by Amy L. Bradford and Mary Larmoyeux · 2019-09-18 · Resurrection Eggs® Activity Book Prayer: Ask God to Guide You When it comes to hosting a successful event, prayer is our best

by Amy L. Bradford and Mary Larmoyeux

illustration by Fran Wadkins

®

Little Rock, Arkansas

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www.ResurrectionEggs.com

Party

1-28Recipes

29-33Games

34-37Crafts

38-41Activities

42-56More Fun

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Contents Contents

Resurrection Eggs® Activity Book

Everything in this little book is designed to teach the gospel to children and reinforce this message through Resurrection Eggs. One part does that through puzzles and activities that can be worked alone by children. And though Resurrection Eggs are not required to solve the puzzles, some familiarity with them and with the gospel will help. (If “gospel” is a new term for you, you can read more on pages 23-26. And for those unfamiliar with Resurrection Eggs, keep reading.)

Other parts of this book include recipes, games, and crafts for your Easter celebrations with family and neighbors. In fact, we urge you to include neighbors in your Easter fun if you hadn’t yet planned on doing so.

An exciting and simple way to celebrate is by joining FamilyLife in the World’s Largest Neighborhood Easter

Quick Start GuideEgg Hunt. This book tells you everything you need to know to host a successful egg hunt. We’ve included an invitation list and template, a supply checklist, a prayer journal for the party planner, and more.

If you decide to host a hunt, you’ll need Resurrection Eggs. Each set contains twelve colorful, plastic eggs with objects inside that represent parts of the Easter story. The chart on page 27 identifies each egg and its contents. This is also a good place to record your egg hiding locations, should you use your Resurrection Eggs in an egg hunt.

CHOKING HAZARD: Resurrection Eggs contains small parts that could be ingested by children ages 3 and under.

Page Title Suggestion

2 Party Prayers to distribute to prayer team members

6-7 Guest List & Follow-up Phone Calls extra sheets for larger events

10-11 Groups extra sheets for managing a large crowd

16-17 Invitation for mailing out

21 My Schedule for the Egg Hunt for helpers, prayer team

28 Follow-up bookmark reminder to follow-up with new Christians

30-32 Recipe: Resurrection Cookies for party guests

56 Activity: From the Cross to the Tomb for party guests

57 Activity: Egg Template for party guests

Copies for Personal UseFeel free to copy these pages for your personal use and party planning.

��www.ResurrectionEggs.com

Each year, on the Saturday before Easter, FamilyLife teams with Christians everywhere to promote the World’s Largest Neighborhood Easter Egg Hunt. Through it, thousands of children learn the real meaning of Easter.

The concept is simple: Any mom or dad can stir up soft-drink mix, hide some eggs, and use Resurrection Eggs to tell of Jesus’s loving sacrifice for us.

Resurrection Eggs contains a booklet that helps adults tell the story of the Resurrection to children using twelve plastic eggs and

the objects inside. By explaining the meaning of each object, you can share the gospel with neighborhood children in a way that captures their attention and imagination.

We urge you to take this opportunity to introduce children to Christ. We’ll help by guiding you through hunt hosting in the pages that follow. You can keep your event simple. Or you can launch a big blowout. We include all the recipes, games, crafts, and activities you’ll need for that, too.

Read on and discover that this is something you can do!

Party with a Purpose!

�� Resurrection Eggs® Activity Book

Prayer: Ask God to Guide YouWhen it comes to hosting a successful event, prayer is our best tool.

God urges us to share His message and to give Him our troubles (Matthew 28:19-20, 1 Peter 5:7).

Party PrayersBefore you launch your event, pray through the following as the Holy Spirit leads you. Consider either assembling a team of people to pray or taking your prayer requests to an established prayer group in your church. Add your specific requests and photocopy this list for them.

God, do you want me to host this event? Should I partner with another host? If so, with whom?

With whom can I pray? Who will intercede for me during the event?

Whom should I invite?

Please guide me in planning and being faithful to the task. Help me show Your love and trust You with this party.

Help me to act faithfully in what I can do and to trust You for the rest.

Help me talk about Jesus in a way that honors You. Please open the hearts of the listeners.

How and with whom should I follow up?

Help me to faithfully and lovingly present the gospel.

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Prayer JournalUse the space below to record your prayer requests and God’s answers to them.

Date Prayer Requests Date God’s Answers


PlanGod reminds us that a wise man considers the cost before building his home (Luke 14:28-30). Likewise, a smart party planner answers this quiz before mailing an armload of invitations!

Scale: Simple or Splendiferous?If your answers lean to the simple side, we suggest that you scale down your event. If you’ve determined you’ve got the resources needed for a big event, then go for it! As you plan, remember to save your energy for the point of the party—sharing the gospel.

Huge Hunt or Simple Soirée? Huge Hunt Simple Soirée

How much time do I have to prepare? decades minutes

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How much money can I spend? wads o’ cash widow’s mites

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Party planning energizes me. Oh, YES! I must confess …

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The space I have for hosting is a … park, parking lot postage stamp

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My support staff includes … legions lil’ ole me

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I plan to invite … everyone the kids on my block

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I am a … social butterfly quiet cocooner

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My party-planning expertise is … extensive & exceptional untested


The Guest ListGod knows who needs to come, so ask for His guidance as you brainstorm your guest list. You may want to invite more than your target number since some will not be able to attend.

Consider inviting:

your child’s classmates, teammates, and friends

your co-workers’ children

neighbors

a mix of Christians and non-believers

and definitely … adult helpers!

If you need to keep it light ‘n easy, limit your list to the children in your neighborhood. This simplifies matters because they will know each other already, no one will need a ride or directions, and the invitations can be delivered promptly.

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Help! I need grown-ups!Even if only one child shows up, you should always have two responsible adults on hand. This is more for your legal protection than your sanity. As you recruit your helpers, keep these tips in mind:

We suggest a 4:1 or 5:1 kid-to-adult ratio, depending on children’s temperaments, behavior, and ages.

Recruit adult neighbors, friends, grandparents, teens in your youth group, and other church members. Or hire your babysitter to pitch in.

Some roles your staff can fill include:

Storyteller: If you’re not comfortable telling the Resurrection story, elect one of your drama-queen girlfriends for the job. Loan her your Resurrection Eggs kit in advance so she can prepare.

Navigator: Equip someone with a map and a fully-charged cordless phone. Have them direct guests who’ve called and lost their way.

Greeter: Give this person the Guest List, a clip board, marker, and adhesive name tags. Have her assign guests to groups or teams as they arrive. (More on this later.) Designate a coat storage area if needed.

Ask helpers to arrive 45 minutes before the party starts to set up last-minute details, welcome guests, and keep the children occupied (and from finding the eggs) until the hunt starts. Use the chart on pages 8-9 to start brainstorming potential helpers.

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God, who do You want me to invite? It’s Your party.


Name Age Coming Parent(s)Attending

Address Phone Special Needs















4yr - k1st - 3rd4th - 6th

YES!NoMaybe

DadMomWill Help!


