Yet, there were many who followed Jesus and believed in him, including some of the mothers (and a brother) of the Twelve.
Women at the Cross of Jesus
Scripture specifically names several women who traveled with Jesus, caring for the needs of the disciples–like Salome and Joanna, or who were his friends–like Mary Magdalene and Martha, sisters of Lazarus.
Your kids can read all about that in my narrative history book from Christian Focus Publications, What Was the Cross?. The book is a fun way for your kids to learn about how all of Scripture points to the work of Jesus on the Cross.
Your children can learn more about the women who stood at the Cross of Jesus to witness his crucifixion. They’ll also make a figure of Susanna, a follower of Jesus who was not named at the Cross. And, they can use the templates to create the figure of Martha, too, if they’d like. There is a label provided for her.
This fun craft will allow your kids to create seven of the women who followed Jesus.
What Was the Cross?
Discover the amazing story of the Cross in this special book from the Who, What, Why? series! With fun black-and-white illustrations and easy-to-understand explanations, young readers will explore one of the most important events in the Bible.
Why did Jesus die on the Cross? What does it mean for us today? Author Danika Cooley takes kids on an exciting journey through time, starting in the Garden of Eden and following God’s incredible rescue plan all the way to Jesus. Along the way, readers will meet fascinating characters like Isaiah who told people about Jesus hundreds of years before He was born, John the Baptist who called Jesus “the Lamb of God,” and the disciples who followed Jesus everywhere.
The Cross is the most important event in all of human history because it is the moment when Jesus, who is God the Son and the Son of God, paid for the sins of all who believe in him. Sin makes us enemies of God. Not only did Jesus bring about the forgiveness of sin for all believers, but at the Cross Jesus also made his followers friends of God instead of his enemies.
What Was the Cross?, Danika Cooley (Christian Focus Publications, 2025), page 8
Women at the Cross Craft
You can help your kids commemorate what they’re learning about biblical history in a hands-on way! Check out this fun video of the women at the Cross of Jesus craft!
Women at the Cross Craft Supplies
You’ll need a few supplies to make your women at the Cross craft:
- Cardstock (colored and white)
- Scissors
- Glue
- Pencil
- Permanent Marker
- Toilet Paper Rolls
- Printable Templates with Instructions
- Don’t forget this fun book that will teach your kids about the Cross: What Was the Cross?
Women at the Cross of Jesus Craft | Instructions
Your child’s representation of the women who followed Jesus is a great way to help them consider what they learn as they read What Was the Cross? from the Who What Why series!
1) Print your templates and labels.
Print the templates and labels for the women on cardstock. Each figure will need a base body clothing layer. You will use the same rectangular piece for each figure.
2) Assemble your female figures.
Lay the template pieces over the cardstock in the colors your child would like to use. Trace the pieces on the cardstock and cut out the pieces. Cut a slit in the head scarf, as shown.
Glue the tassels under the narrow rectangle.
Color hair onto the head, then color the eyes. Insert the head into the head scarf and glue it there. Glue the eyes onto the face, and use a permanent marker to create a face.
Glue the head over narrow tasseled belt, then glue the wide piece behind.
Glue the colored cardstock tunic around the toilet paper roll.
Then, glue the label for Mary to the front of the figure.
3) Assemble your Mary Magdalene, Mary, Salome, Joanna, Susanna, and Martha figures.
Repeat the steps to create the last six female followers of Jesus. Use the pictures to observe the way each template will allow clothing and hair to be assembled for each figure.
Display your craft as you read What Was the Cross? to remember the women who followed Jesus!
Learn more about the Who What Why series and get your FREE Resurrection Lapbooks here.
Bible Resources for Your Kids
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Christian Biographies for Kids | Christian History for Kids | Theology for Kids
Christian History Matters for Our Kids.
History matters. Now, more than ever, we see how important it is for our children to know and understand history and the Bible.
Here’s why:
- God is the sovereign ruler of all things. It’s important for our kids to see his hand in the history of nations and in the lives of both peasants and kings.
- Christian history is the story of our family history. Our kids get to see how people who love Jesus follow him.
- Understanding history can help our kids learn historic and biblical theology. They learn what the Bible says and what that means for us. They also see when the study of Scripture has taken important turns that have changed the Church.
- Reading Christian biographies and history can be a wonderful way for kids to think outside their own time and culture. God’s Church spans centuries and includes people from every nation.
- Christian biographies help kids consider their own faith, walk with Jesus, and the impact their witness may one day have on others–and on history.
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