Teachings of Jesus
Ages All Ages
November 23, 2025

Christ the King: Jesus Forgives
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Luke 23:33-43

Wonder Truth

Jesus is our forever King who forgives us

Memory Verse

Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing. – Luke 23:34

Christ the King: Jesus Forgives

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Leader Prep

Leader Devotional & Invitation

At the cross, Jesus was mocked by soldiers and leaders who did not understand who He really was. While suffering, He prayed, "Father, forgive them." Jesus' kingdom is different: earthly kings wear gold crowns, but Jesus wore a crown of thorns; earthly kings rule by force, but Jesus rules by love and forgiveness.

As you lead, help children see Jesus not only as Savior who died, but as the forever King whose mercy changes hearts today.

Leader Prayer:
"King Jesus, thank You for forgiving me even when I don't deserve it. Help me lead these children to know You are the forever King who loves and forgives us. Amen."

Bible Background for Leaders

WHO: Jesus, two criminals, Roman soldiers, the crowds.
WHAT: Jesus is crucified and speaks words of forgiveness; a criminal turns to Jesus and is promised paradise.
WHERE: Golgotha (Place of the Skull).
WHEN: The final hours before Jesus' death.
WHY: To reveal the true King whose throne is a cross and whose power is mercy; to offer forgiveness and life.
CONNECTION: Fulfills Isaiah 53 (the suffering servant) and shows the heart of Christ the King: compassionate, forgiving, saving.

Volunteer Connection Tips

  • Keep the focus on love and forgiveness rather than graphic details of crucifixion.
  • Assure children that Jesus is alive and reigning as King today.
  • Celebrate forgiveness as the center of Jesus' kingdom.

Key Vocabulary

  • Forgive: To choose mercy and release a debt.
  • Cross: The wood structure where Jesus died to take away our sin.
  • King: The one who rules; Jesus is the King of Heaven and our hearts.
  • Mercy: Kindness to someone who does not deserve it.
Supply Checklist
  • Bible (open during story)
  • Simple crown (paper or plastic)
  • Wooden cross or printed cross image
  • Poster: "Forever King"
  • Craft: gold paper strips, crayons/markers, scissors, glue, jewel stickers

Prep Time: 10–15 minutes to cut crown strips and set up visuals.

Curiosity

OPENING / CURIOSITY (5 minutes)

Welcome Question (displayed):

"What makes a good king or leader?"

Before Kids Arrive:

  • Write the question where kids can see it.
  • Set out crayons and paper for drawings.
  • Pray quietly: "Jesus, help these children see that You are the King who loves and forgives."
As Kids Arrive (Leader Script):

"Hi, [child's name]! What do you think makes a good king or leader? Someone who is strong, kind, or fair?"

At Start Time (Leader Script):

"Today we will hear about Jesus, the King of Kings. His crown was not gold but thorns, and He showed His power by forgiving."

Curiosity Activity – Crown or Cross?

Purpose: Show how Jesus' kingship is different.

  1. Show a crown and a cross.
  2. Ask: "Which one looks like it belongs to a king?"
  3. Explain: "Earthly kings love fancy crowns, but Jesus' love is stronger than gold. His cross shows the power of forgiveness."
  4. Echo: "Jesus is the forever King who forgives!"
Transition (Leader Script):

"Let's hear how Jesus showed forgiveness and love even on the cross."

Belief

BELIEF (10 minutes)
Leader Instruction:

Keep tone gentle and reverent; center the theme of forgiveness and Jesus' true kingship.

Prayer of Invitation (Leader Script):
"Jesus, thank You that You love us so much You forgive us. Help us listen closely to Your story today. Amen."

Bible Time Rhyme (with motions)

"Open God's book, let's take a look!
God's Word is true, for me and you!"

Storytelling (Luke 23:33–43)

  1. "Jesus was taken to a hill called Golgotha."
  2. "Soldiers nailed Him to a cross between two criminals."
  3. "Even while they hurt Him, Jesus prayed: 'Father, forgive them, for they don't know what they are doing.'"
  4. "One criminal mocked Jesus, but the other said, 'Jesus, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.'"
  5. "Jesus answered, 'Today you will be with Me in paradise.'"
  6. "Jesus showed He is the true King: He forgives and gives life."

Engagement Tips

  • Ask: "What is amazing about Jesus' prayer on the cross?"
  • Have kids make a heart with their hands and say: "Jesus forgives."
  • Hold up crown and cross together: "Jesus is King because He loves and forgives."
Connecting the Wonder Truth (Leader Script):

"Jesus teaches us today's truth: Jesus is our forever King who forgives us."

"Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing."
Luke 23:34

Teach with motions:

  • Hands together and up ("Father")
  • Arms across heart ("forgive them")
  • Point to head ("do not know")
  • Open hands wide ("what they are doing")

Practice:

  • Whisper voice
  • Normal voice
  • Celebration voice

Faith

FAITH (8 minutes)
Leader Instruction:

Connect Jesus' forgiveness to everyday life. Encourage honest but gentle sharing.

Younger (K–2):
  • "What does it mean to forgive?"
  • "Who can we forgive?"
  • "Who forgives us?" (Answer: Jesus!)
Older (3–5):
  • "Why did Jesus forgive the people who hurt Him?"
  • "What can we learn from Jesus about forgiveness?"
  • "How does it make you feel to know Jesus forgives you?"

Interactive Faith Response – Forgiveness Cross

  1. Give each child a small paper cross (or two strips to make one).
  2. Say: "Think of something that made you sad or angry. You don't have to say it out loud."
  3. "Write or draw it on your cross. When we forgive, we give our hurts to Jesus."
  4. Place crosses under a large cross or on a "Forgiveness Wall."
  5. Echo together: "Jesus is our forever King who forgives!"
Transition (Leader Script):

"When we forgive others, we act like Jesus, our King of Love."

Identity

IDENTITY (5 minutes)

Craft Activity – Crown of Forgiveness

Supplies: Gold paper strips, markers, glue, jewel stickers, tape or stapler.

Instructions:
  1. Give each child a gold strip to form a crown.
  2. Write on it: "Jesus is my Forever King".
  3. Decorate with jewels or hearts; size to fit each child's head.
Leader Script:

"When you wear your crown, remember: Jesus is the kind of King who forgives, and He helps us forgive too."

Closing

CLOSING (2 minutes)
Leader Instruction:

Gather in a circle; use a calm signal: "Hands on your knees, eyes on me."

Review Wonder Truth (Leader Script):

"Say it with me: Jesus is our forever King who forgives us." (Whisper, normal, celebration voices.)

Memory Verse Review:

Luke 23:34 with motions (Father / forgive / do not know / open hands).

Blessing (Leader Script):

"May King Jesus fill your heart with His love. May you know you are forgiven and share His forgiveness with others."

Closing Prayer (repeat-after-me):

"Dear Jesus," (pause)
"Thank You for forgiving me." (pause)
"Help me forgive others like You do." (pause)
"Amen."

Lesson Tags

#christ the king #forgiveness #cross #kingdom #mercy #jesus

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