Denying Self
A Lenten Lesson
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The Lenten* season, is a meaningful time for believers to mindfully REFOCUS our
love and loyalty to Jesus by REMEMBERING what he has done for us, and then RECOMMITTING
our lives to him.
This lesson for kids teaches the biblical meaning of denying ourselves, picking up our cross, and choosing God’s way each day. Based on Luke 9:23, this lesson includes discussion questions and
prompts for ways to serve others during Lent. Perfect for Christian classrooms,
home school, church, or family devotions as children prepare their hearts for Resurrection
Sunday.
Class Introduction
The forty days leading up to Resurrection Sunday—Easter—are called Lent*. During the Lenten season, many followers of Jesus
choose to deny themselves in some way.
“What does it mean to deny yourself?”
Receive answers. (To quit doing or eating something you enjoy.)
"Jesus said, 'Those who want to come with me must say no to the things they want, pick up their crosses every day, and follow
me'” —Luke 9:23 (GWT).
Say the verse together.
What does it mean to “pick up our cross and follow Jesus”?
Receive answers. (To give up anything opposed to God—sinful behaviors or anything that takes away our loyalty to God. We must choose His way instead.
How do we find out about God's way of doing things?
(We learn how to follow Jesus by reading His Word, the Bible. If you are not reading or listening to and obeying God’s Word, then you will not,
cannot, know how to follow Jesus.)
But notice, this verse doesn’t say to take up our crosses only during Lent.
However, this season does help us put an exclamation point, so to speak, on our loyalty to Jesus.
To be more mindful of who he is and what he's done for us. And since Jesus gave up His life
so we can be forgiven of our sins, Lent doesn’t have to be only about giving up something we enjoy eating or doing—we can also give back to others.
Reflection: What could you give up this Lenten season? (Have
children write their answers on a note card. This is not for sharing. This
becomes a prayer to carry home.)
What could we do this Lenten season to give back or help others?
(Write children’s suggestions on the board.)
What service project during Lent could you do together with your class?
Prayer
Dear Lord, thank you for giving your life for us.
Help us to follow you. Help us to love you and love others. Amen.
This lesson coordinates with our Lenten Word Find Puzzle
AND our Jelly
Bean Witness activity.
You might also find these Lenten resources helpful:
*40 Days of Lent
Why Ash
Wednesday
Skit: The King's Crown
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