YES!NoMaybe

DadMomWill Help!


YES!NoMaybe

DadMomWill Help!


YES!NoMaybe

DadMomWill Help!


YES!NoMaybe

DadMomWill Help!


YES!NoMaybe

DadMomWill Help!


YES!NoMaybe

DadMomWill Help!


YES!NoMaybe

DadMomWill Help!

Guest List & Follow-up Phone Calls

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YES!NoMaybe

DadMomWill Help!


YES!NoMaybe

DadMomWill Help!


YES!NoMaybe

DadMomWill Help!


YES!NoMaybe

DadMomWill Help!


YES!NoMaybe

DadMomWill Help!


YES!NoMaybe

DadMomWill Help!


YES!NoMaybe

DadMomWill Help!


YES!NoMaybe

DadMomWill Help!

Guest List & Follow-up Phone Calls

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Adult HelpersTo get started, consider asking these people for help:

• neighbors • babysitters • church youth

• friends • guests’ parents • retired church members

• co-workers • grandparents • church prayer teams

Name: Phone:

Role: (Check all that apply.)

O storyteller O cook or server O craft coach

O greeter O crowd controller O prayer team member

O navigator O decorator

O group leader O driver

Availability:

O yes O no O maybe

Notes:

Name: Phone:






Availability:

O yes O no O maybe

Notes:


Name: Phone:






Availability:

O yes O no O maybe

Notes:

Name: Phone:






Availability:

O yes O no O maybe

Notes:

Name: Phone:






Availability:

O yes O no O maybe

Notes:

�0�0 Resurrection Eggs® Activity Book

Grouping for Sanity and SimplicityHosting a lot of kids? Break them into manageable groups by age or gender.

Note their ages on the Guest List. As guests arrive, reference this list to choose their groupings. Indicate their group number on their nametags.

Assign one or two adults to each group and introduce the children to their team leader.

Section your egg-hunt area into zones by difficulty. Invite the younger children to hunt eggs in the easy area, where the eggs are within reach and eyesight.

Match your other games and activities to the ages and genders of the groups.

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GROUPGROUPGROUP

GROUPGROUPGROUP

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Group Name (optional):

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Age Group:

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Team Leader:

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Children:

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GROUPGROUPGROUP

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Age Group:

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Team Leader:

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Children:

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______________________________ Games:

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Age Group:

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Team Leader:

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Children:

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______________________________ Games:

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LocationThe simplest location is your own backyard. If it rains, no change in location is needed—you’ve got your house right there. And the messier it is, the more hiding spots you’ll have!

If you choose a location that does not have shelter, include either an alternate rain location or a rain date on your invitation.

For larger events, a park with a pavilion is a good rain-proof choice. When the skies crack open, you can still have storytime and play games.

Time and DateThe events of the World’s Largest Neighborhood Easter Egg Hunt are traditionally held the Saturday before Easter. However, you may need to choose a different day—one that works for your family and for a majority of the guests invited. Check community and school calendars before scheduling, but don’t let a conflict stop you entirely. If a soccer game lands on your day, ask a couple of moms to drive the kids over after the game. You will save other moms a trip!

Now, as to the length of your party … for ages 4 to 5, plan for 60 to 90 minutes; for older groups, 90 minutes to 2 hours. Keep each activity short and sweet as suggested by the schedule on page 21. Otherwise interest may wane.

During the hunt, you may find that you’ve hidden the eggs a little too well. Gather the hunters and charge them with retrieving only the numbered eggs, per the locations you listed on page 27.

Include an ending time on your invitation, even if neighborhood children will not need their parents to pick them up. Otherwise, you may be hosting an all-day event.


EntertainmentIn addition to telling the Resurrection story and hunting eggs, here are a few fun options:

Play Games!Prepare to play at least two games—one as guests continue to arrive and another if events move more quickly than planned (see pages 34-37).

Watch Miss PattyCake’s Eggstravaganza! This 30-minute video combines stories, action-oriented songs, games, and a new adventure to teach 1- to 4-year-olds that Jesus loves them so much that He came to save them. Find it at www.familylife.com or your local Christian retail store.

Eat and Drink!Find recipes for fun Easter foods on pages 29-33.

The Main EventThe highlight of your egg hunt is the Resurrection story. Make sure you’ve prepared by reading through the Resurrection Eggs booklet and the Tips for Cracking Open the Gospel on page 23 of this book. You may want to practice telling the story before a mirror so you can be sure to use facial expressions and gestures to keep the children’s interest.

Event Registration and Bonuses from FamilyLifeGo to www.ResurrectionEggs.com and register to join us in hosting your part of the World’s Largest Neighborhood Easter Egg Hunt. By registering, you can access free information and an invitation template. You’ll also receive an offer for a free copy of The Resurrection Eggs board book by Miss PattyCake.

Soon after Easter, FamilyLife will ask you about your egg hunt. Please respond to our e-mail survey, telling us about your event and sending us your suggestions. We’d also love to see your photos and share them with others! Mail copies* to us at FamilyLife Publishing; Attn: Marketing Manager, 5800 Ranch Drive, Little Rock, AR 72223.

* Thank you for sharing your special memories with us! Please note that by sending your photographs to FamilyLife, you understand and agree that FamilyLife will have unlimited rights to use and publish such photographs in any printed and/or electronic media for any purpose. Such purposes may include the marketing and promotion of FamilyLife products. FamilyLife will not display any names or addresses associated with the photographs in any use or publication. Photographs will not be returned to sender, even if FamilyLife does not choose to use or publish them.

Lord, please help me to plan an event that glorifies You.

Sugar and spice makes going home nice …If you include snacks, be sure to limit the event to two hours and serve the sweet stuff near the end. Anything longer will wear on everyone’s patience. Besides, you will have just filled them with sugar—time to go home kiddos!


Prepare InvitationsA festive invitation sets the tone for a fun event. FamilyLife has made this simple by providing a template for you to customize.

Print both pages of the invitation template at www.ResurrectionEggs.com.

Fill in the appropriate information. In the More Information section, add rain-out plans, ask parents to bring lawn chairs, or invite the family to your church. Be sure to note the church name, location, and times of Easter services.

Photocopy both pages to form double-sided sheets. Make enough for those on your Guest List on pages 6-7 and copy a few extra just in case you’ve forgotten someone.

Fold the invitation in thirds. Then address, staple, and mail or deliver it!

If you have the time and inclination, color your invitations. Or make your own by using rubber stamps, thumbprints and ink, or finger paints! If you hand deliver the invitations, you may want to slip them in envelopes with some jellybeans or foil-wrapped chocolates.

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Deliver InvitationsSince this event is an evangelistic outreach, try to hand deliver each invitation. You can meet parents you don’t know, answer questions, and even invite others to join in or help. Pray as you walk to your neighbors’ doors and after you speak with them. Remember that many of the parents you speak with may not know Christ.

No time for door-to-door visits? Congratulate yourself on planning this party as you drop the invitations in the mailbox.

