Big Idea: We can live as 'Easter people' every day.
Bible Passage: 2 Corinthians 5:16-21
Parent Prep: I'm sure over the last week that you've spent alot of time thinking about the Easter message and what it means for you. This week, as we reflect on the story of Easter, we will be spending our time talking about what it means to be 'Easter people' every day as we wait to be united with our Lord Jesus forever.
Read the Easter story in Matthew 26-28 or watch the Easter story here.
Talk
Say to children, the message of Easter is the reason we celebrate not just on Easter weekend, but every weekend when we meet together, and every day of our lives! We are 'Easter people' – we celebrate & live everyday in hope because of what Jesus has done for us- by defeating sin and death. We also know that even though we will die one day, our death is just a passing on from this earthly life into perfect, eternal life with God forever!
Listen
Ask older children
- Why do you think it matters that Jesus rose from the dead? (He told us that He would [Matthew 20:17-19], He proved He is God.)
- How should this change how I live? (Because of what Jesus did, if I trust in Him, I am forgiven. I don't need to fear anything in this life, because I know He will take care of me and hold me close forever. [Romans 8:38-39]).
- Why do you think Jesus is waiting so long to come back? (He is patient, waiting for people to come to know Him [2 Peter 3:9] and He has work for us to do in healing a broken world & telling others the good news of Jesus [2 Corinthians 5:16-21].
Ask younger children
- Do you know how many people have defeated sin and death? Only 1! Our Lord Jesus! This is why we worship King Jesus – He is the only one who could beat sin and death forever.
- How does it make you feel to know that Jesus is alive?
- How do you feel knowing that our Mighty God who beat death promises to take care of you?
- If these things make you feel safe and happy, who could you share this with?
- Why do you think Jesus is waiting so long to come back to take us to be with Him? He has a special job for us! We have to tell others about His good news, and help to heal the broken world!
Do
If you haven't already, read together this passage here: 2 Corinthians 5:16-21. Paul talks about being 'made new' and how when we trust in Jesus we see the world, and people, in a 'new way'. On a piece of paper, draw a line down the middle. Write 'Old' on one side, and 'New' on the other. Ask children to write or draw broken things or hurt they know of in the world on the 'old' side of the paper. (Eg. dead flowers or animals, sore/scraped knees, crying and sadness, hunger, poverty etc). Then, on the 'new' side, have children write or draw what it would look like for 'Easter people' with the hope of Jesus to meet these needs. (Eg. To tell others the stories of Jesus, give bandaids to people with sores, visit the sick in hospital, take care of the earth, comfort the sad, play with lonely children, give money to those in need.)
Say, "We don't see the hurt and brokenness of the world like everybody else, we see hurt and brokenness and have hope because of Jesus. We know that that one day we will enjoy perfect life forever with Him and all will be made new. Let's practice bringing healing and the hope of the gospel to people and our world every day, as Easter people."
We'd love to see your ideas posted on our new Facebook Group for our FLBC families here!
Here's some extra activities for you to do if you need during the week:
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