did it have to be

A heavy cross He was made to bare

And why did they nail His feet and hands

When His love would have held Him there

It was a cross for on a cross

A thief was supposed to pay

And Jesus had come into the world

To steal every heart away

Yes, Jesus had come into the world

To steal every heart away

Children's Easter Devotion - As You Will, Lord God

Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, "Sit here while I go over there and pray."

He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled.

Then he said to them, "My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me."

Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, "My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will."

Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. "Could you men not keep watch with me for one hour?" he asked Peter.

"Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak."

He went away a second time and prayed, "My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done."

When he came back, he again found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy.

So he left them and went away once more and prayed the third time, saying the same thing.

Then he returned to the disciples and said to them, "Are you still sleeping and resting? Look, the hour is near, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.

Rise, let us go! Here comes my betrayer!"  Matthew 26:36-46

Questions:

- Why did Jesus go to the garden?

- What did Jesus want Peter, James and John to do with Him in the garden?

- Did Jesus want to suffer and die?

- Although He didn't desire to go through the agony He knew was waiting for Him, what did He say to God?

- How can we apply the prayer, "Yet not as I will but as You will" to our lives?

- What was the trouble with the disciples?

- What can we learn from them about the difficulties of prayer?

Thoughts: 

I am so thankful that the Bible shows us Jesus' humanness. He didn't want to die. He knew that it was the Father's plan, but the humanity in Him did not want to suffer and be crucified. He did not want to become sin and be poured out as a drink offering for us. Yet, even greater than His desire to avoid the horrible suffering, was His desire to obey the Father and bring God glory. So, in agony, sweating drops of blood (Luke 22:44), He prayed one of the most important prayers recorded: "Yet not as I will but as You will." Like Jesus, there will be times in our lives when we want something desperately. Jesus shows us that it is okay to pray for these things. But, in the end, our final prayer needs to be: "Yet not as I will but as You will, Lord God."

Prayer: 

Lord God, we thank You for Jesus. We thank You for His humanity. We thank You, even more, for His willingness to suffer and die for each of us. May we desire, more than anything, that Your will, Your plan, Your desire, be done in our lives. Thank You Lord God.

Song: Take My Life and Let It Be

Take my life and let it be

consecrated, Lord, to Thee.

Take my moments and my days,

let them flow in ceaseless praise.

Take my hands and let them move

at the impulse of Thy love.

Take my feet and let them be

swift and beautiful for Thee.

Take my voice and let me sing

always, only for my King.

Take my lips and let them be

filled with messages from Thee.

Take my silver and my gold

not a mite would I withhold.

Take my intellect and use

every power as You choose.

::Chorus::

Here am I, all of me.

Take my life, it's all for Thee.

Take my will and make it Thine

it shall be no longer mine.

Take my heart it is Thine own

it shall be Thy royal throne.

Take my love, my Lord I pour

at Your feet its treasure store

Take myself and I will be

ever, only, all for Thee.

Take myself and I will be

ever, only, all for Thee.

Children's Easter Devotion - Denial and Restoration

"You will all fall away," Jesus told them, "for it is written: " 'I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.' But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee."

Peter declared, "Even if all fall away, I will not."

"I tell you the truth," Jesus answered, "today—yes, tonight—before the rooster crows twice you yourself will disown me three times."

But Peter insisted emphatically, "Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you." And all the others said the same.  Mark 14:27-31

Then seizing him, they led him away and took him into the house of the high priest. Peter followed at a distance. But when they had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and had sat down together, Peter sat down with them.

A servant girl saw him seated there in the firelight. She looked closely at him and said, "This man was with him."

But he denied it. "Woman, I don't know him," he said.

A little later someone else saw him and said, "You also are one of them." "Man, I am not!" Peter replied.

About an hour later another asserted, "Certainly this fellow was with him, for he is a Galilean."

Peter replied, "Man, I don't know what you're talking about!" 

Just as he was speaking, the rooster crowed.

The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him: "Before the rooster crows today, you will disown me three times."

