CFM Teaching Ideas for June 19-25, 2023 {Matthew 27; Mark 15; Luke 23; John 19}

 This blogpost features some  resources and ideas to complement the Come Follow Me (CFM) reading for June 19-25, 2023.    Click here for an index and links to my CFM blogposts for other weeks.

 PRINTABLE ACTIVITY PAGE:  This activity page is geared for kids 8+, but has the coloring section that's good for all ages.   Print them double sided and get an easy 1/2 sheet activity page that's perfect for handing out in sacrament meeting or for using as an attention activity in your classrooms and families.  

 TEACHING IDEA: 

Visual of the Pits:

PREP:  In advance, gather two plates, two dish towels, treats enough for the family, and several rocks.   Without anyone seeing, place the treats on one plate and rocks on the other, then cover both plates completely so that they will not be able to tell what is on them. Then make a line across the table with tape or yarn and place each plate on opposite sides of the table/line.

THE ACTIVITY:  Have Dad standing near one plate and Mom near the other, each doing their best to persuade the children to choose their side, for it will bring them  joy and happiness. Let each child choose a side and once all the children have chosen, uncover the plates and reveal what is underneath the dishtowel.

The ones who chose the rocks will undoubtedly be disappointed and will want to switch sides. Explain that they made their choice and can‘t switch to the other side. Further explain that this is what life would be like if Christ had not atoned for our sins. We would be stuck in the misery of our wrong choices, with no hope of enjoying happiness again. Fortunately Christ‘s atonement provided a way for us to cross back over to happiness again.

Explain that the line is like a pit and, then share how Christ‘s atonement is like a bridge. Allow the children to cross the bridge to the side of happiness. Share the treats with everyone as you encourage the children to appreciate the sacrifice that was made by Christ so that we could have a way to return to our Heavenly Father again.

 For those who are ready to learn more, you can explain the difference between spiritual and physical death and what the resurrection and the atonement mean to us as individuals. The main purpose here is to convey Christ‘s great love for us and His desire for us to be happy and return to live with Him again someday.

VIDEOS: 

Matthew 27:  Jesus is Condemned Before Pilate  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rs-nHYYmors


Matthew 27:  Jesus is Scourged and Crucified  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nlALmOx8Sk0


Matthew 27:  Jesus is Buried in the Tomb  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kPfC9kSPP_Q


QUOTE: 

"If we are to have unity, there are commandments we must keep concerning how we feel. We must forgive and bear no malice toward those who offend us. The Savior set the example from the cross: “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34). We do not know the hearts of those who offend us. Nor do we know all the sources of our own anger and hurt. The Apostle Paul was telling us how to love in a world of imperfect people, including ourselves, when he said, “Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil” (1 Cor. 13:4–5). And then he gave solemn warning against reacting to the fault of others and forgetting our own when he wrote, “For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as I am known”"  Henry B. Eyring, "That We May Be One," April 1998

 

HAVE FUN LEARNING THE GOSPEL TOGETHER!!!