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Ash Wednesday
Bible Verse: Luke 4:1-13; John 3:16
Props: ashes, baby wipes (to wipe hands)
Why do people celebrate Ash Wednesday? What is it all about? Ashes remind us of death and sin. Lent is a time when we prepare our hearts for Easter. We prepare our hearts by thinking about what Jesus did for us when he was crucified on the cross for our sins. He did not deserve to die, but He loved us so much that He did it in order that we may go to heaven. God will not allow any sin in heaven. As we put the ashes on our foreheads, we remember the sorrow that He went through, and the sorrow that we had when we confessed our sins. It also reminds us that we need to change our lives if we have sinned.
When Jesus was in the wilderness being tempted by Satan, he fasted for 40 days. During Lent, we give up something for 40 days to show Jesus how much we thank Him for what He has done for us. It brings us closer to Him and prepares our hearts for the true meaning of Easter. Jesus was strong, and did not give in to temptation when Satan tempted Him many times (3 times to be exact). We need Jesus when we face temptation, for we cannot overcome alone without His help. Unless we accept His gift of Salvation, we will not be able to live a life pleasing to Him.
If we do not know Jesus as our personal Savior, if He has not forgiven us from our sin, we can accept His gift right now. Admit that we are in need of a Savior, believe Jesus dies for our sins, and then in faith, confess our sins believing that He forgives us. He will give us eternal life in heaven some day when He returns to this earth for those prepared to meet Him.
Take time to share the three temptations of Jesus if you have time.
Questions for Discussion:
1. What things can we do to prepare our heart for the Easter season?
2. In what ways can you be a part of the Lent season? 3. When you are tempted, what do you do? 4. What are some things we could do on a daily basis to live a life pleasing to Jesus?
© February 2009 Kidzministry.net Jeanne McIntosh. All rights reserved.
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