And he went outside and wept bitterly.  Luke 22:54-62

When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?" "Yes, Lord," he said, "you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Feed my lambs."

Again Jesus said, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me?" He answered, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Take care of my sheep."

The third time he said to him, "Simon son of John, do you love me?" Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, "Do you love me?" He said, "Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Feed my sheep.  John 21:15-17

Questions:

- While Jesus and His disciples were still eating the Passover meal, what did Jesus predict would happen when He was arrested?

- What did Peter say in response and what did Jesus then predict about Peter?

- How do you think that may have made Peter feel?

- What happened, later that evening, when some people asked if Peter was a follower of Jesus?

- Why do you think he lied and said he did not know Jesus?

- How did Peter react when he remembered Jesus' prediction?

- After Jesus' resurrection, Jesus met the disciples while they were fishing. What did He tell Peter?

- Why do you think Jesus asked Peter the same question three times?

- Did Jesus forgive Peter for denying Him?

- What did Peter go on to do after Jesus went to Heaven?

Thoughts: 

While the disciples were all eating with Jesus, it was easy to promise Jesus that they would never deny Him, never abandon Him. But when things got difficult, when the soldiers and the crowds calling for Jesus' death showed up, the disciples ran. They were afraid. They were confused. Peter, usually the most outspoken of the twelve, again becomes the most outspoken. But this time, he is not proclaiming that Jesus is the Son of God or that he will stand by Jesus no matter what. Instead, he is denying that he even knows Jesus. When Peter realizes what he has done, how he has fallen, he is in absolute anguish. Yet, after all this, he still holds out hope. He runs to the tomb to see if Jesus is alive and later, he jumps out of a fishing boat to swim to shore to see Jesus. And Jesus, knowing that Peter had denied him out of fear, forgives Peter and reinstates him into His service. Three times He asks Peter about his love and three times Peter assures Jesus of his love. Three times he denied and three times he confesses. Praise God that we have a God of second chances!

Prayer: 

Lord Jesus, it is not always easy to follow You. Please help us to never deny Your name. May we speak with boldness about who You are and why we love You. We lift up, in prayer, those Christians throughout the world who face what Peter faced...possible persecution or even death for being a Christian. Give them the strength they need to not deny Your name.

Song: Second Chances

The song "Second Chances" from the Veggie Tales movie, Jonah would be a good song to play. I had a hard time finding a clip on the computer but you may be able to find one or watch the video which is a great story of a man who got a second chance from God. 

For further study: This would be a good time to talk to your children about the persecuted church and how they daily face what Peter faced. You can read more at Kids of Courage

Children's Easter Devotion - Come to the Table

When evening came, Jesus arrived with the Twelve. While they were reclining at the table eating, he said, "I tell you the truth, one of you will betray me—one who is eating with me."

They were saddened, and one by one they said to him, "Surely not I?"

"It is one of the Twelve," he replied, "one who dips bread into the bowl with me.

The Son of Man will go just as it is written about him. But woe to that man who betrays the Son of Man! It would be better for him if he had not been born."

While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, "Take it; this is my body."

Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, and they all drank from it.

"This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many," he said to them.

"I tell you the truth, I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it anew in the kingdom of God."

When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.  Mark 14:17-26

Questions:

- What Jewish holiday were Jesus and His disciples celebrating?

- What did Jesus predict about one of His followers? How do you think that made Jesus feel?

- What represented Jesus body that would be crucified for our sins?

- What represented Jesus blood that would be spilled for our sins?

- What is this sharing of the bread and wine called in the Christian faith? Talk about the importance of communion. (If your children are believers, you may want to have communion with them at this time, to remember the sacrifice Jesus made for us).

Thoughts: 

"The wine and the matzot, or unleavened bread, were a very important part of the Passover celebration. Passover was the celebration of God's deliverance of the Jews from slavery in Egypt. When Jesus identified Himself with the bread and the wine, He was telling His disciples, and us, that it would be by His death that we would be delivered from sin." Ann Hibbard from Family Celebrations at Easter.

