Enjoy the incredible Easter story with the little ones in your life using this excerpt from The Jesus Bible for Kids. Remind them of why we celebrate Easter and let them know that Jesus is alive!
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Three days after Jesus’ death, early in the morning, before the sun had fully risen, Mary Magdalene and some other women went to anoint the body of their beloved teacher, Jesus. As they walked sadly along the dusty path, they wondered among themselves who they could persuade to open the tomb for them, for the stone was far too big and heavy for them to move it themselves.
But just as they came near to the tomb, the earth shook beneath their feet, the guards were thrown to the ground, and the women saw that the stone had been rolled away from the entrance. And inside the tomb, shining brighter than the sun, was an angel!
The terrified women fell to their knees, hands over their eyes, for the angel was too bright to look at (and they were too scared anyway!). But the angel said to them, “Why are you looking for someone who is alive here? This is a place for dead people! Jesus isn’t here—he has risen! Don’t you remember that he told you this would happen? Have a quick look, then run and tell his disciples that he will meet them in Galilee just as he promised.”
So the women hurried away in excitement to tell the disciples the news, afraid yet filled with joy.
Later on that same day, Mary Magdalene stood weeping quietly outside the tomb. Peter and one of the other disciples had come, had seen the strips of linen, and had gone away again, not knowing what to think, whether to be happy or sad. Now Mary was here by herself. The angel’s words had filled her with hope, yet she felt so alone. All she wanted was to see Jesus one more time.
Just then she heard the sound of footsteps behind her. A man asked gently, “Why are you crying? Who are you looking for?”
This must be the gardener, she thought. Surely he would know where the body was. And she begged forlornly, “Sir, if you have moved him, please tell me where he is, and I’ll get him.”
The man only spoke her name, “Mary,” but instantly she spun around. She recognized that clear, gentle voice!
“Teacher!” she gasped. Surely this was a dream! Was he really, truly there? And she reached out toward Jesus with her arms wide open.
Jesus said, “Dear Mary, you mustn’t hold on to me, for I have not yet gone to my Father. Quick! Go and tell the others!” So Mary rushed off with the amazing news that she had seen Jesus alive! The disciples were never going to believe her!
Share more of Jesus' life with your children with The Jesus Bible for Kids!
