If they give up their candy and win the quiz game, then they get their piece back plus two more. April 10, 2022 / Articles / By Bryan Wolfmueller / Leave a Comment. Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were there, sitting opposite the tomb. If they drop a cotton ball before putting into their bowl, they must pick it up (they can use their hands for this) and put it back in the starting bowl. Untie it and bring it here. Looking for youth ministry curriculum? Just as surely as He came the first time in humility to provide salvation, so He will come the second time in glory to execute judgment. As adults accompanying our youth, this is an important week to live into what we say we believe. Let's take a brief look at some of the primary observances in Holy Week: Palm Sunday is the celebration of Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem. 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. And they will not leave one stone upon another in you, because you did not know the time of your visitation." And who will be able to stand when He appears? (Excerpt from Whats So Good about Good Friday? He quoted from Psalm 22, and understanding that psalm is key to understanding this cry. So what does it mean for Jesus to have absolute authority over you and me? It would have been better for that man if he had not been born." Invite them to hear the whisper of God. 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. Lest we think these were just innocent questions by the religious leaders, remember that they had already rejected John the Baptists message (v. 32); these questions often come from unbelief. Holy week is an opportunity for youth leaders to reacquaint teenagers with these deep truths. He went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. They had already rejected earlier revelation from God, so their rejection of Jesus was not altogether unexpected. 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. Weve seen in Matthew 24 that we are to trust in the authority of Christ and persevere in the power of Christ. The day preceding the miracle is yes, a Sabbath, a day to rest, but it is also a day to be still. This 8-day study, Raised with Christ, was written by Will Burrows , our director of publishing at Hosanna Revival. Whose son is he?" This misplaced fear is what led them to question Jesus, and it leads many people to question Jesus authority today. When he drew near to Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount that is called Olivet, he sent two of the disciples, saying, "Go into the village in front of you, where on entering you will find a colt tied, on which no one has ever yet sat. The rules of the game will vary depending on which site you use, but should be pretty self-explanatory. Todd Outcalt is the lead pastor of Calvary United Methodist Church in Brownsburg, Indiana and is a thirty-year youth ministry veteran. She has served in ministry positions such as co-pastor, youth minister, and spiritual director. 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. 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). Passion Week, which is also known as Holy Week, starts on Palm Sunday and continues until Easter Sunday. The Holy week in lockdown. At this point, they can choose to eat the candy now or save it to use in the next game. Several Clio Area Churches from Mission Zone 7 in the East Winds District of the Michigan Annual Conference joined together to produce a video devotional for Holy Week 2021 for our congregations. Before Jesus began his earthly ministry, he spent 40 days in the wilderness (Luke 4: 1-13; read this with the youth if you like). 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. Video reflections will be posted at 7am Monday-Thursday, and Noon on Friday and Saturday, and will be available at all times after posting. This is to remind us of the great sacrifice that Christ made for us. At Easter, the Son of God took on the worlds sin and defeated the devil, death, and the grave. His soul was stirred into action. To understand the depth of Christ's sacrifice and the amazing gift and power of the resurrection, the stories of Holy Week are essential. What happened on the cross was so much more than a naked man dying on a wooden post on the side of the road in a non-descript part of the world. Jesus has the right to cleanse the temple because He is the authoritative King. People were profiting off of one another and even taking advantage of one another, all while ignoring the purpose of the temple. We praise you, we bless you, Lord! (John 10:18). FROM BILLYGRAHAM.ORG - " Prepare for Easterfor Holy Week a devotional each day from Thursday through Sunday. Easter is a time when we celebrate God's love and sacrifice for us. By Doug Franklin April 13, 2021. Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. Second, the cross ought to compel us to proclaim the hope of the gospel. Truly, I say to you, wherever this gospel is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will also be told in memory of her." Holy Week. 2023 Feb 28. My family was one of those who turned out on the streets, too. Holy Week and Easter Shalom: the way to reconciliation Written by Ivy Lopedito, Christian Brooks and Donna Frischknecht Jackson You get to join in on God's activity in their lives. Jesus responded to the questions of the chief priests and the elders by posing a question of His own. Their professed agnosticismWe dont knowin verse 27 was simply a smoke screen. (A day to indulge before fasting), What does Lent commemorate? 