Overview Jesus the Word An Angel Visits Mary Simeon and Anna Flight to Egypt Boy in the Temple Jesus the Word Epiphany John the Baptist The Baptism of Jesus The Lamb of God Tempted Calling the Disciples Wedding at Cana Woman at the Well The Beatitudes Love Your Enemies Do Not Worry Build Your House on the Rock The Man with a Shriveled Hand The Widow of Nain Jesus Calms a Storm The Mustard Seed The Man in the Caves The Man Born Blind Four Friends Mary and Martha The Lord's Prayer Jesus and the Children Transfiguration The Good Samaritan The Parable of the Fig Tree The Danger of Riches The Lost Sheep and the Lost Coin The Lost Son The Pharisee and the Tax Collector Ten Men Healed Man Born Blind Lazarus Jesus Talks about God's House Promise of the Holy Spirit The Rich Young Man The Woman Who Touched Jesus' Cloak Jairus' Daughter The Parable of Talents Sending the Twelve Peter's Faith Feeding the 5000 Share God's Love The Ten Bridesmaids The Wrong People Heal in Jesus' Name James and John Ask for Seats of Honour Sheep and Goats Christ the King Zacchaeus A Woman Washes Jesus' Feet Palm Sunday Jesus Cleanses the Temple Parable of the Vineyard The Wedding Banquet Paying Taxes The Greatest Commandment Be Humble The Sadducees’ Question Jesus the Vine The Empty Tomb Thomas and Jesus The Road to Emmaus The Disciples Fish Again The Great Commission Jesus' Ascension

Bible Texts:

Matthew 28:1-10, Mark 16:1-8, Luke 24:1-12, John 20:1-10

 

Children's Bible Story sources:

"The Resurrection," DK Children's Illustrated Bible, p.276

"The Empty Tomb," Spark Story Bible, p.482 

"Jesus Is Alive," DK Children's Everyday Bible, p.311

"Jesus Is Alive Again," The Early Reader's Bible, p. 459

"God's Wonderful Surprise," The  Jesus Storybook Bible, p. 310

Children's Story Resources

Sylvester and the Magic Pebble retold by William Steig

Sylvester collects pebbles "of unusual shape and color." One day he happens to come across a pebble that grants wishes. Immediately afterward, a lion scares Sylvester, and as a defense he wishes himself into a rock, the only thing he could think of at the moment. Unfortunately, the magic pebble falls off the rock, and Sylvester is unable to revert to his donkey form as the pebble must be in contact with the wisher to work. 

How these stories are connected: After an extended disappearance, Sylvester's parents celebrate when he is suddenly returned to their lives. The story of Sylvester mirrors the disciples' excitement and joy when Jesus is raised from the dead.

Questions about Sylvester and the Magic Pebble:

     Why were Mr. and Mrs. Duncan upset?

     What did they do to try and cheer up?

     How did Mr. and Mrs. Duncan feel when they saw Sylvester again?

     What did they do?

 

 

Questions about the Bible story:

     Why were the women worried when they came to the tomb?

     Who tried to helped them?

     How did Mary feel when she saw Jesus again?

     What did she do?

 

Questions about our lives: 

     How can we see Jesus today?  

 

 Prayer

 Dear Jesus, thank you for bringing new life everywhere you go. Help us celebrate you today. Amen.

 

Deer in the Hollow by Efner Tudor Holmes, Illustrated by Marlowe de Christopher

Story summary: Seth has a special connection with the animals of the forest. His concern for them causes him to risk his own health in caring for them. When he ventures out into the forest on a winter night to protect some deer, he may need special help of his own. 

How these stories are connected: Seth gives selflessly to the animals just as Jesus gave selflessly to all the world. Sometimes self-giving brings risk of injury and even death. Perhaps our willingness to give of ourselves is a response to Jesus’ willingness to give everything to us, and a measure of our love. 

Questions about Deer in the Hollow:

     Why did Seth leave his bedroom when he was still sick?

     Why did the men look for Seth?

     Why was it hard for them to find him?

     Did you expect Seth to be okay? Why or why not?

     What happened when the men found him?

Questions about the Bible story:

     Why was it hard for the women to go to the tomb?

     What did they expect to do when they got there?

     What did they find?

     Who did Mary see?

     What did she do then?  

 

Questions about our lives: 

     What kinds of things do you think Jesus can do?

     How can you ask for his help?

 

 Prayer

Dear God, you have amazing power to give us all life. Thank you for the life you gave Jesus and the life you give us. Help us believe in Jesus’ new life and the promise his life gives to all of us. Amen.