This lesson teaches children that Jesus is alive, because God raised him from the dead on Easter morning. It works well for children ages 5 to 11, and the whole lesson takes about 20 to 30 minutes with a short story, a memory verse, a few Bible reading stops, and an activity.
Big Idea
Jesus is not in the tomb. He is alive, and he keeps his promises to his friends.
Memory Verse
Mark 16:6
He said to them, “Don’t be amazed. You seek Jesus, the Nazarene, who has been crucified. He has risen. He is not here. Behold, the place where they laid him!
(WEB)
Have children stand up and slowly open their arms wide, like someone waking up in the morning. Then say the words together while they do the motion, so the verse becomes something they can act out, not just say.
The Story: Mark 16 for Kids
Early on the first day of the week, three women walked to the tomb where Jesus had been buried. Their names were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome. They had brought spices because they wanted to honor Jesus. On the way, they worried out loud, “Who will roll the big stone away from the door for us?” They were very sad and very tired.
When they got there, the stone was already rolled back. Inside the tomb sat a young man in a white robe. The women were amazed and a little scared. The young man said, “Don’t be amazed. Jesus is not here. He has risen. Go and tell his disciples and Peter that he is going ahead of you into Galilee.”
The women ran away from the tomb. They were trembling, and they did not say anything to anyone, because they were afraid. Later that day, Jesus appeared to Mary Magdalene, and she went to tell his friends. But they did not believe her at first. Jesus also walked with two of his followers on the road, and they told the others too, but still many did not believe.
Then Jesus appeared to the eleven disciples while they were eating together. He gently corrected them for not believing the people who had seen him. He told them to go everywhere and share the Good News with all people. After he spoke to them, Jesus was taken up into heaven.
The disciples went out and preached everywhere. The Lord worked with them and showed that his message was true. This is the end of the story of Jesus rising from the dead in the Gospel of Mark.
Read It Together
Mark 16:1-2
1 When the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, bought spices, that they might come and anoint him. 2 Very early on the first day of the week, they came to the tomb when the sun had risen.
(WEB)
Point out that the women came very early, while it was still dark outside, to care for Jesus. Ask children what it means to show love even when you feel sad. Explain that God was already working even before they saw the empty tomb.
Mark 16:15
He said to them, “Go into all the world, and preach the Good News to the whole creation.
(WEB)
Show children that Jesus gave his friends a job to do: tell everyone about him. Point out that the message is for the whole world, not just for a few people. Help children name one person they could tell about Jesus this week.
Mark 16:19-20
19 So then the Lord, after he had spoken to them, was received up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God. 20 They went out, and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word by the signs that followed. Amen.
(WEB)
Point out that Jesus did not leave his friends alone. Even after he went to heaven, the Lord worked with them as they told others about him. Help children see that God is still with his people when they do good and brave things.
Talk About It
- How do you think the women felt when they walked to the tomb, and how do you think they felt when they saw the empty tomb?
- Why do you think the disciples found it hard to believe that Jesus was alive?
- What did the young man in the tomb tell the women not to be?
- Who did Jesus ask his friends to tell about him, and why?
- When have you felt sad and then discovered that God was still caring for you?
Activity Ideas
Empty Tomb Craft
You will need a paper cup, a paper plate, a pencil, scissors, glue, and a small piece of white paper. Have children draw a rock on the white paper and cut it out. Then they glue the rock partly over the cup’s opening, so it looks rolled away. Inside, they can draw a white robe or a bright light. Talk about how the stone was rolled back and the tomb was empty.
Jesus Is Going Ahead Game
You will need a clear space in a room or yard and a few objects to hide. Choose one child to be Jesus and the rest to be disciples. Jesus walks ahead to a hiding spot and calls “I’m going ahead to Galilee!” Then the disciples follow and look for him. Play a few rounds so children feel the movement of going out and sharing good news.
Tell Someone Card
You will need an index card, a marker, and an envelope. Have each child write or draw one simple message such as “Jesus is alive” and one person they want to share it with. Let them decorate the card and put it in the envelope to take home. Encourage them to give it to that person or read it to them this week.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that the resurrection was surprising even to the people closest to Jesus, and that God’s faithfulness does not depend on people understanding it right away. The chapter also shows that the good news is meant to be shared with everyone, and that Jesus’s presence continues with his followers as they speak and serve.
With children, avoid overstating the mysterious parts of the chapter, such as the signs listed in verses 17 and 18 and the details of Jesus’s appearances. Keep the focus on the simple truths: Jesus rose, he is alive, and he asks his friends to tell others. Let children ask questions, and say that some things about God are wonderful and hard to fully understand.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank you that Jesus is alive and not in the tomb. Help us to trust your promises and to be brave when we feel scared or sad. Help us tell others about Jesus with our words and our actions, so everyone can know the Good News. Thank you for being with us always. Amen.
