Jesus is Crucified

I have divided these last days of Jesus more than the last time I posted them. I plan to have a quarter (13 weeks) of the Later Life of Jesus next summer with a more in-depth study and different projects and a lapbook. This week there is a layered heart for the students to fill-in-the-blanks while discussing some of the things that Jesus did to show how much He loves us.

We have been discussing Jesus and last week He was in the garden of Gethsemane. While He was praying, the Disciples were sleeping, even though Jesus asked them to keep watch. Jesus knew that Judas had betrayed Him, and Judas was bringing the soldiers and chief priests to take Jesus prisoner.

The lesson is found in Matthew 27:1-56; Mark 14:53-15:41; Luke 22:54-23:49; John 18:12-19:37

Jesus was taken before Annas first. While Jesus was being questioned by Annas, Peter had followed Jesus. He stood by the outside door.

There was a servant girl watching the door and she let Peter in. She asked Peter "Aren't you one of Jesus' Disciples?" Peter told her he was not.

The officers and servants had made a fire in the courtyard because it was cold, and Peter was standing by the fire with them. (John 18:15-18) The men by the fire asked Peter "You are one of His Disciples, aren't you?" Peter replied that he was not. But, a relative of Malchus asked Peter "Didn't I see you in the garden with Jesus?" Peter denied him, too.

That was the third time Peter denied Jesus, and while Peter is still denying Jesus, immediately a rooster crowed. Just like Jesus told him would happen! (John 18:27) Jesus turned and looked at Peter. Peter remembered what Jesus had told him. Peter left and cried bitterly. (Luke 22:60-62)

After Annas had questioned Jesus, he sent Jesus to Caiaphas the high priest. Then Jesus went before the Sanhedrin (the chief priests and scribes). (Luke 22:66) In the early morning, the soldiers took Jesus to the Praetorium. (John 18:28) Now Jesus is before the governor Pilate. Pilate asked Jesus if He was King of the Jews. Jesus told Pilate that He was sent her to tell people about the truth. Jesus told Pilate that His kingdom is not of the world. Pilate said he couldn't find fault with Jesus.

Then Pilate heard that Jesus was from Galilee. Pilate sent Jesus to Herod, since that was Herod's jurisdiction. He didn't like Herod, but now Pilate didn't have to make any decisions about Jesus. Herod was happy to have Jesus brought to him. He had been wanting to see Jesus for a  while. (Luke 23:6-12) Herod kept asking Jesus questions, but Jesus didn't answer him! Herod abused Jesus, then sent Him back to Pilate. And, Pilate and Herod were friends after that.

Being the time of the Passover, the custom was to release a prisoner. Pilate gave the people a choice: Jesus 'King of the Jews' or Barabbas who was a robber. The people shouted that they wanted Barabbas released. (John 18:40)

After Jesus was judged, the soldiers beat Jesus and put a crown of thorns and a purple robe on Jesus. Pilate tried to have Jesus released. (John 19:12) But, the Jews kept shouting to "Crucify Him!" So, Pilate had Jesus taken away to be crucified.

They put a sign of the cross above Jesus that said "This is Jesus, King of the Jews". There were 2 thieves also, one on each side of Him. When one of them made fun of Jesus, the other told him that they deserved the punishment. But, Jesus didn't deserve to be there. He asked Jesus to remember him and Jesus told the thief that he would be in Heaven with him that day. (Luke 23:39-43)

It was dark over the land from noon until 3 o'clock. (Mt. 27:44) When Jesus died, the veil was torn in two from top to bottom that was in the temple. (Mt. 27:51; Mark 15:38) There was an earthquake and the rocks broke! And, there were graves opened and some Christians were alive again! (Mt. 27:51-53)

The centurion that was standing there said "Surely, He was the Son of God."

Next week, we will continue with Jesus being buried and He lives again!

I created this layered heart to discuss a couple of things Jesus did to show His love for us. He came to earth, was born, lived a perfect life, and died on the cross. You can print it in color or black & white. Click here to download it.

Click here to download the worksheet.

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson.

Used by permission.

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These are the same as the visuals, but are black & white.