Prayer: 

Lord Jesus, thank you for the sacrifice you made on the cross for my sins. Whenever I take communion, may I be reminded of how much You love me and may I commit my life to You. I love You Jesus.

Song: Come to the Table by Michael Card

Come to the table

And savor the sight,

The wine and the bread that was broken.

And all have been welcome to come

If they might

Accept as their own these two tokens.

The bread is his body,

The wine is the blood

And the one who provides them is true.

He freely offers

We freely receive.

To accept and believe him is all we must do.

Come to the table

And taste of the glory

And savor the sorrow

He's dying tomorrow.

The hand that is breaking the bread

Soon will be broken.

And here at the table

Sit those who have loved him,

One is a traitor and one will deny,

Though he's lived his life for them all

And for all be crucified.

Come to the table he's prepared for you

The bread of forgiveness the wine of release.

Come to the table and sit down beside him.

The Saviour wants you to join in the feast.

Come to the table and see in his eyes

The love that the Father has spoken.

And know you are welcome

Whatever your crime,

Though every commandment you've broken.

For he's come to love you

And not to condemn.

And he offers a pardon of peace.

If you'll come to the table

You'll feel in your heart

The greatest forgiveness,

The greatest release

Come to the table

And taste of the glory

And savor the sorrow

He's dying tomorrow.

The hand that is breaking the bread

Soon will be broken.

And here at the table

Sit those who have loved him,

One is a traitor and one will deny,

Though he's lived his life for them all

And for all be crucified.

Come to the table he's prepared for you

The bread of forgiveness the wine of release.

Come to the table and sit down beside him.

The Saviour wants you to join in the feast.

Children's Easter Devotion - Being a Servant

It was just before the Passover Feast. Jesus knew that the time had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he now showed them the full extent of his love. 

The evening meal was being served, and the devil had already prompted Judas Iscariot, son of Simon, to betray Jesus.

Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples' feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.

He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, "Lord, are you going to wash my feet?"

Jesus replied, "You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand."

"No," said Peter, "you shall never wash my feet." 

Jesus answered, "Unless I wash you, you have no part with me."

"Then, Lord," Simon Peter replied, "not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!"

Jesus answered, "A person who has had a bath needs only to wash his feet; his whole body is clean. And you are clean, though not every one of you." For he knew who was going to betray him, and that was why he said not every one was clean.

When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. 

"Do you understand what I have done for you?" he asked them.

"You call me 'Teacher' and 'Lord,' and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet.

I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.

I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 

Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them. John 13:1-17

"whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant,

and whoever wants to be first must be your slave—just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." Matthew 20:26-28

Bible: Read John 13:1-17 and Matthew 20:26-28

Questions: 

When dinner was served, what did Jesus do that surprised the disciples?

Why did it surprise them...whose job was it to wash feet?

Why did Jesus do it?

What can we learn from Jesus' example?

Are there things that we are not willing to do, especially for members of our own family? What attitude does Jesus want us to have?

What's one way you can be a servant to others today?

Thoughts: Servanthood is not a popular idea these days. Everyone wants to be in charge...few want to serve. Yet Jesus' example is bold and strong. If the Son of God would stoop to wash the dirty, filthy feet of His disciples to show them His love, what is He asking us to do to show His love to the world? No act of service should be too small or too dirty for us to do when it is done in love. We need to be the hands and feet of Jesus. There is nothing more powerful than the lifestyle of love through humble service to others. 

Prayer: Lord, make me a servant. Help me to be Your hands and feet to a world that is hurting. Show me one way, today, that I can serve other people. May I live a lifetime of service to You and those around me. Thank You Jesus for Your example. 

Song: Make Me a Servant

Make me a servant

Humble and meek

Lord let me lift up those who are weak

And may the prayers of my heart always be

Make me a servant

Make me a servant

Make me a servant today

Children's Easter Devotion (Day 10) - For the Love of Money

Now the Feast of Unleavened Bread, called the Passover, was approaching, and the chief priests and the teachers of the law were looking for some way to get rid of Jesus, for they were afraid of the people.

