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Introduction
Every Easter, we have the tradition to follow a Holy Week reading plan with activities for our kids. On Easter Sunday, my husband did something completely different to help our children see the complete picture of the significance of Jesus dying on the cross.
We all love a good, complete story. So, what better way to paint this picture for our children in a way they will never forget!
It was Resurrection Sunday, and rather than immediately talking about the disciples not finding Jesus in the tomb, my husband began the Easter story with creation and major events in the Old Testament. He then continues with the birth story of Jesus, ministry, then finally, his resurrection. He used a whiteboard throughout his storytelling and involved the children by asking questions along the way. At some point, he even modeled what Christ did for the disciples by washing each of our children’s feet.
They seemed eager to participate and happy to share their knowledge of Scripture. Their desire to know more about God was a beautiful and important reminder for us to continue sharing Truth in their hearts and minds daily.
My husband’s approach inspired this reading plan I have for your family today! I provide links to music for your family to enjoy before and after the lessons and a simple activity for your kids that requires general supplies found around your home.
DOWNLOAD THE FULL JESUS STORY EASTER GUIDE NOW!
Reading Plan Options
You can change the reading plan days based on your timeline. The main goal is to paint a complete picture of Jesus’ story and how God already had a rescue plan from the beginning.
- Reading Plan 1) COMPLETE 15-DAY Reading Guide:
- Scripture readings from Old Testament to Resurrection.
- This plan begins the Sunday before Palm Sunday, and end on Easter Sunday.
- Reading Plan 2) 10-DAY Reading Guide: Scripture Readings beginning with Jesus’ Birth to Resurrection.
- You will begin on the FRIDAY before Palm Sunday.
- Summarize the first 5 days using the CONCLUSION SECTION.
- Begin on DAY-6 in the plan.
- Reading Plan 3) 8-DAY Reading Guide
- Summary of Old Testament stories, and Christ’s birth & ministry.
- This plan begins on Palm Sunday and end on Easter Sunday.
- Summarize the first 7 days using the CONCLUSION SECTION.
How to Use the Reading Guide
There are 7 parts to each daily reading. You can order it however you think is best. Here is my suggested order. There are some days where I suggest doing the Reading first before the Activity (those are clearly marked). Links to scripture reading and songs are also provided for each lesson.
- Kid Sunday school song: We love Listener Kids Playlist. We like to begin our bible lessons with a song to get everyone ready to participate.
- Family activity: These activities will ask you to find general objects in your home OR a simple game. I would also have a TRAY or BASKET to hold items because you will review past readings with each daily reading.
- Reading: I include Scripture links with the English Translation Version from Bible Gateway to easily pull it up on your phone, tablet or computer.
- Questions to ask: Simple questions to make sure children are paying attention and ask further questions to clarify anything they may not understand.
- God’s character revealed: Each reading points to a character of God. I provide “character of God” cards with this guide for you to print and post somewhere to remember and memorize with the whole family.
- Conclusion: This section wraps up what you just read.
- Hymn: Each lesson will end with a traditional hymn with lyrics (links provided) for the family to sing together.
Suggested Supplementary Books
I think it’s important to read from an actual Bible, so children will know where to find the source of Truth. If you have younger children, below is a list of books to understand biblical stories and topics more clearly.
The Jesus Storybook Bible by Sally Lloyd-Jones. Our favorite children’s Bible because it points every story found in Scripture back to Jesus! I’ve bought cases of this book just to give away. This is a great resource for younger children if you’d like to use the stories in this book during you Easter reading plan.
God’s Names by Sally Michael. A favorite of ours! A wonderful family book for all ages to help understand God’s character through his Hebrew names found in Scripture – Elohim, YHWH, Jehovah Shammah, and more.
The Easter Storybook by Laura Richie. A beautiful children’s book that has short stories showcasing who Jesus is and what he did for the world while he was on earth.
THE FULL EASTER READING PLAN
Day 1 : Creation
- Kid Sunday school song: Pick from Listener Kids Playlist
- Family activity: Have children find a PENCIL to represent the Creation story.
- Reading: Genesis 1-2
- Questions to ask: Who created the world? Adam and Eve were made in the image of who? What was God’s job for Adam and Eve? How did God take care of Adam and Eve?
- God’s character revealed: God is ELOHIM, our Strong Creator.
