This lesson teaches children that Jesus rose from the dead, and because he is alive, believers have a hope that never ends. It is designed for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach, including the story, the discussion, and one activity.
Big Idea
Jesus is alive! Because he rose from the dead, God gives us the promise of a new, forever life with him, and we never have to be afraid of death.
Memory Verse
1 Corinthians 15:57
But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
(WEB)
Teach children to raise both arms high over their heads on the word “victory,” like a runner crossing the finish line. Say the verse together three times, lifting the arms each time. The motion ties the word “victory” to a joyful picture.
The Story: 1 Corinthians 15 for Kids
A man named Paul wrote a letter to his friends in the city of Corinth. Some of them were confused. They wondered whether people really come back to life after they die. Paul wanted them to know the good news he had first shared with them.
Paul told them about Jesus. Jesus died on a cross for our sins, and he was buried in a tomb. But on the third day, God raised him from the dead! Many people saw Jesus alive after that, including Peter, the twelve friends, and more than five hundred others at one time.
Paul compared it to planting a seed. A seed goes into the ground and looks like it has died, but then a brand new plant grows up out of it. Our bodies may die, but God has a new, glorious body waiting for us, just like a plant grows from a seed.
Paul said something wonderful. He said, “Death, where is your sting?” In other words, death cannot win anymore. Jesus has beaten death, so death no longer has the final word over people who love him.
Paul ended by encouraging his friends. He told them to stand firm and keep working for the Lord. Because Jesus is alive, the good things we do for him are never wasted.
Read It Together
1 Corinthians 15:3-4
3 For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures…
(WEB)
Point out the words “died,” “buried,” and “raised.” Ask the children to say these three words in order, using their fingers to count them. Explain that these three steps are the heart of the good news.
1 Corinthians 15:20
But now Christ has been raised from the dead. He became the first fruits of those who are asleep.
(WEB)
Show the children that Jesus is called the “first fruits,” which means he was the first of many. Hold up one apple and say that Jesus is the first, and that the rest of the apple tree’s fruit is coming after him, pointing to the promise that all who belong to Jesus will be raised too.
1 Corinthians 15:42-44
42 So also is the resurrection of the dead. The body is sown perishable; it is raised imperishable. 43 It is sown in dishonor; it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness; it is raised in power. 44 It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body and there is also a spiritual body.
(WEB)
Bring a seed or a small bulb and show it to the class. Explain that the seed goes into the ground and comes back as something beautiful, just as our bodies will be made new in heaven. Let the children touch the seed and imagine the flower it will become.
Talk About It
- What did Jesus do on the third day after he died?
- How did the seed in our lesson remind you of what God does for people who love him?
- Why do you think it is good news that death cannot win?
- Who are some people in the story who saw Jesus alive again?
- What is one way you can show your friends that Jesus is alive in your life?
Activity Ideas
Seed Drawing Craft
You will need paper, crayons, and a dry bean or seed for each child. Have each child glue the bean to the paper, then draw a plant growing up from it with bright flowers at the top. As they draw, remind them that God makes new life, just like the flower growing from the seed.
Victory Finish Line Game
Set up two chairs at one end of the room and mark a finish line with tape or a piece of string. Have children walk, skip, or hop from one end to the other, and each time they cross the line, they lift their arms and shout “Victory!” together. This helps children connect the word “victory” with movement and joy.
Take-Home Seed Packet
Give each child a small paper envelope and a few dry seeds from the craft table. On the outside, write the memory verse or a short phrase like “Jesus is alive!” Encourage the family to plant the seeds at home and watch them grow as a reminder of the resurrection.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter is one of the clearest teachings in the New Testament about the resurrection of Jesus and the hope of believers. Paul argues that if Christ was not raised, the Christian faith would be empty, but because he was raised, believers can live with confidence that death is not the end. The chapter also looks ahead to a future transformation of our bodies into something imperishable and glorious.
When teaching children, avoid overstating the details of what heaven or the new body will look like, since the text speaks in pictures and leaves many specifics open. Keep the focus on the simple truths: Jesus is alive, death has lost its power, and God keeps his promises. Children do not need to understand every symbol to trust that God loves them.
A Prayer to Close
Dear Jesus, thank you that you rose from the dead and are alive today. Thank you that you defeated death so we never have to be afraid. Help us to live as people who know you, and to tell others the good news. Amen.
