By Janette Haak

Lenten Devotion for Friday, April 4

Read John 16:19-24

Family Discussion

Joy and happiness are different. Jesus talks about having joy. As a Christian, what does it mean to have joy and how is that different than happiness? Jesus tells the disciples that he will be leaving and they will grieve, but he will come back and their grief will turn to joy.

Supplies

  • 1 package frozen rolls, thawed
  • 1 bag large marshmallows
  • ¼ C. melted butter
  • 6 tbs sugar
  • 1 tsp. cinnamon

Activity

  1. Press the rolls into flat circles.  The rolls represent the linen used for covering Jesus’ body.
  2. Roll the marshmallows in the melted butter.   Each marshmallow represents     Jesus’ body.  In New Testament times, oils were used to anoint the bodies.  The melted butter represents the oil.
  3. Mix sugar and cinnamon together. Roll the marshmallow in the sugar-cinnamon mixture, which represents the spices used to prepare Jesus’ body for burial.
  4. Place a marshmallow in the center of each roll and pinch dough around it.  Shape the marshmallow-filled rolls into balls.
  5. Let the rolls rise 30-45 minutes.  Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes.
  6. Cut one open.  Like the tomb on Easter morning, the rolls are empty.

We pray: Dear God, thank you that you can turn our grief into joy. Amen.

Recipe from Focus on the Family Club House Jr.