- Conclusion: God created everything and everyone, and it was good. He created Adam and Eve who lived and walked with him in the garden.
- Hymn: This is My Father’s World sung by Keith and Kristen Getty // Written by Maltbie Davenport Babcock
Day 2: The Forbidden Fruit and the Fall
- Kid Sunday school song: Pick from Listener Kids Playlist
- Review: Ask children what the previous object/activity represented and or have them retell the previous lesson starting from Day 1 and on.
- Family activity: Have children find a DRY LEAF to represent how Adam and Eve eat the forbidden fruit.
- Reading: Genesis 3
- Questions to ask: What animal came to Adam and Eve? What did he ask them? Why did they eat the forbidden fruit even though God said not to? What was the punishment for disobeying God? How did he still take care of Adam and Eve even after they sinned?
- God’s Character Revealed: God is PERFECT and HOLY (meaning he is set apart). He is also JEHOVAH-JIREH, our Lord who provides.
- Conclusion: Even though God created the perfect place for Adam and Eve, they choose to disobey God and follow their way instead of his way. Sin now has entered the world, and man becomes an enemy of God because he is HOLY and perfect. But God still loves mankind, and already has a rescue plan in place to bring them back to him.
- Hymn: Holy, Holy, Holy sung by Audrey Assad // Song written by Reginal Heber, England (1861)
Day 3: Evil GROWS IN the World (Story of Noah)
- Kid Sunday school song: Pick from Listener Kids Playlist
- Review: Ask children what the previous object/activity represented and or have them retell previous lesson starting from Day 1 and on.
- Family Activity: Have children FILL A CUP OF WATER to represent the flood (optional: place lid on jar or bottled water).
- Reading: Genesis 6:5-14, Genesis 7:1-5, Genesis 8:13-22, Genesis 9:12-17
- Questions to ask: What were the people doing to make God upset? What was God’s punishment for the world? Who was the only person who followed God? What did God tell Noah to build? Who and what was going in it?
- God’s character revealed: God is JUDGE of the whole world (Ecclesiastes 12:14).
- Conclusion: There was so much evil in the world that God wanted to wipe everyone and everything out. However, Noah was one righteous man left whom God saw worth saving.
- Hymn: Rock of Ages performed by Norton Hall Band // Composed by Thomas Hastings and Words by Augustus Montague Toplady, Charles Wesley (1763)
Day 4: God’S Chosen People (story of Abraham & ISAAC)
- Kid Sunday school song: Pick from Listener Kids Playlist
- REVIEW: Ask children what the previous object/activity represented and or have them retell previous lesson starting from Day 1 and on.
- Family Activity: Find a TOY or LEGO person to represent Abraham.
- Reading: Genesis 12:1-8, Genesis 17:1-8, Genesis 21:1-7, Genesis 26:1-5
- Questions to ask: What was God’s promise to Abraham? Who will be blessed by Abraham’s obedience to God (“all the families of the earth“- Genesis 12:3)? What was Abraham and Sarah’s son’s name? What did God promise Isaac?
- God’s character revealed: God is FAITHFUL and keeps his promises.
- Conclusion: God chose Abraham to be the “father of all nations.” It was through Abraham’s descendants whom God will set apart to show the world who he is, and also through his bloodline the Savior of the world will be born from.
- Hymn: All Creatures of Our God and Kings sung by Keith and Kristen Getty // Written by St. Francis of Assisi, Italy (1225)
Day 5: ANIMAL SACRIFICE & continued disobedience
- Kid Sunday school song: Pick from Listener Kids Playlist
- Review: Ask children what the previous object/activity represented and or have them retell previous lesson starting from Day 1 and on.
- Family Activity: Play the game “SIMON SAYS.” Let kids have a turn leading the game.
- Reading:
- God gives Israelites 10 commandments: Exodus 20:1-21
- God sets up a temporary solution to covering sin through animal sacrifice: Leviticus 6:1-34
- Israelites continue to sin against God: Judges 2
- Questions to ask: Why were the 10 commandments important? Did the Israelites continue following God? What did they do instead? What was the consequence of their disobedience?
- God’s character revealed: God is EL ELYON, the Most High.
