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In addition to these public lessons and ideas for teaching the stories of Jesus' Empty Tomb and Resurrection, several of our Writing Team's lesson sets cover Holy Week stories. Here's the Team's link to the John 20 story of Mary Magdalene, Peter, and John ~ Meeting Jesus at the Empty Tomb.

Post-Resurrection Stories of Jesus:
Road to Emmaus, Jesus eats breakfast,
Feed My Sheep, Great Commission, Ascension

(Illustration from Vallotton  Collection at Rotation.org)

Lessons Posted in this Topic by Jaymie Derden

  • Art: make a fabric banner to illustrate “Hymn of Promise” using its special lyric-video.
  • Computers: explore the story through software: Life of Christ,  Actual Reality, and/or Kid Pix.
  • Cooking: make Resurrection Rolls -- use Cathy's Cooking lesson here
  • Shadow Theater Drama: focus on the good news of the resurrection and participate in a drama that retells key events.
  • Movie: view the video “He is Risen" (Nest)

Scripture References:

Matthew, 28:1-10, Mark 16:1-8, Luke 24:1-12, John 20:1-10

Memory Verse:

“He is not here.  He has risen!”  Luke 24:6


Jaymie's Background Information for Teachers

The resurrection is central to our Christian faith. Through Jesus' resurrection, God made clear his intention for the world --- Jesus is indeed the Christ, the Savior of humankind. Paul declares that Christianity rises or falls with the resurrection. In dying Jesus brings us forgiveness and reconciliation. In rising, Jesus gives us new life.  

Holy Week:

Jesus’ last week, the week we call Holy Week in the church, was an eventful one. He entered Jerusalem in triumph on Palm Sunday, taught in the Temple, ate the Last Supper with his disciples, prayed in the garden, was betrayed by Judas, was arrested, tried, convicted, and sentenced to death by crucifixion. On Good Friday, Jesus hung on the cross at Golgotha and died. His disciples all fled, leaving primarily women to witness his death.  Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus (our previous month's rotation was about Nicodemus -- be sure to make this connection with the children)  took Jesus’ body and placed it in a new tomb, hewn out of the rocky hillside. They brought spices to prepare his body for burial. They quickly did what they could before the Sabbath began at sunset.  

Jesus lay in the tomb Friday night and all day Saturday. (note that Jesus was not actually in the tomb for three days. It was common for Jewish people to account for time in this way – Friday was the first day, Saturday was the second and Sunday was the third.)  Early Sunday morning the women (Mary Magdalene and the “other” Mary) came to finish the burial ritual for his body. All four gospels record the fact that women were the first to find the empty tomb. It is interesting that Jesus would choose to appear first to women. At the time, women were not allowed to be legal witnesses. The fact that women were the first to witness Jesus’ resurrection speaks to their importance to Jesus and his ministry. It also lends credibility to the resurrection account. If the disciples had fabricated the story, would they have chosen women to be the first witnesses?

What is the resurrection of the body?

The concept of resurrection of the body is not clearly seen in the Bible until the Old Testament book of Daniel and was developed more fully during the inter-testamental period. Some of the apocryphal books (the non-canonical books or books generally believed to be useful, but non-inspired) describe a general waking of the dead for judgment.  Jewish religious leaders held differing views about the resurrection of the body. The Sadducees denied the resurrection while the Pharisees (Paul was a Pharisee) believed in it. Most Jews believed that the body and soul were one and they would die and be resurrected together. Paul’s writing, especially in I Corinthians, helped formulate the resurrection faith of the early church.

Greek philosophers emphasized the value of the spiritual over the physical. Their influence helped fuel the first heresy called Gnosticism. Gnostics believed that physical, material things were evil and spiritual things were good. Gnostics promoted the idea that Jesus did not have a true physical body, it just seemed to be physical. To Gnostics, Jesus was really just a spiritual being.

Was Jesus’ resurrected body a real, physical body or a spiritual body? The resurrected Jesus did have a different body. The disciples did not always immediately recognize him. His wounds were healed (although he still bore the scars of the sacrifice he made for us all). He walked through doors; he appeared and disappeared at will. But he was not simply a spirit or a ghost. The disciples touched him. Thomas felt his hands and side. Jesus ate. Jesus encouraged the disciples to recognize his new spirit/physical body state. We cannot understand the mystery of the resurrected body, but we can be sure that Jesus indeed had one. And because Jesus is raised, we will be too!  

Over the years many skeptics have attempted to "explain away" the resurrection. Matthew describes how the chief priests bribed the soldiers to say the disciples had stolen the body.  Other theories state that the women went to the wrong tomb. Another suggests that Jesus was not really dead, but had simply fainted and revived later. Do these theories make sense? Discovery Interactive Life of Christ software lists ten reasons to believe Christ rose from the dead:

1. Jesus was publicly sentenced to death and was executed publicly.

Because of the approaching Sabbath, the soldiers broke the legs of the two criminals next to Jesus. But when the soldiers came to Jesus they found he was already dead. Surely these men knew death when they saw it! But just to be sure, they pierced Jesus’ side with a spear.  This was no small fainting spell!

