5. Outdoor Game: Join the Team
Jesus Is Crucified: Luke 23:26-49
Use this game to show that Jesus wants us all on his team.
You’ll need:
- Bibles
- 2 sports jerseys
- ball
Say: Let’s play a game to help us think about what it means to us that Jesus is our rescuer.
- Gather kids on the lawn or parking lot, and establish boundaries.
- Give two kids jerseys to put on—these two will play catch with a ball while the rest of the players scatter around the playing field.
- When a jersey player has the ball, they can tag other players to join their team. No one can hold the ball for more than five seconds.
- Play until everyone is tagged.
Say: Like we all got tagged to be on a team, Jesus wants everyone in the world to join his family.
Read aloud Luke 23:39-42.
Say: Jesus’ love was for both of the criminals, even though only one asked to be with Jesus. Have kids look at Luke 23:33-48 to find all the people mentioned.
Ask:
- How do you feel knowing Jesus died for everyone—including you? Invite kids to talk with Jesus for a few minutes in response to his love for each of them.
6. Indoor Game: Bury the Sock
Jesus’ Body Is Buried in a Tomb: Luke 23:50-56
Use this game to talk about Jesus’ burial.
You’ll need:
- Bible
- 1 set of socks folded into a ball
- 1 paper plate per child
- small goal posts (To make small goal posts, make 2 stacks of books and place them about 5 inches apart.)
Set up a playing area by placing one small goal at each end, with about 15 feet between them. Form two teams.
Say: Your team will try to get the sock ball into the other team’s goal. You can move the ball only by pushing it with a paper plate. The catch is, you have to make it into the goal without touching the sides of the goal.
Have kids play for 10 to 15 minutes.
Ask:
- What was it like trying to make goals?
Say: You had to be careful to get it right. Today we’re learning how Jesus’ body was cared for when it was placed in the tomb.
Read aloud Luke 23:50-55.
Ask:
- Why do you think they dealt carefully with Jesus’ body?
- What are the ways you honor Jesus?
