Scripture: Matthew 28:1-10; 1 Peter 2:24

Day 1 — Family Devo

Read the Passage Together

Bible Reading — Matthew 28:1-10 (NKJV):
1 Now after the Sabbath, as the first day of the week began to dawn, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb. 2 And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat on it. 3 His countenance was like lightning, and his clothing as white as snow. 4 And the guards shook for fear of him, and became like dead men. 5 But the angel answered and said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. 6 He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. 7 And go quickly and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead, and indeed He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him. Behold, I have told you.” 8 So they went out quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to bring His disciples word. 9 And as they went to tell His disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, “Rejoice!” So they came and held Him by the feet and worshiped Him. 10 Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell My brethren to go to Galilee, and there they will see Me.”

1 Peter 2:24 (NKJV):
24 who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness—by whose stripes you were healed.

Review/Gospel Connection:

Jesus died on the cross to take the punishment for our sins. He was buried in a tomb, and for three days it seemed like the story was over. But then something amazing happened—
Jesus came back to life!
When Jesus rose from the grave, it showed that His payment for sin was completely finished. Because Jesus is alive, forgiveness has already been fully paid for.
The Bible tells us that anyone who believes in Jesus and trusts Him as their Savior receives this forgiveness and the free gift of eternal life. We don’t earn it or work for it—Jesus already did everything needed. The empty tomb reminds us that Jesus’ work is complete, and His promise of forgiveness is true.

Talk About It:
(in order of age and stage)

1. What did Jesus do on the cross?
2. What does it mean to "resurrect"?
3. Why do we celebrate Jesus' resurrection?
4. If Jesus defeated death, do we still have to be afraid of death?
5. How do we respond to the free gift that Jesus gave us by defeating death?

Pray Together:

"Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank you for the free gift of salvation! You died and rose again to defeat death. Because of Jesus we are forgiven and can live forever in Heaven with you. Help us to share this amazing news with everyone around us!

In Jesus Name we pray,

Amen."

Scripture: Matthew 28:1-10; 1 Peter 2:24

Day 2 — Family Activity

“Empty Hands” Object Lesson

Supplies: One small treat or “gift” for each person in the family.

How to do it:

1. Ask everyone to hold their hands in tight fists.
2. Explain: “Our sin is like something we’re holding onto.”
3. Then say: “Jesus died for our sins and rose again.”
4. Have everyone open their hands.

Explain: “Because of Jesus, our sins were taken away and forgiveness is a free gift. We receive it by
believing in Him.”

Give the gift: “Jesus offers us the gift of salvation, we just have to believe and receive the gift!”

Wrap-Up Questions / Talking Points:

1. Question: “What does it feel like to open your hands and let go?”
   Talking Point: Just like we opened our hands, Jesus took away our sins when He died and rose again. We don’t have to try to earn forgiveness—it’s a free gift from Him.
2. Question: “Who do you know that needs to hear that Jesus takes away sin?”
   Talking Point: Because Jesus’ forgiveness is complete, we can tell others about Him so they can have this free gift too. (This leads us into tomorrow’s challenge!)
   

Scripture: Matthew 28:1-10; 1 Peter 2:24

Day 3 — Family Challenge

Family Challenge for the Week:

“Share the Good News” Challenge

Isn’t this the best news ever? Think about a time you got some amazing news. Maybe you found out you were going to take a fun trip, or that your family was growing and you would get a new brother or sister! Talk together about a time you got some great news, take turns giving examples.

When you hear great news, what is your response? You usually want to tell the people you love! Good news is exciting and when we are excited about something, we want to share it with others. Knowing that Jesus gives everyone the free gift of salvation when we believe in Him is something we want everyone to know about!

This week, as a family, find one person you can share the Easter message with.

It could be:

• A friend
• A neighbor
• A family member
• Someone at school or work

Practice saying this together:

“Jesus died and rose again so that everyone who believes in Him receives the free gift of eternal life.”

You could:

• Tell someone
• Write a short note
• Draw a picture of the empty tomb and give it away

Talk as a family about who you want to share this good news with and make a plan to do it!