Easter is a joyful time to celebrate Jesus' resurrection and the hope it brings to the world. For kids, understanding the true meaning of Easter can be both fun and meaningful. Below are some Bible verses that tell the story of Easter in a simple and engaging way. Each verse is accompanied by a short explanation to help children grasp its significance. Let’s dive into the Easter story together!
1. Jesus is Alive!: Matthew 28:6
"He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay."
This verse is about the angel’s exciting announcement to the women who visited Jesus’ tomb. It tells us that Jesus is alive, just as He promised! This is the heart of Easter—Jesus’ resurrection gives us hope and reminds us that God always keeps His promises.
2. The Empty Tomb: Luke 24:3
"But when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus."
When the women went to Jesus’ tomb, they found it empty! This verse shows that Jesus had risen, and His body was no longer there. It’s a reminder that Jesus defeated death, and we can celebrate His victory every Easter.
3. Jesus Appears to Mary: John 20:16
"Jesus said to her, 'Mary.' She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, 'Rabboni!' (which means 'Teacher')."
After Jesus rose from the dead, He appeared to Mary Magdalene. At first, she didn’t recognize Him, but when He called her name, she knew it was Jesus! This shows how much Jesus loves us and how He knows each of us by name.
4. The Stone Rolled Away: Mark 16:4
"But when they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away."
The stone in front of Jesus’ tomb was huge, but God rolled it away to show that Jesus had risen. This verse reminds kids that nothing is too big for God—He can do amazing things, even move giant stones!
5. Jesus’ Victory Over Death: 1 Corinthians 15:3-4
"For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures."
This verse explains why Easter is so important. Jesus died for our sins, was buried, and rose again on the third day. It’s a reminder of God’s love and the gift of eternal life we receive through Jesus.
6. The Angel’s Message: Luke 24:5-6
"Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen!"
The angel asked the women why they were looking for Jesus in a tomb when He was alive! This verse teaches kids that Jesus is alive and with us every day. We don’t need to be sad because He has overcome death.
7. Jesus’ Promise of Life: John 11:25-26
"Jesus said to her, 'I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die.'"
Jesus tells us that He is the source of life. This verse is a wonderful reminder that if we believe in Him, we will have eternal life. Easter is a celebration of this amazing promise!
8. The Great Commission: Matthew 28:19-20
"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you."
After Jesus rose from the dead, He gave His followers an important job: to share His love with the world. This verse encourages kids to tell others about Jesus and His resurrection.
9. Jesus’ Peace for Us: John 20:19
"On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, 'Peace be with you!'"
After His resurrection, Jesus appeared to His disciples and brought them peace. This verse reminds kids that Jesus is always with us, even when we’re scared, and He gives us His peace.
10. Believing Without Seeing: John 20:29
"Then Jesus told him, 'Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.'"
Jesus said this to Thomas, who doubted until he saw Jesus. This verse teaches kids that even though we can’t see Jesus, we can still believe in Him and be blessed for our faith.
11. Jesus’ Sacrifice for Us: Romans 5:8
"But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."
This verse reminds us that Jesus died for us because He loves us so much, even when we make mistakes. Easter is a time to celebrate His sacrifice and the incredible love God has for each of us.
12. The Power of the Resurrection: Philippians 3:10
"I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death."
This verse talks about the amazing power of Jesus’ resurrection. It teaches kids that Jesus’ victory over death gives us strength and hope in our own lives. Easter is a celebration of this power!
13. Jesus’ Return to Heaven: Acts 1:9
"After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight."
After Jesus rose from the dead, He spent time with His disciples before returning to heaven. This verse reminds kids that Jesus is still with us in spirit and will one day return.
14. The Joy of Easter Morning: Psalm 118:24
"This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it."
Easter morning is a day of joy because Jesus rose from the dead! This verse encourages kids to celebrate and be thankful for the gift of new life that Jesus gives us.
15. Jesus’ Love for Children: Matthew 19:14
"Jesus said, 'Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.'"
This verse shows how much Jesus loves children. Easter is a great time to remind kids that they are special to Jesus and that He wants them to be part of His family.
16. The Light of the World: John 8:12
"When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, 'I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.'"
Jesus is like a bright light that guides us. This verse teaches kids that following Jesus brings joy and hope, especially during Easter when we celebrate His resurrection.
17. The Good News of Easter: Mark 16:15
"He said to them, 'Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.'"
After Jesus rose from the dead, He told His followers to share the good news. This verse encourages kids to tell others about Jesus and the hope we have because of Easter.
18. Jesus’ Healing Power: 1 Peter 2:24
"He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed."
This verse reminds us that Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross heals us from sin. Easter is a time to celebrate how Jesus makes us new and gives us a fresh start.
19. The Hope of Easter: 1 Peter 1:3
"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead."
This verse talks about the hope we have because Jesus rose from the dead. Easter is a time to celebrate this hope and remember that God’s love gives us new life.
20. Jesus’ Promise to Be With Us: Matthew 28:20
"And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
After Jesus rose from the dead, He promised to always be with us. This verse reminds kids that Jesus is with them every day, no matter what. Easter is a celebration of His presence and love.
Anne Kostick has been Editor-in-Chief since September 2007. Previously, Anne was a principal at Foxpath IND, a publishing, consulting and editorial services company specializing in the transition to and from traditional content publishing and online content management, development and publishing. Her clients included trade book publishers, technology and financial services Web sites, and arts and cultural institutions. Previously, she worked as Licensing and Product Development Director, Senior Acquisitions Editor and Director of Electronic Publishing for Workman Publishing, and as Senior Acquisitions Editor for Harry N. Abrams/Stewart, Tabori & Chang. In the online world she worked as Director of Content Development for Vitaminshoppe.com. Anne has a B.A. in Greek and Latin, with a minor in Theater, from Beloit College. She is the author of several books for children, as well as a definitive collection of jokes.