This Sunday, we celebrate the historical, bodily resurrection of Jesus from the dead. Most children in our homes and churches are already acquainted with the stunning narratives of the resurrection as recorded in the Gospels. Many can even recite the angel’s words to the women at the empty tomb: “He is not here, for he has risen, as he said.” However, it’s also paramount that we teach them the glorious significance of Jesus’ resurrection—what it accomplished, what it guarantees for the future, and how we obtain these promises.
"The resurrection of Jesus is God's gift and proof that his death was completely successful in blotting out the sins of his people and removing the wrath of God, John Piper writes in The Passion of Jesus Christ. He continues,
From the cross the Son of God cried, "It is finished" (John 19:30). And by means of the resurrection, God the Father cries, "It was finished indeed!" The great work of paying for our sin and providing our righteousness and satisfying God's justice was finished in the death of Jesus. Then, in the grave, he had the right and the power to take the keys of death and open the door for all who come to him by faith.—John Piper (from The Passion of Jesus Christ, copyright ©2004, pages 100-101)
Free devotional chapters on Jesus' resurrection
For lower elementary
"Jesus Gives New Life to Sinners" from God’s Gospel, courtesy of P&R Publishing Co.
For older elementary
"Imposter or the Son of God?" from More Than a Story: New Testament
Our hope and prayer is that by reading through one of these devotionals with your family before Easter and talking about the truths of scriptures presented, your children might be better prepared in their minds and hearts to genuinely embrace and rejoice in the glorious news: “He is risen!”