2. The tomb was secured by Roman guards.

Because of Jesus’ notoriety, the religious officials feared that the disciples might come up with a resurrection hoax.  Roman soldiers guarded the tomb and the official seal of Rome was placed across the stone.  (this is the meaning of the “sealing” of the tomb) The penalty for breaking the Roman seal or falling asleep on the job was death!

3. Despite the guards, the tomb was empty.  

The huge stone was moved away. Stones covering tombs were rolled downhill in a groove in front of the opening to the tomb. Opening the tomb was no easy feat, requiring the heavy stone to be pushed uphill. Yet the stone was rolled away and the tomb was empty except for Jesus’ grave wrappings. The guards themselves were missing!  They had gone to tell the Jewish religious leaders about the supernatural being who rolled the stone away. They were subsequently bribed to say that the disciples stole Jesus’ body while they slept. (remember the penalty for falling asleep at their post was death!) The religious leaders promised to intercede on their behalf if the soldiers were punished.

4. Many people claimed to see Jesus.

In the forty days between his resurrection and ascension, Jesus was seen by hundreds of witnesses. He was seen by the women, Peter and John, James in Jerusalem, the two on the Emmaus road, the apostles without Thomas, the apostles with Thomas, 500 in Galilee, Stephen and Paul.

5. The disciples were dramatically transformed.

Perhaps the most compelling evidence for the resurrection is the change in the disciples.  When Jesus was arrested, his disciples fled. After his death, the disciples cowered in hiding, confused, lost and frightened. After seeing the resurrected Jesus, they were completely transformed! They were now courageous and bold. Peter, who betrayed Jesus three times the night of his arrest, boldly preached on the day of Pentecost when 3000 believed! The disciples came out of hiding and followed Jesus’ directive to take the good news to all the world.

6. Witnesses of the risen Jesus were willing to die for their faith. Another compelling argument for the truth of the resurrection is the fact that many of the disciples faced martyrdom. Countless others died refusing to deny their faith in the risen Christ. People are willing to die for what they believe is the truth, but who will die for what they know is a lie. If the disciples faked Jesus’ resurrection, would they be willing to die for a lie?

7. Jewish believers changed their day of worship from Saturday to Sunday.

Believers began to celebrate Jesus’ resurrection by worshiping on the day that Jesus was raised from the dead. This reflected the profound change in their lives. We continue to celebrate this each Sunday today.  Sundays are called “mini-Easters.” (this is why Sundays are excluded during the season of Lent.)

8. Jesus’ death and resurrection were predicted.

The disciples were caught off guard by Jesus’ death. Jesus had clearly tried to explain to them what would happen, but their pre-conceived political notions of the Messiah and the Kingdom of God were too entrenched. They couldn’t comprehend Jesus’ words about going to Jerusalem to die and be resurrected. They didn’t put together Isaiah’s prophecy about the “suffering servant” until after the fact. As is so often the case, our hindsight is 20-20. The disciples got it, it just took awhile! When we are in the midst of something it is often difficult to see the big picture. Jesus’ death and resurrection illuminated God’s plan for the world. Looking at the Old Testament scriptures now, we see what has been there all along, only now our eyes have been opened.

9. What an amazing climax to Jesus’ miraculous life!

As God so often does, he takes the unlikely and the absurd and turns it around. Jesus hung on the cross while the crowds mocked him. His amazing three-year career of miracles seemed to be over in humiliation and degradation. But it was not the end!  God has the last word!

10. Those who trust Jesus resonate with this experience.

When we become followers of Jesus, our lives are changed, our old selves “die” and we are made new in Christ. This spiritual power dramatically transforms us, just as it did the disciples.  We are new creations. Those who experience new life in Christ understand the concept of resurrection. For we are resurrected with Christ. (I Corinthians 15:12-22)  

The resurrection of Jesus is one of the best-attested events in history. Hundreds of witnesses saw the risen Jesus. The fearful and cowering disciples were transformed into courageous and bold apostles who took the good news throughout the known world.  The evidence for the resurrection makes more sense than the theories of stolen bodies, misplaced tombs or a Jesus who merely fainted. But understanding the mystery of the resurrection is not something that can be accomplished through evidence and intellect alone. Indeed, our intellect tells us miracles are impossible!  As we explore the mystery and joy of the resurrection during this rotation, help children think about the evidence for the resurrection. Help them realize that ultimately, they must accept it individually, as an act of faith. Help them to recognize that the disciples also doubted, but Jesus helped them understand and accept what had happened. Jesus pointed to himself, to the scriptures and to his teachings to help them understand.  Thomas doubted until he had seen and touched for himself. Help the children understand Jesus’ words, “Because you have seen me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen me but still have believed.” (John 29:29) We may not be able to “see” Jesus physically in front of us as his disciples did, but what are other ways we can “see” Jesus?  What are other ways we can be a witness to his presence in the world and our lives? How have we seen and felt Jesus before? How do we know Jesus is alive?

