Object: a crown-of-thorns plant.

Boys and girls, here is something that we think of during Lent. What is it? That's right. This is a crown of thorns. Can we remember who wore one of these and when it was? (Let them tell you the story of Jesus' trial and crucifixion.) It was a terrible thing that happened to Jesus, wasn't it? When we think about that story, we don't feel good about it.

But there is something about what happened when Jesus wore the crown of thorns that is really very good. Can you tell me what it is? (Let them try some answers.) When Jesus wore the crown of thorns, he was doing something good for the whole world. In today's Gospel story, he tells his followers, "I came to give my life to redeem many people." What do you suppose that means?

Sometimes we redeem things when we buy…