Lesson 95: Good Friday Morning – Continuation of Our Lord’s Trial
Free Religion Lesson from Our Holy Faith, Book 1 Teacher’s Manual
Objectives
- To increase our knowledge of the infinite love of Christ as shown by His suffering
- To foster a deeper appreciation of Christ’s love
Approach
When a prisoner is on trial, the judge must do everything he can to see that it is fair and that the prisoner does not have to suffer more than is necessary. Jesus’ trial before Pilate was unfair.
Presentation
Jesus Before Pilate
The Jews were under Roman rule. Because of this, they could not put a man to death. Thus they sent Jesus to Pilate, the Roman governor, so that he could sentence Him to death. Pilate did not think that Jesus should be killed. He knew that Jesus was not guilty of any crime. But the people were wild and wanted Jesus to die. Pilate was a weak man, and in his fear of the people finally decided to allow an innocent Jesus to suffer the terrible death of crucifixion.
Jesus Before Herod
Pilate sent Jesus to Herod, the Jewish leader. This Herod was a relative of the Herod who murdered the Holy Innocents. He was really a man who made fun of religion, even the Jewish religion. He wanted to see Jesus so that he could make fun of Him. He mocked Jesus and had his soldiers hit Him, but all the time Jesus was silent, praying to His Father.
The Scourging and Crowning of Thorns
When Jesus returned to Pilate, the Roman governor turned Him over to the soldiers. They put a purple cloak on Him, because purple was the sign of a king and they wanted to make fun of Jesus for saying He was a king. Then they put a crown of thorns on His head and beat the thorns into His head with heavy sticks. How it must have hurt Jesus. Jesus let the soldiers treat His body so cruelly to make up for our sins of impurity.
Organization
- Where was our Lord taken early Friday morning?
- Did Pilate think Jesus was a bad man?
- Where did Pilate send Jesus for more questioning?
- Did Herod send Jesus back to Pilate? Why?
- Why did Pilate tell the soldiers to scourge Jesus?
- Why did Jesus receive a crown of thorns?
- Why did Jesus suffer the terrible pains of the scourging and crowning with thorns?
Virtues and Practices
- Console Jesus by your good life and by detesting sin.
- Be pure in thought and word and deed.
- Compose original prayers for purity in thought, word, and act.
- Wear modest clothing.
- Offer your little pains to Jesus.
- Give up little things you like for Jesus.
Suggested Learning Activities
- Discuss the sufferings of Jesus to atone for our sins of impurity.
- Discuss modesty of dress in children.
- Picture study of Jesus suffering.
- Asking Jesus to forgive us for causing His sufferings by our sins.
Teacher References
- S.N.D. Religious Teaching of Young Children, pp. 63-66
- Dennerle, Leading the Little Ones to Christ, pp. 196-199