Jesus’ BIG Love

WE GATHER

Preparation

Gather simple symbols (palms, cross …) and invite a few confident students to practice their readings parts beforehand. Create a calm, prayerful space so the children can enter Holy Week with focus and reverence.

Gathering Song

Hosanna Rock  (Yancy & Little Praise Party)  (Yancy Ministries)

WE LISTEN

Scripture

adaptation from Matthew 26: 14 – 27: 66

Betrayal

One of Jesus’ friends, Judas, decided to do something wrong and let Jesus’ enemies find him. Even Jesus’ friends can sometimes make bad choices, but Jesus still loved them.

Garden of Gethsemane

That night, Jesus went to a quiet garden to pray. He was very worried and scared. He said, “God, please help me do what is right, even if it’s really hard.”

Peter and the Denial

Peter, another friend, said he would always stick with Jesus. But when things got scary, he said he didn’t know Jesus. Even when we make mistakes, Jesus still loves us.

Trial and the Cross

Jesus was treated very badly. People shouted at him. He was hurt and had to carry a heavy cross. Even then, he forgave everyone and kept loving them. Jesus died on the cross, but his love didn’t end – because he rose again, and he is alive!

Reflection

Let’s think about this story:

• Sometimes it’s hard to do the right thing, like Peter.
• Sometimes we feel scared or worried, like Jesus in the garden.
• Sometimes we hurt others or get hurt, like Judas and the crowd.

But Jesus shows us:

• Love is stronger than fear.
• Forgiveness is bigger than mistakes.
• Courage is standing up for what’s right, even when it’s hard.

Can you think of one way you can be brave, kind, or loving this week?

(Pause for a few seconds, maybe let children whisper to a friend or just think silently.)

WE RESPOND

Interactive Moment         

Choose Love

(Invite students to sit comfortably and hold their palm or place their hands on their lap.)

Today the crowd made two very different choices. At the start of the week they shouted out, “Hosanna!” But later, some of the same people shouted hurtful words. Sometimes we make different choices too.

Today we’re going to practice choosing Jesus’ way – the way of love.

Part 1 – The Crowd or Courage?

I’m going to say a situation.

If it sounds like the crowd choice – cross your arms.

If it sounds like the Jesus choice – open your hands.

Ready?

• Everyone is laughing at someone in the playground. You join in so you fit in. (Cross arms)
• You see someone sitting alone and you go and sit with them. (Open hands)
• Your friend tells you a lie so they don’t get in trouble. (Cross arms)
• You tell the truth, even though it might be hard. (Open hands)

Jesus chose love – even when it was really, really hard.

Part 2 – Heavy or Light?

When Jesus carried the cross, it was heavy.

Sometimes our hearts fell heavy too.

Put your hands out like you’re holding something heavy.

Think about:

• A time you made a mistake.
• A time you hurt someone.
• A time someone hurt you.

That can feel heavy. Now slowly open your hands.

Jesus forgives. Jesus helps. Jesus gives another chance. His love makes heavy things lighter.

Part 3 – A Holy Week Challenge

This week, I want you to pick one brave choice:

• Stand up for someone.
• Say sorry first.
• Forgive someone.
• Tell the truth.
• Help without being asked.

That’s how we wave our palms today – not just with leaves … but with our choices.

Let’s practice together. When I say, “Choose love,” you say, “Like Jesus!”

That’s what Holy Week is about. Not remembering the story … but living it.

WE GO

Sending Forth Song

The Palm Sunday Song  (Minno Music)  (Kids Worship & Christian Music)