Additional Easter Story Notes:

Meaning of the Cross

Easter is the holiest day of the year for Christians. Without Easter, we would have no need to celebrate Christmas. But it’s not as easy to teach the Easter story as it is the Christmas story.  The death of Jesus is not easy. Children may have many questions or they may accept this story without questioning at all. Many of their questions are the same ones with which we all struggle. Be sensitive to the mood of your class, but be prepared to discuss some of these questions with the children each week.

Why did Jesus have to die?  

This is really the essence of our Christian faith. Jesus was obedient to God.  He perfectly fulfilled the will of God, the Father. Jesus died as a perfect sacrifice for sin so that we could be made right with God.

Why didn’t Jesus save himself?   

Young children may wonder why Jesus didn’t leave when he had the chance. He had the power to do so; he had escaped difficult times in the past.  He had used his power to heal and perform many miracles. Jesus accepted this “cup of suffering and death” as part of God’s plan.  He was obedient, even though it was the hardest thing he had ever done. Children must make choices every day. Families are faced with many demands on their time. Standing up for what is right can be extremely difficult and can require life-style sacrifices.  Our children must see that Jesus is our example. When faced with his anguishing choice, Jesus turned to God in prayer.  He was obedient to God. Our children can turn to God with their troubles as well.  God did not remove the cup from Jesus and God does not always keep bad things from happening to us.  But God is always with us, no matter what.  His presence comforts and strengthens us just as it did Jesus. Jesus was obedient even to death, because of his great love for us. How many of us would be willing to give up our lives for another? All theories of atonement recognize that through Christ’s death, we are made right with God. Jesus died for US so that we might be in relationship with God for eternity! The cross reveals to us the extent of God’s tremendous love for us and his relentless pursuit of relationship with us. The cross reveals to us the new possibilities that exist for us in spiritual rebirth and new relationship with God and with our neighbors.   

Why do we call it Good Friday, since that is the day Jesus died?

By calling it Good Friday, we remember that the death of Jesus is not the end of the story. We know that the resurrection is coming. We look forward to the empty tomb of Sunday morning and the rejoicing that will occur! We recognize that God’s love for us is truly good – so good that we cannot possibly describe it or thank him enough for it!

Possible Discussion Questions:

The book, Journey to the Cross by Helen Haidle has excellent pictures and discussion topics written on a child’s level. Consider purchasing this book to use as a resource for the different workshop leaders.  

  • How did the disciples react to Jesus’ arrest and death?  (they ran away and hid)
  • Why were they afraid?  (the leaders might come after them, too)
  • How did they change?  (they became full of joy, courage and very bold, they spread the gospel all over, willing to die for their faith)
  • What do you think of the various theories that deny Jesus’ resurrection?
  • What do you think is the most convincing proof that Jesus did indeed rise from the dead?
  • What safeguards were taken to keep Jesus’ body guarded in the tomb?  (soldiers posted outside, tomb had official Roman seal)
  • Who first found the empty tomb?  (the women)
  • Why were they going to the tomb?  (to anoint Jesus’ body with spices for burial)
  • What did the angel tell the women?  (Jesus is risen)
  • What did the Jewish leaders do when they heard about the empty tomb?  (bribed the guards to say that the disciples had stolen the body)
  • What did the disciples think when they first heard?  (they didn’t believe, needed to see for themselves)
  • Thomas is sometimes called “Doubting Thomas.” Why?  (because he wanted to see for himself and didn’t believe what the other disciples told him)
  • What helped Thomas believe?  (he saw and touched Jesus, Jesus encouraged him)
  • Have you ever doubted the things you hear about at church?
  • What can help us believe?
  • How can we help others believe something that seems impossible?
  • The disciples were completely transformed. Has Jesus changed your life? In what ways?

Sources

  • Langford, Thomas and Black II, C. Clifton. Jesus Christ: Holy Week and Crucifixion; Graded Press, 1985.
  • Haidle, Helen. Journey to the Cross. Zonderkidz, 2001.
  • Kalas, J. Ellsworth. Christian Believer: Knowing God with Heart and Mind Study Manual, Abingdon Press, 1999
  • FaithQuest: The Trial and Crucifixion of Jesus, Kirk of Kildaire Presbyterian Church, Cary, NC, 2002.
  • Richards, Lawrence O. Bible Teacher’s Commentary. Cook Communications, 2002.
  • Bible Zone #3 and #4: The Resurrection. Abingdon Press, 1998, 1999.
  • Wingeier, Douglas E. Jesus Christ: Resurrection. Graded Press, 1985.
  • Invitation Bible Studies, Abingdon Press, Spring 1989, 1991, 1994.
  • Life Of Christ. Sky Media, Discovery House Publishers, 1997.  
Last edited by Wormy the Helpful Worm
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Empty Tomb

Video Workshop


Summary of Lesson Activities:

View and discuss "He Is Risen" video from Nest Entertainment.

Scripture References:

Matthew, 28:1-10, Mark 16:1-8, Luke 24:1-12, John 20:1-10, “Jesus Rises from the Dead,” Little Kids’ Adventure Bible, pages 356-357.

Theme:
Jesus died on the cross and was raised from the dead.  We celebrate the resurrection of Jesus at Easter.

