Alive-O4Term 2, Lesson 9

The Passion and Death of Jesus

The CrucifixionIt was Passover time. Jesus and many of hisdisciples went to Jerusalem to retell the storyOf Moses and his people and to eat the Passover Meal.

Afterwards, Jesus and a few of his close friendswent to a garden on the hill of Gethsemane topray.

Jesus was afraid that those people who did not want to hear what he taught them, also wanted to get rid of him. They were envious ofthe way crowds of people followed Jesus, feasting on his every word.

He prayed to the Father to help him and give him strength and courage to live out his life tothe end, still showing the people of God’s love. God heard his prayer and gave him all the strength he needed.

As he knelt praying, Roman soldiers burst the garden. They grabbed Jesus and took him away. They brought him to Pilate, the Romangovernor.

Pilate asked Jesus what he had done wrong, why these people wanted to get rid of him, butJesus said that he had done nothing. Pilate didn’t think that Jesus had done anything wrong, but he didn’t want to upset the leaders of the Temple who ordered that Jesus be brought to him.

Pilate offered the people a choice: he would release Jesus or another prisoner, Barabbas,who was a criminal. Stirred by the leaders of the Temple the people chose Barabbas.

Barabbas was released and Jesus was led away, to be tortured. When he was bruised andcovered in blood, Pilate had him brought backto the people, thinking that they might feel sorry for him.

The people shouted loudly: Crucify him, crucifyhim. Pilate finally gave in and Jesus was led to the foot of the hill of calvary. A crown of thornswas placed on his head. People mocked him and called him: King of the Jews.

He was given a heavy cross and ordered to climb to the top of the hill. As he climbed, Jesusgrew weaker and weaker, falling three times. Aman called Simon of Cyrene helped him tocarry the cross.

When he reached the top of the hill, thesoldiers nailed Jesus to the cross. Two other criminals were crucified at the same time, oneon Jesus’ right and the other on his left.

One of the criminals jeered and mocked Jesus.The other said: he has done no wrong.Jesus promised him: today you will be with mein the Father’s kingdom.

Jesus hung on the cross for three hours. Hisclose friends and his mother stood at the footof the cross, comforting him.

His strength began to fail and he whispered afinal prayer to the Father: Father, into yourhands I place my spirit.

Then Jesus bowed his head and died.

Jesus’ friends took his body down from the cross and wrapped it in clean linen.

Pause quietly for a moment.Sing: Stabat Mater (p. 293, Teacher’s manual.)