Exegetical Aim: Discipleship involves suffering and hardship.

Props: A large cross that will be difficult for the kids to lift. If you do not have a large cross then have the kids make a medium size cross out of two-by-fours. Allow the children to do as much as possible in the construction. You will need: Hammer, nails, and appropriately cut pieces of wood, and plywood on which to work. If you are doing the latter, you will be able to use only some of the material below.

Lesson: Good morning! (response) Today I want to tell you something Jesus said and you tell me what it means and then we are going to see if you can do it. Jesus said, "Take up your cross and follow me." What did he mean? (r…