Jesus Dies and Rises Again
Jesus died on a cross and was buried in a tomb. On the third day, women came to the tomb and found the stone rolled away. Angels said, 'He is not here, but is risen!' Jesus was alive!
You will learn to...
- Understand, in gentle terms, that Jesus died on the cross.
- Retell how the women found the empty tomb.
- Learn why Christians celebrate Easter.
Words to know
- Cross
- A wooden structure the Romans used for executions. Christians see it as a sign of Jesus' love.
- Tomb
- A cave-like place where someone is buried.
- Resurrection
- Coming back to life after dying.
Read the full lesson (for older kids and grown-ups)
Some leaders were against Jesus. He was arrested and sentenced to die on a cross, even though he had done nothing wrong. Jesus forgave the people who hurt him. He died, and his friends gently placed his body in a tomb cut out of rock, and a large stone was rolled in front of it. His friends were very sad.
Early on the first day of the week, some women who loved Jesus went to the tomb. They found that the stone had been rolled away, and Jesus' body wasn't there! Two angels in shining clothes said, 'Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen!'
Mary Magdalene saw Jesus himself, alive, and he spoke her name. Later Jesus appeared to his disciples too. Christians believe Jesus died to take away sin and rose again to give new life to everyone who trusts him. That's why Easter is a day of great joy.
This is the most important part of the Christian story. Jesus' death was sad, but it wasn't the end. Christians believe that through the cross Jesus made a way for people to be forgiven and brought back to God, and that his resurrection shows he has power over death. Easter is about hope: God's love is stronger than anything.
For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
Family conversation starters
- What does Easter mean to our family?
- How would you explain the empty tomb to a friend?
Note for grown-ups
We describe Jesus' death simply and without graphic detail. Young children may ask about death; it's okay to say that death is sad, and that Christians believe Jesus' resurrection gives hope. Pause and follow your child's questions.
Main people: Jesus, Mary Magdalene, Peter · Topics: Easter, The cross, Resurrection, Salvation, Hope · Review status: awaiting theological review