Then Satan entered Judas, called Iscariot, one of the Twelve.

And Judas went to the chief priests and the officers of the temple guard and discussed with them how he might betray Jesus. They were delighted and agreed to give him money.

He consented, and watched for an opportunity to hand Jesus over to them when no crowd was present.  Luke 22:1-6

Bible: Read Luke 22:1-6

Questions: 

- What were the chief priests and teachers of the law wanting to do? Why?

- Who entered Judas?

- Who was Judas? Do we know anything about him? (remember John 12:4-6 - But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected,"Why wasn't this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year's wages." He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it.)

- What seems to be most important to Judas? 

- What did Judas agree to do? 

Thoughts: To betray a friend is one of the most hurtful things we can do. And for Judas, who was one of Jesus' twelve closest friends, to do this is hard to believe. His greed and love of money opened the door for Satan to actually enter him and whisper in his heart the thoughts of betrayal toward Jesus. Judas was willing to hand over the Son of God, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords for money. May we never do this! May we never turn our backs on Jesus and on our Christian faith in order to become rich and powerful. The Bible says: For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. 1 Timothy 6:10. Instead, we need to remember what Hebrews 13:5 says: Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you."

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for Your promise that You will never leave us or turn Your back on us. Please help us to never leave You. Help us to be content and at peace with what You have given us and not be greedy for more. Thank You for Your love! 

Song: Lord, You are More Precious than Silver

Lord, You are more precious than silver.

Lord, You are more costly than gold.

Lord, You are more beautiful than diamonds,

And nothing I desire compares to You.

Who can weigh the value of knowing You?

Who can judge the worth of who You are?

Who can count the blessings of loving You?

Who can say just how great You are?

Who Was St. Patrick?

Yesterday many people celebrated St. Patrick's Day. This day is special for me since my great-great-grandmother was from Ireland and my grandma, Esther, went home to be with Jesus on St. Patrick's Day. But it has also become special to me since I have learned the incredible story of St. Patrick! 

Below is the story of St. Patrick:

St. Patrick: From Slave to Saint by Grainne Rowland "Watch out! Hide! Here come the raiders!" My family's servants were screaming and running for cover. I watched in horror as my father's land and house were overrun. The raiders came with the Irish king, Niall of the Nine Hostages. Suddenly, I was grabbed from behind, tied up, and roughly pushed towards a waiting ship. I, Succat, was being taken as a slave! I struggled to get free. I thought of how angry my father would be when he learned that his son had been kidnapped. My father was the most powerful man in that part of Britain. Surely he would rescue me! I was thrown on board the ship with the other captives. The ship quickly sailed away. The raiders began to celebrate their successful attack. I  knew then there would be no rescue. I was only sixteen years old. In Ireland, I was sold to Miliucc, a chieftain in Co. Antrim. I was forced to herd pigs in cold and rainy weather. I was hungry, wet, and shivery with cold. Always, I was lonely. I was a slave for six long years. I learned the Irish language and the customs of the Irish people. I also learned to pray. One night in a dream, I heard a voice say, "Behold, your ship is ready." I woke up and knew my chance to escape had arrived! I began my long walk to freedom. After many days, I reached Wexford, 200 miles away. I found a ship nearly ready to sail. But the captain was searching for someone to care for a pack of Irish wolfhounds on the journey. I was just the person! I was on my way home! The ship landed in northern Gaul, where there was only desert. For many days, we wandered in that desert. We found no food. The sailors made fun of my God. They asked why He didn't send us food. So I prayed. To the sailors' surprise, a large herd of pigs came into sight, squealing and grunting. It was enough meat for not only the men, but all the wolfhounds as well! On the day I walked into my home again, my mother and father ran to hug me. They both talked at once and asked question after question, never giving me time to answer. That night, I was the guest at a huge party. I was given many gifts. During the next few years, I studied in several places. I finally became a priest. It was then that I was given the name Patrick. One night, I had another dream. I saw the people of Ireland. They pleaded with me, saying, "We beg you, holy youth, to come and walk among us once more." I knew I must return to Ireland. When I arrived back in Ireland, I first went to Tara, the home of Irish kings. I asked King Leary's permission to preach in the country. He agreed and I began to travel throughout Ireland. I brought many people to the Christian faith. In about the year 441, I spent 40 days alone on a rocky, windy mountain praying for the Irish people. The mountain is now known as Croagh Patrick, or the Mountain of Patrick. One day, I was telling the people about God. They did not understand. So I picked a shamrock and showed them that there are three leaves but only one plant. Then the people could better understand that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit make only one God. That is why, when you see a picture of me, I am usually holding a shamrock. I trained new Irish priests, and they learned many things. They knew how to copy and beautifully decorate the Bible and other books. They copied everything by hand and made paint from plants and minerals. In later years, the people of Europe forgot about learning. The Irish monks and scholars kept copying books and kept important knowledge alive. Not long before I died, I built a large stone cathedral in the town of Armagh. I also had a school built there. It later became a famous university. I died on March 17, 493, in the town of Saul, in Co. Down. This was the same place I had built my first church. Many towns wanted the honor of giving me a burial place. So my body was put on a wagon drawn by two oxen. The oxen pulled the cart to the town of Downpatrick. There I was buried. My body lies in a cemetery next to the Downpatrick Cathedral. The grave is marked by a large granite stone and the name Patrick.