- Conclusion: The 10 Commandments was a standard God wanted the Israelites to have so they were set apart from the world. It taught them how to love him, and love others. But even after the Israelites saw the power of God throughout their history as a nation, they would forget his goodness. They kept on sinning and worshipping other fake gods instead of the one, true God.
- Hymn: How Great Thou Art sung by Celtic Worship ft. Steph Macleod // Composed by Carl Gustav Boberg, Sweden (1885)
Day 6: God Fulfills His Promise (Birth of Jesus)
- Kid Sunday school song: Pick from Listener Kids Playlist
- Review: Ask children what the previous object/activity represented and or have them retell previous lesson starting from Day 1 and on.
- Family activity: Find a YELLOW CRAYON and PIECE OF PAPER. Draw a YELLOW STAR to showcase how Jesus’ arrival is announced for the world to see.
- Reading: Isaiah 9:6, Luke 1:26-38, Luke 2:1-21, Matthew 2:1-6, John 3:16
- Questions to ask: Who visits Mary and what news did he tell her? What was the baby’s name going to be? Who did the angels visit to share the news of Jesus’ birth? Who came a long way to find Jesus? Why were they coming to praise the birth of Jesus?
- God’s character revealed: Jesus is the MESSIAH, the anointed one.
- Conclusion: Jesus is miraculously born to a virgin named Mary. His birth was foretold before he was born. God fulfills his promise to bring mankind back in a true relationship with him by finally sending the Savior who everyone had been waiting for: Jesus.
- Hymn: Silent Night sung by Marantha! Music // Composed by Franz Xaver Gruber, Germany (1818)
Day 7: Jesus HEALS
- Kid Sunday school song: Pick from Listener Kids Playlist
- Review: Ask children what the previous object/activity represented and or have them retell previous lesson starting from Day 1 and on.
- Reading (For this lesson, do the reading FIRST, then activity): Luke 4:38-41, Romans 3:23, Matthew 5:48, John 3:17, Hebrews 5:9
- Family activity (Do AFTER reading):
- Have children find TWO SHEETS OF WHITE, CLEAN, BLANK paper.
- (Keep one untouched. On the second sheet, tear it down the middle but keep it intact.)
- Explain: Share that Jesus had not one touch of sin in his life just like the blank piece of paper. He is perfect just like God is perfect (because he is God).
- (Then, point to the torn sheet of paper.)
- Explain: We can’t use it anymore because it’s torn. We are like a torn piece of paper that needs fixing. But even if we tape it up (i.e. try to do good things to make up for our sin), it still would be imperfect.
- (Take the clean paper and put it on top of the torn paper.)
- Explain: When we accept and follow Jesus with our heart, soul, and mind, he then transforms our brokenness into perfection like his. Jesus takes all of our brokenness away, and now when God looks at us, all he sees is pure perfection.
- Questions to ask: What kind of power did Jesus have? Who on earth has sinned? Has Jesus ever sinned?
- God’s character revealed: God is JEHOVAH RAPHA, Lord who heals.
- Conclusion: Jesus healed the sick, he comforted the hurting, and he lifted up the oppressed. He has this power because he has the power of God for he and God are one. Jesus was perfect in every way possible.
- Hymn: What a Friend We Have in Jesus performed by Celtic Worship ft. Steph Mclead // Joseph M. Scriven and Charles Converse, Ireland (1868)
Day 8 (Palm Sunday): Jesus’ Triumphant Entry into Jerusalem
- Kid Sunday school song: Pick from Listener Kids Playlist
- Review: Ask children what the previous object/activity represented and or have them retell previous lesson starting from Day 1 and on.
- Family activity: Find a PALM or GREEN LEAF. (They will use this to wave in the air while you read the part where the people in Jerusalem shout, “Hosanna…Hosanna in the Highest!” and or while you sing the hymn. Note: People used the term “hosanna” to praise God; it means “pray, save us”).
- Reading: Mark 11:1-10
- Questions to ask: What did Jesus ride on as he entered Jerusalem? What were the people shouting (Give children leaf, and have them repeat after you)? Why were they praising him?
- God’s character revealed: Jesus is KING of Kings, and Lord of Lords.
- Conclusion: The people were praising Jesus as if he were a powerful king because they saw his kingship qualities in all the miraculous healings and extraordinary teachings.