Memory Verse:
“He is not here. He has risen!”  Luke 24:6

Preparation and Materials:

  • Read the Background information, Teaching Tips and Lesson.
  • Preview the video prior to class time.
  • Prepare popcorn before children arrive in class.
  • He is Risen DVD (Nest Family Entertainment)
  • Popcorn

Preview of the video on YouTube.
As of 2024, Nest seems to be allowing or not contesting full length posting of their videos on YouTube such as this one. You can also purchase them on DVD direct from Nestlearning.com  Note: They have a "Passion Trilogy" which cover all the story of Holy Week.

Summary of the Video from Nest:

Main Characters: Jesus, the Disciples, Mary Magdalene, Pontius Pilate and Caiaphas

Scripture References: Matthew 26-27, Mark 14:26-16:20, Luke 22-24 & John 18-21.  Jesus dies on the cross and is buried in a sealed tomb only to be raised on the third day, celebrated as Easter morning. Appearing to the Disciples and His followers, Jesus compels them with the message that they must spread His teachings, and make disciples of men, then Jesus ascends into Heaven.

Summary: A young boy, Daniel, witnesses the death of Jesus by crucifixion on Calvary where a Roman Centurion confirms, "Truly this man was the son of God." Storms rage and an earthquake shakes the land at Jesus' death. Daniel hurries back to the Disciples, who are hiding from Roman soldiers, with the news of Jesus' death. Meanwhile, Joseph of Arimathaea and Nicodemus prepare Jesus‰۪ body, bury it in a tomb cut into a hillside and cover the entrance with a huge stone. Caiaphas, the Pharisee high priest, who did not accept Jesus as the Messiah, visits Pontius Pilate, counseling Pilate to seal the tomb since Jesus' followers said He would rise from death on the third day. Pilate agrees and posts guards, but angels appear and the tomb splits open in a glorious burst of light. Jesus first appears to Mary Magdalene when she visits the empty tomb. Then Jesus appears to the Disciples. He entrusts Simon Peter to take care of His "lambs and sheep", and preaches for 40 days, asking His followers to teach His words to all peoples, everywhere. His mission on earth completed, Jesus ascends into heaven in a stirring climax to the video, telling His followers He will come again. "Come quickly, Lord Jesus," says the boy Daniel. "I'll always be watching for You."


Lesson Plan


Opening:

Have the children sit in the theatre seats. Welcome the children andtoday's lesson and what you hope they will learn.  Open with prayer and then ask them what they know about the Death and Resurrection of Jesus. List their responses on a board and then return to the list after the video so they can add more details including what they may have missed.

Video:

Video: He Is Risen (The Animated Stories from the New Testament, Nest Entertainment)
Video running time 25 minutes

Introduce the Video
Jesus was an innocent man. He was betrayed, sentenced, and crucified. Is this the end of the story of Jesus? What happened when the women go to the tomb to finish his burial ritual?  Let’s watch and see the greatest miracle of them all -- the resurrection of Jesus.

Key points in the video:

  • Opens with Crucifixion scene, earthquake, soldier, temple curtain tears
  • Soldier confession
  • Joseph of Arimathea requests his body
  • Joseph and Nicodemus at the tomb with spices (PAUSE here to make sure the children recognize that this is Nicodemus, who visited Jesus at night and whom we studied in March!)
  • Caiphas and Pilate - posting guards at the tomb
  • The tomb is sealed
  • The light! Jesus is risen!
  • Peter and John run to tomb
  • Jesus appears to Mary
  • Jesus appears to the disciples
  • Soldiers visit Caiaphas and are bribed
  • Jesus appears to Thomas
  • Jesus on the beach
  • Peter swims to Jesus
  • Breakfast on the beach
  • Peter is restored
  • Great Commission - Jesus ascends to heaven  


Discussion Points

  1. What emotion did you feel when you saw Jesus die on the cross in the video?
  2. Did it make a difference to you knowing Jesus would come back to life?
  3. Why do you think God put a very SAD story at the center of our faith and scripture? (Terrible/Sad events make for permanent memories. God did not want the world to forget how sinful it was, and how great his forgiveness and love is!)
  4. What do you think it was like to see Jesus alive for the first time after his resurrection from death?
  5. How can WE 'see' and know that  Jesus is alive today?   Do we see him with our eyeballs?
  6. What can you do to prepare yourself for Jesus' reaching out to you?


Closing:

Using words and ideas from their discussion responses, asking Jesus to lead us, teach us, comfort us, and protect us, lead a prayer that invites students to respond,"Risen Lord Jesus, be with me."






A lesson by Jaymie Derden from State Street UMC, TN.
Updated by a member of the Rotation.org Content Team

Last edited by Wormy the Helpful Worm

Empty Tomb

Art Workshop: Banner of Promise, Symbols of New Life and Hope

Summary of Lesson Activities:

Students first "decode" the "Hymn of Promise" lyric-video and then create a banner from its images and symbols of new life.

Scripture References:

Matthew, 28:1-10, Mark 16:1-8, Luke 24:1-12, John 20:1-10

Memory Verse:
“He is not here.  He has risen!”  Luke 24:6 


Preparation and Room Set-Up:

  • Review background information, teaching tips and lesson materials.
  • Gather the paint pens, 8x8 squares of cloth, pencils and paper.
  • Cover the tables with the old tablecloths


Materials List:
see below.

