On Our Behalf

David C Cook COVID-19 Response

Middle School

Lesson Palm Sunday
Spring 2023
By: RLD Editorial Team
April 02, 2023

Lesson Focus:

Jesus took what we deserved.

Bible Basis:

Mark 15:16-37; Hebrews 10:19-22

Materials Needed:

Step 1:

Internet access

Step 4:

None

Summary & Links:

Students will consider the cost of acting on behalf of others as they watch a video about a hero who put his life on the line to save children from a burning building.

Memory Verse:

God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. —2 Corinthians 5:19a

Students will consider the cost of acting on behalf of others as they watch a video about a hero who put his life on the line to save children from a burning building.

Materials Needed:

Internet access

Who are some people who sometimes risk their lives to save others? (Students may mention law enforcement officers, military, firefighters, parents for their children.)
What are some reasons someone might die for someone else? (Students may answer that a person might do this out of duty, because it is their job, because they love or care for the person [parent].)

Some jobs are dangerous. Those who serve in the military or as police officers or as firefighters put themselves in harm’s way to protect and save others. Every day these people go into dangerous situations to help and rescue people. Let’s watch an amazing video about a crisis and rescue.

Share the following video [2:13]:
‘Please tell me that baby’s ok’ | Man rescues 5 children from burning home

How do you think the kids and their parents felt about the firefighter who saved them? (Students may share that they were thankful, relieved, felt they owed him something, etc.)
The news reporters said Nicholas was the hero in this story. What about this firefighter’s behavior made him a hero? (Answers will vary but might include entering a dangerous situation and being willing to do whatever it took to save the victims.)
Can you tell about a time when you needed to be rescued? (Remind your students that there are many more things we need to be rescued from than burning buildings. If your students have a hard time thinking of things, remind them of some time when they were scared, hurt, or lost and someone came to rescue them. Be prepared to share your own experience.)

There are many heroes in the world, some who give of their own time and talents, even those who risk their own health and safety, for the sake of others. But the greatest all-time example of this is Jesus—who gave His very body and blood to give us life and wholeness. Let’s find out more.

Looking for Steps 2 & 3?

You can find Steps 2 and 3 in your teacher’s guide. To purchase a teacher’s guide, please visit: Bible-in-Life or Echoes.

Materials Needed:

None

Out of His great love for us, Jesus stood in our place when He hung on the cross. We can’t repay Him or what He has done, but out of our gratitude and because of His examples, we can pay it forward a little when we have the chance. By standing in someone else’s place when they can’t or shouldn’t have to go it alone—being for them a friend, an advocate, or supplying a resource—we point to Jesus who stood in our place so we would never be alone, but could be with Him always.

How does it feel to be in need or alone? (Accept all reasonable answers. One might feel overlooked, forgotten, misunderstood, unloved, etc. Students may share examples of times they have experienced this.)
How does it feel to be treated kindly or receive support when you are in need or feeling alone? (Accept all reasonable answers. One might feel relief, surprise, joy, gratitude, etc. Students may share examples of times they have experienced this.)

Talk to your students about which of the following examples they would be willing to stand in someone’s place or act on behalf of others. Encourage conversation about what causes us to lean into our comfort zones and what might inspire us to act.

Stand up for a friend being bullied or teased online.
Speak up for someone with a disability to ensure they get the access and opportunities they need.
Give food to a hungry stranger.
Help a competitor who is injured.
Bring groceries to a homebound neighbor.
Raise money for a family in need.
Volunteer to walk a dog for someone who is sick (with your parents’ permission.)
Send thank you notes to first responders.

How can you stand in someone’s place this week? (Accept all reasonable answers. Previous conversation may have prompted ideas. The key is to identify a need around you or a personal blind spot or comfort zone to break out of.)

Challenge them to look for opportunities to follow through. Urge them to send you a selfie as they engage in this challenge along with info on the way(s) they are following through.

Close in prayer with gratitude for what Jesus has done for us and asking for boldness to act on behalf of others to demonstrate the love of Christ.

About

David C Cook is a nonprofit organization dedicated to publishing and distributing leadership and discipleship resources to help Christians all over the world grow in their faith and pass it on to the next generation. We call this “DiscipleShaping”.

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In some lessons, we may provide you with suggestions of third party content or provide links to third party websites that may align with the lesson topic. At the time a lesson is written, our editors carefully review the cited third party content and websites. However, we do not own or control the third party content or websites and they may change over time including, for example, the addition of advertisements, suggested content, pop-ups, etc on a website page that may not be appropriate for children or classroom use. We take no responsibility for such third party content or websites or for your use of them, including your use of them in a lesson. Please review each cited content or website carefully before utilizing in a lesson.

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David C Cook COVID-19 Response

Middle School

On Our Behalf

Lesson Focus:

Bible Basis:

Materials Needed:

Step 1:

Step 4:

Summary & Links:

Memory Verse:

Step 1:

Materials Needed:

Looking for Steps 2 & 3?

Step 4:

Materials Needed:

Spread the word

About

Connect With Us

Search Lessons

Disclaimer of Third Party Content