The Lord’s Arrest and Suffering
Free Religion Lesson from Our Holy Faith, Book 1 Teacher’s Manual
Objectives
- To realize that because of His great love for us, Jesus suffered so much to make up for our sins.
- To love Jesus more and more, because He suffered so much for us.
Approach
If a child who is a stranger is unkind to you, it makes you feel sad. But, if one of your favorite friends is mean to you, that hurts you even more. Today we shall find out that one of the Apostles hurt Jesus very much.
Presentation
Judas, one of Jesus’ own Apostles, now did something very bad. He betrayed Jesus to His enemies in exchange for a few pieces of money. He went to Jesus’ enemies and told them he would lead them to Jesus if they would pay him something. They gladly made the bargain with Judas and sent soldiers out to find Christ. Judas even told them how to recognize Jesus. He told them that they should capture the one he would kiss. Just think, a kiss, the sign of love, was used to betray Jesus!
Peter’s Rashness
When the soldiers came Peter wanted to fight. He drew a sword and cut off the ear of one of the mob with Judas. But Jesus had told us that He did not want us to use violence. He wants us to be peaceful, to have love, not hate, for others. He told Peter to put his sword away, and then, merciful always, He healed the ear of the wounded man. Even in agony Jesus put others first. Don’t you want to be as unselfish and generous as Jesus?
The Loneliness and Suffering of Jesus
Peter and the other Apostles, His chosen friends, all left Jesus. He was hit by the solders and made fun of. They mocked Him, spat upon Him, and beat Him. But Jesus did not get angry. He prayed for those who hurt Him and offered His suffering for us. When you are unjustly treated, think of Jesus. He will give you the strength to carry your sorrow and the grace to forgive your enemies.
Organization
- Who brought the soldiers to the garden?
- How did Judas let the soldiers know who Jesus was?
- What did Jesus say to Judas?
- Would Jesus have forgiven Judas if he had been sorry?
- What did Jesus say to the soldiers?
- What happened when Jesus answered the soldiers?
- What did Peter do?
- What did Jesus do for the wounded soldier?
- What did the Apostles do when Jesus was arrested?
- What would you do if you had been there?
Virtues and Practices
- Try not to hurt the feelings of others.
- Pray in time of temptation.
- Be sincere in your expressions of love.
Suggested Learning Activities
- Discuss the power of Jesus over His enemies.
- Tell why the Apostles abandoned Jesus.
Discuss the insincerity of Judas and how we should mean what we say to Jesus and others. - Compost original prayers of love and compassion.
- Poem: “My Jesus, Mercy!” Belger, Sing a Song of Holy Things, p. 56
Teacher References
- S.N.D. Religious Teaching of Young Children, pp. 60-62
- Dennerle, Leading the Little Ones to Christ, pp. 188-193