It is Easter! What a great time to remember what Jesus did for each and everyone of us. He sacrificed Himself, hung on a cross, and died. While the fact that Jesus died is very sad, that’s not the end of the story. Three days later Jesus conquered death and is alive! That is definitely something to celebrate. In preschool terms, that means that Jesus not only CAN be our friend forever but WANTS to be our friend forever. He did it all for us, for me, for YOU! I pray you have a blessed Easter weekend as you reflect all that Jesus did, and continues to do, for each of us.
Here is a snapshot of what we will show the kids this week:
Bible Story Focus: Our friend Jesus is alive! (Easter • Matthew 26:21-30; 27:1-2; 28:1-7)
Memory Verse: “I am with you always.” Matthew 28:20, NIV
Key Question: Who wants to be your friend forever?
Bottom Line: Jesus wants to be my friend forever.
Bible Story and Worship
Watch the Bible Story Video with your kids so you can recap and discuss it with them in the “Bring Jesus To Their Level” section. Then join your kids in worship as we sing and dance for God.
Bible Story Video – Easter (link)
Worship – We Are Friends (link)
Worship – One, Two, Three (link)
Activities
Next, use the Memory Verse video to practice our monthly verse. This is our last week to practice the memory verse. Be sure to think of a fun reward like a sticker or special snack you can give them next week when they are able to say it all by themselves. The activity sheet and coloring page are fun resources to help reinforce story and/or big idea.
Memory Verse with Hand Motions (link)
Bible Story Activity (link)
Coloring Page (link)
Bring Jesus To Their Level
Follow the following script to recap the story, practice the memory verse and demonstrate to your young children how to pray. (You’ll make a list with your family to pray over so have a pen a paper ready.)
Say: “Our Bible story, today, was about why we celebrate Easter. Who remembers why we celebrate Easter? (Pause.) That’s right! We celebrate that Jesus is alive and He wants to be our friend forever! Who wants to be your friend forever? (Together.) [Bottom Line] Jesus wants to be my friend forever!
“God loves us so much that He sent us His Son, Jesus, to be our friend forever. And because Jesus went away and came back, He can always be with us! The Bible verse we’re learning will help us remember that Jesus is always with us. It says . . . ‘I am (point up) with you (thumbs to chest) always,’ (spread arms out) Matthew 28:20. (Open hand like a book.) (Practice this verse several times with your kids.)
“You sound awesome! Jesus is alive, and He wants to be EVERYONE’S friend forever. So we’ll make a list of people we can tell. (Have each family member list a person. Don’t forget to list one yourself.)
“This is a great list! Would anyone like to pray before I pray?” (Give each family member who wants to pray the opportunity to do so.)
Prayer: “Dear God, thank You that Jesus came back, just like He said He would, and that He’s alive today. Please help us tell (read the list your family made) that Jesus is alive and wants to be their friend forever, too. We love You, God. In Jesus’ name, amen.”
As we wrap up, I would like to leave you with one of the kids’ favorite ‘good-bye’ songs:
Let Me See Your Alligator
Thank you for the opportunity to partner with you in the discipleship of your kid(s). My prayers are with you.
“’Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.’ And He took the children in His arms, laid His hands on them, and blessed them.”
Mark 10:15-16
