This lesson teaches children that Jesus rose from the dead and that He is with His followers every day. It is designed for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
Jesus is alive! He is not in the tomb, and He is always with us, even when we cannot see Him.
Memory Verse
Matthew 28:6
He is not here, for he has risen, just like he said. Come, see the place where the Lord was lying.
(WEB)
Have the children stand up and throw both arms high in the air as they say the words “He is risen!” Then have them sit down slowly, pretending to fold up a blanket, to show the stone being rolled away and the tomb left empty.
The Story: Matthew 28 for Kids
Early on the first day of the week, two women named Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to visit the tomb where Jesus had been laid. They were very sad, because their friend had died on the cross. They wanted to be near Him one more time.
Suddenly the ground shook hard! An angel of the Lord came down from heaven, rolled the big stone away from the tomb door, and sat on top of it. The angel looked as bright as lightning, and his clothes were as white as snow. The guards were so scared that they shook and fell down like dead men.
The angel smiled at the women and said, “Do not be afraid. I know you are looking for Jesus. He is not here, because He has risen, just as He said.” The angel told them to go quickly and tell the disciples the good news. The women ran off with fear and great joy in their hearts.
On the way, Jesus Himself met them. He said, “Rejoice!” The women ran to Him, held His feet, and worshiped Him. Jesus told them not to be afraid and to go tell His brothers to meet Him in Galilee.
The eleven disciples went to a mountain in Galilee, just as Jesus had told them. When they saw Jesus, they bowed down to worship Him, though some of them still had doubts. Jesus came close and told them that all power in heaven and on earth had been given to Him.
Then Jesus gave them a special job. He told them to go to all nations, make disciples, and teach people everything He had taught them. He also made them a promise: “I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
Read It Together
Matthew 28:1-2
1 Now after the Sabbath, as it began to dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb. 2 Behold, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from the sky, and came and rolled away the stone from the door, and sat on it.
(WEB)
Point out that the women came to the tomb expecting to find a dead body, but God had already done something amazing. Ask the children to listen for the word “earthquake” and tell you what happened next.
Matthew 28:9-10
9 As they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, “Rejoice!” They came and took hold of his feet, and worshiped him. 10 Then Jesus said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Go tell my brothers that they should go into Galilee, and there they will see me.”
(WEB)
Show the children that Jesus met the women Himself and said, “Do not be afraid.” Explain that Jesus still wants His followers to feel brave and calm, even when things seem scary.
Matthew 28:18-20
18 Jesus came to them and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I commanded you. Behold, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.
(WEB)
Point to the last words of Jesus, “I am with you always.” Help the children see that this promise was made to the disciples and is also true for them today, wherever they go.
Talk About It
- How do you think the women felt when they saw the empty tomb, and how do you think they felt when they saw Jesus alive?
- What did the angel tell the women to do, and why do you think the angel wanted them to hurry?
- Why do you think the guards were so scared of the angel?
- What did Jesus tell His friends to do before He left them, and what might that look like in our town?
- When is a time you felt like Jesus was close to you, even though you could not see Him?
Activity Ideas
Empty Tomb Craft
You will need a paper cup, a paper plate, a marker, glue, and a cotton ball. Have each child draw a stone shape on the paper plate and cut a small opening in the cup to act as the tomb. Let the children glue the cotton ball inside the cup, then move the stone aside to show the tomb is empty. Talk about how Jesus is not there because He is alive.
Angel Rolls the Stone Game
Gather a few empty boxes or pillows to be the big stone and a soft ball. Let one child be the angel who rolls the stone away while the others cheer “He is alive!” Take turns so every child gets a chance to be the angel. Use simple movements like rolling, sitting, and jumping for joy to act out the story.
Jesus Is With Me Card
You will need an index card, crayons, and a pencil. Have each child write or draw one place they go during the week, such as school or home, on the card. Then ask them to take it home and say the words “Jesus is with me always” each time they look at it. Encourage families to read it together at bedtime.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this passage shows that the resurrection is the foundation of Christian hope. The empty tomb, the angel’s message, and the risen Jesus all point to God keeping His word. The Great Commission at the end of the chapter also shows that the good news is meant to be shared with everyone.
When teaching children, avoid overstating the details of the guards’ bribe or the exact mountain location. Keep the focus on the joy of Jesus being alive and His promise to stay with His people, since this is the truth children can hold on to.
A Prayer to Close
Lord Jesus, thank You that You are alive and not in the tomb. Thank You that You are with us every day, even when we cannot see You. Help us be brave, share the good news with our friends, and remember that You are always near. Amen.