Try to get them in the right hands one or two weeks in advance.

Invitations: Bid them “Come for Fun!”

Once you’ve thought and prayed about whom to invite, you can start getting the word out.

King of kings, help me to reach people for You and to do it in a way that is personal and loving, with Christ-like humility.


Yes!

Invite the parents, too!

Remind the child to wear

play clothes.

Ask if the child has any

allergies (food, grasses,

animals, bee stings, etc.).

Ask about any restrictions

(food, behaviors, concerns)

that would apply to the child.

No.

Express your regrets. If

you choose, invite them

to visit another time.

Then follow through on

your invitation.

Follow-up CallsPray before dialing.

Ask: “Do you have any questions about the egg hunt?”

Ask: “Is (child’s name) able to attend?” If the answer is:

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Follow up with Invited GuestsIf you haven’t heard from the parents by four or five days before the event, call and ask if their children will be able to attend. Be sure to:

answer questions,

introduce yourself to the parents you haven’t met,

ask which allergies or food restrictions apply to their children, and

get an approximate head count of attendees.

You can note all of these details in the Guest List and Follow-up Calls chart on pages 6-7.

When you call, if the parents agree to come, do not rely on them to serve as your adult helpers unless they have clearly agreed to fulfill this particular role.

Imply the AgendaDid you notice “To have fun & learn the true meaning of Easter!” on the invitation? This implies that a message will be shared. If parents call for more information, encourage them for their concern in their children’s lives. Then briefly outline what you will share at the party and invite them to come. Who knows—the parents may want to hear more about Christ themselves. Whatever the outcome, their decisions regarding their children’s attendance should be respected.

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Holy God, help me to be a good steward of all Your gifts (James 1:17).


Preparation: “Check, check, check.”The following checklist will help you get ready as you count down the week of the big event.

Supply ChecklistResurrection Eggs® Buy from FamilyLife.com, your local Christian retailer, or Wal-Mart.

Read the Resurrection Eggs booklet and practice presenting the story.

Plastic Eggs Have at least six plastic eggs per participant.

Egg Fillers Candy, stickers, trinkets (account for any dietary restrictions by trading trinkets for items that a child cannot eat).

Prizes One grand prize for egg #12 Candy bars or small prizes to exchange for the 11 other Resurrection Eggs Prizes for games or “egg-ceptional” egg hunters (See page 20.)

Easter Baskets or Bags Loan baskets to children who forget to bring their own, or provide festive gift bags as party favors.

Permanent Ink Marker To number the Resurrection Eggs.

Name Tags If young ones are tempted to peel them off, place the tags on their backs.

Sunscreen As needed.

Clean-up Supplies Wipes for chocolate-covered fingers Trash bags for candy wrappers Spray cleaner Stain removal spray Other: ________________________________________________________ Other: _________________________________________________________

Chairs Not enough? Ask adult guests to bring their lawn chairs.

Photos Camera Film or digital media

Adult Help Recruit another mom, dad, or older family member to help prepare or pitch in during the event.

Drinks Soft-drink mix, sugar, lemonade, etc. Avoid dark-colored beverages that may stain clothing. Pitcher Ice and ice bucket, cooler, or plastic bowl Cups—small size for small hands Paper towels and/or sponges for spills


Supply ChecklistSnacks Prepackaged snack cakes or homemade goodies

Napkins Plates Other: _________________________________________________________ Other: _________________________________________________________

Games List supplies needed per game instructions, pages 34-37. _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________

Activities, Crafts At least one activity sheet per child (You may photocopy pages 56 and 57 for your party guests.) Crayons or markers A table or a flat surface for each attendee

Decorations Helium-filled balloons for the mailbox and backyard Streamers Tablecloth and duct tape (Tape it down if it could be windy.) Centerpieces—Easter baskets, basket grass, extra eggs, chocolate bunnies, etc.

Party Favors Chocolate bunnies or candy Easter baskets Other: _________________________________________________________

Foul-Weather Plan Get a 10-day forecast for your hunt date at www.weather.com; consider your alternative plan if needed. Alternate date, or … Sheltered location with alternate games planned (reserve shelter if required by park service) Driving directions to alternate location

CONTINUED


Party: “A-ha! Jesus loves ME!” Here it is! The big moment when you have the honor and privilege of sharing the

climax of history—and why it matters to us!

Pre-Party Prep & PrayerRemember to ask your helpers to arrive one hour before the party starts. Use the first 30 minutes of this time to finish up last minute details, review the schedule, and run through egg hunt and game rules. Most importantly, use the next 15 minutes to pray for your event. Consider asking God to:

open hearts and minds to Christ’s love,

hold off foul weather,

help hosts and hostesses be patient,

guide the storyteller,

intervene in last minute problems, and

bring all who need to hear.

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The final 15 minutes will be used to set the tone for the event and welcome guests who arrive early. Remind your helpers to:

smile,

take a minute to talk with parents who drop off their children,

reiterate the time parents are to pick up their children, and

improvise as necessary!

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Egg Hunt ContestsBuild enthusiasm by announcing these winning categories before the hunt.

Mother Hen or Crowing Rooster:girl and boy who find the most eggs; or, if you’re limiting the number of eggs per child, whoever reaches the limit first.

Funky Chicken: whoever finds the most Resurrection Eggs.

The Great Egg: whoever finds Resurrection Egg #12 (reward at the end of storytime).

Consolation PrizesDon’t announce these contests until after the hunt.

The Empty Nest: boy or girl who found no eggs.

Don’t Count Your Chickens: when all hunters found at least one egg, reward the lowest total.

The Good Egg: awarded for good sportsmanship.


Event Suggested My Time Suggested My Time Time Span Time Span Schedule Schedule

Welcome & Game 25:00 1:50 pm - 2:15 pm

TIP: Expect some guests to arrive early, some late. During this time, occupy the children and keep them from hunting eggs by playing a game. Avoid delaying the egg hunt more than 15 minutes or children’s patience will wane.

Egg Hunt 15:00 2:15 pm - 2:30 pm

TIP: Once most guests have arrived, get their attention, welcome them, and explain the egg hunt rules and egg limit (page 22). For a more mature crowd, coordinate the contests suggested on page 20.

Story Time 15:00 2:35 pm - 2:50 pm

TIP: Gather the children. Collect numbered Resurrection Eggs, swapping these for small prizes or candy. Trade Egg #12 for the grand prize, explaining they’ll soon find out why this egg is special. Prevent distractions by setting Easter baskets aside. Tell the story following suggestions in the Resurrection Eggs booklet.

Refreshments 20:00 2:50 pm - 3:10 pm

TIP: If a child wants more information about knowing Christ, this might be a good time to answer his questions in a quiet corner—so long as you reassure him he won’t miss dessert.

Games, Crafts, & Wrap Up 20:00 3:10 pm - 3:30 pm

TIP: Swap your loaned-out Easter baskets for plastic bags. Burn off that sugar by playing a game, coloring, or making a craft until the end time.