This story was found at the website: http://www.irishcultureandcustoms.com/1Kids/StPatrick.html

After St. Patrick died, Ireland was used greatly by God to keep Christianity alive in Europe during the Middle/Dark Ages. At a time when there was much corruption in the Church in Europe and when very few people knew how to read so that it was difficult to spread the Gospel, the Irish/Celtic Church sent out many missionaries and helped preserve the Christian religion through its monasteries. This early Celtic Church flourished with many monks and priests leaving Ireland to begin missions in Europe. In the first two hundred and fifty years after Patrick's death, around five hundred Irish saints were recognized. These missionaries established monasteries in Scotland, England, Switzerland, France, Germany and as far south as Italy.

We have much to be grateful for in the lasting Christian heritage and legacy of Patrick and Ireland!

Children's Easter Devotion (Day 9) - My Father's Eyes

While all the people were listening, Jesus said to his disciples, "Beware of the teachers of the law. They like to walk around in flowing robes and love to be greeted in the marketplaces and have the most important seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets. They devour widows' houses and for a show make lengthy prayers. Such men will be punished most severely."As he looked up, Jesus saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury.

He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. 

"I tell you the truth," he said, "this poor widow has put in more than all the others.

All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on." Luke 20:45-21:4

And now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches.

Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity.

For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints.

And they did not do as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us in keeping with God's will.  2 Corinthians 8:1-5

Bible: Read Luke 20:45 - 21:4 and 2 Corinthians 8:1-5

Questions:

- What was the warning that Jesus gave about the teachers of the law? 

- Describe what he saw at the temple.

- Which offering do you think the religious leaders, the teachers of the law and the people standing around would think was more important - the rich or the poor widow's

- Which did Jesus point out as showing more faith?

- What about the Church in Macedonia...what were they recognized for by Paul?

- Which is more important - how much we give or how much faith and trust in God we have when we give it? 

 - What can we learn from the widow and the church in Macedonia?

Thoughts: The Bible says that "Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." 1 Samuel 16:7. God saw what it cost the rich to give to Him and what it cost the poor widow. He saw the level of trust that went behind each gift and He was more pleased with the widow's offering. But do we do the same when we look at those around us? Do we think highly of the celebrities of the world, the rich, the famous, the powerful yet turn away from the poor, the orphans, the widows? Who do we think about, pray for and admire? Our desire should be to see with God's eyes. 

Prayer: Father God, help us to have your eyes...to see those around us for who they are on the inside and for their worth to You. Help us to give every bit of ourselves to you, no matter what it costs, knowing that You will take care of us. We love You Lord Jesus. 