- Hymn: Crown Him With Many Crowns performed by Kingsway Music // Composed by Matthew Bridges and Godfrey Thring, England (1851)
Day 9: Jesus Cleanses and then teaches at the Temple
- Kid Sunday school song: Pick from Listener Kids Playlist
- Review: Ask children what the previous object/activity represented and or have them retell previous lesson starting from Day 1 and on.
- Family activity: Get PAPER, write down “love God and love others.” Then roll them up like scrolls.
- Reading: Mark 11:15-19, Mark 12:28-34
- Questions to ask: What did Jesus do when he arrived at the temple? Why did seeing all those vendors selling things make him angry? What is the greatest commandment?
- God’s character revealed: God is JEHOVAH TZIDKAYNU, Lord who is our righteousness.
- Conclusion: Jesus was upset when he arrived at the temple because people were using the space to make money rather than a place of worship and prayer to honor God. He continues to teach at the temple, and is able to answer all the questions asked of him. The people are in constant awe when Jesus teaches.
- Hymn: Solid Rock/My Hope is Built on Nothing Less performed by Page CXVI // Written by Edward Mote with melody by William Bradbury, England (1836)
Day 10: Judas Betrays Jesus
- Kid Sunday school song: Pick from Listener Kids Playlist
- Review: Ask children what the previous object/activity represented and or have them retell previous lesson starting from Day 1 and on.
- Family activity: Have children gather COINS around the house.
- Reading: Luke 22:1-6, Luke 22:21-23
- Questions to ask: Who was plotting to have Jesus killed? Which disciple chose to betray Jesus? What did the Pharisees give him in return? How did Jesus know Judas was going to betray him?
- God’s character revealed: God is ALL-KNOWING.
- Conclusion: The Pharisees wanted Jesus killed, and were able to convince Judas to help them. But this was foretold, and Jesus knew it was part of God’s rescue plan for the world.
- Hymn: Abide With Me performed by Audrey Assad // Written by Henry Francis Lyte, England (1847) with melody by William Henry Monk, England (1861)
Day 11: Jesus Washes the Disciples’ Feet
- Kid Sunday school song: Pick from Listener Kids Playlist
- Review: Ask children what the previous object/activity represented and or have them retell previous lesson starting from Day 1 and on.
- Reading (Do first before activity): John 13:1-20, Matthew 20:28
- Family activity (Do READING first then activity): Gather the following supplies: 1) BIG BOWL or BUCKET filled with WATER, 2) WASHCLOTH. Then, have kid(s) sit on a chair, and parent will wash their feet explaining each time why you’re doing this: to follow Jesus’ example of serving others. You can explain in own words how much you love them and want to take care of them, and this is just one way to show that. Also, we need to do the same for those around us so they, too, can experience the love of Jesus.
- Questions to ask: Why would Jesus was the disciples’ feet? What does he say the disciples should do also?
- God’s character revealed: Jesus is the ultimate SERVANT LEADER.
- Conclusion: The lowliest servants were normally the ones to wash the feet of their masters or guests. But Jesus set the example of what serving others truly meant. He showcased humility and servanthood by washing each of the disciples’ feet, so the disciples may do the same for others.
- Hymn: Take My Life and Let It Be performed by David and Noelle Music // Written by Frances Havergal, England (1874)
Day 12: The Last Supper
- Kid Sunday school song: Pick from Listener Kids Playlist
- Review: Ask children what the previous object/activity represented and or have them retell previous lesson starting from Day 1 and on.
- Reading: Luke 22:7-20
- Family activity: COMMUNION ACTIVITY – Prepare BREAD and JUICE to use during questions.
- Questions to ask: What holiday were Jesus and the disciples gathering for? What did he want the disciples to do with the bread and wine?
- Special note: Emphasize that communion is for those who choose to believe and follow Christ. Some families don’t allow their children to partake in this process until they are old enough, but this is a family decision. You can use the bread and juice as a visual or have them partake in real communion.
- Begin the family activity with bread and juice. Reread the following from Luke: 19-20: “And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.’ And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, ‘This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.'”
- God’s character revealed: Jesus is the BREAD OF LIFE (John 6:35 – He says this after he feeds the 5,000).
- Conclusion: Jesus knows he’s about to be crucified. To help his disciples and all his followers remember what he’s about to do, he has them partake in what we call communion today. It’s an opportunity to reflect and remember what Jesus does for us.
