Skip to main content
    All Sunday school lessons
    Free · KJV · Lesson Plan

    The Crucifixion: Sunday School Lesson

    Luke 23 · John 19

    Ages 8–12 ~45 min Memory: John 19:30

    Print this page straight from your browser — the story, memory verse, discussion questions and craft all fit on one sheet.

    Big Idea

    The cross was not something done to Jesus; it was something He finished for us.

    Story Summary

    Jesus was condemned though Pilate found no fault in Him, and was crucified at the place called Calvary between two thieves. He prayed for those who nailed Him there, promised paradise to a dying thief, and cried 'It is finished' before yielding up the ghost. The veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom.

    Read the full retelling →

    Memory Verse (KJV)

    “It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.”

    John 19:30

    Discussion Questions

    1. What did Jesus pray for the soldiers who crucified Him?

      Teacher hint: 'Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do' (Luke 23:34).

    2. What did Jesus promise the thief who believed?
    3. What does 'It is finished' mean?

      Teacher hint: The work of paying for sin was complete — nothing can be added.

    4. Why was the temple veil torn from the top down, not the bottom up?

    Craft Idea: Torn Veil Card

    Supplies

    • Card stock
    • Purple or red paper
    • Scissors
    • Markers

    Steps

    1. Glue the coloured paper over the card as a veil.
    2. Tear it carefully from the top to the bottom.
    3. Write John 19:30 underneath the tear.
    4. Read Matthew 27:51 as the veils are torn.

    Printable Worksheet

    Print the lesson page for the memory verse and discussion questions. Pair with the Easter lesson.

    Coloring page This Sunday's lesson

    Lesson flow (45 minutes)

    1. Welcome (5 min): Pray, then read the memory verse aloud three times together.
    2. Story (10 min): Tell the story summary in your own words; open a KJV to Luke 23 · John 19.
    3. Discussion (10 min): Walk through the questions above. Let every child answer at least once.
    4. Craft (15 min): Make the torn veil card.
    5. Wrap-up (5 min): Hand out the worksheet to finish at home and recite the memory verse one last time.

    More Sunday school lessons

    Luke 24:13–35

    The Road to Emmaus

    Ages 8–12 · ~40 min

    Acts 1:1–11

    The Ascension

    Ages 6–12 · ~40 min

    Acts 2

    The Day of Pentecost

    Ages 7–12 · ~45 min

    Acts 9:1–22

    The Conversion of Paul

    Ages 8–12 · ~45 min

    Acts 16:16–34

    Paul and Silas in Prison

    Ages 6–12 · ~40 min

    Matthew 28:16–20

    The Great Commission

    Ages 6–12 · ~35 min

    Genesis 6–9

    Noah's Ark

    Ages 4–10 · ~45 min

    1 Samuel 17

    David and Goliath

    Ages 5–11 · ~45 min

    Jonah 1–4

    Jonah and the Whale

    Ages 4–10 · ~40 min

    Where to go next

    Teaching The Crucifixion? Here is what to grab next for your class.