Poem: In the Bleak Mid-Winter (last verse)

What can I give Him,

Poor as I am?

If I were a shepherd

I would bring a lamb,

If I were a wise man

I would do my part,

Yet what I can I give Him,

Give my heart.

Song to Listen to:  My Father's Eyes

Children's Easter Devotion (Day 8) - A Stumbling Stone or Cornerstone?

He went on to tell the people this parable: "A man planted a vineyard, rented it to some farmers and went away for a long time.

At harvest time he sent a servant to the tenants so they would give him some of the fruit of the vineyard. But the tenants beat him and sent him away empty‑handed. He sent another servant, but that one also they beat and treated shamefully and sent away empty‑handed. He sent still a third, and they wounded him and threw him out.

"Then the owner of the vineyard said, 'What shall I do? I will send my son, whom I love; perhaps they will respect him.'

"But when the tenants saw him, they talked the matter over. 'This is the heir,' they said. 'Let's kill him, and the inheritance will be ours.' So they threw him out of the vineyard and killed him. "What then will the owner of the vineyard do to them?

He will come and kill those tenants and give the vineyard to others." When the people heard this, they said, "May this never be!"

Jesus looked directly at them and asked, "Then what is the meaning of that which is written: " 'The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone'?

Everyone who falls on that stone will be broken to pieces, but he on whom it falls will be crushed."

The teachers of the law and the chief priests looked for a way to arrest him immediately, because they knew he had spoken this parable against them. But they were afraid of the people.  Luke 20:9-19

Bible: read Luke 20:9-19

Questions:

- What happened to the servants that the owner sent to collect some of the fruit?

- Then whom did the owner send? What did the tenants do to him? 

- This parable was like a secret code. Who do you think the owner is? Who are the servants? Who is the son?

- What was the message that Jesus was trying to give through this story? 

- Who understood Jesus' meaning and how did they react? 

Thoughts: What made the Jewish leaders so angry was that Jesus was saying that He was God's son. Most of the Jewish leaders did not recognize that Jesus was God's Son because they were not pursuing God through faith but through works (but Israel, who pursued a law of righteousness, has not attained it. Why not? Because they pursued it not by faith but as if it were by works. They stumbled over the "stumbling stone." Romans 9:31-32). They did not want to believe that Jesus was the Son of God and they did not like that the people were following Him and listening to Him rather than listening to them. Today, if we tell the truth about Jesus, some will become very angry, just like the Jewish leaders. Many people do not want to believe that Jesus Christ is the only way to God. They want to think that they are good enough on their own and that they can earn their salvation. 

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for giving me the faith to believe that You are the Son of God, that God sent You to earth to die for my sins and rise from the dead. Help me to tell others about you, in a loving and gentle way. 

Song:   I Lay in Zion

I lay in Zion for a foundation, a Stone,

I lay in Zion for a foundation, a Stone,

A tried Stone, a precious Cornerstone,

A sure Foundation, a sure Foundation.

A tried Stone, a precious Cornerstone,

he that believeth shall, shall not make haste.

Wonderful, counselor, the Mighty God,

The everlasting Father;

Wonderful, Counselor, Prince of Peace

Ideas for the content of this blog came from Family Celebrations at Easter by Ann Hibbard

Chidlren's Easter Devotion (Day 7) - Jesus Gets Angry

On reaching Jerusalem, Jesus entered the temple area and began driving out those who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves,

and would not allow anyone to carry merchandise through the temple courts.

And as he taught them, he said, "Is it not written: " 'My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations'? But you have made it 'a den of robbers.'"

The chief priests and the teachers of the law heard this and began looking for a way to kill him, for they feared him, because the whole crowd was amazed at his teaching.

When evening came, they went out of the city.  Mark 11:15-19

Bible: read Mark 11:15-19

Questions: 

- Did Jesus ever get angry? If so, when?

