Lesson: Mark 15:14 (Ages 3-5)

📖 Mark 15:14 – Ages 3-5

Explanation

Pilate was a man who asked people why they wanted Jesus to be punished. He didn't think Jesus did anything wrong. But the people kept yelling to hurt Jesus. It's like when you know you didn't do something wrong, but someone still blames you. We can learn from this verse that even when people are mean or unfair to us, we should stay kind and truthful like Jesus did. Jesus showed us how to be strong and loving, even when others are not.

Kid's Story

Once upon a time, there was a little bunny named Benny. One day, Benny's friends accused him of eating all the carrots in the garden, even though he didn't do it. Benny felt sad and confused, just like Jesus when people accused Him of things He didn't do.

Benny's friend, a wise old owl, told him about a story in the Bible where people accused Jesus of doing wrong things too. Even though Jesus was innocent, they still wanted Him to be punished. The owl explained that sometimes people don't understand the truth and make wrong choices.

Benny learned that it's important to always tell the truth and not blindly follow what others say, just like Jesus stayed true to who He was. From that day on, Benny promised to be honest and kind, just like Jesus.

Prayer Prompt

Dear God, thank you for Jesus who loves us so much. Help us to remember that even when people treat us badly, Jesus still loves us. Amen.

Discussion Questions

1. Why do you think Pilate asked, "What has He done wrong?"
2. How do you think Jesus felt when the people shouted, "Crucify Him!"?
3. How can we show love and kindness instead of shouting or being mean to others?
4. What do you think Jesus would want us to do when someone is being treated unfairly?
5. Can you think of a time when you can help someone who is in need, just like Jesus helped others?

Life Application

This verse teaches us about how Jesus was treated unfairly by people who didn't understand Him. As little ones, you can apply this message by being kind to others even when they are unkind to you. Just like Jesus, we should respond with love and forgiveness, even when others are mean to us. This can mean sharing your toys with a friend who doesn't share back, or saying sorry when you accidentally hurt someone's feelings. By showing love and kindness, we can be more like Jesus in our everyday lives.

Craft or Activity

Let's create a simple craft to help children understand and remember the message of Mark 15:14. You can have the children make a "Cross Craft" using popsicle sticks and colorful yarn.

First, have the children line up 2 popsicle sticks vertically and 2 popsicle sticks horizontally to form a cross shape. Assist the children in gluing the sticks together.

Next, cut small pieces of colorful yarn and have the children wrap the yarn around the popsicle sticks to create a vibrant pattern on the cross. As they wrap the yarn, you can share the story of Jesus being crucified because the people shouted for Him to be crucified even though He had done nothing wrong.

Encourage the children to reflect on how Jesus was treated unfairly and how we should always choose kindness and love instead of cruelty. This hands-on activity will help reinforce the message of Mark 15:14 in a fun and memorable way for young children.

Memory Verse or Rhyme

Pilate asked, "What did He do?
Why do you want Him gone, it's true?"
They cried out loud, "Crucify Him now!"
Let's remember to show love, not to frown.

Songs or Videos

One great Christian song for kids that relates to the message of Mark 15:14 is "He Knows My Name" by Tommy Walker. This song reminds us that Jesus knows us and loves us, even when others mistreat us or say hurtful things. Another good song is "Jesus Loves Me" which teaches us about the unconditional love of Jesus, even when others may treat us unfairly, just as Jesus was treated unfairly before His crucifixion. Both of these songs can help kids understand the love and sacrifice of Jesus, even when faced with difficult situations like the one described in Mark 15:14.

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