Easter is one of the most important days of the year for Christ-followers. It holds more weight than Christmas and is foundational to our faith. If Jesus didn’t overcome the grave, we are all without hope. Most of us know and embrace this truth. We make a big deal about the holiday — not because of family, candy, bunnies and eggs — but because of what it means as we follow Jesus.
For those of us who teach and preach the Word, we have a greater responsibility to make sure that the truth is clearly shared with those under our care. There should never be any doubt about what the holiday means. So how do we communicate these truths to the children and students in our congregations? Here are some ideas to get you started:
• Teach/Preach the Word. Our students and children need a steady diet of God’s Word. Unfortunately, we can fall into teaching topical lessons that emphasize behavioral modification rather than gospel transformation. Our students and children should know the facts and the meaning behind the resurrection of Jesus. That understanding comes from diving into the Bible.
• Utilize object lessons. One of my favorite Resurrection object lessons is the Resurrection Eggs. If you have access to this tool, that is fantastic. If not, you could theoretically build one yourself. It is a short egg hunt involving 12 plastic eggs. Eleven eggs carry items that remind the children of the crucifixion and Holy Week, with one egg being empty to represent the Resurrection itself. There are other ways to present the story of Resurrection, but this is one of my favorites.
• Encourage your teenagers, children and families to read through the Scripture narrative alone or together. Again, diving into the Word is the best place to go. Your students need to understand this is not just a fictional story but events that changed all of time and eternity. Jesus lived, died and rose again.
• Give gifts that communicate the truth of Resurrection Sunday. Too often, we can fall into the trap of doing what everyone else does. “Let’s give our kids an Easter basket full of goodies!” Let me suggest a couple of things. First, Walmart and other retailers carry Hershey’s Chocolate Crosses. I love handing these out. They are yummy and point our kids to the cross. Second, find books to give away. Our children need to be reading. We should resource our children and families with books that help them understand and defend their faith. At Calvary this year, we are handing out the book Is Easter Unbelievable? by Rebecca McLaughlin.
Resurrection Sunday should be a joyous celebration for your church and people. Help your children, students, and families understand it more clearly.
Let us know how you celebrate Resurrection Sunday with your congregation. Join the conversation at Facebook.com/groups/StudentMinistryMattersCommunity.
