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Middle School

On Our Behalf

  • Lesson Palm Sunday
  • Spring 2026
  • By: RLD Editorial Team
  • March 29, 2026
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Lesson Focus:

Jesus took what we deserved.

Bible Basis:

Mark 15:16-37; Hebrews 10:19-22

Materials Needed:

Step 1:

  • Internet access

Step 4:

  • None

Summary & Links:

Students will consider the cost of acting on behalf of others as they watch a video about heroes who put their lives on the line to save children from a burning school bus.

Memory Verse:

God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them.
—2 Corinthians 5:19a

Step 1:

Students will consider the cost of acting on behalf of others as they watch a video about heroes who put their lives on the line to save children from a burning school bus.

Materials Needed:

  • Internet access
  • Who are some people who sometimes risk their lives to save others? (Students may mention law enforcement officers, military, firefighters, parents for their children.)
  • What are some reasons someone might die for someone else? (Students may answer that a person might do this out of duty, because it is their job, because they love or care for the person [parent].)

Some jobs are dangerous. Those who serve in the military or as police officers or as firefighters put themselves in harm’s way to protect and save others. Every day these people go into dangerous situations to help and rescue people. Other people don’t have dangerous jobs but jump into crisis situations to help others. Let’s watch a video about a crisis and rescue.

Share the following video [2:04]: School bus catches fire in Bethel; mother and driver help evacuate kids

  • How do you think the kids and their parents felt about the mom and bus driver who saved them? (Students may share that they were thankful, relieved, felt they owed them something, etc.) 
  • The mom and bus driver were the heroes in this story. What about their behavior made them heroes? (Answers will vary but might include noticing a dangerous situation, working quickly to get the kids off the bus, putting themselves near a vehicle that was on fire, etc.) 
  • Can you tell about a time when you needed to be rescued? (Remind your students that there are many more things we need to be rescued from than burning buildings. If your students have a hard time thinking of things, remind them of some time when they were scared, hurt, or lost, and someone came to rescue them. Be prepared to share your own experience.)

There are many heroes in the world, some who give of their own time and talents, even those who risk their own health and safety, for the sake of others. But the greatest all-time example of this is Jesus—who gave His very body and blood to give us life and wholeness. Let’s find out more.

Looking for Steps 2 & 3?

You can find Steps 2 and 3 in your teacher’s guide. To purchase a teacher’s guide, please visit: Bible-in-Life or Echoes.

Step 4:

Materials Needed:

  • None

Out of His great love for us, Jesus stood in our place when He hung on the cross. We can’t repay Him or what He has done, but out of our gratitude and because of His examples, we can pay it forward a little when we have the chance. By standing in someone else’s place when they can’t or shouldn’t have to go it alone—being for them a friend, an advocate, or supplying a resource—we point to Jesus who stood in our place so we would never be alone, but could be with Him always. 

  • How does it feel to be in need or alone? (Accept all reasonable answers. One might feel overlooked, forgotten, misunderstood, unloved, etc. Students may share examples of times they have experienced this.) 
  • How does it feel to be treated kindly or receive support when you are in need or feeling alone? (Accept all reasonable answers. One might feel relief, surprise, joy, gratitude, etc. Students may share examples of times they have experienced this.)

Talk to your students about which of the following examples they would be willing to stand in someone’s place or act on behalf of others. Encourage conversation about what causes us to lean into our comfort zones and what might inspire us to act. 

Stand up for a friend being bullied or teased online.
Speak up for someone with a disability to ensure they get the access and opportunities they need.
Give food to a hungry stranger.
Help a competitor who is injured.
Bring groceries to a homebound neighbor.
Raise money for a family in need.
Volunteer to walk a dog for someone who is sick (with your parents’ permission.)

Send thank you notes to first responders. 

  • How can you stand in someone’s place this week? (Accept all reasonable answers. Previous conversation may have prompted ideas. The key is to identify a need around you or a personal blind spot or comfort zone to break out of.)

Challenge them to look for opportunities to follow through. Urge them to send you a selfie as they engage in this challenge along with info on the way(s) they are following through.

Close in prayer with gratitude for what Jesus has done for us and asking for boldness to act on behalf of others to demonstrate the love of Christ.

Spread the word

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