Here is the video you will play for the students to "decode" -- list the images of renewal, newness, and hope found in it and the words of Natalie Sleeth's "Hymn of Promise."

Note: There are many versions of different groups singing this hymn. Some include images with the lyrics. We thought this one posted by "Mosaic at St. Andrew" was easiest to listen to and watch. https://youtu.be/F86RFrwICCc?si=R52M7f2HlwmRbe9f



Lesson Plan


Opening:

Welcome your students, explain what they'll be doing today and what you hope they will learn.

Introduce the Story with these Questions:

The following is your scripture activity for the lesson ~ the Holy Week story provided by your students and filled in with your comments. It is also supplemented by the images and lyrics of the song. If needed, you may also use a Bible storybook to summarize the story of the Empty Tomb.

  • What did Jesus do on Palm Sunday? (Jesus rode into Jerusalem on the back of the donkey. People waved palm branches and proclaimed Him to be their king.  He went straight to the temple and began teaching.
  • What did Jesus do on Thursday of the week? (On Thursday, Jesus celebrated the Passover meal with His disciples that became The Last Supper.)
  • Where did Jesus go after the Last Supper and what happened to him?  (He went out to pray in the Garden of Gethsemane and was betrayed by Judas.  Jesus was arrested, tried, convicted and sentenced to death by crucifixion.)
  • What happened to Jesus on "Good Friday"? (Jesus was nailed to a cross and died. He was placed in a new tomb on a rocky hillside and lay in that tomb until Sunday. Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea had prepared the body as much as possible before the sunset on Friday, and the Sabbath began. A huge boulder was rolled into place at the entrance, and two guards were placed outside to ensure that nobody could enter without their permission and help.)
  • What happened to Jesus on early Sunday morning? (Mary Magdalene and the “Other Mary” went to the tomb hoping to be able to put some ritual ointments on his dead body as a sign of respect and love. But they found the tomb empty. Jesus had risen from the dead!)
  • What did the angels tell the woman at the empty tomb? (He is not here, he has risen!)
  • How would you have reacted if you had found the tomb empty?  If you suddenly saw an angel and hear the words for the first time, "He is not here. He is risen." ???


Introduce the activity:

Forty days passed between the resurrection and Jesus’ ascension into heaven. There were many witnesses who saw Jesus during that time. Jesus said that anyone who believed would be blessed.

The Resurrection and Ascension occurred almost 2000 years ago, but God has left us many signs to remind us of the changes and new life God wants us to experience when we believe in Jesus and feel his Spirit at work in our lives. In a moment, I'm going to play a song-video ALL ABOUT the signs we see all around us. 

A woman named Natalie Sleeth wrote a song entitled “Hymn of Promise” to describe the many wonderful new beginnings God has provided. These examples help us understand the new life God gives us when we believe in Jesus!  (Note: This song has become a popular Easter-time hymn in many denominations both for congregational singing and choirs.)

Directions:

  1. Play the "Hymn of Promise" video -- the one with all the images that go with the lyrics.
  2. As the song plays, invite children to shout aloud the symbols/images they hear in the lyrics and see on the screen -- as you write them on the board. These will be the images/lyrics they choose from to make their banner square.
  3. If needed, watch the video a second time.
  4. Have them sketch out an illustration of their song symbol on the paper. Encourage them to make their drawing large -- to fill most of the space on their paper. Once they are satisfied with the drawing, give them a fabric square. (If desired, show the children the pictures/clip art you have collected to help them as they plan their drawing.)
  5. It may be helpful to tape the square to the table top using masking or painter's tape.  The adhesive backing should provide enough body/stiffening to make drawing easy.
  6. Have children use paint markers to draw and color their symbol onto the fabric square.
  7. If you have more than 12 children, include words from the song such as Hope, Future, Life, Eternity, Victory. Or have children think of additional symbols/pictures that the song evokes.  
  8. Have the children use a fine-tipped sharpie marker to write their initials in the bottom corner of the square.

If time, have them complete MORE than one square.

If you have space, invite each student to create a self-portrait of themselves "celebrating" Jesus resurrection or hearing about it for the first time -- because their lives and attitude are also SYMBOLS of God's hope to others!

Make the Hymn of Promise Banner Squares and Assemble Into 1 Large Banner

  1. After decoding the images of new life and hope in "Hymn of Promise," each child will decorate a fabric square using symbols of new life and hope they found in the hymn.
  2. Following their completion, students should decide how to place their squares on the larger banner cloth, then lightly spread tacky glue on the banner cloth at the corners and center where each square will go, lifting up the banner square to apply glue to the banner cloth, then lightly press the corners of the cloth square into the glue before doing this again with another banner square.  (Another option is to spread glue across the banner, lay the squares in it, cover the squares with butcher paper and lightly press the squares into the glue, then CAREFULLY PEEL the paper off the squares.)
  3. After it is complete, leave the banner on the table to dry. (After class, you may need to add additional glue to help attach the squares.)