33: Fostering Social Justice in Your Youth Ministry Strengthen our hands and our wills for love And for service. Perhaps pick a time each day alone or with family or housemates to slow down and savor what was happening during the Passion week some two thousands years ago. (Matthew 26:26-29). The first player to get all their candy from one bowl to the other is the winner. We receive divine forgiveness, mercy, and peace because Jesus willingly took our divine punishment, the result of Gods righteousness against sin. He is the covenant keeper (Exodus 24) who seals us with His blood. Below are some ideas for your students on ways they can celebrate Lent and make it a meaningful experience for themselves. (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. Christs role as judge is also good news because the resurrection reminds us that this world is not all there is. 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. No. This message is indeed difficult to take. They do this by dabbing jelly on their noses and sticking their noses in the bowl of cotton balls and getting a cotton ball to stick to their noses. In the 21st century, this level of devotion to an image of a boy Jesus is unique to the Philippines.1 In Cebu, devotion to the Santo Nio reaches a fever pitch early in January, when crowds flock to the basilica that houses it, and the city and its harbor are taken over for days by processions, colorful parades and other celebrations. This text leaves no doubt that the day of Christs return will be evident to all. Give each student a note card and writing utensil. On Wednesday of Holy Week, Jesus may have rested. And from that moment he sought an opportunity to betray him. Psalm 104:3 says that God makes the clouds His chariot, and Isaiah 19:1 depicts the Lord riding on a swift cloud. The picture we get in Matthew 24 is of the glory of God revealed in the glorious Son of God, who will come on the clouds in power to execute judgment. 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. Consider the authority Jesus demonstrates Jesus had made clear in Matthew 12:6 that He is greater than the temple. Using a similar set-up as the first game, put about ten M&Ms or Skittles in a bowl on one table and an empty bowl on the other table. 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. All of Scripture builds to this pivotal week, pointing to the moment when Jesus would bear the weight of humanitys sin. Instead of such worship, however, Jesus found a commercial business filled with scores of people selling sacrifices and exchanging money. Spending these days in prayerful preparation can help enrich your celebration of Jesus' resurrection on Easter Sunday. When it was evening, he reclined at table with the twelve. For you always have the poor with you, but you will not always have me. Holy Week Timeline 2023. Yet we know that His timing will confound our wisdom. Editors Note:This post and resource was originally published on Apr 3, 2020, and has been revised and updated for continual application. In the midst of these signs, from generation to generation, followers of Christ are called to wait patiently. THE FREE YOUTH SERIES ON EASTER INCLUDES: Sermon Series: 'Easter: The King has Come' includes 3 sermon scripts to help students apply lessons from the Easter story to their every day lives. The gospel is the greatest news in all the world. Its purpose is to help believers remain focused on the birth of Christ and Jesus' glorious return. Remind them that whatever they choose should be meaningful to them and beneficial to others. But they said, "Not during the feast, lest there be an uproar among the people." (Luke 19:28-44). What Is Palm Sunday? 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. He approached the Ancient of Days and was escorted before Him. Excerpts from Exalting Jesus in Matthew from the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series. Thank you that your face is towards the righteous, and you hear our prayers, and know our hearts. We walk a different path from the world around us. To force their hand, He asked them whether Johns baptism was from heaven or from man (v. 25). Have students (individually, or a representative from each team) take turns playing the game. The people came with questions. Following Jesus description of His second coming in verses 29-31, He tells the parable of the fig tree in verses 32-33. Indeed, He is Lord of the temple, and He has the right to do in it whatever He desires, including throwing it into disarray. It begins with Palm Sunday and is a week of somber reflections on the events leading up to Easter. The best way to introduce younger children to Lenten practices is for them to see adults and older kids in the family practicing them; use their natural curiosity and desire to be "grown up" as a springboard for talking about what you're doing and why. 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. Jesus is Lord over your life. The account of the Last Supper also connects Jesus death with the law God gave to His people. 