Jesus the King · Lesson 12
Jesus Dies for Us
Luke 23:13-49; Isaiah 53:4-6 New Testament PrincipleLove
Jesus was innocent, but He let Himself be put on a cross. He forgave the people who hurt Him and died in our place, because He loves us.
Jesus loved us so much that He gave His life for us. His love is the greatest love there is, and it teaches us how to love.
- CreationGod made it
- FallWe broke it
- RedemptionJesus fixes it (this lesson)
- RestorationJesus makes it new
Memory verse
“Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.”
John 15:13 BSB
The Big Story · Redemption
Since the Fall, sin has separated people from God and brought death into the world. On the cross, Jesus took the punishment for our sin, opening the way back to God. And three days later, the story wasn't over.
Teacher Guide
This version includes:
- Background and context for the passage
- Hidden in Plain Sight: the detail most people miss
- The Christ Connection: how this story points to Jesus
- A 45-minute class plan and prep checklist
- Object lesson: The curtain is open
- Dasch’s Dig Site (bible-times history): The Pilate Stone
- A skit to act out the story
- Review game: Hearts to the cross
- Pronunciation help, tips for every age, song ideas and a note for parents
Every lesson, every age, from $25 a month. · Log in
Preschool (ages 3–5)
Jesus loves me so much.
This version includes:
- An opening hook and a 4-minute Bible story written for this age, with a Hidden in Plain Sight moment
- 3 discussion questions
- 2 activities: This much love, Color the cross and heart
- 6 “Dasch Digs Up” facts
- Real-life connections: at home, at church
- Song ideas, Live It, a prayer, and a printable student handout (preview below)
Every lesson, every age, from $25 a month. · Log in
Free preview · Kindergarten – 2nd grade
Jesus never did anything wrong, but He chose to die on the cross for us because He loves us. And that's not the end of the story!
Start here
Ask, "What's the kindest thing someone has ever done for you?" Let kids share. Say, "Today we hear about the greatest love anyone has ever shown."
Bible story 6 min
Some leaders did not like Jesus. They took Him to Pilate. Pilate was the boss of the land. He asked Jesus many things. Then he said, "This man did nothing wrong."
But the crowd yelled, "Let Barabbas go!" Barabbas was a bad man. He had hurt people. Pilate let him go. Then he sent Jesus to be put on a cross.
Men put Jesus on a cross on a hill. Two bad men were on crosses next to Him. Jesus prayed, "Father, forgive them. They do not know what they are doing."
The rest of the story, discussion questions, songs, Live It and prayer are for members.
Try an activity
The open curtain 8 min
You’ll need: A large sheet or curtain
- Two helpers hold up a sheet. Kids line up on one side.
- Read Luke 23:45, then lift the sheet away. Kids walk through and say, "Jesus opened the way to God!"
Every lesson, every age, from $25 a month. · Log in
3rd – 4th grade
Jesus was innocent, yet He let Himself be crucified in our place. He forgave His enemies, welcomed a dying thief and opened the way to God, showing the greatest love there is.
This version includes:
- An opening hook and a 8-minute Bible story written for this age, with a Hidden in Plain Sight moment
- 5 discussion questions
- 2 activities: What Jesus said, Heart rubbings
- 6 “Dasch Digs Up” facts
- Real-life connections: at school, at home, at church
- Song ideas, Live It, a prayer, and a printable student handout (preview below)
Every lesson, every age, from $25 a month. · Log in
5th – 6th grade
The innocent Son of God chose to die in the place of the guilty, fulfilling Isaiah 53, forgiving His enemies and opening the way to God. The cross is the greatest love the world has ever seen.
This version includes:
- An opening hook and a 10-minute Bible story written for this age, with a Hidden in Plain Sight moment
- 5 discussion questions
- 2 activities: In our place, At the cross
- 6 “Dasch Digs Up” facts
- Real-life connections: online and on screens, at school, at church
- Song ideas, Live It, a prayer, and a printable student handout (preview below)
Every lesson, every age, from $25 a month. · Log in
More lessons on Love
The same principle in other Bible stories.
