He is Risen

Play – Here’s an Easter egg hunt activity to do with your family. You will need to plan ahead. Fill plastic eggs with candy or money, as is customary for your family. Set aside four empty eggs, one being green to represent eternal life. Leave the green one empty. Write the words “He is risen” on paper and cut apart. Place one word in each of the three remaining eggs. Hide all eggs, except the empty one, in a designated section of your yard (e.g., backyard). Hide the empty one away from all the rest. Keep count of the number of eggs hidden. Divide the number by the number of children that will hunt for them. Reserve a special treat for the children once they have completed the hunt as follows.

Tell the children how many eggs are hidden and how many each of them should find. Also, tell them that there are three words hidden in the eggs and that they will have to work together to decode the secret message. Once they are successful in decoding “He is risen,” send them to the section of the yard where you have hidden the empty egg. The child who finds it must shout, “He is risen!” Then he/she has to round up all the other children to share with them the good news and bring the empty egg to you. The children should simultaneously shout, “He is risen!” Serve/distribute the special treat(s).

Talk – While the children are enjoying their special treat, discuss with them the symbolism of the empty egg. Explain that when Jesus’ followers went to look at His tomb on the Sunday after His crucifixion, His body was not there. The tomb was empty; He had risen from the dead. They ran to tell the good news to their friends (Matthew 28:1-10). Explain that Jesus died on the cross and was resurrected for our sins. If we confess our sins and believe on Jesus, we will receive the best treat of all—the gift of eternal life. Point out that the color green represents life.

Pray – Dear Jesus, Thank You for dying on the cross for us. We are happy the tomb is empty. You have risen just as You said! Help us to share this good news with others. Amen.