Week 1 March - April : Easter

 

He Will Swallow Up Death in Victory: Easter Week Ideas for Families and Children

March 30–April 5: Easter

The life of Jesus Christ “is central to all human history” (“The Living Christ: The Testimony of the Apostles,” Gospel Library). This means His life influences the eternal destiny of everyone who has ever lived or ever will live. The Resurrection of Jesus Christ on that first Easter Sunday connects all of God’s people throughout history: those born before His Resurrection looked forward to it with faith (see Jacob 4:4), and those born after look back on it with faith.

Even in the Old Testament, we see evidence of ancient believers’ longing for their Messiah, though His name is not mentioned. Jesus Christ has borne “the iniquity of us all” (Isaiah 53:6), and “in Christ shall all be made alive” (1 Corinthians 15:22).


Prophets Ancient and Modern Testify of the Savior’s Atoning Sacrifice

Many Old Testament passages point to the Savior’s ministry and atoning sacrifice:

Old TestamentNew Testament
Zechariah 9:9Matthew 21:1–11
Zechariah 11:12–13Matthew 26:14–16; 27:3–8
Isaiah 53:4Matthew 8:16–17; 26:36–39
Isaiah 53:7Mark 14:60–61
Psalm 22:16John 19:17–18; 20:25–27
Psalm 22:18Matthew 27:35
Psalm 69:21Matthew 27:34, 48
Psalm 118:22Matthew 21:42
Isaiah 53:9, 12Matthew 27:57–60; Mark 15:27–28
Isaiah 25:8Mark 16:1–6; Luke 24:6
Daniel 12:2Matthew 27:52–53

The Book of Mormon also contains abundant prophecies of Christ (1 Nephi 11:31–33; Mosiah 3:2–11; Alma 7:10–13). Latter-day prophets continue to testify of Jesus Christ and His Atonement. As you listen to general conference this Easter weekend, notice testimonies of Christ and discuss what they teach you about Him.


Jesus Christ Offers Me Peace and Joy

Easter is a joyful time because we celebrate the Savior’s Atonement and Resurrection. Yet some people may not feel joy. How can we share the Savior’s peace and joy?

  • Read scriptures like Psalms 16:8–11; Isaiah 25:8–9; John 14:27; Alma 26:11–22.

  • Make Easter cards for family or friends.

  • Share joyful messages on social media prayerfully.

  • Sing hymns like He Is Risen! (Hymns, no. 199) or Christ the Lord Is Risen Today (Hymns, no. 200). Discuss which phrases capture Easter joy.


Jesus Christ Suffered and Died for Me

Teach children about Gethsemane and the Crucifixion (Matthew 26:36–46; 27:35–50; Luke 22:39–46; John 19:16–30).

  • Show pictures and discuss the events.

  • Ask children: How are we blessed because of Jesus’s sacrifice? Look for words or phrases in Isaiah 53:4–12; Alma 7:11–13; D&C 19:16–19.


Jesus Christ Was Resurrected for Me

  • Use activity pages or pictures to tell the story of the Resurrection (New Testament Stories, 139–144).

  • Have children retell the story in their own words.

  • Sing Easter songs together. Discuss how they make you feel and what they teach about Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.

  • Show how the Spirit can testify of Christ through music, pictures, and scripture stories.


Prophets Testify of Jesus Christ and His Atonement

While watching Easter weekend general conference, have children:

  • Stand each time they hear words like Easter, Atonement, or Resurrection.

  • Discuss why prophets’ testimonies are important and how they strengthen our faith.


Early Elementary Add-On: Math and Writing Activities

Theme: Jesus Christ’s Atonement and Resurrection bring victory over sin, death, trials, and weaknesses.

1. Writing:

  • Draw or write one thing Jesus did for them. Example: “Jesus died for my sins.”

  • Write a sentence about why Easter is joyful. Example: “Jesus is alive!”

  • Sort scriptures into categories: sin, death, trials, weaknesses. Write one blessing for each.

  • Write one testimony or message about Jesus Christ from Easter weekend talks.

2. Math:

  • Count objects related to the story (3 nails, 1 crown, 2 thieves). Add them together.

  • Create a Resurrection timeline with 3–5 events. Number them in order and count days from Good Friday to Easter Sunday.

  • Graph how many children feel joy in different ways (praying, singing, helping others).

  • Make a “Blessing Chart” and tally the number of blessings in each category. Add totals.

  • Keep a tally of how many times certain words are said during conference talks and create a bar graph.

Optional Games & Crafts:

  • Empty Tomb Craft: Make a tomb from paper or clay with a rolled “stone” outside.

  • Resurrection Roll Math: Use small rolls or circles to represent story symbols for counting, addition, or subtraction practice.

  • Joy Dice Game: Roll a die and write one thing that brings joy in Christ for each number.


Easter reminds us that Jesus Christ has conquered sin and death. By studying scriptures, celebrating His Resurrection, and sharing joy with others, children and families can feel His love, peace, and power in their lives.

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