In this lesson, children learn that Jesus rose from the dead and is still with his people today. It works well for ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes. Teachers can use the story, the memory verse, and the activities in any order that fits the class.
Big Idea
Jesus is alive! He came back from the grave, walked with his friends, and promises to be with us every day.
Memory Verse
Luke 24:6
He isn’t here, but is risen. Remember what he told you when he was still in Galilee…
(WEB)
Ask children to lift both hands up high, then open them wide like a surprise. Say “He is risen!” together while they do the motion, so the words and the action stay linked in their minds.
The Story: Luke 24 for Kids
Early on the first day of the week, some women went to Jesus’ tomb. They carried spices to care for his body. When they arrived, they saw that the big stone had been rolled away from the entrance. Jesus was not inside.
Two men in shining clothes stood beside them. The women were scared and bowed their faces to the ground. The men asked them a good question: why were they looking for the living among the dead? Jesus was not there. He had risen, just as he had said he would.
The women ran back and told the eleven disciples and the others everything. Most of the men thought their words sounded like nonsense. Peter, though, ran to the tomb to see for himself. He looked in, saw the linen cloths lying there, and went home wondering what had happened.
That same day, two followers were walking to a village called Emmaus and talking sadly about all these events. A stranger came up and walked with them. They did not know it was Jesus. He asked what they were discussing, and they told him how their hopes had been crushed. He explained from the Scriptures how the Christ had to suffer and then enter his glory.
When they reached the village, the travelers asked the stranger to stay for supper. As he broke the bread and gave it to them, their eyes were opened, and they knew it was Jesus. Then he disappeared from their sight. They said to each other, “Weren’t our hearts burning within us while he talked with us?”
They hurried back to Jerusalem to tell the others. While they were talking, Jesus himself stood among them and said, “Peace be to you.” The disciples were frightened and thought they were seeing a ghost. Jesus showed them his hands and feet, and he even ate a piece of fish in front of them. Then he blessed them and was taken up into heaven, and the disciples went back to the temple full of joy, praising God.
Read It Together
Luke 24:16
But their eyes were kept from recognizing him.
(WEB)
Point out that the travelers’ eyes were kept from recognizing Jesus at first. Explain that they were not able to see who he was until he broke the bread, and ask children why it might be important to notice Jesus even when we cannot see him clearly.
Luke 24:31
Their eyes were opened, and they recognized him, and he vanished out of their sight.
(WEB)
Show children the moment their eyes were opened. Tell them that Jesus helps us understand who he is through his word and through time with other believers, and that he is always ready to make himself known to people who seek him.
Luke 24:36-39
36 As they said these things, Jesus himself stood among them, and said to them, “Peace be to you.” 37 But they were terrified and filled with fear, and supposed that they had seen a spirit. 38 He said to them, “Why are you troubled? Why do doubts arise in your hearts? 39 See my hands and my feet, that it is truly me. Touch me and see, for a spirit doesn’t have flesh and bones, as you see that I have.”
(WEB)
Point out that Jesus said “Peace be to you” and showed his hands and feet so his friends could see that he was real. Explain that his body was alive, not a spirit, and that this is why the disciples could be sure he had risen.
Talk About It
- How do you think the women felt when they saw the stone rolled away and Jesus was not there?
- What did the two travelers say their hearts felt like while Jesus talked with them on the road?
- Why do you think Jesus wanted his friends to touch his hands and feet?
- What is one thing you could tell a friend about Jesus being alive?
- How can you remember that Jesus is still with you when you feel scared or sad?
Activity Ideas
Empty Tomb Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a paper plate or small cardboard circle. Have children draw a tomb with a round stone beside it. Then cut a small slit so the stone can slide sideways, showing an empty tomb underneath. Let children slide the stone and say “He is risen!” each time it moves.
Walk and Talk Game
Mark a short path in the room with tape or chairs. Pair children up as travelers, and have one of them be the “stranger” who walks with them. Each pair walks the path and talks about a happy memory, then stops at the end to share a “bread break” with a cracker. Let children switch roles so everyone practices walking with Jesus.
Take-Home Peace Card
You will need index cards, a pen, and a few stickers. Write “Jesus said, Peace be to you” on one side and “Jesus is alive and with me” on the other. Ask children to decorate the cards and take them home. Encourage them to read the card at bedtime and tell their family what Jesus said to his friends.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that the resurrection is the center of Christian hope. The disciples moved from confusion and fear to joy and worship once Jesus opened their minds to the Scriptures. Jesus is shown as both truly risen and truly present, and his witnesses are sent out with a message of repentance and forgiveness.
With children, avoid overstating the emotional details the text does not spell out, such as exactly how the disciples felt in every moment. Stick to what the chapter says and let the children wonder with the characters rather than telling them what to feel.
A Prayer to Close
Dear Jesus, thank you that you are alive and that you came back to see your friends. Help us remember that you are with us every day, even when we cannot see you. Open our hearts to know you better, and help us tell others that you are risen. Amen.