Good Bye 15:00 3:30 pm - 3:45 pm

TIP: As parents pick up their children, thank them for allowing their children to come and invite them to church. Answer their questions now or offer to do so at a later time.

My Schedule for the Egg Hunt©

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Rule #1: Don’t open the eggs until the host says so.

Tell the Resurrection story after the hunt. Then let the children open their eggs. Doing this will

keep little ones from opening and “eating” the objects in Resurrection Eggs and

minimize sugar-induced hyperactivity during your storytelling.

Rule #2: Stay in your hunting zone.

Explain the boundaries of the yard and the hiding locations, giving clear directions. For example: “You will not need to climb trees or leave the fenced area to find the eggs.”

If you’ve used zones to keep age groups hunting within their skill range, explain those boundaries as well.

Rule #3: Bag your limit.Tell the children that they should stop hunting eggs when they find their limit, which is . They can return to a designated place—such as a patio, deck, or back door. Allow the quick little bunnies to color, play a game, or help younger children until the hunt is over.

Egg Limit:

divided by = total eggs children egg limit

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Rule #4: Numbered eggs are extra special.

Tell children not to open them until they’re asked to during story time. Reassure them that these eggs will be exchanged for special treats.

Rule #5: Be a good sport.Remind older kids to watch out for little ones and to help them out as needed.

Pushing, shoving, stampeding, egg-stealing children will be forced to eat rotten eggs—or just sit out the remainder of the hunt.

My Other Rules and Notes_______________________________________________

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Suggested Rules for Egg Hunt

Holy God, help these children understand the significance of the true meaning of Easter today.


Pray.Ask God to help you talk about Him in a way that is loving, simple, and accurate. Ask Him to open the hearts and minds of the children and to prepare and guide you for this discussion.

Trust God. Keep in mind that changing the heart and mind of any person is God’s job. We are responsible to deliver His message lovingly and accurately, but we’re not responsible to wrench a decision from someone who is not ready. Asking “Would you like to hear more about this now or at a later time?” and respecting their answers may help you know when or whether to continue the conversation.

Be an example.Your life can show them that God’s love matters.

Listen.Pay attention to the questions children ask. When you don’t know the answer, tell them so and be sure to talk with them again when you find the answer. Listen for their heartfelt concerns and fears.

Keep it simple.Children are literal. Avoid using phrases like “ask Jesus into your heart,” which to a child may seem more surgical than metaphorical. Children may repeat these phrases, but they may not understand them.

Ask questions.You’ll know how well they understand when you ask who-what-when-where-and-why questions. Ask questions that require them to offer their thoughts and their opinions—not a pat answer.

Allow time for private conversation and thought.Some children are afraid to ask questions in a group setting, and some may need a little time to think things over. Let them know you’ll be available to answer questions later. And pay close attention if a child brings the subject up in a more private setting.

Tips for Cracking Open the Gospel


God’s LoveGod loves each of us and wants to adopt us as His children.

But to all who believed Him and accepted Him, He gave the right to become children of God. John 1:12 (New Living Translation)

Sin Each of us does things that are wrong. These wrongs are called “sin,” and God has a rule that sin must be punished. This is called justice. Having sin in our lives makes it impossible for God to adopt us—unless our sins are somehow removed.

For all have sinned; all fall short of God’s glorious standard. Romans 3:23 (NLT)

When you sin, the pay you get is death. But God gives you the gift of eternal life because of what Christ Jesus our Lord has done. Romans 6:23 (NIrV)

JesusJesus is God’s Son. He had always lived in heaven with God until about 2000 years ago. At that time, He was born as a baby on earth. God sent Him here to carry out a special mission. His plan made a way for our sins to be removed so that we could be adopted into God’s family.

Here’s how the plan worked: Jesus grew up without ever sinning. Since Jesus is perfect, He’s the only one who could take the punishment for our sins. He did this by dying on a cross, and after three days, He came back to life. This showed that He had power over sin and death. (Later on, He went back up to heaven to

live with God again.) Jesus gave His life as a gift to us so that our sins could be removed and we could be adopted into God’s family.

Christ didn’t have any sin. But God made Him become sin for us. So we can be made right with God because of what Christ has done for us. 2 Corinthians 5:21 (NIrV)

I passed on to you what was most important and what had also been passed on to me— that Christ died for our sins, just as the Scriptures said. He was buried, and he was raised from the dead on the third day, as the Scriptures said. I Corinthians 15:3-4 (NLT)

Adoption We can be adopted into God’s family. Some good things about being adopted by God are:

You can still keep your family on earth, too. (Yes, you get to belong to two families!)

God forgives us of our sins. This means the wrong things we’ve done and sometimes continue to do won’t get us kicked out of God’s family. But God is faithful and fair. If we admit that we have sinned, he will forgive us our sins. He will forgive every wrong thing we have done. He will make us pure. 1 John 1:9 (NIrV)

God sends us His Spirit. (You can’t see Him, but He’s there.) His Spirit guides us as we make choices, and He helps us in our lives. For His Holy Spirit speaks to us deep in our hearts and tells us that we are God’s children. Romans 8:16 (NLT)

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God’s Gospel for Young Ones


But when the Holy Spirit controls our lives, He will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Galatians 5:22-23 (NLT)

When our bodies die, the invisible parts of us (our spirits) go to heaven to live with God—forever! “God loved the world so much that He gave His one and only Son. Anyone who believes in Him will not die but will have eternal life.” John 3:16 (NIrV)

If we want God to adopt us, we need for our sins to be removed. This happens when:

We tell God that we’ve done things that are wrong,

We thank Him for allowing Jesus to take our punishment for us,

We ask God to forgive us of our sins, and

We invite God’s Spirit to guide us for the rest of our lives and help us keep from sinning. (When we sin again, we ask God to forgive us again and recommit to following His guidance.)

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Right then, God will take our sins away and we become His adopted children!

PrayerAsk the child if she would like to pray with you to be adopted into God’s family. Together, you can pray something like this:

Dear God,

I know that I’ve done things that are wrong. I’m sorry; I want to change. Thank you for sending Jesus to die in my place, for forgiving me of my sins, and for adopting me as your child.

Amen.

Celebration!If you prayed and asked God to adopt you, the angels in heaven are now celebrating. God delights in adding you to His family!

“I tell you, it is the same in heaven. There is joy in heaven over one sinner who turns away from sin.” Luke 15:10 (NIrV)

More ResourcesFor Children:

Child Evangelism Fellowship provides products, teaching tools, music, curriculum, and free downloads. Click www.cefonline.com/materials or call (636) 456-4321.

DiscipleLand, created by Through the Bible Publishers, offers a variety of resources for children ages 2-14 years. Click www.discipleland.com or call (800) 284-0158.

