THE CRUCIFIXION IN COLORS

OBJECTS: A Collection of Colored Papers

This is a lesson on the Crucifixion of Jesus. It is taught by small colored papers. Each stage of the crucifixion is illustrated by a color. The paper used is the common glazed paper which can be supplied by any paper store that deals in fancy paper. You can also use little blocks of muslin or any other colored goods. Cut the blocks about 4 x 5-1/2 inches in size; some of the pieces you will notice will be long and narrow. (See Diagram.)

Pin these blocks upon some background so all the listeners may see the work. You will notice by the diagram that when every piece is in its place a perfect cross is formed. Follow the order of the diagram and commence at the foot of the cross. At this place put a brown color. This color stands for the common earth, the ground of Calvary in which the cross was planted. Talk about holy ground if you so desire, but say this is the Most Holy Ground. It was here they placed the cross and crucified Jesus.

The next block is divided into two parts—white and blue. These were the dominant colors of the high priest's garments to whom Jesus was sent the hour of his arrest. Describe now the wild scene—the mad mob all seeking to bring him to trial for death sentence.

The next block is gold—the dominant color in the royal robe of Pilate. It was the color of his scepter and

DIAGRAM

the golden eagle, the symbol of the government of Rome which he represented. Before him Jesus was brought and tried, and ordered to be sent to the cross.

Next put up the purple block. This represents the purple robe the soldier put on Jesus.

The next color is green—the color of the thorns of the bush, which had been twisted into a crown of thorns.

The next color is white—the color of Christ's own robe that the soldiers put on him.

Red is the next color, and it stands for the blood he shed. Black stands for the darkness which was in the land from the sixth to the ninth hour.

Yellow is the next. This stands for the yellowish sponge which was put to his lips.

The next colors, white, red, and purple, were the colors of the veil of the Temple which was rent in twain when Jesus gave up the ghost on the cross. And the last color, silver, stands for the armor of the centurion who, when he saw the Crucified One, proclaimed his belief in the Son of God. You have now built a cross as you talked, and each part of the cross represents some striking step in the tragedy of the Green Hill.

After the color blocks are in their place, ask the children to tell you the story according to the colors. After they have been well drilled let them put the color strips up in their proper place, and tell you the story.

After you are through with this lesson it would be a good plan to paste these colors on a piece of muslin or heavy paper, and hang the diagram up on the wall and often refer to it, and ask the children its meaning. This is a Good Friday subject, and can always be used as a redemption story.