Roses and Thorns

Materials
A Rose (or other flower)

Activity
Show a beautiful flower to the children - talk about how fragrant and pleasing it is. Next bruise some of the rose petals and point out the thorns. Jesus Body was bruised for our iniquities and a crown of thorns was placed on his head.

Now Enlist someone to be a timekeeper and someone to take the rose and see how fast he/she can pull all the petals off the flower. (Make this into a fun contest). At the end of the “race” announce the time - then ask for another volunteer. Get the timekeeper ready and then announce - “Ok, let’s see if you can beat that time. Are you ready? Ok, get set....put it back together.”

This is an interesting moment.

Application
Sometimes things may seem hopeless. Christ was crucified, his body bruised, his blood shed and he was dead. Point out that only God can make a rose. We can destroy it like Christ’s body was crucified and it may seem impossible to bring it back to life. But with God all things are possible. No matter how hard one tries, you cannot rebuild a rose. It’s ruined. But then point out that God can restore life through Jesus Christ.