For Grown-ups:

The Gospel of John in the Bible

More Than a Carpenter by Josh McDowell, Tyndale House Publishers, ISBN: 0-84234-552-3

Gospelcom.net: Click www.gospelcom.net > How to Know God

Knowing God, by J. I. Packer, InterVarsity Press, ISBN: 0-83081-650-X

Right with God by John Blanchard, Banner of Truth, ISBN: 0-85151-045-0


accept Christ/receive Christ: welcoming Jesus Christ into my life, realizing who He is and why He came

backsliding: behavior of a Christian who seems to be losing their faith

believe: holding onto Jesus in total trust as He is my only hope

blessed: a feeling of personal well-being, especially as connected with a casual religious experience

born again: a spiritual birth experience that begins a Father-son/daughter relationship between God and me

discipleship/discipling: a believer teaching another believer about the Christian life, usually one-on-one

fellowship: a sense of belonging to a community

made right with God: the “reconciliation” of the believer with God

mission: Christian activities which serve the church or the community

on fire for God: excited about Christianity, especially “outreach”

outreach: process of taking the Christian message to people who are not Christians

sanctified: to make holy or purify

Watch Your Language!For those who are longtime churchgoers, the following words may feel natural. But for those who do not attend, they seem foreign. Try to avoid the following terms and phrases while telling others about Jesus and His resurrection. Or if you use them, be sure to explain them.

saved: rescued by Jesus from the death penalty for running my own life

savior: who rescues me from a deadly situation from which I cannot rescue myself

sin: running my own life

The Good News: the Bible, the New Testament or the Gospels; or general Christian doctrine

walk with God: practice of applying Christian principles and beliefs to everyday life

witness/witnessing: telling someone how and why I am a Christian

Adapted from “Beyond ‘Christianese’” by Ron Hutchcraft in

www.moodymagazine.com/articles and “Christianese” in

www.wikipedia.org; November 15, 2005.


Pray and PraiseOnce the guests are gone, gather your helpers. Thank God for His help. Praise Him for the work of His Holy Spirit. Talk about who seemed receptive to the gospel and discuss how you might follow up.

Clean upGather any unfound eggs. Return objects to their color-correct Resurrection Eggs. Wipe up any sticky messes.

Photo OpDevelop film or download your digital pictures. As a way to reconnect with your guests’ parents, give them copies of any particularly cute pictures of their children. FamilyLife also would love to see some of your best pictures. Mail them to the address on page 13.

FeedbackWatch your e-mail inbox for a follow-up survey from FamilyLife. When it arrives, tell us how it went!

ReflectThink back on the difference this egg hunt may have made. Perhaps someone came to know Christ through this event. Or maybe it will be years later when a young one reflects on your words and prays to receive Christ.

Follow upPraying to receive Christ is not just a decision, it’s a lifelong journey. Do what you can to foster relationships between the children and their Creator. For a few suggestions and reminders, fill out the bookmark on page 28, photocopy it, and tuck in your Bible.

Clean up, Follow up: Finishing Well

Resurrection Eggs List where you hid each egg below.

1 blue donkey ____________________________________________________

2 light pink silver coins ____________________________________________________

3 light purple Passover cup ____________________________________________________

4 orange praying hands ____________________________________________________

5 green leather whip ____________________________________________________

6 light yellow crown of thorns ____________________________________________________

7 yellow nail cross ____________________________________________________

8 light green die ____________________________________________________

9 purple soldier’s spear ____________________________________________________

10 cream linen ____________________________________________________

11 pink stone ____________________________________________________

12 light blue empty (for empty tomb) ____________________________________________________


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Party Goer Prayer ListI can encourage my guests’ spiritual growth by:

praying for them

bringing them to church

living as a loving example

welcoming them into my home

growing relationships with their parents

leading a Bible study for children (www.cefonline.com/materials for resources)

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Name: __________________________________

Their Journey:

O growing with God

O seeking God, curious

O no interest, ambivalent

O hostile to God and/or Christianity

My Follow-up:

O ___________________________________

O ___________________________________

O ___________________________________

Name: __________________________________

Their Journey:

O growing with God




My Follow-up:

O ___________________________________

O ___________________________________

O ___________________________________

Name: __________________________________

Their Journey:

O growing with God




My Follow-up:

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O ___________________________________

O ___________________________________

Name: __________________________________

Their Journey:

O growing with God




My Follow-up:

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O ___________________________________

O ___________________________________

Name: __________________________________

Their Journey:

O growing with God




My Follow-up:

O ___________________________________

O ___________________________________

O ___________________________________


RecipesEaster Bunny Cake

your child’s favorite 2-layer cake, baked in two round pans

white frosting

coconut

candy-coated chocolate pieces, jellybeans, or other colorful candy

black licorice laces

Bake cake, dividing batter into two round pans. Leave one round for the head. Cut the other according to the diagram below to form two ears and a bow tie.

Assemble, frost, and decorate.

Use candies for the eyes, nose, and polka dots on the bow tie. Place licorice laces for whiskers and curves in the nose.

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Bird Nest Cupcakes

2-layer cake mix

frosting

paper baking cups for muffin pans

jellybeans

toasted coconut

Bake and frost cupcakes. Top with a circle of toasted coconut. Place a cluster of jellybeans in the center for eggs.

To Toast Coconut: Spread coconut flakes in a thin layer on a baking sheet and toast in 350-degree oven for 7-9 minutes until golden brown. Watch closely, as coconut can burn quickly.

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We recommend baking these cookies on the Saturday night before Easter. But before you start, read the full recipe and collect all the materials and ingredients needed. As you make the cookies with your child, read aloud the Scripture story of Jesus’s crucifixion and resurrection where inserted in the recipe.

1 cup pecan halves

1 teaspoon white vinegar

3 egg whites (room temperature for best results)

pinch of salt

1 cup sugar

Preheat oven to 300˚ F degrees. Place the pecans in a plastic freezer bag. Let your child break the pecans into small pieces by beating them with a wooden spoon. Explain that after Jesus was arrested, Roman soldiers beat him. Then Pilate took Jesus and had Him whipped. The soldiers twisted thorns together to make a crown. They put it on Jesus’ head. Then they put a purple robe on Him. They went up to Him again and again. They kept saying, “We honor you, king of the Jews!” And they hit Him in the face. John 19:1-3 (NIrV)

Now, ask your child to smell and taste the vinegar. Add 1 teaspoon vinegar to a bowl. Explain that Jesus was offered vinegar to drink while He hung on the cross. Later Jesus said, “I am thirsty.” He knew that everything was now finished. He knew that what Scripture said must come true. A jar of wine vinegar was there. So they soaked a sponge in it. They put the sponge on a stem of the hyssop plant. Then they lifted it up to Jesus’s lips.

After Jesus drank he said, “It is finished.” Then He bowed His head and died. John 19:28-30 (NIrV)

Add the 3 egg whites to the vinegar. Discuss with your child that eggs represent life. Explain that Jesus gave His life in order to give us life. “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come so they can have life. I

want them to have it in the fullest possible way.