Supplies Needed:

  • Muslin or other plain fabric, cut in 8”x 8” squares with pinking shears
  • Muslin or other plain fabric cut 24" x 36" or 48" to hold attach all the 8x8 squares to. This banner cloth should have a sewn or tacked seam all around and a way to hang it (grommets/rod pocket) that suits your display needs.
  • Fine-tipped sharpie marker
  • An assortment of fabric paint pens
  • White copy paper - cut to 8 X 8 inches (several sheets per child) for practicing before painting on the squares
  • Pencils
  • Watercolor colored pencils or watercolor paints (available from art supply or hobby/craft stores)
  • Water in a cup
  • Watercolor brushes
  • Paper towels
  • Tacky Glue to attach banner squares to banner cloth
  • TV or computer with internet connection to show the YouTube video of the music-lyric video.
  • Here are some of the symbols in the song/video

tulip, daffodil or other flowering bulb
butterfly
cross section of apple showing seeds
apple tree
tree without leaves (? Snow on branches) - winter
spring flowers or trees with blossoms, leaves, etc.
night sky (moon and stars)
sunrise or sunshine
musical notes or musical score
Cross
Heart
Alpha Omega symbol (end and beginning) 

Advanced Preparations:

  1. Pre-wash both the muslin banner cloth and cloth from which you will cut the individual 8x8 squares.
  2. Use pinking shears to cut the individual 8" x 8" squares for students (up to 2 per student).
  3. Cover the art tables with plastic tablecloths to protect the table surfaces.

Reflection and Closing:

Gather the children together in a circle around the banner and invite them to say aloud what their banner square is saying about Jesus and new life. Close with a prayer that has the children saying "thank you God for ______" --naming the symbol in the square you are pointing at until all the squares have been used.


A lesson by Jaymie Derden from State Street UMC, TN
with updates from the Rotation.org Content Team




Attachments

Images (1)
  • Hymn of Promise lyrics
Last edited by Wormy the Helpful Worm

Empty Tomb

A "Shadow Theater" Drama Workshop

Summary:

Students will act out the story of Jesus' burial and resurrection from behind a backlit sheet as they hear it narrated by the teacher and/or other students, using a technique known as "Shadow Theater."  This technique emphasizes action and body language, is scalable and adaptable to any age group, and requires a modest setup.

Scripture References:

Luke 24:1-12 ~ The story of the women going to the tomb and encountering the angels.

Memory Verse:
“He is not here.  He has risen!”  Luke 24:6

Supplies:

  • A large white sheet hung across a staging area, approximately 6' wide and 6' high.
  • A bright white light, such as a clamp light fixture with a 100 watt bulb, fixed at waist level behind the screen, with about 4' feet in front of it where the actors move behind the screen. The light casts the actors' shadows on the screen/sheet for others to view on the other side of the screen.
  • A cloth or blanket that can be wrapped around the actor portraying Jesus.
  • A bench to lay Jesus' body on (drape a blanket to make it look like a rock bench).
  • A piece of cardboard cut in the shape of a large round stone which can be rolled away.
  • Baskets for the actors to carry on their way to the tomb.
  • Two bright flashlights that get shined on the fabric screen where the angels' shadows appear.
  • A cellphone or video camera in the audience to record BOTH the rehearsal and the shadow play.
  • See Shadow Theater helps, diagrams and supply recomendations at https://www.rotation.org/topic...ama-how-to-resources

Note: In Shadow Theater, any prop can easily be made out of cardboard. Only its shadow matters.



Lesson Plan

Opening:

Welcome the children and introduce yourself. Explain what they'll be doing today and what you hope they will learn.

Review the story of the Empty Tomb from Luke 24:1-12 using classroom Bibles, or a Bible storybook, or the video of your choices.  The Drama Script will repeat this scripture, so if you're really short on time, use the script as your scripture time. *The drama script begins with Jesus being laid in the tomb (Luke 23:50-56).

Warm Up:

In preparation for our Shadow Theater presentation of Luke 24:1-12, let's do some "body language" and posing warm ups. Remember that facial expressions won't be easily seen in this technique. You have to use your arms and legs, hands and head position.

Show me:

  1. Astonished --with your entire body both as an action and a pose.
  2. Afraid
  3. Scared
  4. Wondering (again, with your entire body)
  5. Dead
  6. Earthquake
  7. Sad
  8. Like an Angel (but without moving)
  9. Running in slow motion
  10. Walking and talking to each other in slow motion.
  11. Telling someone else AMAZING NEWS.  Do it with action. Do it as a frozen pose.


Shadow Drama: Empty Tomb = Good News!
 

  • Assign roles and costumes.  One actor can perform many roles.
  • Do a rehearsal behind the screen, stopping to suggest actions and poses.
  • Remind them to listen carefully to the "cues" in the narration about what they are supposed to be doing.
  • Remind them that their actions need to be slow and big.

