Conversation Starters: Christ’s Resurrection
Posted by Karah
THE BIBLE MEETS LIFE: According to the National Institute of Mental Health, 68 percent of people fear death. From a purely human viewpoint, why would anybody look forward to the end of life? Jesus gives us hope in the face of death. Jesus died, but He also rose again. His death and resurrection conquered death for those who place their faith in Him. We can be assured of eternal life—even beyond this physical life—because of Jesus!
Concept: Christ’s Resurrection
Preschool
Matthew 27:1- 28:10
LIFE POINT: Mary and another Mary went to the tomb where Jesus was buried. An earthquake shook the ground as an angel from God came to the tomb. He rolled back the stone and sat on it. The angel spoke to the two women, “Don’t be afraid. I know you are looking for Jesus. He is not here! He is alive, just as He said. Come see where He was laying. Then go and tell His helpers (disciples), ‘He is alive!’ ” The women left quickly and ran to tell the helpers. Jesus met and greeted the women. The women went up to Jesus and touched His feet. Jesus told them to not be afraid and to tell the helpers to go to Galilee where they would see Him.
LIVE IT OUT: Help your child remember Jesus’ resurrection. Part of the story involved a stone that was rolled away from the tomb. Provide a smooth rock for your child to paint or decorate with permanent markers. Tell him he can remember that Jesus is alive when he sees the rock.
Kids
Matthew 28:1-10
LIFE POINT: On the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to the tomb. Suddenly, there was a violent earthquake! An angel of the Lord descended from heaven and rolled back the stone. He was sitting on it. The guards were so shaken from fear of him that they became like dead men. The angel told the women, “Don’t be afraid, Jesus is not here! For He has been resurrected, just as He said. Come and see the place where He lay. Then go quickly and tell His disciples, ‘He has been raised from the dead. In fact, He is going ahead of you to Galilee; you will see Him there.’ ” They ran to tell His disciples the news. Jesus met them and said, “Good morning!” They came up, took hold of His feet, and worshiped Him. Then Jesus told them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell My brothers to leave for Galilee, and they will see Me there.”
LIVE IT OUT: Talk to your child about Jesus’ resurrection. Ask how he would feel if he had been one of the disciples or if she had been one of the women at the tomb. Say a prayer, thanking God that Jesus died for us.
Students
Matthew 28:1-10
THE POINT: Jesus is alive—and we can live forever. How is your life different because of the resurrection of Jesus? What are some ways the hope of eternity encourages you on earth? Discuss the following quote:
“The truth of the resurrection gives life to every other area of gospel truth. The resurrection is the pivot on which all of Christianity turns and without which none of the other truths would much matter.” 1 —John MacArthur
LIVE IT OUT: Your student has been encouraged to do one or both Live It Out activities. Here are some suggested ways to help your student:
If he or she plans to complete He Got Up, So Will We:
• Help your student write five statements that affirm the hope that the resurrection gives believers.
• Discuss with your student why eternity with Jesus is exciting and something to look forward to.
If he or she plans to complete True Worship:
•Take time to draw a picture of what comes to mind when you think about worshiping God in heaven one day.
•Encourage your student to hold onto the hope of eternity when days here on earth are difficult.
1. John F. MacArthur, First Corinthians MacArthur New Testament Commentary, (Chicago: The Moody Bible Institute, 1984), 398.
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