Can I encourage you to spend a few extra minutes this week reflecting on the Cross and the sacrifice that Jesus made for us there? The cross has become such a recognized and “popular” symbol in our culture, that it’s easy to become used to seeing it every day. However, there was nothing easy about Jesus’ death for our sins!
A dear friend of mine passed on to me an “Easter @ Home” handout her church gave them and I’d like to pass on some of the ideas they gave about talking to our youngest children about Easter.
Family Scripture reading/discussion:Tuesday: John 17: 20-23: Jesus prayed for those of us who would believe in Him in the future. He asked the Father to help us be unified by loving each other. Discuss how your family members can show love towards each other in a way that pictures God’s love. Spend some time together in prayer.
Wednesday: Luke 22:47-54: Jesus showed love and compassion to those that were wrongfully arresting Him. Spend some time together in prayer asking God to help you show compassion and love to those that wrong you.
Thursday: Luke 23:13-34: The same people who were shouting “Hosanna!” days before were now calling for Jesus’ death. While on the cross, Jesus prayed for those people asking the Father to forgive them. Spend some time together in prayer thanking God for forgiving us even when we do the most awful things.
Friday: Help (or do it yourself!) children nail 2 boards together in the form of a cross. Read Romans 3:23. Have each family member write their name on a piece of paper along with the word “Sins.” Talk about the things we do each day that are sins and assist them in writing (or drawing a sad face, for younger children) on their piece of paper. Then, one at a time, allow each person to nail (or pin) their list to the cross as a symbol of Jesus dying on the cross to take away our sins. Finish by reading Romans 5:8 and Romans 6:23 together. Spend some time in prayer together thanking Jesus for His sacrifice for our sins.
Saturday: Matthew 27:57-66: Reflect together on what it must have been like for Jesus’ followers after they laid Him in the tomb.Before bed, spend some time making “Resurrection Cookies.”
Sunday: Celebrate our risen Savior!! “Resurrection Eggs” are a great tool to use and can be purchased at any local Christian bookstore.
Aren’t those great ideas! If you ever want to see the entire handout, just ask me! I’ve got it in my office.
Have a wonderful week! I hope to see each of you Saturday at our Egg Hunt and Sunday morning as we celebrate the empty tomb! “He is not here, He has risen, just as he said…” Matthew 28:6
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