March: Lent & Sacrifice
Jesus's Journey to the Cross — 4 Weekly Lessons
Week 1: The Triumphal Entry
Jesus entered Jerusalem riding on a donkey while crowds waved palm branches and shouted praises. This fulfilled an ancient prophecy from Zechariah about a humble king coming on a donkey, not a war horse. The contrast between the crowd's expectations of a political liberator and Jesus's actual mission of sacrificial service sets the stage for the dramatic events of Holy Week. Within days, the same crowds would call for his crucifixion.
Discussion Questions
- Why did Jesus choose a donkey instead of a horse?
- How do our expectations of God sometimes differ from his actual plans?
- What does it mean to welcome Jesus as King in your daily life?
Activity
Create palm branches from paper and discuss what you would shout if Jesus rode into your town today.
Hosanna in the highest — a cry of salvation
Week 2: The Last Supper
Jesus gathered his disciples for a final Passover meal, transforming an ancient Jewish ceremony into something entirely new. He took bread, gave thanks, broke it, and said it was his body given for them. He took the cup and called it the new covenant in his blood. This moment established what Christians would celebrate as communion or the Lord's Supper for millennia. Jesus knew one of his own would betray him, yet he still served all twelve disciples, demonstrating love without condition.
Discussion Questions
- Why did Jesus choose the Passover meal for this new covenant?
- What does communion mean to you personally?
- How does serving someone you know will betray you reflect God's character?
Activity
Share a simple meal together as a class, discussing the significance of eating together as a community of faith.
Do this in remembrance of me
Week 3: The Garden of Gethsemane
After supper, Jesus went to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray, taking Peter, James, and John with him. In deep anguish, he prayed three times that the cup of suffering might pass from him, yet each time he surrendered to the Father's will. His sweat fell like drops of blood as he faced the full weight of what lay ahead. His closest friends fell asleep, unable to watch with him for even one hour. This moment reveals Jesus's full humanity — his dread of suffering — alongside his complete obedience.
Discussion Questions
- What does Jesus's honest prayer teach us about how we should pray?
- Have you ever had to surrender your will to God's plan even when it was painful?
- Why is it significant that Jesus's friends fell asleep during his greatest need?
Activity
Spend five minutes in silent prayer, practicing honest conversation with God about something difficult you are facing.
Not my will but yours be done
Week 4: The Cross and Resurrection
Jesus was crucified between two criminals, and even from the cross he spoke words of forgiveness and promise. Darkness covered the land for three hours before he cried out and breathed his last. He was buried in a borrowed tomb, and his followers were devastated. But on the third day, women who came to anoint his body found the tomb empty. Angels announced that he had risen, just as he promised. The resurrection transformed a moment of ultimate defeat into history's greatest victory, proving that God's love is stronger than death.
Discussion Questions
- What strikes you most about Jesus's words from the cross?
- How does the resurrection change the meaning of the crucifixion?
- What does the empty tomb mean for your daily life and future hope?
Activity
Create a Holy Week timeline mural showing events from Palm Sunday through Easter morning. Discuss how the emotional journey shifts.
He is not here — he has risen!