"Death is Defeated" Easter Coloring Page
The Empty Tomb
The morning sun began to paint the sky with streaks of gold as Mary Magdalene and the other women approached the tomb. They had come to pay their respects to Jesus, to anoint his body with spices. But their hearts sank as they realized that the massive stone that sealed the entrance had been rolled away. With trembling steps, they entered the tomb, only to find it empty. Confusion mingled with grief, as they tried to make sense of this bewildering scene.
Scripture Reading:
Mark 16:1-6 (NIV)
“When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they might go to anoint Jesus’ body. Very early on the first day of the week, just after sunrise, they were on their way to the tomb and they asked each other, ‘Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb?’ But when they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away. As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed. ‘Don’t be alarmed,’ he said. ‘You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him.'”
https://ministry-to-children.com/the-seven-i-am-statements-of-jesus-lesson-6/
Interactive Bible Story:
Invite the children to imagine themselves as one of the women who went to the tomb on that early morning. Encourage them to describe what they might have been feeling and thinking as they discovered the empty tomb. How would they react when they saw the angel sitting inside the tomb? Encourage them to use their imagination and share their thoughts with the group.
Discussion Questions:
1. How do you think the women felt when they saw that the stone had been rolled away from the entrance of the tomb?
2. Why do you think the angel told the women not to be alarmed?
3. What does it mean that Jesus has risen? Why is this such good news?
Learning Activity:
Provide the children with paper and art supplies. Ask them to draw a picture of the empty tomb and the angel sitting inside. Encourage them to include the women and any other details they remember from the story. Afterward, allow each child to share their artwork with the rest of the group.
Prayer:
Lead the children in a prayer, thanking God for the miracle of Jesus’ resurrection. Encourage them to share their own words of gratitude and awe for the empty tomb and the hope it brings.
Understanding the Significance of Jesus’ Crucifixion & Resurrection Matthew 27:32-56
The Disciples’ Doubt
While the news of Jesus’ resurrection spread among the disciples, not all of them were quick to believe. Doubt lingered within some hearts, as they struggled to comprehend what had transpired. They had witnessed Jesus’ crucifixion and death, and now the idea of his triumphant return seemed almost too good to be true.
In the midst of their doubt, Jesus suddenly appeared among them, reassuring them of his resurrected state. He greeted them with peace and showed them his hands and side, bearing the scars of his crucifixion. The disciples were filled with joy and astonishment, as they grasped the reality of Jesus’ victory over death. This encounter would mark the beginning of their journey to turn their doubt into unshakable faith.
Jesus Appears to Mary Magdalene
Mary Magdalene had been a devoted follower of Jesus. She had witnessed his teachings, his miracles, and the profound impact he had on the people around him. But when Jesus was crucified, Mary’s heart was filled with grief and sorrow. She couldn’t bear the thought of her beloved teacher being gone forever.
On that early Sunday morning, Mary went to the tomb where Jesus had been buried. To her surprise, she found the stone rolled away and the tomb empty. Confusion and fear overwhelmed her, and she ran to tell the disciples about what she had discovered. Little did she know that soon her sorrow would turn into joy, as she would have a miraculous encounter with the risen Jesus.
Scripture Reading: Mark 16:1-8
Interactive Bible Story:
1. Read the story of Jesus appearing to Mary Magdalene from the Bible together.
2. Encourage the children to imagine what Mary must have felt when she couldn’t find Jesus in the tomb.
3. Discuss why it was so surprising and exciting for Mary to see Jesus alive again.
4. Emphasize the power of Jesus’ resurrection and what it means for us today.
Discussion Questions:
1. How do you think Mary felt when she found the tomb empty?
2. Why do you think Jesus chose to appear to Mary first?
3. What does Jesus’ resurrection teach us about God’s power?
Learning Activity:
Draw a picture of Mary Magdalene at the empty tomb. Include the sunrise in the background to represent the joy she experienced when she encountered Jesus alive again.
Prayer:
Dear God, thank you for raising Jesus from the dead. Help us to understand and believe in the power of his resurrection. Just as you comforted Mary Magdalene, bring comfort and joy to our hearts. In Jesus’ name, amen.
The Road to Emmaus
As the sun began to set on the day of Jesus’ resurrection, two disciples were making their way along the road to Emmaus. Their faces were filled with sadness and confusion as they discussed the events that had taken place in Jerusalem. Suddenly, a stranger appeared beside them and asked what they were talking about.
Little did they know, this stranger was Jesus himself, though his identity remained concealed from them. He listened intently as they poured out their hearts, sharing their disappointment and doubt. Jesus, in his infinite wisdom, gently turned their attention to the Scriptures, explaining how all the prophecies pointed to him as the long-awaited Messiah. The disciples were captivated by his words, their hearts burning within them as the truth unfolded before their eyes.
