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      Good Friday: different Christian commemorations

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can explain why Jesus’ Crucifixion is so important for Christians and how this is commemorated on Good Friday.

      Key learning points

      1. The Gospels describe the death of Jesus.
      2. Many Christians believe Jesus' death was a sacrifice for sin.
      3. Some churches hold ecumenical events on Good Friday.

      Keywords

      • Good Friday - the day when Christians remember Jesus' death on the cross

      • Sacrifice - surrendering as an offering to God

      • Ecumenical - number of different Christian Churches working together

      • Gospels - the stories of Jesus' life and teaching

      • Forgiveness - the process of being forgiven

      Common misconception

      Christians from different churches always disagree and never work together.

      Christians from different churches often agree with each other and work together.

      Teacher tip

      If possible, visit a local church which has a display of Stations of the Cross. Also, be mindful of anyone within your class who has been bereaved, as this lesson discusses the death of Jesus.

      Content guidance

      Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

      Supervision

      Adult supervision recommended

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Lesson video

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      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      5 Questions

      Q1.
      On Maundy Thursday, the bishop blesses holy for use in ceremonies.

      Correct Answer: oil, Oil

      Q2.
      What meal do Christians remember on Maundy Thursday?

      Breakfast Feast
      Harvest Meal
      Correct answer: The Last Supper

      Q3.
      Who renews their vows on Maundy Thursday?

      Correct answer: deacons, priests, and bishops
      all Christians
      The Royal Family

      Q4.
      What does the King give out on Maundy Thursday?

      silver crosses
      church candles
      Correct answer: Maundy money

      Q5.
      What did Jesus do for his disciples at the Last Supper?

      Correct answer: washed their feet
      gave them gifts
      took them on a journey

      5 Questions

      Q1.
      Match the words to their meanings.

      Correct Answer:Good Friday,the day Jesus died on the cross

      the day Jesus died on the cross

      Correct Answer:sacrifice,giving up something as an offering to God

      giving up something as an offering to God

      Correct Answer:gospels,stories of Jesus’ life and teachings

      stories of Jesus’ life and teachings

      Q2.
      Who was the Ancient Roman governor who put Jesus on trial?

      Julius Caesar
      King David
      Correct answer: Pontius Pilate

      Q3.
      What do Christians believe happened on Easter Sunday?

      Jesus stayed in the tomb
      Correct answer: Jesus was resurrected
      Jesus went to another country

      Q4.
      What is a March of Witness?

      Correct answer: a walk where Christians tell the Good Friday story
      a race to celebrate Easter
      a parade with big floats

      Q5.
      What do Christians from different churches often do together?

      compete against each other
      Correct answer: work together
      ignore each other

      To help you plan your 3 religious education lesson on: Good Friday: different Christian commemorations, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...