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.” John 10:10-11 (NIrV)

Sprinkle a pinch of salt into your child’s hands. Allow them to taste a tiny bit and shake the remainder into the bowl. Explain that this represents the salty tears shed by Jesus’s followers. A large number of people followed Jesus. Some were women whose hearts were filled with sorrow. They cried loudly because of Him. Luke 23:27 (NIrV)

Gradually add 1 cup of sugar to the bowl while beating ingredients on high with a mixer. Explain that the sweetest part of the story is that Jesus died because He loves us. He wants us to know we belong to Him.

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Taste and see that the Lord is good. Blessed is the man who goes to Him for safety. Psalm 34:8 (NIrV)

“God loved the world so much that He gave His one and only Son. Anyone who believes in Him will not die but will have eternal life.” John 3:16 (NIrV)

Egg whites are ready when they are glossy white and stiff peaks form (peaks stand straight when beaters are removed). Share how the color white represents purity and how Jesus can cleanse us of our sins. “Come. Let us talk some more about this matter,” says the Lord. “Even though your sins are bright red, they will be as white as snow. Even though they are deep red, they will be white like wool.” Isaiah 1:18 (NIrV)

Now, add the nuts and fold in gently. Drop the mixture by teaspoon on a cookie sheet covered with wax paper. Explain that these mounds represent the rocky tomb where Jesus’s body was laid. As evening approached, a rich man came from the town of Arimathea. His name was Joseph. He had become a follower of Jesus. He went to Pilate and asked for Jesus’ body. Pilate ordered that it be given to him.

Joseph took the body and wrapped it in a clean linen cloth. He placed it in his own new tomb that he had cut out of the rock. He rolled a big stone in front of the entrance to the tomb. Then he went away. Matthew 27:57-60 (NIrV)

Put the cookie sheet in the oven. Then close the door and turn the oven off immediately.

Give your child a piece of tape to seal the tomb (oven door). Explain the fact that Jesus’s tomb was sealed. “Take some guards with you,” Pilate answered. “Go. Make the tomb as secure as you can.” So they went and made the tomb secure. They put a seal on the stone and placed some guards on duty. Matthew 27:65-66 (NIrV)

Go to bed! Explain that your child may feel sad to leave the cookies in the oven overnight. To a much greater extent Jesus’s friends were sad when He died and was placed in the tomb. ”What I’m about to tell you is true. You will cry and be full of sorrow while the world is full of joy. You will be sad, but your sadness will turn into joy.”

“That’s the way it is with you. Now it’s your time to be sad. But I will see you again. Then you will be full of joy. And no one will take your joy away.” John 16:20 & 22 (NIrV)

Do not open the oven until the following morning. Allow your children to examine the cookies. They will form small mounds and have a cracked side. When the children taste them, they will discover that the cookies are hollow representing that on the first Easter, Jesus’s friends were surprised to find the tomb empty. The Sabbath day was now over. It was dawn on the first day of the week. Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb.

There was a powerful earthquake. An angel of

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the Lord came down from heaven. The angel went to the tomb. He rolled back the stone and sat on it. His body shone like lightning. His clothes were as white as snow. The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.

The angel said to the women, “Don’t be afraid. I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here! He has risen, just as He said He would! Come and see the place where He was lying. Go quickly! Tell His disciples, ‘He

has risen from the dead. He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see Him.’ Now I have told you.”

So the women hurried away from the tomb. They were afraid, but they were filled with joy. They ran to tell the disciples.

Suddenly Jesus met them. “Greetings!” he said.

They came to Him, took hold of his feet and worshiped Him. Matthew 28:1-9 (NIrV)

Resurrection CookiesCONTINUED


Kellogg’s® Rice Krispies Treats®

3 tablespoons margarine or butter

1 package (10 oz., or about 40) regular marshmallows or 4 cups miniature marshmallows

6 cups Kellogg’s® Rice Krispies® cereal

Using low heat, melt margarine in large saucepan. Add marshmallows and stir until completely melted. Remove from heat. Microwave directions: In a microwave safe bowl, heat margarine and marshmallows at HIGH for 3 minutes, stirring after 2 minutes until smooth. (Microwave cooking times may vary.)

Add Kellogg’s® Rice Krispies® cereal. Stir until well coated.

Follow one of the variations below. Best if served the same day.

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NOTE: For best results, use fresh marshmallows. One jar (7 oz.) marshmallow cream can be substituted for marshmallows. Diet, reduced calorie, or tub margarine is not recommended. Store no more than two days in airtight container.

Easter VariationsEgg Shapes

Using 1/3 cup measure, shape mixture into egg shapes. Decorate as desired. Yield: 12 eggs

Nests

1/2 cup coconut (tinted green)

miniature marshmallows

jellybeans

Shape mixture into sixteen 3-inch nests. Fill cooled nests with miniature marshmallows, jellybeans, or chocolate eggs. Yield: 16 nests


GamesGames are great way to keep kiddos busy and burn off that sugar! For the best success:

Read all game instructions in advance.

Collect the materials needed long beforehand.

Choose games to fit the ages and temperaments of the majority of guests.

For team games, determine which team starts by flipping a coin.

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It may help to have the following supplies on hand:

clipboard

list of groups (pages 10-11)

starting and finish lines (mark lawn with flour or landscaping spray paint)

timer or stopwatch

whistle

pad and pen for scorekeeping

several small prizes

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•Lord, keep us safe. Help us to play fair, and when we don’t, to learn from our sins and become more like You.

1 piece of string, streamer, tape, etc. (for clearly marking the starting and finish lines)

1 raw egg for each player

1 spoon for each player

Provide each player with a raw egg and a spoon. At the starting line, instruct players to place their eggs on their spoons. The first one across with an intact egg wins.

If you run short of eggs and/or spoons, play the game in two rounds, having someone begin the race and time it. In this case, the player wins who crosses the finishing line with the best time and an intact egg. Even with this adaptation, don’t expect to reuse all of your eggs in the second round—some won’t make it!

Continued on the next page...

Egg Spoon Race


Optional Versions: A cleaner but less dramatic version: Use plastic eggs and specify that dropping the egg will disqualify the player instantly.

Three-legged race: Pair players in groups of two. While the children are standing side-by-side, tie their inner legs together in two or three places with old nylon stockings or strips of cloth. Have each child carry an egg with a spoon. The first pair of children to cross the finish line with the eggs intact wins.

1 12- to 18-inch cardboard or construction paper egg* per player


*The designing and decorating of the paper eggs can be done

in advance by you

by the children at the party, or

on simple grocery sacks or poster board squares instead of decorated paper eggs.

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Divide the children into pairs and give each pair two paper eggs. One child will play the “hopper” role, and the other will play the “helper” role in this variation of leapfrog.

The hopper stands on Egg 1 at the starting line, and the helper places Egg 2 a short distance in front of the hopper, who hops onto it. Then the helper moves Egg 1 in front of Egg 2, and once again, the hopper hops to it. The pair moves from the starting line to the finish line where they reverse roles. The first pair to complete the course wins.

