Easter Option 1

Collect the following items:

• Leaf & branch

• Bread and juice

• Bucket of water and towel

• Band-aid or bandage wrap

• A Cross or cut out a paper cross

• Strip of cloth

• Rock

• An empty box or container 

• Piece of candy for everyone

• Road Map or globe

You determine the speed and detail you feel appropriate. Each station is meant for you to see and feel an object, read the story out loud, and allow for conversation and discussion. You can do it in the living room or around the dinner table. You could also take along in a backpack and do a walk and stop for each station. 

We really hope this would allow you and your family to experience the story in a new way.

Station 1: Leaf & Branch - Read John 12:12-19

Jesus embraced the poor and sick people during his time here on earth. His choice of a donkey instead of a horse was God’s way of saying that he came as a king who will serve and save the oppressed. As Jesus rode a donkey people cut branches from palm trees, laid them across Jesus' path and waved them in the air as he entered Jerusalem. In ancient times, palm branches symbolized goodness and were used in festivals and times of celebration.

• Take the leaf and branch and pass around. Talk about what it would've been like to see Jesus ride in on a donkey along a palm branch trail. 

Station 2: Bread & Juice - Read Luke 22:14-15

Jesus sharing a meal with His friends. Using the backdrop of the passover meal (Exodus and Moses) Jesus taught them that the bread would represent his body. His body would be broken, and hung on a cross to pay for all mankinds mistakes. He took the cup and it represented his blood. His blood would cover our sins and forgive us.

• Take bread and break and give each person some to eat, then take the cup and give everyone juice to drink. Discuss what they represent?

Station 3: Bucket of Water - Read John 13:1-17

Jesus washed his friend’s feet and displayed for them his love, principles of servanthood and forgiveness. A servant is one who lays down his life for others. Jesus knowing Judas had traded Him for 30 pieces of silver, still loved him.

• Take time and wash one another’s feet. Jesus showed us how we are to serve one another. Discuss how we can serve people?

Station 4: Band-Aid - Read Luke 22:4-6, Luke 22:54, Matthew 27:27-31

Roman soldiers came and seized Jesus. Jesus was then arrested and sentenced. Talk about Jesus' choice to endure physical cruelty for us. You can determine how detailed you want to share, we want you to feel the weight of pain he experienced and his willingness. 

• Jesus willingly took on pain and suffering for us. Share your physical scars and times you felt pain. 

Station 5: Cross – Read Matthew 27:32-53

Jesus was sentenced to die on the cross. Jesus was nailed to the wooden beams and he hung until he died. Jesus on the cross is a reminder of His suffering for us. Jesus had to go to the cross to forgive us of our mistakes and sin. He took our place and punishment for our sin. 

• The cross was used as a death penalty for criminals. Today we see it much differently. Discuss what the cross represents and means to you.

Station 6: Strip of cloth – Read Matthew 27:57-61

After Jesus Christ died on the cross, his body was removed and placed in the new, unused tomb of a wealthy gentleman who was a member of the Hebrew Sanhedrin, Joseph of Arimathaea. The Bible tells us that Nicodemus brought about a hundred pounds of myrrh and aloes to spice Jesus body, and that He was bound in linen wrappings. 

• Funerals are a time for us to remember and celebrate those who have passed. Jesus was wrapped and put in a tomb. Discuss what his family, friends were thinking and feeling during the burial?

Station 7: Rock – Read Luke 23:54-56

It was rare to find a stone entrance to a Jewish tomb in biblical times; most Jewish tombs had doors with certain types of hinges. A large stone rolled before the tomb would be much more difficult to move, making the burial site more permanent. Before sealing the tomb, authorities were first required to inspect the inside of the tomb to see that the body of Jesus was in its place. After guaranteeing that the corpse was where it was supposed to be, they rolled the stone back in place and then sealed it with the official seal of the governor of Rome.

• The rock represented the end. When the rock was rolled in place it was final. All those who had gathered went home thinking Jesus was gone. Discuss a time when something you loved went missing? 

Station 8: Empty box – Read Luke 24:1-3, Matt 28:5-6

Jesus’ friends came to the tomb and saw the stone had been moved. The tomb was empty! The empty tomb is a symbol of the resurrection. Jesus conquered death.

• What a surprise it would’ve been to find an empty tomb. Jesus was alive and to the disciples that means He is who he said he was...the messiah. The one who can heal and forgive sins. The empty box represents the empty tomb. Discuss what this would have been like to see the tomb empty. 

Station 9: Candy - Read John 20:18-23

Jesus is alive. Because Jesus Christ is risen, He can save you as well. He can set you free. He can transform your life. Not through a religion, but through His eternal power, the power of LIFE. That’s the sweet surprise of Easter.

• What excitement for the disciples to see Jesus again. Discuss a time when you were reunited with someone you hadn’t seen in a long time? 

Station 10: Map - Read John 14:1-4, Matthew 28:18-20

Jesus said he would come back again. Explain what Jesus is doing and what we are to do while he is gone preparing a place for us.

• Jesus said he was leaving but would come back, while he is away we have a mission. Use the map or globe as a way to discuss what Jesus meant by “go and make disciples of all nations” and how he will return one day.