The resurrection of Jesus Bible story for kids teaches that Jesus died, but God raised him back to life, and he is alive forever. This lesson fits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes, including the story, a verse, and a simple activity.
Big Idea
Jesus is alive! The tomb was empty because God raised him from the dead, and that means we never have to be afraid of what God has promised.
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)
Hold both hands up high, then slowly lower them to your sides as you say “He is not here.” Then clap twice and throw both arms up to say “He has risen!” Do this together a few times so the words and motions stick.
The Story: Matthew 28 for Kids
Early on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to visit the tomb where Jesus had been buried. They were very sad, because their friend Jesus had died on a cross. They walked slowly through the quiet morning, carrying spices and wondering who would roll the heavy stone away.
When they arrived, the ground began to shake! An angel of the Lord came down from heaven, rolled the big stone away from the door, and sat on it. The angel’s clothes were as white as snow, and the soldiers guarding the tomb were so scared they fell down like they were dead.
The angel spoke gently to the women. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “I know you are looking for Jesus. He is not here, because he has risen, just as he said he would. Come and see the place where he was lying.” The women looked inside, and the tomb was empty.
The angel told them, “Go quickly and tell his disciples that Jesus is alive, and he is going ahead of you to Galilee.” The women ran off with fear and great joy in their hearts. Suddenly, Jesus himself met them on the road and said, “Rejoice!”
The women knelt at Jesus’s feet and worshiped him. Jesus said, “Don’t be afraid. Go tell my brothers to go to Galilee, and they will see me there.” So the disciples went to a mountain in Galilee, where Jesus met them and told them to share his good news everywhere.
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 that the angel speaks to the women first and calls them to look at the empty place. Ask children to notice the words “He is not here.” This helps them see that the empty tomb is the first clue that something amazing happened.
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 children that Jesus meets the women himself and says “Don’t be afraid.” Explain that he cares about his friends and wants them to feel brave and happy, even after something so surprising.
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 promise at the end: “I am with you always.” Help children understand that Jesus is still with them today, and that he sends his followers to tell others about him.
Talk About It
- How do you think the women felt when they first saw the empty tomb?
- Why do you think the angel told the women not to be afraid?
- What did the women do when they met Jesus on the road?
- How can you show someone that Jesus is alive?
- What is one thing you can remember about Jesus being with you always?
Activity Ideas
Empty Tomb Craft
You will need a paper plate, a small paper cup, construction paper, glue, and a cotton ball. Have children glue the paper cup upside down on the plate to make a tomb, then add a paper circle as the rolled-away stone. Let them draw a bright sunny morning around the tomb and tuck a cotton ball inside to show that the tomb is empty.
Rolling Stone Relay
Gather a few soft balls or rolled-up socks, and set up two cones or chairs as the tomb and the garden path. Children take turns running from the tomb to the finish line carrying a ball, then “roll the stone” by pushing a larger cushion aside. Cheer loudly each time someone finishes, and say “He is risen!” together.
Good News Card
You will need a blank index card, markers, and a pencil. Have children draw a picture of the empty tomb on one side and write or draw “Jesus is alive” on the other. Encourage them to give the card to a family member at home that week and tell them the story in their own words.
Teacher Notes
For adults, the resurrection shows that death did not have the final word. God raised Jesus from the dead, which confirms his identity and gives every believer hope for new life. The commission at the end of the chapter also reminds the church that Jesus remains present and sends his people out with his authority.
With children, avoid overstating the details of the guards’ conspiracy or the exact timing of events. Keep the focus on the joy of the empty tomb, the angel’s comfort, and the promise that Jesus is always with us.
A Prayer to Close
Dear Jesus, thank you that you are alive and that the tomb is empty. Help us not to be afraid, because you are always with us. Teach us to tell others the good news that you have risen. Amen.