- What made Him angry?  (It wasn't just the unfair money exchanging and imperfect animals being sold there...the area of the temple where this was taking place was in the Court of the Gentiles. This was a place that was set aside for foreigners to come and pray and worship the Lord. All the noise and activity would have kept people from meeting the Lord and worshipping Him at the temple)

- Is church supposed to be a place where we run around, are loud and yell or is church a place where we are quiet, pray and sing praises to God? 

- Like Jesus, is it ever okay to get angry? If so, when? 

Thoughts: There were three things that made Jesus angry:
1) The money changers and sellers were making money off of worshipping God? (Can you see any parallels to this today in our culture?)
2) This area of the temple was set aside for the worship of God by foreigners and Jesus wanted to make sure that they had a chance to find God. (Are our churches friendly to strangers and those of another faith?) 

3) They were treating God's place of worship with disrespect. Jesus got angry because people were not being treated right and God was not being honored. Those are good reasons to be angry. 

Prayer: Lord Jesus, help us to welcome everyone to our church, no matter what they look like or where they are from. Help us to honor You, Lord. Thank you for Your love. 

Song: Jesus Loves the Little Children

Additional information: Here is a website with printable children's activities that coincide with this story: Jesus Cleanses the Temple. I also blogged about this very topic. You can read it at Why was Jesus so angry?

Children's Easter Devotion (Day 6) - The Tears of Jesus

As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it and said, "If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes.

The days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment against you and encircle you and hem you in on every side.

They will dash you to the ground, you and the children within your walls. They will not leave one stone on another, because you did not recognize the time of God's coming to you." Luke 19:41-44

"You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.'

But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.

If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that?

Be perfect (complete, entire, full-grown), therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect." 

Matthew 5:43-48

Bible: Read Luke 19:41-44 and Matthew 5:43-48

Questions: 

- Why do you think Jesus began to cry when He saw Jerusalem?

- Jesus had been to Jerusalem many times before, why do you think He cried this time?

- What did Jesus say would happen to Jerusalem?

(In 70 AD, the Romans conquered Jerusalem, destroyed the temple and totally demolished the city...this is what Jesus was referring to).

- What was the reason that these terrible things were going to take place?

- Many of the people in Jerusalem would turn against Jesus later in that same week and call for His death. Yet, He loved them. What lesson can we learn from Jesus?

- Could this same cry of Jesus apply to the world today?

Final Thought: If many of us had been treated the way Jesus was treated, we would have wanted revenge. Yet Jesus did not want revenge. He did not want judgment to fall upon Jerusalem. And He does not want judgment to fall upon our world. He wants everyone He created to experience His peace. But the only way they can do that is by accepting Jesus as their Savior. We can show love for our enemies by praying for them and sharing the story of Jesus with them when we have the chance. 

Song: 

They Will Know We Are Christians

We are one in the Spirit, we are one in the Lord 

We are one in the Spirit, we are one in the Lord 

And we pray that all unity may one day be restored 

And they'll know we are Christians by our love, by our love 

They will know we are Christians by our love

We will work with each other, we will work side by side 

We will work with each other, we will work side by side 

And we'll guard each one's dignity and save each one's pride 

And they'll know we are Christians by our love, by our love 

They will know we are Christians by our love

Food for Thought: This would be a great time to talk to your children about mission work. There are over 2 billion people who have never heard of the name Jesus. They, like Jerusalem, are wept over by our Lord Jesus. Our children can have hearts for the lost and a desire to share Christ with the world if we will pray and share with them what God is doing in the world and how they can be involved. Check out this blogspot for more info on sharing missions with your children and educating yourself. 

Children's Easter Devotion (Day 5) - Praise Him

As he went along, people spread their cloaks on the road.

When he came near the place where the road goes down the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen:

"Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!" 

"Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!"

Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, "Teacher, rebuke your disciples!"

"I tell you," he replied, "if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out."  Luke 19:36-40

The next day the great crowd that had come for the Feast heard that Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem.

They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting, "Hosanna!" "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!" "Blessed is the King of Israel!"

