Matthew 28:1-10; Mark 16:1-8; Luke 24:1-12; John 20:1-9, 1 Corinthians 15:1-8, 12-20
This story is one of the most important stories out of the entire Bible. It is the foundation of our faith. Yes, Jesus was sent to earth in the form of a baby. He lived on the earth, performed miracles and healed people. The Jews had him crucified at the hands of the Romans. Those are all important parts of the story. But without the resurrection, it is a mere tragedy - not the cornerstone of human history. (See 1 Corinthians 15:1-8, 12-20)
Do not take this story for granted. While you might believe firmly that Christ was indeed raised from the dead by God's power, we must teach this to our children! And not as just a statement of fact. Teach the story. Let them experience the details that are provided to us in the scriptures we listed above.
Here are some highlights:
Does anyone know why we celebrate Easter? Is it about Easter bunnies, eggs, candies, presents, and dressing up in our nicest outfits?
Today, we are going to learn about the real reason we celebrate Easter. This is the most important story in the whole Bible!
Read story from a Children's storybook Bible for younger children.
For older children, read the story from an age-appropriate Children's storybook Bible or tell the story yourself.
Bring in the highlights of the stories from all 4 gospel accounts (see the "Story Summary") as you see fit with your students. This is an exciting story, and is more detailed than just "Jesus rose from the dead!". Make sure your students get the full picture.
Scripture for Kids to Read Aloud: Matthew 28:1-10
First, ask the children if they have any questions about the story. What to do if you don't know the answer?
Scripture "Don't be alarmed," he said. "You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him. Mark 16:6
Supplies small paper plates, 1 pkg. refrigerated biscuits ,1 bag large marshmallows, 1/2 cup melted butter, 3/4 cup sugar, 2 tablespoons cinnamon
Supplies various - see below
Scripture and they asked each other, "Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb?" 4 But when they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away. Mark 16:3-4
Supplies air dry clay, small strips of linen, large stones
Scripture So Peter and the other disciple [John] started for the tomb. Both were running, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. He bent over and looked in at the strips of linen lying there but did not go in. Then Simon Peter came along behind him and went straight into the tomb. He saw the strips of linen lying there. John 20:3-6
Heads up! Be sensitive with this topic, especially if any of your children have lost a loved one recently
Scripture Nicodemus brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds. Taking Jesus' body, the two of them wrapped it, with the spices, in strips of linen. This was in accordance with Jewish burial customs. John 19:39b-40
Supplies myrrh, cloth
Scripture Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance. So she came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved, and said, "They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don't know where they have put him!" John 20:1-2
Supplies rocks, paint brushes, paint
Scripture I can do everything by the power of Christ. He gives me strength. Philippians 4:13
Supplies Easter eggs with words from Bible verse