Characters:

  1. Narrator – teacher or shepherd should read the script for grades 1-3
  2. A "Pose/Action" Director -- a student who helps rehearse by making suggestions based on the shadows they see. (This director should go behind the screen during the recording).
  3. Jesus
  4. Several women (Luke names several and says there were "others)
  5. Disciples
  6. Soldier
  7. Two Angels

See the script below! Feel free to copy it and make it your own.

Closing:

Watch your video(s) as an audience and recap key moments in the story by complimenting actors and their actions.

Close with a prayer that we would not be "shadow disciples" but noticeable by everyone around us as believers and followers of Jesus Christ.



Script:  Empty Tomb = Good News!

Unless otherwise noted, all the text is to be read by a narrator(s). This person should be positioned close to the video camera so that their narration is clearly recorded. The narrator needs to pause for the actors to do their thing before continuing on with the narration. The narration contains many action cues in its words.

Narration:

    1. It had been a terrible couple of days!
    2. Jesus had been arrested on Thursday Night and been sentenced to die on a cross Friday morning.
    3. That afternoon as he hung there breathing his last words,
    4. the earth shook
    5. and the sky grew dark
    6. and then it was over.
    7. His friends couldn't believe it. How could this happen? How could the Messiah be dead?
    8. What about all their hopes and dreams? What about his message and power?
    9. They didn't understand, and for the next two days, they hid themselves and cried with worry and anger.
    10. Now when Jesus died, one of the religious leaders, a man named Joseph of Arimathea who believed in Jesus, got permission to take Jesus' body down from the cross,
    11. wrap him in a linen burial cloth
    12. and gently lay his body in a rock tomb.
    13. And as they left him there, their hearts were breaking.
    14. Afraid that someone might want to steal Jesus' body and claim he came back to life, the governor ordered soldiers to put a large rock over the entrance to the tomb
    15. and stand guard at the tomb.
    16. And there Jesus' body lay Friday night and all day Saturday, until Sunday morning.


    (Turn off backlight so Jesus can leave the scene, then turn it back on when the words "But when they got there" are read.)

  1. Early on Sunday morning, two women who were followers of Jesus, arrived at his tomb bringing spiced oils and more linen to make sure his body was properly prepared and show their respect.
  2. But when they got there, (lights back on)
  3. they found that guards had run off,
  4. and the stone covering the entrance to the tomb had been rolled away.
  5. Going into the tomb, they were shocked at what they saw.
  6. Jesus was not there!
  7. Not yet understanding what had happened, they came out of the time and stood there bewildered.
  8. And that's when two angels appeared dressed in dazzling white.
  9. Afraid, the women cowered in fear.
  10. But the angels said to them,
  11. “Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen! Remember how He spoke to you when He was still in Galilee, saying, ‘The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.’ ”
  12. And suddenly, the women remembered. They remember that Jesus had taught them that he would rise from the dead.
  13. So they hurried away to find the other disciples and tell them the good news.  No, GREAT NEWS!
  14. And when they found them, they told them all about the empty tomb and what the angels had said.
  15. Now imagine if someone had just told YOU that they had seen an empty tomb and an angel. Would you believe them?
  16. So Peter went running to the tomb to see for himself.
  17. And when he got to the empty tomb he went in
  18. and only found the linen cloth that Jesus had been buried with -- just rolled up and sitting there.
  19. And Peter sat there wondering if it were all true,
  20. and at some point started feeling a growing sense of Joy filling his heart,
  21. that his master was alive again, and nothing would ever be the same again.
  22. So now it's your turn to enter the empty tomb, and see that Jesus is not there.
    For God has raised Jesus from the dead as a sign to us that everything Jesus said and did was true and real.
    That God sent him for the salvation of the world, and we should follow him now as our Lord.

    In this last section, Jesus can stand behind the screen with his disciples posing these words:
  23. Though the body of Jesus has gone into heaven, his Holy Spirit lives on inside each of us,
  24. Jesus calls us to be as loving and forgiving as he was,
  25. Jesus calls us to continue his mission of reaching out to others
  26. To bring healing, ...and teaching, and the Good News of God's forgiveness to all.




A lesson originally posted by member Jaymie Derden
and updated by the Rotation.org Content Team

Last edited by Wormy the Helpful Worm

Empty Tomb

Computer Workshop Software Options and Lesson Ideas

Life of Christ, Actual Reality, and Kid Pix are the three software options discussed below. We've added an "Opening" that you can use with any of the programs, and some software-navigation and discussion notes.

It's not uncommon in the Bible Computer Lab to use two of the following program TOGETHER during the lesson. For example, starting with the presentation in Life of Christ, and then either turning to Actual Reality for further digging, or to Kid Pix to do some illustrating/creating.


Life of Christ (Grades 3-6)

Actual Reality (Grades 4-6)

UPDATE: You can now download a free "ISO" copy of Actual Reality software that will run fine in Windows 10 or 11 from https://archive.org/details/ACTREAL.  At that website, select the ISO image version. It's about 650 MB to download.

After downloading, double click to open, select "details"on the security screen and "run anyway" to unzip it. Then click the actreal.exe file in the unzipped folder to run it!  Tip: Use Window's Display Scale control to set screen to 150% to make it fill the screen. Learn more here and also get a copy of an Outline to Actual Reality.

