This year, make sure your kids remember Easter for more than pastel colors or candy or hunts in the park. The significance of Easter is so much greater than hollow bunnies. Jesus is so much greater.

Why do we celebrate Easter?

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.

Teach kids what Paul explains in 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 is the most important truth: “that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures” (emphasis mine).

Help kids understand the events of Passion Week (Holy Week). Begin with Jesus’ triumphal entry, which we remember on Palm Sunday. People welcomed Jesus to Jerusalem as their King.

Then use the video or Bible story script from The Gospel Project for Kids to teach about Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection in an age-appropriate way. On Good Friday, we remember Jesus’ death on the cross, and on Easter we celebrate His victory over sin and death. Jesus’ death and resurrection paid the penalty for sins and provided the promise of new life.

Then explain how Jesus appeared to His disciples and to more than 500 witnesses. (See 1 Corinthians 15:6.) Jesus appeared to many people as proof that God had raised Jesus from the dead, and He is still alive today.

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 Corinthians 15:22). That is why we celebrate Easter.

How can we celebrate Easter?

Consider using this family devotion as you spend time with your family on Easter.

1. Read Matthew 27:33-56. Ask: Why do you think God planned for His Son to die on the cross? How does this story make you feel?
2. Read Matthew 28:1-17. Ask: If you were one of Jesus’ disciples, would you have believed that Jesus had risen from the dead? Why or why not?
3. Assist your child in looking up and reading the following Scriptures: Matthew 28:6. Mark 16:6; Luke 24:12; John 20:3-7. Ask: What can we know is true from each of these passages?
4. Explain that Jesus died on the cross for each of us so we would not die because of our sin. But Jesus did not stay dead. Jesus rose from the dead, and He is alive today! Jesus’ sacrifice was once and for all. When we trust in Jesus, we are forgiven and can have a personal relationship with God through His Son, Jesus.
5. Celebrate our risen Savior by singing your favorite worship song. Pray and thank God for sending His Son to die on the cross for our sins. Thank Him for raising Jesus from the dead!