Egg Spoon RaceCONTINUED

Cardboard Egg Hop Race


1 16-inch balloon per team (and extras for breakage)

1 water faucet

1 egg* per team (and extras for breakage)


* If you can withstand the drama and the mess, use raw eggs. If not, opt for hardboiled eggs.

Fill balloons with water to 3/4 capacity. Divide the players evenly into two or more teams. Explain that each team will be given a waterbed (balloon) and an egg.

The objective is to have each team member travel to the finish line and back while nesting the egg in the balloon without breaking the egg. If a player breaks an egg, he must return to the starting line and begin the course again. If the egg falls, but does not break, the player can stop, re-nest the egg, and resume the race from that point. The first team to complete the course wins.

Tip: Create a nest by pressing an indentation on both sides of the center of the balloon. The egg can rest in this. (As players hurry, eggs may become airborne!)


When you say “On your mark,” the children are to squat down and grasp their ankles. At “Go!” they are to waddle to the finishing line, without letting go of their ankles. The first one across the finish line wins.

Waterbed Egg Race

Duck Race


The team leader starts by choosing an Easter-related person, place, or thing. When she says, “I’m thinking of something. What is it?” the children try to guess what it is by asking no more than 20 questions that can be answered “yes,” “no,” or “I don’t know.” The child who guesses correctly wins a small prize (optional) and becomes the leader of the next round.

chalkboard, chalk, & eraser

or

flipchart, easel, & markers

Except for egg #12 (it’s empty), place the Resurrection Eggs in a paper sack so that they are hidden from players. Divide children into two groups. Invite a child from the playing team to approach the board or flipchart, choose and open an egg (so that no one else can see), and identify the object.

Set a timer for 30 seconds. Explain that on your mark, the player should draw the object and refrain from using written or spoken words. To score, his or her team members should guess what the drawing is before time runs out. Should the team fail to score, the opposing team has a chance to score by guessing the correct answer within five seconds.

Whichever team scored in the last round is “up” to play in the next round. If both teams fail to score, the opposing team from the previous round is up. Play until a team scores ten points or your predetermined winning score.

Easter Twenty Questions

‘Rez’ Eggs Chalkboard Charades


Crafts

eggshells (washed and dried)

Easter egg dye

white craft glue

posterboard or light-weight cardboard

newspapers

1 photocopy of template per child

Preparation:

Break the clean, dried eggshells into small (but not tiny) pieces.

Color the shell pieces in separate color batches, following the Easter egg dye package instructions, and allow them to dry thoroughly.

Draw egg designs on separate pieces of cardboard or make copies of the egg-shaped template on page 57; then glue these to cardboard sheets. Make one template for each participant.

Activity:

Help the children spread white glue in one area of the design and fill it in with eggshell bits. A small gap should be left between pieces. Continue until the design is filled.

Keep the mosaic flat and allow it to dry overnight. Shake the dried designs to allow unattached egg pieces to fall off.

These creative eggs can be hung as decorations or used to make the front of an Easter card.

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Eggshell Mosaics


Hatching Easter Chick

2 yellow cotton balls (or 2 yellow pom-poms)

1/2 of a clean eggshell or cup from an egg carton

black construction paper

orange construction paper

scissors

hole punch

craft glue

plastic Easter basket grass

plastic eyes

Punch two black circles from the black construction paper for the chick’s eyes.

Cut a small square from the orange construction paper and fold it in half to form a triangle for the beak.

Glue a pom-pom/cotton ball into the bottom of the eggshell. Glue the other pom-pom/cotton ball on top for the head. Hold the two balls together for 1 minute.

Attach the eyes and beak to the top cotton ball or pompom with craft glue. You can add Easter basket grass to your eggshell or carton cup to make a pretty nest for your chick.

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Lacey Easter Eggs

balloons

colored yarn

white glue

1-inch paintbrush

Blow up the balloon and tie a 2-foot piece of yarn to the knot end. This will be used to hang the completed project to dry.

Brush the entire surface of the balloon with watered down glue. Work quickly (before the glue dries) and wrap the yarn around the balloon in one direction, leaving approximately 1/2” wide gaps.

Brush a second layer of watered-down glue and wrap another layer of yarn in a different direction. Repeat the layering of yarn one more time. You should be able to see some gaps.

Hang the yarn-covered balloon and allow it to dry for 24 hours.

When it is totally dry, pop the balloon and carefully pull it out through the gaps.

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“Egg”cellent Decorating Ideas!

Here are some creative ways to decorate your hardboiled eggs. If you plan to eat them, use only non-toxic dyes (food coloring) or paints on your eggs. Do not leave the eggs unrefrigerated for more than two hours.

Dyed Eggsbowls or teacups

slotted spoons

paper towels

newspaper

hardboiled eggs

hot water

egg dye made from food color or crepe paper

masking tape (optional

Egg Dye from Food Coloring

Mix 2/3 cup of boiling water, 2 teaspoons of distilled vinegar, and food coloring in each cup. Add food coloring one drop at a time until you reach the desired color. You may need to use 1/4 tsp (about 24 drops) of food coloring.

Allow mixture to cool.

Red, blue, green, and yellow are usually included in food coloring packages. To mix additional colors, try these ratios:

Orange—mix about 10 drops of red with about 15 drops of yellow.

Turquoise—mix about 5 drops green with about 20 drops of blue.

Violet—mix about 12 drops red with about 12 drops blue.

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Egg Dye from Crepe Paper

Soak crepe paper in hot water in individual bowls or cups for each color.

Add eggs and allow them to soak until the desired color is achieved.

Remove eggs with slotted spoon and allow to dry.

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Stripes from Masking Tape

Use masking tape to mask a pattern of stripes or lines on a plain hard-boiled egg.

Dip egg in dye and leave until desired color is reached.

Remove with slotted spoon and air dry.

Remove masking tape when dry.

Leave masked areas white or dip again in lighter dye.

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More “Egg”cellent Decorating Ideas!

Painted Eggsdisposable plates

newspaper

paper towels

non-toxic paints

toothbrush, toothpick, or cotton swabs

ToothpickPaint flowers on your eggs! Choose two colors of paint to decorate your egg. Pour those paints into a disposable plate. To make the petals of the flower, dip about 1/4 inch of the toothpick into the paint, then lay the toothpick down onto the egg, making a petal. Repeat making petals, leaving a space in the middle for the flower center. Using a new toothpick and another color of paint, dip just the tip of the toothpick into the paint and dot the center two or three times. Let the egg dry.

ToothbrushPour paint onto a disposable plate. Dip the tips of the toothbrush bristles into the paint and dot the egg with the paint. Let one side dry, and then dot the other side.

Cotton SwabPour paint onto a disposable plate. Dip just the end of the cotton swab into the paint. Then dot the egg, paint creative designs, or write messages. Use a different end of the cotton swab for each color or mix them together to create a new color.

Egg Yolk Paints

raw eggs

food coloring

water

cups or small bowls

paintbrush

Carefully crack open an egg, separating the yolk from the white.

Mix 1/2 tsp water with the yolk.

Divide the yolk mixture into several small cups.