Jesus found a young donkey and sat upon it, as it is written,

"Do not be afraid, O Daughter of Zion; see, your king is coming, seated on a donkey's colt." At first his disciples did not understand all this. Only after Jesus was glorified did they realize that these things had been written about him and that they had done these things to him.  John 12:12-16

Bible: read both accounts of Palm Sunday in Luke 19:36-40 and John 12:12-16

Questions: 

Why is it called Palm Sunday?  (the palm branch was a symbol of triumph and victory in the Jewish tradition)

Why did Jesus ride on a donkey? 

What does it mean to fulfill prophecy? 

Why were the people so excited to see Jesus?

What were the people expecting Jesus to do...die for them or rule over them as a Jewish king by conquering Rome?

Why do you think the Pharisees told Jesus to make everyone stop praising Him? 

What did Jesus mean by his reply that "the stones will cry out?"

Final Thought: Jesus deserves our praise and our joy, but not for what he can do for us (like the Jews who praised Him for His miracles and for their hope in His conquering Rome) but for who He is. We can praise Him every day throughout the day, through singing, prayer, talking about who He is and what He has done, reading our Bibles and doing our best to obey Him. We can look forward with excitement to His return to earth some day! 

Prayer: We praise You Lord Jesus for who You are! You are mighty and powerful yet humble and gentle. Thank you for entering our hearts as our Savior. May we love You for who You are!

Songs: 

All Glory, Laud and Honor 

All glory, laud, and honor, 

to thee, Redeemer, King, 

to whom the lips of children 

made sweet hosannas ring. 

1. Thou art the King of Israel, 

thou David's royal Son, 

who in the Lord's name comest, 

the King and Blessed One. 

(Refrain) 

Praise Him 

Praise Him, praise Him,

praise Him in the morning, 

praise Him in the noontime.

Praise Him, praise Him,

praise Him when the sun goes down.

Children's Easter Devotion - Trust and Obey

As he approached Bethphage and Bethany at the hill called the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples, saying to them,

"Go to the village ahead of you, and as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks you, 'Why are you untying it?' tell him, 'The Lord needs it.' "

Those who were sent ahead went and found it just as he had told them.

As they were untying the colt, its owners asked them, "Why are you untying the colt?"

They replied, "The Lord needs it."

They brought it to Jesus, threw their cloaks on the colt and put Jesus on it.  Luke 19:28-35

Bible: read the story in Luke 19:28-35

Questions: 

- What did Jesus tell the disciples to do?

- Do you think this was a strange request...why?

- What did Jesus know about the colt/donkey? 

- Why would Jesus ride on a colt/donkey? (read Zechariah 9:9 - Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout, Daughter of Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and having salvation, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey. - and discuss how Jesus fulfilled that prophecy)

- Did the disciples obey Him? Do you think they had any questions in their heads about this?

- Why do you think the owners let the disciples take the colt?

Final Thought: Sometimes the Lord calls us to do something. yet we still may worry how it will all work out. The disciples may have worried also. When we worry, we are basically saying to God that we don't trust Him to work in our lives the way He says He will. You see, Jesus knew all about the colt and how His Father in Heaven had prepared that colt for Him. In the same way, when Jesus asks us to do something, He already has everything prepared for us. All we have to do is trust and obey His Word.  

Prayer: Thank the Lord for always preparing the way before us. Ask Him to help us walk in that way, trusting and obeying Him. 

Song: Trust and Obey

When we walk with the Lord in the light of His Word,

What a glory He sheds on our way!

While we do His good will, He abides with us still,

And with all who will trust and obey.

Refrain:

Trust and obey, for there’s no other way

To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.

But we never can prove

The delights of His love

Until all on the altar we lay;

For the favor He shows,

For the joy He bestows,

Are for them who will trust and obey.

Lord I love you, please help me to

Trust and obey

Then in fellowship sweet

We will sit at His feet,

Or we'll walk by His side in the way;

What He says we will do,

Where He sends we will go;

Never fear, only trust and obey.