The Scripture Story – Easter Morning according to John
When Mary Magdalen went to the tomb where they put Jesus’ body, she was very sad. She was grieving the death of her teacher and best friend, Jesus. But when she got there, the huge stone that blocked the entrance to the tomb had been rolled aside and the tomb was empty! Imagine how she felt! She thought someone had stolen his body – and that upset her even more! She ran to tell Peter and another disciple. They all ran to see. All the men saw when they looked in the tomb were the linen wrappings that had covered Jesus’ body. They knew he had died and now his body was gone and so they went home, even more upset – but Mary stayed there. When she looked back into the tomb, she saw two angels who asked her, “Woman why are you weeping?” and then, behind her she heard another voice asking her the same question. At first, she thought it was the gardener but then he called her and she knew it was Jesus. She ran and told the disciples, “I have seen the Lord!”
Theme Discussion
When the disciples looked into the tomb, all they saw was emptiness, but when Mary stayed and took a new look, she saw angels – and we know that angels usually bring “good tidings”. Because she stayed, Mary was able to hear Jesus call her. She couldn’t touch him but she knew he was with her and she could talk with him.
How do you think her feelings changed when this happened?
How do you think the disciples felt when she told them, “I have seen the Lord!”?
Sometimes we are like the disciples who only saw the emptiness, and sometimes we can be like Mary who was able to see something wonderful even in the hardest of times. We have had a hard year with the Covid-19 Pandemic and all the changes that has meant for us.
Can you think of some good things that you have seen or heard or experienced this past year?
Have these things made it easier for you to accept the hard parts and disappointments of this year?
Are there some things that you can do to help others feel better too?
We have lots to celebrate today! In Canada, Easter comes just as the winter is ending. The days are getting longer, the air is getting warmer, and it seems like the earth is coming alive again. It’s a time for celebration, even though we still have some chilly days ahead and the pandemic is still keeping us apart. It’s a time to shout “hallelujah!” Easter is the end of the sad days of Lent. We are reminded that Jesus and his love are still alive in the world. “Hallelujah! Hallelujah!”
Response Activity Ideas
Resurrection Rolls
Bake a treat together that represents Jesus’ death and resurrection.
Ingredients:
1 (10 ounce) can refrigerated crescent dinner rolls
8 large marshmallows
¼ cup melted butter
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons white sugar
Directions:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Lightly grease a baking sheet.
Separate crescent rolls into individual triangles.
In a small bowl, mix together cinnamon and sugar.
Dip a marshmallow into melted butter, then roll in sugar mixture. (The marshmallow represents Jesus’ body, and how it might have been prepared for burial with oils and spices)
Place marshmallow into the center of a dough triangle. Carefully wrap the dough around the marshmallow. Pinch the seams together tightly to seal. (This represents Jesus being sealed in the tomb) Place on a baking sheet. Repeat.
Bake until golden brown, about 10 minutes. (Waiting, like the 3 days before Jesus rose)
Enjoy when slightly cooled. (When the rolls are broken open, you can see the empty tomb – the marshmallow has disappeared – Jesus is risen!)
Pop-up card – Hallelujah! (based on a redtedart.com activity)
A plain exterior of your card can open up to reveal Hallelujah and signs of new life!
Materials: construction paper, scissors, glue, colouring tools
Fold a sheet of construction paper in half and trim away the 2 short sides to make it rounded like a hill or tomb shape. Colour and add details.
Print and cut out the Hallelujah, butterflies (or both), or make your own pop-up
Accordion fold the chosen shape(s) into 6 parts (5 folds)
Glue the outermost parts down to the inside of the card
Decorate the interior with other symbols of new life and good news!
Click to print PDF
Another butterfly pop-up card idea with a printable template is available here: https://www.easypeasyandfun.com/butterfly-pop-up-card/
Illustrated Ministry Package – Good News Bulletin Board
Read the reflection on pg 53-54, then create a ‘Good News’ bulletin board together as a family. This could be a temporary or permanent addition and tradition to have in your home. Use a cork board, chalk board, white board, or large piece of paper as a place for family members to jot down good news of the day such as: I passed my test! We’re having your favourite meal for dinner. I remembered to return my library books!
Share and celebrate the good news!
There is also a colouring sheet on pg. 57 of the package.