This lesson teaches children that Jesus rose from the dead and is still with his followers today. It suits children aged 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes, including the story, the verses, and the activity.
Big Idea
Jesus is alive! He keeps his promises, and he is always with us, even when we cannot see him. We can be brave and happy because of that.
Memory Verse
Matthew 28:20
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)
Hold both hands out in front of you, palms up, then bring them slowly to your heart as you say the last words. Let the motion show that Jesus stays close to us. Practice it together three times so the children can do it without thinking.
The Story: Matthew 28 for Kids
Early on the first day of the week, two women named Mary went to the tomb where Jesus had been buried. They were sad, because their friend had died on a cross. But when they arrived, the ground suddenly shook. An angel came down from heaven, rolled the big stone away from the door, and sat on it. The angel was as bright as lightning, and the guards standing nearby were so scared they fell down like dead men.
The angel spoke to the women gently. He said, “Don’t be afraid. Jesus is not here, because he has risen, just as he said he would.” He showed them the empty place where Jesus had been lying. Then he told them to hurry and tell the other disciples what they had seen.
The women ran off with fear and great joy mixed together. On the way, they met Jesus himself! He greeted them with the word “Rejoice!” They came close and held onto his feet and worshiped him. Jesus told them not to be afraid, and asked them to go and tell his brothers to meet him in Galilee.
Meanwhile, some of the guards went into the city and told the chief priests what had happened. The priests gave the soldiers a lot of money and told them to say that Jesus’ followers had stolen his body while they slept. But the truth was that Jesus was alive, and no lie could change that.
The eleven disciples went to a mountain in Galilee, just as Jesus had told them. When they saw him, they bowed down. Some of them still had doubts, but Jesus came close and spoke to them with great authority. He told them to go and make disciples of all nations, teaching people about him.
Jesus ended with a promise that every child can hold onto. He said that he would be with his followers always, even to the end of the age. That means Jesus is with us today, too.
Read It Together
Matthew 28:5-6
5 The angel answered the women, “Don’t be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus, who has been crucified. 6 He is not here, for he has risen, just like he said. Come, see the place where the Lord was lying.
(WEB)
Point out how the angel tells the women not to be afraid, and why. Ask the children to notice that Jesus had risen, just as he had promised. This is a good place to remind them that God’s promises always come true.
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 how the women met Jesus on the road and worshiped him. Then point out that Jesus again told them not to be afraid. Explain that Jesus is kind and wants his friends to feel safe with him.
Matthew 28:18
Jesus came to them and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth.
(WEB)
Explain that the word “authority” means power and right to lead. Jesus has power over everything, in heaven and on earth. Help the children see that the one who has all power is also the one who loves them.
Talk About It
- How do you think the women felt when they saw the empty tomb?
- What did the angel say to help the women feel brave?
- Why did the guards become afraid, and what did the angel’s words show about God?
- How did it feel for the women to meet Jesus on the road?
- What is one way you can remember that Jesus is with you every day?
Activity Ideas
Empty Tomb Craft
You will need a paper plate, a brown crayon, a small square of white paper, scissors, and glue. Have each child draw a cave shape on the plate and color the inside dark brown. Cut a stone from the white paper and glue it to one side, slightly open, so the tomb looks empty. Let the children tell the story to you as they work.
Follow the Angel Game
Gather the children in an open room and hide a small paper “stone” somewhere. One child is the angel and must find it while the others, acting as the women, look carefully. When the stone is found, everyone shouts “He is risen!” and claps. Play two or three rounds so each child gets a turn.
Jesus Is With Me Card
Give each child an index card, a pencil, and a few crayons. Ask them to draw one place where they might need Jesus to be with them this week, such as school, bedtime, or the playground. Help them write “Jesus is with me” at the bottom. Encourage them to keep the card in a pocket or backpack as a reminder.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter moves from grief to joy. The women came expecting a grave, but found a risen Lord who sends them out with a mission. The chapter also shows how power and lies can try to hide the truth, yet cannot stop God’s plan. The closing promise, that Jesus is with his people always, anchors the whole chapter in Christian hope.
Avoid overstating to children the details of the guards’ bribe or the disciples’ doubts. Those parts are real in the text, but they can make young hearts anxious. Keep the focus on the joy of the resurrection and the simple truth that Jesus is alive and with us.
A Prayer to Close
Dear Jesus, thank you that you are alive and that you keep your promises. Help us not to be afraid when we feel scared, because you are with us always. Teach us to tell others about you with joy. Amen.
