Maundy Thursday is an action-packed day. There are so many different angles to explore. Jesus gives his disciples the Last Supper, and they celebrate communion for the first time. Our Savior washes his disciples’ feet teaching them to live a life poured out for others. Judas betrays Jesus to his enemies. Jesus and the disciples visit the Garden of Gethsemane. Any one of those events by itself is filled with enough meaning to fill an entire week! But there is one Maundy Thursday event that often gets a little overshadowed by the more action-packed Holy Week dramas.
Jesus Prays
In John’s Gospel we read of the Last Supper and the washing of the disciples’ feet in chapter 13. But before he is arrested and tried, Jesus takes time to teach his disciples and pray for them. It’s traditionally called “The High Priestly Prayer.” Jesus tenderly and lovingly asks his Father to guard and strengthen his disciples for the time of testing that is coming. But did you know that he also prays for you? In verse 20 we read, “ “I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word.” That’s us! What was on Jesus’s mind the day before he was to be crucified? You were! What a great and powerful love our Savior has for us.
Holy Maundy Thursday Lessons
This is a very important message to be sharing with you students too! THey have a personal, loving God who gave himself up for them and loves them unconditionally. Study this and all the events of Holy Week using this Holy Week no prep worksheet unit for first and second grade. It’s filled with fun activities, stories and Bible passages to help your students understand the last week of Jesus’s life and the events that led to Easter.
If you are looking for more ready-to-use resources for your students, check them out in my store.
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