Apr 04 Kidz Sunday School

We are using The Gospel Project Bible Study curriculum for our online Preschool/K and Elementary Sunday School classes.  We are going through the Bible chronologically on a journey to discover how the gospel unfolds.

We are currently studying the New Testament and going through lessons from <Volume 11: The Church United>.  You can find the songs for this quarter's lessons on Spotify® for Preschool-K and Grade 1-6.

Below is a summary of this week's Sunday School lesson for the parents.  If you have registered your child(ren) for Kidz Sunday School, you can access the full lesson and resources on the CCAC KidMin Resources group page (log in to see the resources list) to use with your family at home.

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Unit 31, EASTER: Jesus' Crucifixion and Resurrection (Matthew 26-28, John 20)

DEAR PARENTS
Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection are essential to the Christian faith. If we teach Jesus as a respected teacher and miracle-worker who claimed to be the Messiah and who was crucified on the cross—but who was not resurrected—then we are teaching the Jesus of Judaism. If we teach Jesus as a wise teacher and prophet who ascended into heaven—but who was not crucified—then we are teaching the Jesus of Islam.

Jesus came to earth to save us from our sins. (Matt. 1:21) He died to show God’s love to us (Rom. 5:7-8) so that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16) Jesus died so that we would be forgiven. (Eph. 1:7) Jesus died to bring us to God. (1 Pet. 3:18)

The time between Friday afternoon and Sunday morning must have been dark hours for Jesus’ disciples. Fear, doubt, and confusion certainly overwhelmed their thoughts. Jesus, their Lord, was dead. He had been unjustly arrested, falsely accused, and severely beaten. Even worse, He had been killed in a horrible manner: by crucifixion.

The story doesn’t end there. Jesus’ body was laid in a tomb. The tomb was sealed and guards watched over it. The Jews remembered Jesus’ claim that He would rise from the dead (John 2:19-21), and they made sure no one could steal His body and insist He had risen. Imagine their surprise when Jesus did rise from the dead!

Jesus’ resurrection gives us joy and hope for our own resurrection. The same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead will raise our bodies to life. (Rom. 8:11)

As you share this Bible story, emphasize the gospel: the good news of who Jesus is and what He has done. We do not worship a dead Savior. Jesus is alive! Sadness turns to joy. There is hope for sinners.

Jesus’ death and resurrection is the center of the gospel. Jesus died to pay for our sins. Jesus is alive! God gives hope and true joy to everyone who trusts in Jesus.

Check this session’s Activity Page and the Gospel Project for Kids Family App for ways to interact with the Bible content this week.

FAMILY STARTING POINTS
Preschool:

• Jesus died on the cross and is alive.
• What is the gospel? The gospel is the good news that God sent His Son, Jesus, into the world to rescue sinners.

Kids:

• Jesus' resurrection gives true joy to believers.
• What is the gospel? The gospel is the good news that God sent His Son, Jesus, into the world to rescue sinners.

KEY PASSAGE
Preschool:

• “Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad; let them say among the nations, 'The LORD reigns!'"  1 Chronicles 16:31(NIV)

Kids:

• "Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice, and let them say among the nations, 'The LORD reigns!'"  1 Chronicles 16:31 (ESV)

NEXT WEEK
Barnabas in Antioch (Acts 11)