Jesus the True Prophet Who Saves

## 1. What Did Jesus Tell His Friends? (5 min) Read the main passage together.

And as Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, he took the twelve disciples aside, and on the way he said to them, 'See, we are going up to Jerusalem. And the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and scribes, and they will condemn him to death and deliver him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified, and he will be raised on the third day.' (Matthew 20:17-19)

Ask: What three big things did Jesus say would happen to Him?

Expected answer: Jesus said He would be handed over to the religious leaders, killed by being mocked, flogged, and crucified, and then raised from the dead on the third day.

Theological framing: This is Jesus' third passion prediction. He is not guessing; He is declaring the future with exact detail. This validates His prophetic office.

Redirect: If kids only mention death, ask: 'What good news did He give after the bad news?'

## 2. Why Does It Matter That Jesus Got the Future Right? (5 min) Read this cross-reference together.

But the prophet who presumes to speak a word in my name that I have not commanded him to speak, or who speaks in the name of other gods, that same prophet shall die. And if you say in your heart, 'How may we know the word that the LORD has not spoken?'—when a prophet speaks in the name of the LORD, if the word does not come to pass or come true, that is a word that the LORD has not spoken. (Deuteronomy 18:20-22)

Ask: If someone says they know the future but they are wrong, should we trust them? Why not?

Expected answer: No, because if they are wrong about the future, they might be wrong about other things too. A real prophet from God always tells the truth, and everything Jesus said came true.

Theological framing: The sermon used Deuteronomy 18 to show that a true prophet's predictions come to pass. Jesus perfectly predicted His death and resurrection, proving He is the true Prophet who speaks God's very words.

Redirect: If kids say fortune tellers are fake, affirm that and distinguish biblical prophecy from magic or guesses.

## 3. Why Did Jesus Go to the Cross? (7 min) Ask: Jesus never sinned, so He did not deserve to die. Who was He dying for?

Expected answer: He was dying for sinners—for us. He took the punishment we deserved so we could be forgiven and brought near to God.

Theological framing: The sermon taught substitutionary atonement from Isaiah 53 and Romans 5:8. Jesus absorbed God's wrath in our place. This is the heart of the gospel: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Redirect: If a child answers 'everyone,' affirm that and ask, 'Does that include you personally? How does that make you feel?'

## 4. When Is It Hard to Trust God's Plan? (5 min) Ask: The disciples felt sad and confused when Jesus talked about suffering. Have you ever felt worried or uncomfortable when you heard something hard about following Jesus?

Expected answer: Answers will vary. Examples: when a friend makes fun of my faith, when I have to obey instead of getting my way, or when I do not understand why something sad happened.

Theological framing: The disciples moved from arguing with Jesus in Matthew 16 to distressed silence in Matthew 20. Kids need to know that hard truths about Jesus are still true, and He is trustworthy even when we feel confused or sad.

Redirect: If kids say 'nothing is hard,' ask about a time they had to obey a parent or teacher even when they did not want to.

## 5. How Can We Live Like We Believe Jesus' Words? (Application Prompt) (3 min) Ask: Since Jesus proved He is God's true Prophet and that He died and rose to save us, what is one way you can show you trust Him this week?

Expected answer: I can read my Bible to hear what Jesus says, I can tell a friend that Jesus is real and loves them, or I can obey Him even when it is hard because He knows what is best.

Theological framing: Faith in Jesus as the true Prophet and substitute produces obedience. The application prompt should move kids from mental agreement to lived trust in everyday choices.

Redirect: If answers are vague, suggest specific categories: words, actions, or attitudes toward family and friends.