The Gospel from the worksheets, told for little ones. Read it aloud on Saturday, or tap Listen.
Jesus Loved Us to the End
On the night before He died, Jesus went to a garden with His friends. Soldiers came with lanterns to take Him away. Jesus was brave. He said, “I am He,” and asked them to let His friends go safely.
Some leaders did not want Jesus as their King, and He was put on a cross. His mother Mary and His friend John stayed close by. Jesus gave them to each other, saying to John, “This is your mother.” Then Jesus said, “It is finished,” and He gave His life for us. His friends gently laid Him in a tomb.
Good Friday is a sad day, but it is also a day of love. Jesus loved us so much that He gave His whole life to take away our sins. At church we bow or kiss the cross to say thank You. And we wait with hope, because Easter is coming!
Big idea: On the cross, Jesus showed us the biggest love there is — and on Sunday, Easter is coming!
Thank You, Jesus!
Jesus loves us so much. On Good Friday, He gave His life for us on the cross. His mummy Mary stayed close to Him.
Jesus told His friend John, “This is your mother.” Today is a sad day. But guess what? Easter is coming!
Big idea: Jesus loves me so, so much!
Jesus’ own words are in red, like a red-letter Bible.
Good Friday is the quietest day of the Church’s year. There is no Mass; instead we hear the Passion according to John, pray for the whole world, and come forward to venerate the Cross. John shows us a Jesus who lays down His life freely and lovingly: protecting His friends in the garden, giving His mother and the beloved disciple to each other, and saying at the end, “It is finished.”
Little children don’t need the details of the crucifixion; they need to know that Jesus loves them so much that He gave everything. Let the day feel different at home: quieter music, a simpler meal, a cross on the table. It is right to feel a little sad together, and just as right to whisper that Sunday is coming. Holding sorrow and hope at the same time is something our children learn first by watching us.
Dinner-table questions
Who stayed close to Jesus at the cross?
How can we show Jesus that we love Him back today?
What are you most excited about for Easter Sunday?
This week’s family practice: Put a small cross on the dinner table today and keep the evening quiet and simple. On Saturday night, add flowers around it together, ready to greet Easter morning.
