Theme of the week: Cross
John 3:16-17 Tell us that Jesus didn’t come into the world to condemn everybody, but to save us. The sin of Adam and Eve that brought sin into the world caused the chaos. This sin deserves a punishment. Jesus takes that punishment himself so we can be set free for eternity.
Monday – Bible Reading
These verses are referring to Jesus mission including his work on the cross.
John 3:16-17
16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.
Prayer
Lord God, you said that you love us so much that you sent your only Son into the world so that can have eternal life. Thank you for this generosity. Thank you that your goal was not to render us guilty but to give salvation. Taking the brutal death of the cross on our behalf was a loving and selfless act. Help us to know this love and enjoy it in our lives. Thank you that the way to receive eternal life is simply by believing in you.
Amen
Tuesday – Video
Chaplaincy YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNuE37JO-tCw3tSUiDFUvnw
Wednesday – Discussion
Discussion questions in small groups or as a class.
- Can you think of a sacrificial saving act in a film or book?
- Why do you think Jesus had to die on the cross?
- Do you think people who do wrong should be punished? If so, for what?
- Why do you think God sent his Son rather than punish everyone for their sin?
- According to John 3:16, who will receive eternal life?
Prayer
Lord Jesus,
You suffered a brutal beating and crucifixion. Taking onto yourself our sin was a truly loving and graceful act. Thank you for absorbing death so that we can be saved through it. Thank you for taking the punishment for our sins so that we can be forgiven. Please help us not to try and earn your love but to live by faith in your abundant life.
Amen
Thursday – Discussion
(Teacher led) Optional discussion exploring crime/punishment linked to the cross
Set the scene in a courtroom.
Someone steels an iPhone or lies/murders etc – what is a fair punishment? If you were the judge, what would you do? Should they be jailed? Capital punishment?
The bible says;
Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Discuss – is this a fair punishment? For all or only some sins? What about the sins we commit? Do you think God’s free gift is “fair”? Should God let us off sins? How does God ‘pay’ for sin?
Prayer
Lord Jesus,
The bible calls you our ransom. You paid for our sin on the cross and have cleared our debts. Thank you for your free gift of grace. Please bless our lives with joy and peace as we walk in this freedom.
Amen
Friday – Lord’s Prayer
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins
as we forgive those who sin against us.
Lead us not into temptation
but deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power,
and the glory are yours
now and for ever.
Amen.