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. (on version two) Attend at least one weekday or special church service or activity during Holy Week. This is intended to be used as a daily devotion for families as they prepare to celebrate Easter. We will declare that your love stands firm forever. If anyone asks you, 'Why are you untying it?' Holy means "set apart.". Christianity stands or falls on the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Psalm 22:14-16 captures this physical anguish: I am poured out like water, and all my bones are disjointed; my heart is like wax, melting within me. In each object, readers will find meaning in the biblical account of Jesus final days. John had made Jesus identity as the Messiah clear, and the people respected John as a prophet. A prophecy made around 500 years before Jesus came witnesses to Christs holiness and purity. Beginning on Palm Sunday and going until Easter morning, we will publish a meaningful and thoughtful devotion for each day of 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. I will keep the Passover at your house with my disciples.'" 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? In this chapter and the chapters that follow, Jesus authority is put on display. Looking for youth ministry curriculum? As Jesus rode a donkey into the town of Jerusalem a large crowd gathered and laid palm branches and their cloaks across the road, giving Jesus royal treatment. ), 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?" So Jesus, in righteous anger, drove them all out, overturning their tables and their seats (Matthew 21:12). We are happy to hear that you can find these lessons and games so useful. This hideout for criminals against God needed to be restored to a house of prayer for God. a Palm Sunday lesson for you to use with your youth online and 6 daily devotionals you can send to your students. Then the chief priests and the elders of the people gathered in the palace of the high priest, whose name was Caiaphas, and plotted together in order to arrest Jesus by stealth and kill him. Passion Week also helps illuminate what God has to teach us through this very historical moment in time. Now while the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them a question, saying, "What do you think about the Christ? They must use the straw to grab the candy by sucking through the straw and carry the candy to the empty bowl on the other table. So thank you kindly. Then the people as a whole answered, "His blood be on us and on our children!". Consider reading through a Holy Week devotional or even better, one (or a couple) of the Passion narratives from the Gospels: Matthew 21-28. One of the most celebrated weeks in the lives of Christians is Easter week, or Holy week. Included with each lesson is a leader prep section, introductory game, and discussion questions. In pouring this ointment on my body, she has done it to prepare me for burial. While that holy Friday was tremendous, it was only a prelude to Sunday morning when He was raised from the dead. The service will mirror our Ash Wednesday service . Remember that the purpose of the resurrection is grounded in Christs love for us. Yes, as a matter of fact, He is. Have the small group leaders collect the cards, then call, text, or email the students during the week to see how their commitment is going. ", And when he had said these things, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. It is the center of our faith . Maundy Thursday. The way this works is that students (or teams) start out with a prize (candy works well) and, with each new game, have the option of giving up their prize for the opportunity to win extra candy or prizes if they win the next game. Find information and activities for Palm Sunday, Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday. Each week's theme is listed as a series. Wednesday Jesus is Betrayed ~~~ Lectionary Readings. And He will have the last word in the lives of each of us for all of eternity. Hannah Aloi, 15 Awesome Summer Games 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. The season begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas and, depending on the year, can range from 22 to 28 days. In his name, we ask you to help our unbelief. They then walk over to the other table and get the ball to drop into their bowl on the other table. Proclaim hope One features a New Testament chapter each day. 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. Following Christ is difficult because we still areasking these same questions in our time but in a different context. Devotions from the KJV Bible | Free Daily Devotionals Two free daily devotionals that teach biblical principles and doctrines. Like Jesus, our example and Friend. Go, make it as secure as you can." On Holy Saturday Christians today can take this a step further in resting or abiding in what the Lord is doing today. Help us to trust in you like little children. Then Pilate ordered it to be given to him. Thank you that you had a plan to redeem. (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.. The world will know we are his disciples If we love one another. Trevor Miller, Talking to Teens About Suicide We stumble, we become lost, But you are steady and sure. Help us to stay strong and true to you. Eight brief devotions to download and print encourage families to breathe, read, wonder, and pray together. It takes two minutes to read a daily Reflection full of the Gospel of Christ crucified for you.