At a distance
Children's Activity
Object:
Teachers: This is by far one of the longest readings of the lectionary. One of the most descriptive verses is one that sums up the whole chapter: "But all his acquaintances ... stood at a distance watching these things" (23:49). A good project for this week is to prepare a long mural with as many of the events of the two chapters as possible. It could either be a large piece of tablecloth paper, a long roll of cash register or adding machine tape, or individual papers taped together when done. Here's a list of the events you may want the children to depict: Judas going to the temple police, the upper room, the last supper, who is the greatest, praying on the mountain, the disciples sleeping, Judas kissing Jesus, cutting off the ear of the slave, Peter denying Jesus three times, the rooster crowing, Jesus blindfolded, Jesus on trial, Simon carrying the cross, the three crosses on a hill, darkness over the land, and Joseph taking the body of Jesus to the cave. That's a lot of things for Jesus' friends to watch in a very short time. It's also a lot for children to absorb in a short time. Whether they work together or alone on a small segment of the total picture, at least a small part of it they will remember.
Parents: This Sunday, although traditionally called Palm Sunday, is also called Passion Sunday. Passion means intense emotion compelling action. As Jesus' friends watched, they took it all in. Some of them became very active later. Children need time to take it all in, and their passion may also lead them to action. Help them discover the Passion in the gospel story.
Parents: This Sunday, although traditionally called Palm Sunday, is also called Passion Sunday. Passion means intense emotion compelling action. As Jesus' friends watched, they took it all in. Some of them became very active later. Children need time to take it all in, and their passion may also lead them to action. Help them discover the Passion in the gospel story.
