Bible Passage
Christ the King Sunday (Luke 23:33-43)
Today is a special day in the calendar of the church year. It is Christ the King Sunday. It is the last Sunday of the church year. Next Sunday, begins a new church year with the First Sunday in Advent.
Today we remember that Jesus is King of heaven and earth and of our hearts. In today’s gospel, we learn about Jesus dying on the cross.
Watch the video to learn more:
In the gospel from St. Luke, we hear about Jesus dying on the cross. Jesus was nailed to the cross and there were two criminals who were also nailed to crosses also. One of them said to Jesus, “If you are a powerful King, why don’t you save yourself and us, too?”
The other man said, “Don’t you know who this is? This is Jesus. He is God’s Son. He hasn’t done anything wrong. We are being punished for our mistakes, but he is innocent.” He asked Jesus, “Will you take me to heaven with you?” Jesus said, “Yes, today we will be together in heaven.”
We know that while Jesus died on the cross, he didn’t stay dead. Because three days later, through the power of God’s love, Jesus rose from the dead and was alive again. God’s love is stronger than anything – even death!
On Christ the King Sunday, we celebrate that Jesus is King over everything, that he is King of life, that he is our King, that because he lives, we will live forever with him in heaven.
Discuss
- What did Jesus say to the criminal who asked to go to heaven with him?
- How often does Jesus forgive us?
- How does it feel to know that we will live forever with Jesus?
Song
Glory. Go Fish Guys.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c-h-L3tadnk
Activity
Make crowns to wear.
Activity
Play a game similar to musical chairs, except pass a crown. When the music stops, whoever is holding the crown is out.
Closing Prayer
Dear Jesus, you are the King of love. You are the King of our lives. You are the King of our hearts. Help us always to share your love with others. Amen.
Pastor Dan Fugate, Assistant to the Bishop for Discipleship in the Indiana-Kentucky Synod, ELCA, put this lesson together for Sunday School @ Home. Contact him at [email protected].
