Easter
Matthew 27-28; Mark 15-16; Luke 23-24; John 19-20
April 20, 2025
Sunday Recap
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Sunday Recap •
Dear families,
Amid the grief of Christ’s death by crucifixion, we find the gospel’s good news for sinners: “Don’t be afraid, because I know you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He is not here. For he has risen, just as he said” (Matthew 28:5-6). The basis of Christian hope is found within these words as an angel of the Lord reminds us of Jesus' victory over sin and death. Jesus alone has saved us from our enemies: sin and death.
What was the significance of Christ’s cries from the cross to the Father? How should the reality of the resurrection impact our lives as followers of Jesus?
All four Gospels recount the brutality of the crucifixion and how our sinless Savior was mercilessly mocked and killed by sinful men. In previous chapters, we read that Jesus’ sweat was like drops of blood in the garden of Gethsemane, as He knew the treacherous darkness He would face. Yet, Christ's obedience to His Father's will was motivated by the joy He would experience on the other side of the cross. Jesus cried out to the Father, “Why have you abandoned me?” He knew, however, that His sacrificial death was the only way for people to be saved. Jesus bore our sin and shame to set us free from sin and death, allowing those who trust in Him to be born again through the Spirit and welcomed into God's kingdom forever. Every believer has resurrection hope both now and for all eternity. Not only will we spend eternity in the presence of our Savior, but the life we now live, we live by faith in Jesus (Galatians 2:20).
Consider the simplicity of the gospel’s good news: Jesus died for sinners so we could be set free from the tyranny of sin and death with the hope of eternal life. Those who were enemies of God can draw near to Him by faith in the Son who has paid our debts and given us new life. Lead the children in your care to see the power of the resurrection within our everyday lives as believers—no longer slaves to sin but children of God with good news to share!
Next Week:
This Week's Main Ideas
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This Week's Main Ideas •
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BABIES-TODDLERS
Jesus died on the cross for our sins, rose from the dead, and is alive! If we believe in Jesus, He saves us from sin, and we will live with Him forever.
PRESCHOOL-K
Jesus came to earth to rescue sinners. Jesus died on the cross and rose again so that everyone who trusts in Him has forgiveness and life with God forever.
1ST-5TH GRADE
God's plan was always to send Jesus to die for the sins of the world. Jesus died on the cross, was buried, and rose on the third day. All who place their faith in Him will receive forgiveness of sins and eternal life.
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Q: What is repentance?
A: Repentance is turning away from sin and turning to Jesus.
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If my people, who bear my name, humble themselves, pray and seek my face, and turn from their evil ways, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land.
2 Chronicles 7:14
Family Discipleship Activities
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Family Discipleship Activities •
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Read Luke 23–24 from the Bible.
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Jesus came into Jerusalem with cheers and celebration! The people had heard
In the 1980 Winter Olympics, the United States hockey team was up against the powerhouse Russian hockey team, who had won every gold medal for the previous 16 years! The Russian team seemed unbeatable, but the U.S. team was in the lead as the final minutes of the match ticked down. As the final buzzer sounded and the U.S. team claimed the unexpected victory, announcer Al Michaels shouted, “Do you believe in miracles? Yes!”
While winning a hockey game isn't actually a miracle, this question does make us think of the greatest miracle of all time—the resurrection of Jesus! On the third day after Jesus’ death and burial, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to the tomb. An angel of the Lord had rolled back the stone. The angel said to the women, “Don’t be afraid, because I know you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He is not here. For he has risen, just as he said.” At this announcement, the women ran to share the good news with the other disciples.
The death and resurrection of Jesus are at the center of the gospel. We deserve to die because of our sin, but Jesus died in our place. Because Jesus is alive, we do not need to fear anything. Those who trust in Jesus have forgiveness and eternal life, and we can joyfully obey Him. Now that’s a miracle to believe in!
God's plan was always to send Jesus to die for the sins of the world. Jesus died on the cross, was buried, and rose on the third day. All who place their faith in Him will receive forgiveness of sins and eternal life.
Pray: Thank You, Jesus, for dying on the cross for our sins and for rising again on the third day. We celebrate and worship because You are alive! You have defeated sin, and Your resurrection guarantees eternal life for all who believe in You! Amen.
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If my people, who bear my name, humble themselves, pray and seek my face, and turn from their evil ways, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land.
2 Chronicles 7:14
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Mornings
Ask God to help you see the beauty of new life today. How does creation show us the story of death and new life? Where else do we see the beauty of new life?
Evenings
Praise God for new life in Christ. What must we do to receive eternal life? How does the resurrection of Jesus guarantee the promise of eternal life?
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For Fun
Search online for a recipe to make “Resurrection Rolls,” and bake the treat together as a family. As you sit and share the treat for breakfast, talk about why the empty tomb is good news for believers and how the resurrection of Jesus shows God’s power.
To Serve
Use “The Gospel: God’s Plan for Me” to create a witnessing tool your family can use to share Jesus with others. Use an index card and colored pencils to draw the icons, and write the Scripture references for each part of the plan. Encourage your kids to carry the card in their backpack, and ask God for opportunities to share the gospel with friends.