- Hymn: Doxology performed by Page CXVI // Written by Thomas Ken and music Genevan Psalter (1551)
Day 13: Jesus Crucified
- Kid Sunday school song: Pick from Listener Kids Playlist
- Review: Ask children what the previous object/activity represented and or have them retell previous lesson starting from Day 1 and on.
- Family activity: Have kids gather STICKS, and use TWINE/STRING to make crosses.
- Reading: Hebrews 9:22, Mark 15:1-40, Hebrews 10:1-14
- Questions to ask: Do you remember what the Israelites had to do when they sinned (Day 5)? Did Jesus do anything wrong? Did he deserve to die on the cross? So why did Jesus die if he didn’t do anything wrong?
- God’s character revealed: Jesus is the LAMB OF GOD.
- Conclusion: The punishment for sin is death and separation from God. But because God loved us so much, he sent his one and only Son, Jesus Christ, to be the perfect and final sacrifice.
- Hymn: Jesus Paid It All performed by Fernando Ortego // Written by Elvina Hall, Baltimore, Maryland (1865)
Day 14: JESUS IS BURIED
- Kid Sunday school song: Pick from Listener Kids Playlist
- Review: Ask children what the previous object/activity represented and or have them retell previous lesson starting from Day 1 and on.
- Family activity: Prepare a piece of WHITE CLOTH (or small wash towel) and have an adult LIGHT A CANDLE. The white cloth will represent the cloth that Jesus’ followers wrap him with.
- Reading: Mark 15:42-47
- Questions to ask: Who goes to Pilate to take care of Jesus’ body? Where does he lay the body of Jesus? What do they put over the tomb? Who guards it?
- God’s character revealed: God is ADONAI, LORD.
- Conclusion: After Jesus dies, Joseph of Arimathea (a member of the Sanhedrin), offers to bury Jesus in a tomb he buys with his own money. He is a secret follower of Jesus because he was part of the Sanhedrin who didn’t like Jesus. It is a sad time for his followers because their teacher and Lord had just been killed.
- Hymn: It Is Well With My Soul sung by Audrey Assad // Composed by Horacio Spafford, written in the Atlantic Ocean (1873)
Day 15: Jesus lives & THE GREAT COMMISSION
- Kid Sunday school song: Pick from Listener Kids Playlist
- Review: Ask children what the previous object/activity represented and or have them retell previous lesson starting from Day 1 and on.
- Family activity: Have children find a ROCK. This will represent the rock that was removed from the tomb.
- Reading: Mark 16
- Questions to ask: Who went to the tomb to visit Jesus’ body? Who was at the tomb instead? What does Jesus command the disciples do?
- God’s character revealed: Jesus is our SALVATION.
- SUMMARY CONCLUSION FOR READING PLAN:
God is perfect and holy and cannot be in the presence of any wickedness, no matter how small or large. Therefore, the punishment for sin is death. But we’ve learned that God is good and merciful and already has a rescue plan to save us from our sin.
All through Scripture, we read stories of God repeatedly forgiving his chosen people even though they kept disobeying him. The punishment for sin is death, and so he establishes animal sacrifice for them to pay for sins they committed. However, the Israelites could not keep his standard and kept breaking his laws. The world needed something or someone to be the perfect sacrifice that would forever cover present and future sins and bring humanity back in a relationship with God.
Finally, the long-awaited Savior arrives! God sends his Son, Jesus, as a baby to grow and live a perfect, sinless life. He is the pure sacrifice the world needed to conquer sin forever. Jesus showcases his divine power through miraculous events, healing, and extraordinary teachings. Although he does nothing wrong, he is condemned to death. But after three days, he conquers death and comes back to life! He then reveals himself to many people, including the disciples. They are overcome with Josh because they now fully recognize that Jesus is God in the flesh and the Messiah they have been waiting for. They continue to worship and follow him. Jesus then commands them to share the gospel message…
The gospel (good news) message is this: If we believe and accept to follow Jesus in our lives, then our sins are completely forgiven. And we are saved from the penalty of death and are now back in full relationship with God.
So will you choose to follow him today?
- Hymn: Amazing Grace performed by Reawaken Hymns // Written by John Newton, England (1779)
