The Faces of Easter Lessons 1-2
 
In the first two lessons of the Godly Play story “the Faces of Easter” we review the early steps of Jesus’ journey; his birth and his time in the temple.   

His birth was a rather simple event with some very important guests.  He was welcomed into the world by shepherds, angels and wise men.   He was also welcomed by the star that illuminated on the manger that night.  That light was an invitation to the world!
 
About twelve years later, Jesus travels to Jerusalem with his parents.  It was a custom that a large group of friends and relatives would journey to Jerusalem on a pilgrimage for the feast of the Passover.  As the group left, Mary and Joseph realized that Jesus was not with them, so they went back to town to look for him.  As we read this passage to children, their first thought is, “Oh boy, he’s in big trouble!”  And one can assume that His parents were not pleased, but Jesus’ words were, “Did you not know that I would be in my Father’s house?”  Those were big words from a little guy who was destined for greatness.
 
Fortunately for us God offers His house to all of us.  This “big house” is a comforting place to learn, discover and grow in faith. Just like in our own homes, it’s a place to make mistakes, learn and grow.  We may “miss the mark” at moments but we are always invited, with open arms, to continue on our journey with our maker.
 
This week’s Sunday School lesson offers quilling, water color and Lego nativity crafts along with games and Passover meals giving children a glimpse of Jesus’ house as a child.

​Godly Play’s cross puzzle lesson gives us a wonderful way to help children remember that “Easter turns everything inside out and upside down!" Kind of like our COVID19 year!  Whoever would have thought that we would celebrate two Easters in quarantine? 
 
Lent is such an important part of the church year so important that it takes six weeks to get ready.  The season of Advent is only four weeks long yet it takes us six weeks to get ready for Easter.  As we struggle to put the pieces of the puzzle cross together, we reflect on the importance of the cross, Jesus’ life on earth and his resurrection.  The cross puzzle transforms from royal purple to the purest of white.
 
When we continue through Lent our Godly Play stories will teach us who Jesus grew to be and that we should be on the lookout for God to show us unexpected things. The Mystery of Easter reminds us that Easter, our faith's biggest celebration, is full of God's mystery and joyful surprise.
 
Our Sunday School lesson gives children many different ways to make a cross or two!  One to keep and one to share!

​The Parable of the Good Samaritan
The Parable of the Good Samaritan is found in the book of Luke 10:30-35 in the Bible.  This retelling of the story can be found in both the Godly Play and Young Children and Worship books.  
 
The Good Samaritan had a crash course in compassion.  He studied the condition of Pharisee (who was beat up, robbed and left to die on a desolate road) and acted quickly.  He bandaged the wounded man.  Carried that man to town and then paid the innkeeper to take care of him until he was healed. Maybe because the spirit moved him. Maybe because he was paying it forward. Maybe because someone once extended compassion to him. The important part is that he    s t e p p e d      o u t    of his comfort zone and used his resources.  

It is comforting when someone shows us compassion.  Compassion is more than merely recognizing that someone is carrying a heavy burden, and then sympathizing with them—it is actually doing something to lighten their load. The Good Samaritan was willing to cross political, racial, cultural and social barriers and risk prejudices and the fear of the unknown because he saw someone with a need and he had the resources to meet that need.

This Sunday School lesson offers links to crafts, books, videos, games and coloring pages about compassion for ourselves and others. Consider finding something comfortable to do and then stretch yourself with something new!

Jesus was a storyteller. Jesus told stories called parables. These were simple stories about ordinary people that contained deeper meanings and wisdom. One could easily hear a parable and hear a different message depending on their age or where they are on their faith journey.

Jesus taught in parables because He wanted to make His lessons memorable. Jesus understood that when we listen to stories and discover the themes in those stories, the lessons of those stories were much more memorable than if He had just skipped to the lesson.
One of those parables was about a farmer sowing seeds. Jesus told a story about a farmer because many of his listeners were farmers. He knew they would relate to the struggles of this farmer to plant his seed in good soil so it would produce a good crop. But Jesus was not interested in helping farmers to grow more lettuce and broccoli. He wanted us to grow in our faith.

In this parable some of the seeds fell on the path and was eaten or swept away. Some seeds fell in the rocky places and among the thorns. Some of the seed fell in good soil and produced a huge crop.

When our own faith is rooted in good soil we can produce a crop as well. God will use us to create fruit by spreading our faith to others. We pray for our friends. We look for opportunities to love and serve those in need.

It’s easy to get distracted by the cares of the world and forget to spend time with God, but God wants us to make Him number one in our lives. He wants us to make spending time with Him our top priority. If we make God number one, our faith will grow like the seed in the good soil.  We will be able to avoid some of the thorns and rocky places. Our faith will help us blossom!
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Check out this week’s Sunday School lesson about the Parable of the Sower. Learn how to make a Valentine succulent wreath, seed bombs, or a clay flower pot with hearts.