LESSON OVERVIEW FOR ADULTS
In Matthew 28:5-6, Luke 19:28-35, Matthew 26-28, we see the story of Jesus’ final days, His death, and His resurrection. Jesus entered Jerusalem as a King, humbly riding on a donkey, showing that He came to bring peace. Later, He shared a special meal with His disciples and prepared them for what was to come. Jesus willingly gave His life on the cross to take the punishment for sin, showing the depth of God’s love for humanity.
Three days after Jesus died, something amazing happened. Women went to visit His tomb and found it empty. An angel told them that Jesus was not there because He had risen, just as He said He would. The resurrection proves that Jesus is God’s Son and that He has power over sin and death. This is the foundation of our hope and the reason we celebrate Easter.
PLAY ROOM 10:15–10:30
Children will be dropped off in the playroom between 10:15–10:30 a.m. Allow them to play freely as they arrive. Transition them to the classroom at 9:00 a.m.
OPENING ACTIVITY 10:30–10:45 | He is Risen Angel
Items Needed
- He is Risen Angel (printed on cardstock)
- Crayons
- Popsicle Sticks
- Glue or Tape
Give each child a popsicle stick, angel, and cutout saying. Have them color their angel and then glue the saying onto the angel. Tape the angel to a popsicle stick. Have them practice saying “He is not here, He has risen” with their angels.
WORSHIP IN SONG 10:45–10:55
PRAYER 10:55–11:05 a.m.
Transition kids to the floor for prayer time. Pray for thankful hearts because Jesus is alive and for understanding how much Jesus loves us. Ask kids to pray individually as they feel led. Don’t force a kid who doesn’t want to pray to pray, just allow them as led.
BIBLE STORY 11:05–11:15
Classroom Promise: With my eyes on my teacher, my mouth quiet as can be, I will listen to hear, how God loves you and me.
Where do the stories we learn about come from?
[Wait for response]
That’s right, the Bible, God’s Word.
Today’s story comes from the New Testament, from the books of Matthew and Luke.
[Point to Bible]
[Have kids sit quietly, then lean in and whisper]
Something AMAZING happened. Do you want to know what it is?
[Let kids respond]
First, can you tell me who Jesus is?
[Let kids respond]
Did you know he died on the cross?
[Let kids respond]
Do you know why he died on the cross?
[Let kids respond]
Here’s what’s amazing. His friends put His body in a tomb, like a cave. They rolled a BIG stone in front of it.
Three days later…
[Hold up three fingers, count together]
One, two, THREE!
Some women went to the tomb early in the morning. But when they got there, the stone had been rolled away.
Can you get up and pretend to roll a really heavy stone away?
[Let kids role the stone before having them sit back down]
Guess what else! The tomb was… EMPTY! An angel was there.
The angel said, “Do not be afraid.”
Can you say, “Do not be afraid”?
[Wait for response]
“He is not here. He has RISEN!”
Can you say “He has risen!”
[Let kids shout it]
The women were so happy!
[Clap hands]
Clap if you’re happy!
Why is this so important?
Because Jesus is alive forever!
Can you say, “Jesus is alive forever!”
[Wait for response]
Jesus loves you.
[Point to kids]
Jesus is powerful.
[Flex muscles]
Jesus is alive!
[Shout together]
THEOLOGICAL QUESTIONS
- Why is it important that Jesus rose from the dead?
(Jesus’ resurrection shows He is God’s Son and has power over sin and death.) - What did the angel mean when he said, “He is not here, for He has risen”?
(It means Jesus is alive again, just as He promised.)
LIFE APPLICATION QUESTIONS
- How can we celebrate that Jesus is alive in our daily lives?
(We can pray, worship, share the good news, and live with joy and obedience.) - When you feel sad or afraid, how does knowing Jesus is alive help you?
(It reminds us that Jesus is with us, gives us hope, and we do not need to be afraid.)
BIBLE CRAFT 11:15–11:30 | He is Risen Crown
Items Needed
- He is Risen Crown Template
- Crayons
- Tape or Stapeler
Have children color their crown. Then help them assemble it with a stapeler or tape.
SNACK TIME & BIBLE STORY VIDEO 11:30–11:40
Pass out snacks and allow kids time to eat snacks while watching the Bible video.
BIBLE STORY GAME 11:40–11:55 | Empty Easter Egg Find
- Easter Eggs
- Candy
- 1 Little Jesus
- 2 Spoons
Hide one Easter egg per child around the room. All eggs, except for one, should have a piece of candy in it. Children should take turns, one-at-a-time, going to find an egg. Bring their egg back and open it. The child who finds the “empty” egg wins the Little Jesus and a piece of candy. Remind them when you give them the Little Jesus that the egg was empty like the tomb was empty. Play until all kids have found one egg.
If extra time allows, line kids up into two lines. Give the line leader a spoon. Have them race carrying their eggs across the room and back on a spoon without dropping the egg. If they drop it, pick the egg back up and carry one. First line to finish “wins”!
BONUS ACTIVITY | Jesus Freeze Dance & Bubbles
Repeat the Jesus Freeze Dance video with Bubbles.
SCRIPTURE REFERENCE | Matthew 28:5-6
“But the angel said to the women, ‘Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay.’”
PARENT TAKE HOME SHEET
Today’s Lesson: Jesus Is Alive
Ask Your Child:
THEOLOGICAL QUESTIONS
- Why did Jesus have to die on the cross?
(To take the punishment for our sins so we can be forgiven.) - What does the resurrection tell us about who Jesus is?
(It shows that Jesus is truly God’s Son with power over death.) - Why was the tomb empty when the women arrived?
(Because Jesus had risen from the dead, just as He said He would.) - What message did the angel give to the women?
(That Jesus was not there, He had risen, and they should go tell others.) - Why is the resurrection important for Christians today?
(It gives us hope, shows that sin and death are defeated, and promises eternal life.)
LIFE APPLICATION QUESTIONS
- How can we share the good news that Jesus is alive with others?
(By telling friends and family, showing kindness, and talking about Jesus.) - What are some ways we can celebrate Jesus during Easter and all year?
(Through prayer, worship, reading the Bible, and thanking Him.) - How does knowing Jesus is alive help us when we feel scared?
(It reminds us that He is always with us and we are never alone.) - What is one way you can show love like Jesus this week?
(By helping others, being kind, sharing, or forgiving.) - How can our family remember and talk about Jesus during the week?
(By praying together, reading Bible stories, and having conversations about God.)