Lent 2004 - Cycle C - Revised Common Lectionary
February 29 through April 4, 2004
The Lord is full of compassion and mercy: Come let us adore him. (Antiphon for Lent, Book of Common Prayer, page 81) And what if, during this season of Lent, we sought a deeper understanding of this amazing gospel of grace. Will that image of grace energize us to do the spiritual housekeeping we need to be ready for the "new thing" God is doing in Easter?
First Sunday in Lent, Cycle C, Revised Common Lectionary
February 29, 2004
Luke 4: 1 - 13
A notation for this week's Gospel
Jesus, energized and equipped, goes to the wilderness where he faced-down three confrontations that challenge us to this day. The first: how do we make the distinction between what we "want" and what we "need" -- what "bread" really feeds us? Second: who do we serve and what do we worship? Third: where are we smug, sure we are right -- putting God to the test? Jesus found his way through; Lent invites us to find our way through too.
Lesson Plans for Younger Children
Theme: Confronting the temptations
Before Class. If at all possible have a meeting -- even if only by phone -- with the clergy person in your congregation so you will be working in sync with their vision for Lent. Make a note also of the visual changes, such as the use of the color purple and possibly simpler vestments. Lent is a predominantly adult season, yet the children probably will notice the more somber mood. Bear in mind that they will see very odd things on TV and may find the realization that Jesus dies to be confusing. It is important to be holding the "ending" of the Lenten stories up for the children, especially if you have children that are not in your class every single week. You might choose, during Lent, to fashion a very simple altar with the children: a cardboard box (like the ones reams of paper come in, for example) a piece of purple cloth, a candle in a jar, a Bible, a cross, and a small basket that can receive drawings the children make. You will also need paper and crayons.
Beginning. Especially if the children have been in church before coming to class, ask them if they noticed anything different. Explain that our church is getting quiet and creating space for people to think about the things Jesus had to do before he was killed and before he rose from the dead to be with God. Be open to any questions and aware of silences that indicate questions too unclear to form. If you have brought materials to fashion an altar, invite the children to arrange the items in a way that looks right to them.
Praying. Thank you, God, that you help us when we have to do hard things. Amen.
The Story. Remember a few weeks ago we talked about Jesus getting baptized? Remember he went into the water and John the Baptist baptized him and he heard that God was very pleased with him. Well, this story happened right after that. Jesus knew he had work to do, so he went off by himself to do some serious thinking. He knew there were lots of things he could do. He needed to decide which things he should do. He picked up a stone and knew he could turn it into bread -- but he was pretty sure God did not want him to do magic tricks. He knew he could be a fancy king and rule all the countries of the world.
No, he decided. It was God he wanted to serve. He could even leap off a tall mountain and tell the angels to catch him. But he was sure that was not what he was supposed to do. Now that he had decided not to do those things, he could go do the work God had given him to do.
Activity. We call things that sound like they would be exciting, but we know are not good for us: "temptations". Let's see if we can think of some "temptations." Can we think of some things we know we are not supposed to do, but we think about how it might be fun to do them anyway? (If they do not think of anything, you could suggest: those cookies that Mother said you could not have until after supper? How about the TV show Dad says you are not to watch, but the baby sitter may not know the rules?)
What would help us decide not to do a "temptation?" Could we come up with a prayer to ask Jesus to help us so we do not get into trouble? Invite the children's help in composing such a prayer and then scribe what they develop. If you and the children are satisfied with what you have created, offer to make copies for them to take home -- or leave it on your altar.
