Primary Session
Luke 23:35-43

Opening Prayer
Let us pray.
Jesus, you are ruler of all.
Thank you for your kindness and love.
In your name we pray.
Amen.

Opening Life Reflection
The theme for today is Christ the King. To begin invite the children to make crowns out of construction paper. Cut strips of construction paper and have the children decorate them with a variety of materials. Tape the strips of paper together for each child to form a crown. Discuss:
• What does a king do?
• What are some qualities of a good king?
• Why do we call Jesus, Christ the King?

Allow time for discussion. Today the Church celebrates the feast of Christ the King. On this feast we recognize and honor Jesus as ruler of all. Jesus rules with love and kindness.

Listening to the Word of God
In the gospel today listen to find out why Jesus is called king.

Read Luke 23:35-43.
Allow for silence.

Scripture Discussion Starters
• What do the soldiers say to Jesus while he hangs on the cross?
• Where is Jesus’ kingdom?
• Who asks Jesus if he can come into his kingdom?
• How does Jesus answer the criminal?

Scripture Background
Provide 2-3 minutes of background information on the gospel.

On this last Sunday of the liturgical year, the Church celebrates the feast of Christ the King. In today’s feast we recognize and honor Jesus as ruler of all.

Today’s gospel will not allow us to confuse the kingship and power of Jesus with earthly power and status. Some kings on earth may abuse their power. They can hurt people and treat others with disrespect. The image of Jesus suffering and dying on the cross shows us a king with a different kind of power. By the power of his love, Jesus is shown to be a king who is willing to save all people.

In today’s passage while Jesus hangs on the cross, the leaders and soldiers who mock him wonder what kind of king he is. A criminal, who is beside Jesus, asks to be taken into Jesus’ kingdom. This gospel account helps us to see Jesus as the king who cannot be overcome by the world, or by sin, or by death. His kingship brings salvation to the sinner and hope to us all.

Questions for Deeper Reflection
• How is Jesus different from other kings?
• How does Jesus show the power of love?
• Why does Jesus save all people?

[If you are not going to continue with the doctrinal discussion, proceed to the Gospel in Life.]

Doctrinal Discussion Starters
Christ the King
Today’s feast of Christ the King points out that Jesus is a special kind of king. Jesus is not seated on a luxurious throne surrounded by people who await his commands. Instead, the king in the gospel scene is mocked and left to die on a cross.

We could say that the cross is the throne of Christ the King because by the power of his love Jesus conquered death. By his cross and resurrection Jesus Christ has saved us all. Jesus is ruler of all and everything and everyone are subject to the power of his saving love and goodness.

• When have you heard of people using their power to hurt others? (Use examples from stories like the Lion King to show the abuse of power and position.)
• How can people use their power and position to help others? (Lion King can also be used to show the example of a good king.)
• What kind of a king is Jesus?

The Gospel in Life
How can you spread the power of Christ’s love this week at home, in school, and with your friends?

Connecting to Faith First® Legacy Edition
At Home Family Guide, theme 11
Kindergarten, page 159
Grade 1, chapter 10
Grade 3, chapter 17

Connecting to Faith First® Original Edition
At Home Family Guide, theme 11
Kindergarten, page 159
Grade 1, chapter 10
Grade 2, page 276
Grade 3, chapter 17