Children's Liturgy Guide

Christ the King

Year C · Ordinary Time

Jesus Is Our King

Reading: Luke 23:35-43

Leader Prep

Don't worry about doing this perfectly. If the children hear one good idea about God, Jesus, prayer, kindness, forgiveness, or the Gospel, this time has been worthwhile.

Summary

Today we hear about when Jesus was on the cross. A man hanging next to Jesus asked Jesus to remember him, and Jesus promised that man would be with him in paradise. Even on the cross, Jesus showed he is a king who loves and forgives.

Key Points

  • Jesus showed his kingship through love and mercy, not through power or armies
  • The good thief recognized Jesus as king and asked to be remembered
  • Jesus promised the good thief they would be together in paradise that very day
  • A king who forgives from the cross shows a different kind of power

Background

This Gospel places us at Calvary on Christ the King Sunday, a deliberate liturgical choice: the cross is Christ's throne, and his crown is made of thorns. The good thief's confession, 'Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom,' is one of the purest acts of faith in Scripture. Jesus responds with immediate, unconditional mercy. The mockery from the rulers and soldiers, 'Save yourself if you are the Christ,' contrasts sharply with this mercy. Jesus could have saved himself, but chose instead to save others. For children, emphasize that Jesus is a king who loves us so much he forgives, and that we can always ask Jesus to remember us. Set aside the theological complexity of atonement and the details of Roman execution. Note: this reading takes place during the crucifixion. Parishes often have Children's Bibles that present the Passion at an age-appropriate level. You may choose to focus primarily on the dialogue between Jesus and the good thief rather than dwelling on the physical details of crucifixion.

Session Flow

Opening Prayer

Invite the children to pray with you, then read the opening prayer below. If many don't know the sign of the cross, teach the whole group.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Dear Jesus, thank you for being our king who loves us always. Help us to listen to your words today and to remember how much you care for each one of us. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Warm-up

Ask the warm-up question before the reading. There are no wrong answers; this is just to help the children connect today's reading to their own lives.

Have you ever asked someone to remember you, like when a friend was going away or when you wanted someone to think of you?

Example: When my grandma was going back to her house far away, I asked her to remember me and she said she would think of me every day.

Bridge to the reading: In today's reading, we will hear about a man who asked Jesus to remember him. And we will hear what Jesus, our king, said back to him.

Read the Scripture

Read the day's selected passage aloud. The full Scripture text is not included here. Use a Children's Lectionary if your parish has one available. A children's Bible may also be helpful for younger children. Otherwise, read from a standard lectionary, Bible, or USCCB.org. Read slowly, with short pauses.

Reading Questions

Ask the questions conversationally. You do not need to use every question if time is short. The example answers are for leader preparation, not scripts or required answers.

  1. Where was Jesus in today's reading?

    Example: Jesus was on the cross. He was hanging there and there were other people around him watching.

  2. What did the man next to Jesus ask him to do?

    Example: The man asked Jesus to remember him when Jesus came into his kingdom, like he wanted Jesus to think of him.

  3. What did Jesus promise the man?

    Example: Jesus promised that the man would be with him in paradise that very same day, which is like heaven.

  4. Why do you think Jesus answered the man so kindly even though Jesus was hurting?

    Example: I think Jesus answered kindly because he loved the man and he wanted to help him feel better and not be scared.

Application Questions

Use these questions to help the children connect the reading to their own lives this week. Simple, concrete answers are best.

  1. How does it feel to know that Jesus will always remember you and love you?

    Example: It makes me feel really happy and safe inside, like I have a friend who will never forget me ever.

  2. What could you do when someone is having a hard time, to show them you care like Jesus did?

    Example: I could sit with them and talk nicely to them and maybe give them a hug to help them feel better.

  3. This week, how could you ask Jesus to remember you, maybe before you go to sleep?

    Example: I could say a little prayer at bedtime and ask Jesus to remember me and be with me while I sleep.

Recap

Today we heard about Jesus on the cross. A man next to Jesus asked, 'Remember me,' and Jesus promised they would be together in paradise. Jesus is our king, and he shows his love by forgiving and remembering each one of us always.

Prayer of the Faithful

Before returning to the assembly, invite the children to share their own prayer intentions. Their prayers may be serious, simple, funny, or very specific. After each child's prayer, the group may respond: "Lord, hear our prayer." Lastly, include the suggested prayer below.

For all the people who feel forgotten or alone, that they may know Jesus remembers them and loves them, we pray to the Lord.

Closing Prayer

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Lord Jesus, our king, thank you for always remembering us and loving us. Help us to remember you each day and to share your love with others. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

ChildrensLiturgy.org

Jesus Is Our King

Luke 23:35-43

Word Search

Optional activity: use the word search after the discussion if you have time, or send it home with the children. The words relate to today's Children's Liturgy Scripture passage.

A U G D S R U F K V Z Y M Y V
U D O L F I F F T R S X E L S
R E S U X I B L L E O D G S B
T F U P O Q G X A M T C O F A
P R O M I S E U G E X R E E D
A G C A Z D M G C M C S B I O
U B P Q E U K Q W B T I V H O
E U L N X R V K D E H A H T E
S K K I N G D O M R J I D G V
I U E H T N E A B J E S U S O
D O N C K A M F O R G I V E L
A T T C E N O R H T U S K P T
R Q M M Y P C D K I N G Z T W
A U H P A L A B F M Y S J Z G
P X M E R C Y X Z U R K V Y N

Words to find

  • Jesus
  • king
  • cross
  • remember
  • paradise
  • love
  • forgive
  • promise
  • kingdom
  • mercy
  • thief
  • throne

ChildrensLiturgy.org