Kid Pix 4 (or Kid Pix 3-D) (all grades)

Kid Pix is an art, illustrating, and storytelling software that was once described as "the first program every Bible computer lab should have on every computer" because of its versatility and wide age range. Learn more about this program and where to purchase here.


Lesson Opening for Using Any of These Programs

Prior to using the software, welcome your students and ask them to recall as much as they can about the story of Easter. List their responses on the board.

Next, give them clues about some of the events they may have missed to help jog their memories. Then invite them to try to get them in the correct order. Below is a basic outline you hope they can generate.

  1. Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey amid great celebration – Palm Sunday
  2. Jesus cleansed the Temple.
  3. Jesus taught the people.
  4. Jesus celebrated the Passover with his disciples – Last Supper
  5. Jesus prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane.
  6. Jesus was betrayed by Judas.
  7. Jesus was arrested.
  8. Jesus was tried, beaten and treated terribly.
  9. Jesus was nailed to a cross and died.
  10. Jesus was buried in a tomb.
  11. Jesus was resurrected (angels announce to the women, Peter runs to tomb, etc etc)

Younger children should have a simpler list.


Using Life of Christ:

  1. Click on icon on desktop to open program.
  2. Click New Exploration.
  3. Type in initials.
  4. Click on crate on table by window to open up lesson index.
  5. Click 34-40 – Jesus is Alive Forever and Ever.
  6. Click Lesson 34 – The Burial and Resurrection.
  7. Click YES to take quiz.
  8. Click on correct answers.
  9. Click arrow on bottom of screen to advance to next question.
  10. Click return to Lesson Index.
  11. Click on left hand side of screen to see toolbar. Click office.
  12. Roll mouse over left hand side of screen near bottom. EXIT will pop up. Click exit to exit the program.

Directions:

  1. Gather the children around the computer station you have pulled up the presentation on.
  2. Listen to the narration (see #7 above in Navigation) - #34  The Burial and Resurrection.
  3. Discussion question:  If an angel appeared to you would you react more like the women or the guards? Why? Why did the guards run away?  What was the penalty for guards who deserted their post?  (death!)  What do you think they were thinking? Feeling?  What do you think the women thought and felt?  
  4. Take the quiz together.
  5. Exit the program.



Using Actual Reality:

  1. Start up the program on a computer(s)
  2. Let the opening run.
  3. Click on STUFF TO KNOW.
  4. Click on the CITY (this is the Parking Meter).
  5. Click on LE BIJOU Theatre – Raised from the Dead.
  6. Listen to Rebecca St. James.
  7. Watch the following video clips of the different theories (click on each one to watch)

    Stolen Body
    Miraculous Recovery Theory
    Mistaken Grave Theory
    He Is Risen

Discuss:

  • Have you ever heard any of these theories or others about what really happened to Jesus?
  • What do you think of the various theories that deny Jesus’ resurrection?
  • What do you think is the most convincing proof that Jesus did indeed rise from the dead?
  • What safeguards were taken to keep Jesus’ body guarded in the tomb?  (soldiers posted outside, tomb had “official Roman seal.
  • Describe the meaning of the resurrection in two sentences….
  • Why is it so important to Christians to believe that Jesus truly rose from the dead?
  • Have you ever doubted the things you hear about at church?
  • What can help us believe?
  • How can we help others believe something that seems impossible?
  • The disciples were completely transformed.  Has Jesus changed your life?  In what way?

    See the attached Actual Reality worksheet for further exploration and help guiding students. https://www.rotation.org/sendT...ity%20Worksheet.docx



Using Kid Pix

Children will use Kid Pix to illustrate the memory verse.  If desired, use sticker paper to create “bumper stickers” or other labels.    

Supplies:

  • Kid Pix software
  • Printable sticker paper (full size sheets ol label sheets)

Preparation:

  1. Copy Kid Pix Helpful Hints Handout for each computer station.
  2. Open Kid Pix and navigate to the drawing screen.  

Tips:

If using labels, consider using the drawing tools to divide the screen into sections. Children can then draw within the section and print out their creations. If children are unfamiliar with the software, demonstrate some of the basic navigation tips for them on one computer before sending them to their separate stations. Suggestions:  basic drawing with pencil, crayon or paint, how to erase (caution them about the OOPS button and the large eraser), how to color in their drawings, how to use stamps, etc. Refer to the Helpful Hints sheet for further help at https://www.rotation.org/fileS...0Pix%20handout-1.pdf

Directions:  

  1. Review the memory verse with the children.  Give each computer station a copy of the memory verse.
  2. Divide the children into pairs and sent to computer stations.
  3. Have the children use Kid Pix to write the memory verse and illustrate it.  
  4. Children may use stamps, stickers or may draw their own illustrations.
  5. Make sure they share!  Divide the screen into at least two sections. Each child can illustrate on one half of the screen. Discourage frequent erasures.  
  6. Once they are finished, print out the illustrations onto the sticker paper.
  7. Cut apart and distribute to the children.
  8. Print out an extra copy of each station’s creation on regular paper for our scrapbook!

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Last edited by Wormy the Helpful Worm

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