Maybe you are hosting your family Easter celebration for the twentieth time? Perhaps this is your very first Easter as a believer in Jesus? No matter if you have been around the block celebrating or not, Easter is arguably the most important holiday for Christians. If it were not for Jesus dying on the cross and raising himself back to life, we would not have eternal life and forgiveness of sins. This is huge! Part of the beauty of Easter is that it can often be a very casual way to invite someone to church who would not regularly go, or have that neighbor come over for your Easter party or meal. Today I want to equip you with Bible verse discussions and activities for your family this Easter.
Bible Verses:
Luke 23:44-46 “It was now about noon, and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon, for the sun stopped shining. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Jesus called out with a loud voice, ‘Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.’ When he had said this, he breathed his last.”
Discussion Question: When we think about the great darkness (physically, emotionally, and spiritually) that Jesus faced, what darkness of yours did He die for on the cross that day?
Kids: What is a sin that Jesus died for on the cross for you?
John 20:14-15 says, “At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus. He asked her, ‘Woman, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?’ Thinking he was the gardener, she said, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him.” Jesus said to her, “Mary.”She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, ‘Rabboni!' (which means ‘Teacher’)."
Discussion Question: How has knowing Jesus removed sadness in your life?
Kids: How does Jesus comfort you when you feel sad?
Luke 24:1-8 says, “On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: ‘The Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.’ ” Then they remembered his words.”
Discussion Question: How does the message of the angels remind us today that Christ is faithful to His word.
Kids: How does God tell the truth?
John 3:16-17 says, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”
Discussion Question: Why did God send Jesus to us? How has this or could this affect each of our lives personally?
Kids: Why did God send Jesus to us?
Romans 8:34 says, “Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.”
Discussion Question: To be condemned means to be sentenced guilty to punishment. Why is it amazing that because of Jesus we have no condemnation?
Kids: Jesus helps us to be accepted. How has Jesus included you into His family?
1 Corinthians 15:20-21 says, “But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man.”
Discussion Question: How do we see Jesus’ fulfillment in what Adam could not do? How is Jesus the Last Adam?
Kids: How did Jesus beat sin?
Philippians 3:10-11 says, “I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.”
Discussion Question: If you could ask Jesus one question to know Him more, what would it be?
Kids: What question do you want to ask Jesus?
Activities:
Besides the classic Easter egg hunt or Easter egg coloring, we sometimes want to try new ideas for activities. Below are some faith-based activities which you can do on your own or with friends or family.
Colorful Light Ray Cross: This is a great art project to do with kids. All you need is oil pastels, water colors, white card stock and blue painters tape to create a beautiful cross.
A Sense of the Resurrection: This is a wonderful activity for children. It provides a way for them to experience through the five senses some of the details mentioned about the time of Jesus’ death. (foot washing, smell of vinegar, etc.)
Easter Story Lego Challenge: Split off into groups and each group create a different part of the crucifixion and resurrection story using legos.
Easter Skit: Help your kids put on an Easter skit. They can create props like the rolling stone or the crown of thorns and perform the play.
Make a Tomb Cake: By taking half of a bundt cake, you can make a tomb scene and enjoy the delicious food.
Salt Dough Tomb: (For older kids) Try out crafting a salt dough tomb.
Easter Story Wreath: Try making an Easter Story wreath that tells the gospel in a circle.
Mini Resurrection Garden: Make a mini resurrection garden by using gardening pots and nature.
Jelly Bean Pray Jars: Place each color of jelly bean into the plastic eggs. Read about each prayer based on the color.
However you choose to celebrate this Easter, remember that Jesus has risen and we can enjoy His victory each and every day. Create an atmosphere of open discussion and prayer. Be inventive and try or create a new activity for your children or grandchildren. No one is ever too young to learn about Jesus’ gift of salvation to the world. Happy Easter!
Photo credit: ©GettyImages/dndavis
Emma Danzey’s mission in life stems from Ephesians 3:20-21, to embrace the extraordinary. One of her greatest joys is to journey with the Lord in His Scriptures. She is wife to Drew and mom to Graham. Emma serves alongside her husband in ministry, she focuses most of her time in the home, but loves to provide articles on the Bible, life questions, and Christian lifestyle. Her article on Interracial Marriage was the number 1 on Crosswalk in 2021. Most recently, Emma released Treasures for Tots, (Scripture memory songs) for young children. During her ministry career, Emma has released Wildflower: Blooming Through Singleness, two worship EP albums, founded and led Polished Conference Ministries, and ran the Refined Magazine. You can view her articles on her blog at emmadanzey.wordpress.com and check out her Instagram @Emmadanzey.