CE: Jesus in Gethsemane: God and Man
Jesus in Gethsemane: God’s Big Choice
📖 Jesus went to a quiet garden called Gethsemane with His friends. It was nighttime, and Jesus knew something hard was about to happen—He was going to die on the cross. But before that, He wanted to talk to His Father in heaven.
Jesus said, “Father, if there’s another way, please take this cup away from me. But I will do what You want, not what I want.” That means He was scared, but still chose to obey!
He brought three of His friends—Peter, James, and John—to pray with Him. But they fell asleep… three times!
Jesus prayed very hard. He was so sad and full of pain that His sweat was like drops of blood! (Luke 22:44)
Then, an angel came to help Him stay strong. Jesus made a choice: He would take the punishment for sin, even though it hurt.
🥾 The Bruised Heel and Limping Thigh
A long time ago, God promised that someone would crush the serpent's head, but his heel would be bruised (Genesis 3:15). Jesus is that someone! In the garden, He felt the pain coming—but He didn't run away. He let His body (His flesh) be weak so He could obey by His Spirit.
It's like the story of Jacob, who wrestled with God and got a hurt leg. From then on, he limped! Jesus also chose to make His flesh limp—to not fight back. That way, He could win the battle in His heart!
🌿 Gethsemane means “oil press.” Jesus was like an olive being pressed hard. But instead of oil, love and obedience came out. He gave up His strength so He could follow God perfectly.
✝️ Jesus made the biggest, bravest choice—to obey God even when it was hard. This was the beginning of saving us all.
🎨 Coloring Page Idea
- Jesus kneeling and praying under olive trees
- Three disciples sleeping nearby
- A big heel with a bandage, and a heart glowing above it
- A snake sneaking away in the background (the serpent doesn’t win!)
- An angel standing beside Jesus, glowing with light
📝 Activity Page: Gethsemane Choices
1. Match the Symbol!
| Symbol | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Bruised heel | Jesus felt pain but obeyed |
| Limping thigh | Jesus let His flesh be weak |
| Oil press | Jesus was squeezed but still obeyed |
| Sleeping friends | We need to stay awake and pray |
2. Circle the Right Word!
Jesus said, “Not my will, but ___ be done.”
- A. My plan
- B. Your will ✅
- C. Hide me
3. Draw it!
- Draw Jesus praying.
- Draw a heel with a bruise.
- Draw a heart over Jesus, showing He obeyed even when it was hard.
4. Prayer Time “Dear God, help me obey You even when it’s hard. Thank You that Jesus chose to love us by listening to You. Amen.”