Add food coloring, using a different color in each cup.

Use a brush to paint your egg. If the paint gets too thick, add a few drops of water.

You can also use this to paint to decorate sugar cookies before baking or draw designs on bread before toasting.

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Jesus Rides a Donkey

Jesus found a young donkey and sat upon it.

—John 12:14

DIRECTIONS: Color!

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The Triumphal Entry

As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to Me.” —Matthew 21:1-2

DIRECTIONS: Read the following verses. Then use what you learned to complete the puzzle.

Jesus told two of his (followers) to find a

(animal) and (to loose) it.

The next day the great crowd that had come for the Feast heard that Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem. They took palm branches and went out to meet Him, shouting, “Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the King of Israel!” Jesus found a young donkey and sat upon it, as it is written, “Do not be afraid, O Daughter of Zion; see, your king is coming, seated on a donkey’s colt.” —John 12:12-15

People had come to the town of to eat a

. When they heard that was coming,

they took branches and went out to meet Him. They shouted

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the !”

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The Price of Betrayal

Then one of the Twelve—the one called Judas Iscariot—went to the chief priests and asked, “What are you willing to give me if I hand Him over to you?” So they counted out for him thirty silver coins. —Matthew 26:14-15

DIRECTIONS: Color the numbered sections with matching color in the color key.

22222Light Pink22COLOR KEY1 - GRAY or SILVER

2 - BLUE or YELLOW

3 - GREEN or RED

4 - TAN or FLESH


Silver Coins

Then what was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet was fulfilled: “They took the thirty silver coins, the price set on Him by the people of Israel …” —Matthew 27:9

DIRECTIONS: Each letter in this puzzle has a number value. Solve it by using the grid below.

A B C D E F G H I J K L M 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13

N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26

J D T Y D J

T T R .

10 21 4 1 19 2 5 20 18 1 25 5 4 10 5 19 21 19 6 15 18

20 8 9 18 20 25 16 9 5 3 5 19 15 6 19 9 12 22 5 18

Light Pink22222222


Passover Cup

Then He took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. This is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.” —Matthew 26:27-28

DIRECTIONS: The Passover cup reminds us that God freed the Jews. The cross reminds us that Jesus frees sinners and that He loves us. Follow the maze and link the handcuffs to the cross.

33333Light Purple33


Jesus Serves His Betrayer

Leaning back against Jesus, he asked Him, “Lord, who is it?” Jesus answered, “It is the one to whom I will give this piece of bread when I have dipped it in the dish.” Then, dipping the piece of bread, He gave it to Judas Iscariot, son of Simon. —John 13:25-26

DIRECTIONS: Circle 10 differences in these two pictures. Light Purple333333333333


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Urgent Prayer

“Father, if you are willing, take this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Yours be done.” —Luke 22:42

DIRECTIONS: Connect the dots. Then fill in the blanks below to discover who prayed to whom. (Hint: Read the Bible verse on this page.)

prayed to His

and asked

for His help.

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Cruel Soldiers

So Pilate took Jesus and had Him whipped. —John 19:1 (The Message)

DIRECTIONS: Color!

Green55555555555555555


Jesus’s Crown

The soldiers twisted thorns together to make a crown. They put it on Jesus’s head. —John 19:2 (NIrV)

DIRECTIONS: The soldiers made a special crown for Jesus. What did it look like? Circle the crown that He wore.

666666666666666666666666666666666Light Yellow66


Nailed to a Cross

This man was handed over to you by God’s set purpose and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put Him to death by nailing Him to the cross. —Acts 2:23

DIRECTIONS: Color! Yellow

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Dividing Jesus’s Property

When the soldiers crucified Jesus, they took His clothes, dividing them into four shares, one for each of them, with the undergarment remaining. This garment was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom. “Let’s not tear it,” they said to one another. “Let’s decide by lot who will get it.” —John 19:23-24

DIRECTIONS: Find and color the missing piece. Then draw it in the picture below.

8888888Light Green88


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The Stone at the Tomb

But when they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away. —Mark 16:4

DIRECTIONS: Find two words that tell what happened to the stone on Easter morning. Start at the 1 egg and, moving clockwise, write every other letter to learn the first word. Then start at the 2 egg and, moving counter-clockwise, write every other letter to learn

the second word.

Now complete this sentence:

The stone was .

Pink111111111111111111111111111111


The Tomb on Easter Morning

Then Simon Peter, who was behind Him, arrived and went into the tomb. He saw the strips of linen lying there, as well as the burial cloth that had been around Jesus’ head. The cloth was folded up by itself, separate from the linen. —John 20:6-7

DIRECTIONS: Look at the objects below and circle what was found in the tomb after Jesus rose from the dead. Finally, color the picture.

12121212121212121212121212121212Light Blue

1212


He Is Risen!

The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; He has risen, just as He said. Come and see the place where He lay.” —Matthew 28:5-6

DIRECTIONS: Fourteen of the fifteen words below appear in the word search. Discover which fourteen by filling in the blanks. Then circle them in the word search.

They can be spelled in any direction and even backwards!

C L J K X S E S Z O B M B R B

Q R J R N G O J J E H T I H G

E J O R P L E E U L V J W P J

W F O S D H P S G N I K O O L

O H Z I S I Z U N E S I R S D

T X E V H W W S K E N G R J T

L R O W K T P H J N I D W X H

S L K S W C E F M D S E T I A

D H E T Y C O G A P B I Y P J

N I A N G E L R L T G R E B Q

N R A A S L U S P D H U D O S

K L T R I Y K M Z L K B I H J

S P B N F H I W A I S J V L V

V K E B G A X F U F M Y P U J

K N D S H R Y E L E N L T A D

The soldiers put a crown of on the head of Jesus.

The were very mean to Jesus and hit Him with a .

died on the for our .

Friends of Jesus wrapped His body in and Him.

The tomb was sealed with a big .

But Jesus came back to and left the tomb empty!

We can be glad, because Jesus Christ has !

The said, “Do not be . For I know that you are for Jesus. He is not here.”

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From the Cross to the Tomb

For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. —1 Corinthians 1:18

DIRECTIONS: Number these pictures 1 to 6 in the order that they happened. Then color the pictures.

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About FamilyLifeFamilyLife has been strengthening homes since 1976 when it began as a pre-marriage ministry to Campus Crusade for Christ staff. Today, we reach around the world through our website, marriage conferences, radio programs, and resources. Through each of these channels, we strive to develop godly families who change the world one home at a time.

One way we do this is by publishing resources that help husbands connect with wives and parents connect with children. Our growing line of TrueConnection® resources includes Resurrection Eggs®, Passport to Purity®, and What God Wants for Christmas™. We hope you look to FamilyLife Publishing when you want to experience the ah-ha! of God’s truth while you connect with others.

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by Amy L. Bradford and Mary Larmoyeux · 2019-09-18 · Resurrection Eggs® Activity Book Prayer: Ask God to Guide You When it comes to hosting a successful event, prayer is our best