Scripture Reading: Luke 24:13-35
Interactive Bible Story: Encourage the children to imagine themselves as one of the two disciples walking to Emmaus. Ask them to recount what they would have discussed and how they might have felt on that journey. Then, surprise them by revealing that Jesus was walking with them the whole time, just as he promised to always be with us.
Discussion Questions:
1. Why do you think the disciples didn’t recognize Jesus at first?
2. How did Jesus help the disciples understand the Scriptures?
3. Why do you think their hearts burned within them when Jesus spoke?
Learning Activity: Divide the children into pairs or groups and give each group a Bible verse related to Jesus’ resurrection. Ask them to illustrate the verse and share their artwork with the rest of the class.
Prayer: Lead the children in a prayer, thanking God for sending Jesus to be our Savior and for opening our eyes to understand the Scriptures. Pray for the children to have hearts that burn with love for Jesus and a desire to know Him more.
With hearts ablaze and newfound understanding, the disciples reached their destination. Little did they know that their encounter with the risen Jesus was just the beginning of a journey that would change their lives forever.
Jesus Appears to the Disciples
After his resurrection, Jesus made several appearances to his disciples. One such event occurred when the disciples were gathered together in a locked room, afraid and unsure of what the future held. Suddenly, Jesus stood among them and greeted them with his familiar words, “Peace be with you.” The disciples were overjoyed to see their beloved teacher and Lord standing before them. They had witnessed his death and now, in this moment, they were faced with the undeniable reality of his resurrection. The doubts and fears that had plagued them melted away as Jesus showed them the scars of his crucifixion, proof that he had conquered sin and death. The disciples’ hearts were filled with joy and amazement as they basked in the presence of their risen Savior.
Scripture Reading: John 20:19-23
Interactive Bible Story: Have the children act out the scene of Jesus appearing to the disciples in a locked room. Assign different roles to each child, such as Peter, John, Thomas, and so on. Encourage them to use their imagination and bring the story to life.
Discussion Questions:
1. How do you think the disciples felt when they saw Jesus standing among them?
2. What do you think Jesus meant when he said, “Peace be with you”?
3. Why do you think Jesus showed them his scars?
Learning Activities:
1. Draw a picture of Jesus appearing to the disciples in a locked room. Include as many details as you can.
2. Create a modern-day scenario where Jesus appears to someone who is doubting. Write a short story or draw a comic strip illustrating this encounter.
3. Memorize John 20:21-22 and recite it together as a group.
Prayer:
Dear Jesus, thank you for showing yourself to your disciples after you had risen from the dead. Help us to have faith in your resurrection and trust in your power to bring us peace. Amen.
Thomas’ Doubt
One of the most well-known stories from the Bible is about a disciple named Thomas and his doubt. After Jesus rose from the dead, he appeared to the other disciples. But Thomas was not there with them at the time. When the disciples told Thomas that they had seen the Lord, he struggled to believe their words. He said, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.”
But Jesus, being full of grace and understanding, knew the doubts in Thomas’s heart. A week later, he appeared again to the disciples, and this time Thomas was there. Jesus directly addressed Thomas and invited him to touch his wounds, saying, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.” In that moment, Thomas’s doubt was replaced with faith. He exclaimed, “My Lord and my God!” It was a powerful lesson for Thomas and for all of us, that even in our moments of doubt, Jesus is patient, loving, and ready to reveal himself to us.
Jesus Appears to Thomas
Verse: John 20:24-29
Interactive Bible Story:
After Jesus rose from the dead, he appeared to his disciples to assure them of his victory over death. However, Thomas, one of the disciples, wasn’t present when Jesus first appeared to them. When the other disciples told Thomas that they had seen the Lord, he couldn’t believe it. Thomas needed proof, and he declared that unless he saw the nail marks in Jesus’ hands and put his finger into the wounds, he wouldn’t believe.
Discussion Questions:
1. How do you think Thomas felt when the other disciples told him they had seen Jesus?
2. Why do you think Thomas needed to see and touch Jesus’ wounds in order to believe?
3. Have you ever doubted something or someone? How did you overcome your doubt?
4. Why do you think Jesus chose to appear to Thomas and show him his wounds?
Learning Activity:
As a fun learning activity, you can act out the story of Jesus appearing to Thomas with your friends or family members. Assign different roles and reenact the scene where Jesus shows Thomas his wounds. You can also draw a picture of Thomas and Jesus and write a caption underneath, describing Thomas’ reaction when he saw Jesus’ wounds.
Prayer:
Dear God, thank you for the story of Thomas and how you showed him the proof he needed to believe in Jesus. Help us to trust in you even when we can’t see physical evidence. Amen.
