Lesson Focus: Jesus is betrayed and abandoned by his closest friends.
After Jesus had spent some time in prayer in the garden of Gethsemane, Judas arrived with a band of soldiers to betray Jesus. The soldiers arrested Jesus and took Him before Caiaphas, the high priest. Peter followed Jesus to the courtyard of the high priest, but when asked if he knew Jesus, Peter denied his Lord. When he realized what he had done, he wept over his sin.
Key Verses: Mark 14:27–31, 14:66–72; John 18:1–4, 18:10–11
Memory Verse:
1 Corinthians 15:57–58 - But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.
Key Points:
1. Judas betrayed Jesus for 30 pieces of silver.
2. When Judas brought soldiers to arrest Jesus in the garden, Jesus went willingly, but His disciples ran away, just as Jesus said would happen.
3. Peter tried to protect Jesus in the garden, but Jesus told him to put his sword away.
4. Later, in the courtyard outside the high priest’s house, Peter denied the Lord three times then wept over his sin
Talk About It:
1. How did Judas feel about his sin against Jesus?
2. When the soldiers came for Jesus, how did Peter try to stop them?
3. What did Peter do after he denied Jesus three times?
4. Suppose your Christian friend says she will always follow God and never fall away. What could you say?
Kids and Parents: Here's a special addition in preparation for a corporate fast we will enjoy together next weekend.
Let’s Talk About Fasting
To fast means to give up something for a time (like food, snacks, dessert, video games, TV, etc.) Biblical fasting is not about looking “holy” and it’s not something that you can do to “get out of” doing what’s right. Fasting is a way to reconnect with God and make sure He is first in our lives!
To fast means to give up something for a time (like food, snacks, dessert, video games, TV, etc.) Biblical fasting is not about looking “holy” and it’s not something that you can do to “get out of” doing what’s right. Fasting is a way to reconnect with God and make sure He is first in our lives!
Biblical fasting is almost always paired with prayer. It’s meant to help us humble ourselves and recognize that there’s nothing that we need more than Jesus. The Bible warns us to never fast as a way of impressing people. So, when you fast, don’t make a big deal of it to others. It’s meant to be between you and God. However, as kids, it’s very important that we talk to our parents any time we’d like to fast, especially if we plan on fasting from food. Fasting is a great way to connect with God, but it’s important that we do it in a safe way! It’s also important that we recognize that fasting is not a substitute for living God’s way. That is, if you have issues between you and God, deal with those issues before you fast, don’t fast instead of dealing with those issues.
Fasting Bible Verses
Matthew 4:4 | Man does not live by bread alone.
Ephesians 1:7 | We need God more than anything.
Luke 4:2 | Jesus fasted.
Joel 1:14 | Old Testament Jews fasted.
Acts 13:2-3 | New Testament believers fasted.
Matthew 6:16-18 | Don’t use fasting to look cool, but focus on God.
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