Maundy Thursday: The Garden Of Gethsemane Easter Activity Pack (8-12 years) - Activity Pack

The Maundy Thursday: The Garden of Gethsemane Easter Activity Pack is an engaging resource for children aged 8-12 years, designed to deepen their understanding of the events leading up to Easter. It revolves around the poignant moment when Jesus prays in Gethsemane, as described in Mark 14:32-41. In this passage, Jesus, accompanied by his disciples, enters an olive grove called Gethsemane, where he experiences deep distress and urges his disciples to keep watch while he prays. Despite his request, he finds them asleep multiple times, and eventually, he confronts the reality of his imminent betrayal just as Judas arrives. The activity pack includes a variety of exercises such as reading comprehension questions, reflections on the emotional state of Jesus, and discussions on the significance of Gethsemane. It encourages children to contemplate the gravity of Jesus' situation and his human emotions during this critical time.

The activity pack further explores the themes of betrayal and sacrifice through various creative tasks. Children are invited to craft a glass jar candle holder with the theme "watch & pray" as a tangible reminder of the lesson. They also engage with the narrative by drawing scenes and matching characters to their actions, fostering a deeper connection with the story. The pack prompts children to consider the character of Judas Iscariot, encouraging them to describe him using a range of adjectives and to write a diary entry from his perspective on the night he betrayed Jesus. The resource concludes by asking reflective questions about what can be learned from Judas' character, thereby offering a comprehensive and thought-provoking exploration of the events in Gethsemane and their significance within the Easter story.