Children's Ministry Message from Lori Herson, Easter Sunday, 2020

Happy Easter!

During our Goshen worship service for Easter this Sunday, we will be sharing the Resurrection Easter Eggs! This is an activity that we have done every year during our Sunday school hour with the kids on Easter Sunday. They seem to love guessing what is inside the egg they are holding!

I wanted to share some Scripture that you could read together as a family that would accompany the different eggs as their opened. Please preview the Scripture as you will want to consider the age/maturity of your children as you share the account of Jesus' death and resurrection:

Egg #1 - Palm Branch - Matthew 21:1-9

Egg #2 - Coin - Matthew 26:14-16

Egg #3 - Communion Cup - Matthew 26:26-30

Egg #4 - Praying Hands - Mark 14:32-42

Egg #5 - Whip - John 19:1-3

Egg #6 - Crown of Thorns - Matthew 27:29

Egg #7 - Nails on the Cross - John 19:16-22

Egg #8 - Dice for Gambling - John 19:23-25

Egg #9 - Soldier's Speer - John 19:34

Egg #10 - Linen Wrapping - Matthew 27:57-61

Egg #11 - Stone of the Tomb - Matthew 28:1-2

Egg #12 - Empty Tomb - Matthew 28:5-8

Here is a worksheet that accompanies the lesson:

https://sharesync.serverdata.net/us/s/agMIf7NSFPTd3wVOrUEeat003d1554

Here is the lesson video for Easter Sunday!

https://sharesync.serverdata.net/us/s/EXBL9rPsdQwLj4Ha2OOrgZ003d1554

Here is some text that you can read to accompany the lesson and discuss with your kids:

• Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection are essential to the Christian faith. If we teach Jesus as a respected teacher and miracle-worker who claimed to be the Messiah and who was crucified on the cross—but who was not resurrected—then we are teaching the Jesus of Judaism. If we teach Jesus as a wise teacher and prophet who ascended into heaven—but who was not crucified—then we are teaching the Jesus of Islam.
• Jesus’ purpose for coming to earth was to save us from our sins. (Matt. 1:21) Jesus came to die to show God’s love to us (Rom. 5:7-8) so that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16) Jesus came to die so that we would be forgiven. (Eph. 1:7) Jesus came to die to bring us to God. (1 Pet. 3:18)
• Jesus died on the cross to satisfy the wrath of God toward sin. His resurrection proved that God was satisfied with Jesus’ sacrifice. If Jesus had died but not been raised up, He would have been like military leaders who died without a throne. (Acts 5:33-37) But Jesus conquered death, just as He said He would. (John 2:19-21) If there was no resurrection, Paul says, our faith would be worthless. We would be dead in our sins. (1 Cor. 15:17)
• But Jesus’ resurrection gives us hope for our resurrection. The same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead will raise our bodies to life. (Rom. 8:11)
• Jesus’ death and resurrection is the center of the gospel. In Adam, we were spiritually dead in sin, but Jesus died to pay for our sins. Jesus is alive! God gives new life to everyone who trusts in Jesus. As you share with your kids, emphasize the gospel: the good news of who Jesus is and what He has done. We do not worship a dead Savior. Jesus is alive! There is hope for sinners. Jesus’ resurrection gives believers the promise of new life. “For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive” (1 Cor. 15:22).

Enjoy this joyous Sunday with your children! Christ is Risen!