Explaining the gospel to your kids might appear to be a complicated task that takes a theology degree. However, that’s simply not true! Whether you have your own children, serve in children’s ministry at church or are close with children in your family and friend groups, you can explain the gospel to them this Easter Sunday.
Watch videos with them that explain the entire story of Easter.
You can answer any questions they might have and dive into a deeper discussion of who Jesus is after watching. One resource is “The Story of Easter (Jesus’ Sacrifice)” done by Saddleback Kids. In the past five years, this video has accumulated over 38 million views, and explains the entire Easter story from beginning to end and doesn’t take anything from the gospel, while still presenting the message in a way they can understand.
Do activities that will give kids an age-appropriate visual representation of what the gospel is all about.
Many children are visual learners, so doing activities that are age-appropriate but show the true message of the gospel can be a great way to get them involved with the story of Jesus’ death and resurrection. You can create a skit using props or puppets to demonstrate the story of Holy week, from Jesus riding a donkey, to Judas collecting payment for betraying Jesus and more.
If you’re not one for acting, you can always read a book about Easter, which is the most important story they’ll ever hear. You can still be animated with your hand gestures, facial expressions and tone of voice. Superbook’s “He is Risen!” is a great choice for explaining the gospel. Working on coloring pages, crafting cross ornaments, building dioramas or making Easter treats that resemble items from Scripture are a good way to create a dialogue about the meaning behind the activity.
Have communion and foot washing with your older kids and set up a Passover Seder meal.
Older children who may already understand the background of the gospel might connect better with the message of Christ through actively engaging in these traditions that Christ Himself did with the disciples. This is a great time to explain why Jesus told the disciples to take communion, what it represents and how this is a reflection of who He is and how He loved the world so much that He willingly gave Himself up for us. Do a foot washing as well to share with the kids how we are to serve others and love in the same way that Christ loved us. You can accompany these activities with a Passover Seder meal that will teach them how Jesus was foreshadowed in the Old Testament and how His sacrifice fulfilled the Law.
Sharing the gospel with children is just as important as it is to share the gospel with adults. Jesus told us that we should have childlike faith (Matt. 18:2-5). The world will take any chance it can get to spread darkness into the hearts of children. However, Christians are called to be the light of the world. Why not plant this seed of light into the hearts of God’s beloved little ones?
Abby Trivett is a marketing copywriter and coordinator and Staff Writer intern for Charisma Media.
