Easter Sunday

A glad morning kids.  This Sunday, the Christian community is celebrating Easter Sunday.  Every year, Christians remember the suffering and death of Jesus on the cross during the Holy Week. But more importantly, we remember that Jesus did not remain dead, He also rose again after 3 days.  So, Jesus is not dead.  He is alive.  That is what Easter Sunday is all about - Jesus' resurrection.

Here's the story of what happened when Jesus rose from the dead on the third day.  This can be found in Matthew 28:1-10.  (I've written it in such a way that the kids can dramatize it.)

 
Narrator:  After Jesus died, his body was laid in a tomb.  Very early in the morning on the first day of the week, Mary and Mary Magdalene went to look at the tomb. Just about that time, there was a violent earthquake.  (Mary and Mary Magdalene shakes)  An angel of the Lord rolled back the stone at the entrance of the tomb and sat on it. The guards were so afraid that they shook and became like dead men.

The Angel:  Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen. Come and see the place where he lay. The tomb is empty.  Then go quickly and tell his disciples: 'He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.'

Narrator:  The women ran away quickly from the tomb, afraid yet very happy.  They are going to Jesus' disciples as the angel told them to. Suddenly Jesus met them.

Jesus:  Greetings.  Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.
      (The women fell at his feet and worshiped Jesus)

Narrator:  This was the proof that Jesus was indeed alive and not dead inside the tomb.  So let us rejoice and be glad,  Jesus died on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins.  But he also rose again that He may give us new life and new hope that someday we will spend eternity with Him in heaven.


MEMORY VERSE: Matthew 28:6
He is not here; he has risen, just as he said.  Come and see the place where he lay.

KIDS CRAFT
He is Risen Puzzle Craft.  Go to this page.   Look at the right side bar and print your choice of puzzle template - colored or black and white).  The children can color them (if black and white) and cut them then play with the puzzle.  It can be turned into a game where 2 groups compete who's faster in fixing the puzzle.  Note:  You can cut the puzzle into more pieces instead of just the guided cut lines. 

Here is an activity sheet that can be printed out for the kids to work on in class or at home.