Lesson Overview

Subject: Bible Study / History

Target Age: 7 Years Old

Theme: Being a witness to the truth, even when the "crowd" chooses something else.

Materials Needed

• A Bible (Life Application or easy-to-read version preferred)
• A "Witness Journal" (can be a few sheets of paper stapled together)
• Crayons, markers, or colored pencils
• A small hand mirror
• Optional: A simple balance scale (or a picture of one)

Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, the learner will be able to:

• Define what a "witness" is in their own words.
• Identify the three main groups/people in Mark 15:15 (Pilate, the Crowd, and Jesus).
• Explain the difference between following a crowd and standing for the truth.
• Create a "Witness Report" retelling the events of the verse.

1. Introduction: The Hook

The "Mystery Witness" Game:

Place a colorful or unusual object (like a bright toy or a strange kitchen tool) on a table. Cover it with a towel. Tell the student, "I am going to show you something for five seconds. You are going to be my Witness. That means your job is to see exactly what happens and tell the truth about it later."

Reveal the object for five seconds, then cover it. Ask the student to describe it.

Talking Point: "A witness is someone who sees something happen and then tells others the truth about it. Today, we are going to look at a very famous story in the Bible where people had to choose between the truth and what the 'crowd' wanted. We are going to be 'Witnesses' to what happened to Jesus."

2. Body: The "I Do, We Do, You Do" Model

I Do: The Story (Teacher Instruction)

Read Mark 15:15 aloud: "So Pilate, wishing to satisfy the crowd, released for them Barabbas, and having scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified."

Explanation: "In this story, there is a man named Pilate. He was a judge. He knew Jesus hadn't done anything wrong. But there was a huge crowd of people shouting, 'Let Barabbas go!' Barabbas was a man who had done bad things. Pilate had a choice: Do what he knew was right, or do what the crowd wanted so they would be happy. Pilate chose the crowd."

We Do: The "Truth vs. Crowd" Scale (Guided Practice)

Draw a simple T-chart or use a balance scale. On one side, write "The Crowd." On the other side, write "The Truth."

• Ask: "What did the crowd want?" (Write: Let Barabbas go, punish Jesus.)
• Ask: "What was the truth?" (Write: Jesus is innocent/Jesus is King.)
• Discuss: "Pilate was a witness to Jesus' goodness, but he was afraid of the loud voices. Have you ever felt like you wanted to do what your friends were doing, even if you knew it wasn't the best choice?"

You Do: The Witness Report (Independent Practice)

Hand the student their "Witness Journal." Ask them to imagine they were standing in the courtyard that day. Their task is to create a "Witness Report" with two parts:

1. The Drawing: Draw a picture of the scene. Include the crowd, Pilate, and Jesus.
2. The Statement: Complete these sentences (or dictate them to the teacher):
   • "I saw the crowd shouting for..."
   • "Pilate chose to..."
   • "I know the truth is that Jesus is..."

3. Conclusion: Closure & Recap

The Mirror Reflection:

Have the student look in the mirror. Tell them: "When you look at yourself, remember that you can be a witness for Jesus. Being a witness means telling the truth about Him even when it's hard."

Recap Questions:

• Who did Pilate try to please? (The crowd)
• Who was released instead of Jesus? (Barabbas)
• What does a witness do? (Sees and tells the truth)

Final Thought: "Even though this was a sad day for Jesus, we are witnesses to the fact that He did this because He loves us. He was willing to stay quiet so that He could save us."

Success Criteria

• Student can identify that Pilate chose the crowd over the truth.
• Student can name Barabbas as the person released.
• Student completes a drawing or writing piece reflecting the events of Mark 15:15.

Differentiation & Adaptations

• For Kinesthetic Learners: Act out the scene. Have the student play Pilate and "wash their hands" (as mentioned in other gospels) to show they are giving in to the crowd.
• For Struggling Writers: Use pre-printed stickers or cut-out pictures for the Witness Journal instead of drawing/writing.
• For Advanced Learners: Ask them to look up Acts 1:8 and compare what it means to be a witness in Mark 15 versus being a witness after Jesus rose from the dead.