The Great Commission
In the moments leading up to Jesus’ ascension into heaven, he gathered his disciples together for one last time. As they stood on the mountain, Jesus shared with them a powerful message known as The Great Commission. He explained to his followers that they were to go out into the world and make disciples of all nations. This meant spreading the good news of Jesus’ love and sacrifice to every corner of the earth.
Jesus knew that his time on earth was ending, but his mission was far from over. He wanted his disciples to continue his work and share his teachings with others. He gave them the responsibility to baptize new believers and teach them everything that he had taught them. This was a monumental task, but Jesus assured his disciples that they wouldn’t be alone. He promised to be with them always, even until the end of the age. With these words, Jesus entrusted his followers with a mission that would impact countless lives for generations to come.
Jesus Ascends to Heaven
After His resurrection, Jesus spent forty days appearing to His disciples and teaching them about the kingdom of God. During one of these appearances, Jesus led His disciples to a mountain, where He delivered His final instructions. As they gathered around Him, Jesus assured them of His authority and promised to send the Holy Spirit to empower them for the mission ahead.
With anticipation and awe, the disciples watched as Jesus slowly began to rise into the sky. Their eyes fixed on Him, they could hardly believe what they were witnessing. Suddenly, two angels appeared beside them and reminded the disciples that Jesus would one day return in the same way He had left. Filled with joy and conviction, the disciples returned to Jerusalem, ready to carry out the Great Commission that Jesus had entrusted to them.
Scripture Reading: Acts 1:1-11
Interactive Bible Story: Encourage the children to act out the scene of Jesus ascending to heaven. Use visuals, such as a makeshift cloud or a large sheet, to help create an immersive experience.
Discussion Questions: Why do you think Jesus ascended to heaven instead of staying on earth? How do you think the disciples felt as they watched Jesus ascend? How does Jesus’ ascension impact your faith today?
Learning Activity: In small groups, have the children create a poster illustrating the scene of Jesus ascending to heaven. Encourage artistic creativity and allow them to include key details from the story.
Prayer: Lead the children in a prayer of gratitude for Jesus’ sacrifice and His promise to return. Pray for the Holy Spirit to empower them to share the good news of Jesus with others.
The Promise of Eternal Life
Scripture Reading:
Matthew 25:46 – “And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”
Interactive Bible Story:
Imagine a land where everything is perfect, where there is no more pain or sadness. It’s a place filled with love, joy, and peace that never end. This is what Jesus promises us when we believe in Him and follow Him with all our hearts. He assures us that there is a beautiful life that awaits us beyond this world.
Discussion Questions:
1. What do you think “eternal life” means?
2. How does the promise of eternal life make you feel?
3. Why is it important to believe in Jesus to receive eternal life?
Learning Activities:
1. Create a beautiful artwork depicting heaven and eternal life.
2. Write a short story or poem about what you think heaven will be like.
3. Discuss with your family or friends how the promise of eternal life can impact the way we live our lives today.
Prayer:
Dear God, thank you for the promise of eternal life through Jesus. Help us to trust in Him and follow Him always. Fill our hearts with hope and anticipation for the beautiful life you have prepared for us. In Jesus’ name, amen.
What is the significance of the empty tomb?
The empty tomb is significant because it provides evidence that Jesus rose from the dead, fulfilling the promise of eternal life.
Why did the disciples doubt Jesus’ resurrection?
The disciples doubted Jesus’ resurrection because they had not yet seen Him and were still processing the shocking events that had taken place.
Who did Jesus first appear to after His resurrection?
Jesus first appeared to Mary Magdalene after His resurrection.
What happened on the road to Emmaus?
On the road to Emmaus, Jesus appeared to two disciples who were walking and discussing the recent events. They did not recognize Him at first, but later realized who He was when He broke bread with them.
How did Jesus prove His resurrection to the disciples?
Jesus proved His resurrection to the disciples by appearing to them and showing them His wounds. He even ate with them to demonstrate that He was not a ghost or an apparition.
Why did Thomas doubt Jesus’ resurrection?
Thomas doubted Jesus’ resurrection because he was not present when Jesus appeared to the other disciples. He wanted physical proof of Jesus’ wounds before he would believe.
How did Jesus address Thomas’ doubt?
Jesus appeared to Thomas and invited him to touch His wounds, addressing Thomas’ doubt and allowing him to believe.
What is the Great Commission?
The Great Commission is Jesus’ command to His disciples to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything He had commanded.
How did Jesus ascend to heaven?
Jesus ascended to heaven in the presence of His disciples. As He was blessing them, He was taken up into the clouds until He disappeared from their sight.
What is the promise of eternal life?
The promise of eternal life is the assurance that those who believe in Jesus and accept Him as their Savior will have everlasting life with Him in heaven.