Happy Easter! Easter worship times are: 1. Saturday evening, 6pm 2. Sunday morning, 9am 3. Sunday morning, 11am 4. Sunday evening, 6pm.

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1 EASTER 2016 Easter Devotional

2 $ Happy Easter! It is with great joy and anticipation that we present this Easter Devotional to you. As pastors, our hope and prayer is that you will linger in the scripture passages presented within this Devotional booklet and be stirred to draw near to God this Easter season, while inviting Him to touch your heart in fresh new ways throughout the coming year. As part of our family focus this year, we have added a children's section to our devotional booklet. We encourage families to use this devotional together and to help children complete the activities and questions in order to gain a deeper understanding of the meaning of Easter. Upon completing the activities in this booklet, encourage your child(ren) to bring this booklet to our Easter Eggstravaganza on Saturday, March 26th, or to Worship services on Easter weekend and we will have a special prize for them. We will have four opportunities to worship on Easter weekend and hope you will invite others to worship with us. Each of these services will have childcare opportunities available. Easter worship times are: 1. Saturday evening, 6pm 2. Sunday morning, 9am 3. Sunday morning, 11am 4. Sunday evening, 6pm. May God bless you this Easter season! We look forward to seeing you and your family at our Easter Eggstravaganza, Easter worship services, and hope you will be part of our church family as we move forward into this year of focusing on family at Spring Hills. In Christ, 2 Pastor Tom 3

3 How to use this devotional: You can use this individually as a part of your daily quiet time. Use this as a couples devotion to grow closer in your faith together. Easter Devotional k Easter Story for Kids Work on this as a family during meal times or in the evening before bed. 4 5

4 MARCH 21 The Triumphal Entry The disciples went and did just as Jesus had instructed them, and brought the donkey and the colt, and laid their coats on them; and He sat on the coats. Most of the crowd spread their coats in the road, and others were cutting branches from the trees and spreading them in the road. The crowds going ahead of Him, and those who followed, were shouting, Hosanna to the Son of David; BLESSED IS HE WHO COMES IN THE NAME OF THE LORD; Hosanna in the highest! When He had entered Jerusalem, all the city was stirred, saying, Who is this? And the crowds were saying, This is the prophet Jesus, from Nazareth in Galilee. - Matthew 21:6-11 (NASB) Devotional Message Are people starting to realize who Jesus is?: spreading coats and branches in His honor; and, unashamedly shouting praises to Him. Wow! Jesus is surely headed to His kingly throne now. The whole city was stirred! People asking, "Who is this?" And then, perhaps a bit anticlimactically, the answer: "The prophet from Nazareth...in Galilee." This answer allowed for at least three types of responses: 1. From the zealots: "We thought He was a powerful liberator, come to set His people free, maybe with enough following to even overthrow these Roman invaders. We had been told of miraculous powers, but alas, it must not be true." 2. From indignant Jewish Leaders: "We knew He would end up here. Now we'll have to take care of Him for sure. And we will." 3. From Believers: "This Prophet is from God, healing our diseases and giving us sight." In which group are you? Prayer Focus Pray this: "God, please help me to learn and practice doing just what you instruct me to, like Your disciples did in securing the donkey and the colt for Your triumphal entry." Ask God this: "Would You move me past my fears to be able to shout to the King of Kings today, 'Hosanna! Lord, save us! Blessed are You Who came, Who comes, and Who will come in the name of the Lord!'" Commit to this: "When someone asks about Jesus, or about my faith, or about what's going on in the world, I will bring glory to Jesus pointing people to Him, boldly declaring Him to be the King of kings and Lord of Lords, Savior of the world, and my Redeemer." 6 7

5 Easter Story for Kids 1 A Donkey's Adventure with a King Did you know today is Palm Sunday? Palm Sunday is the day we celebrate Jesus Triumphal Entry into the city of Jerusalem. Today we re going to hear a fun story about Jesus Triumphal Entry. I ll never forget the most important day of my life I was a young colt, standing outside my master s house with my mother when some men walked towards us. I asked my mother who they were. She said I don t know but let s listen to what they say. My master came out and stopped the men and asked them what they were doing. They called themselves disciples and explained they came for me & my mom! The disciples said the Lord needs them and my master happily sent us right away. I grew nervous and asked my mother where we were going. My mother explained I should be calm and excited that I would be used to honor the Lord today. Soon I was approaching a man the disciples called Jesus. The closer I got I could feel more and more love and peace. The disciples put their coats on us and Jesus rode on my back. Imagine that, I had never been ridden before, and my first rider was Jesus the Son of God! I knew this was a very important moment and I held my head high as I carried Jesus into the town of Jerusalem. As we drew closer I could hear lots of noise and I asked my mother what it was. She said there is a celebration because Jesus is coming into town and he is the Savior. A large crowd of people were lining the street cheering Hosanna, Hosanna in the highest. The crowd separated to make space on the road as we marched to the temple. I was so amazed at how excited the crowd was and I couldn t believe it but they laid down coats, and palm branches in honor of Jesus. I proudly carried Jesus over them all the way to the temple. 8 WOW! It must have been so exciting to welcome Jesus in to the City. How would you feel if you saw Jesus riding into your city? Would you want to shout Hosanna, Hosanna in the highest Maybe you would want to shout Hooray Hooray! Can you think of ways to welcome Jesus today? Maybe say a prayer welcoming him in today. a a ACTIVITY: 1. Color, cut out and put together the donkey pattern on page 37 & 39. Place the donkey on your mantel or special place to remind you to welcome Jesus into your life every day. 2. Reenact the story. QUIZ TIME: 1. Who gave Jesus a ride? 2. What did the people shout to welcome Jesus? 3. What did the people put on the ground for Jesus? 6 Days to Easter! 9

6 MARCH 22 Jesus Washes the Disciple's Feet "Before the Passover Festival, Jesus knew that His hour had come to depart from this world to the Father. Having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the end. Now by the time of supper, the Devil had already put it into the heart of Judas, Simon Iscariot s son, to betray Him. Jesus knew that the Father had given everything into His hands, that He had come from God, and that He was going back to God. So He got up from supper, laid aside His robe, took a towel, and tied it around Himself. Next, He poured water into a basin and began to wash His disciples feet and to dry them with the towel tied around Him. He came to Simon Peter, who asked Him, Lord, are You going to wash my feet? Jesus answered him, What I m doing you don t understand now, but afterward you will know. You will never wash my feet ever! Peter said. Jesus replied, If I don t wash you, you have no part with Me. Simon Peter said to Him, Lord, not only my feet, but also my hands and my head. One who has bathed, Jesus told him, doesn t need to wash anything except his feet, but he is completely clean. You are clean, but not all of you. For He knew who would betray Him. This is why He said, You are not all clean. When Jesus had washed their feet and put on His robe, He reclined again and said to them, Do you know what I have done for you? You call Me Teacher and Lord. This is well said, for I am. So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another s feet. For I have given you an example that you also should do just as I have done for you. I assure you: A slave is not greater than his master, and a messenger is not greater than the one who sent him. If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them. I m not speaking about all of you; I know those I have chosen. But the Scripture must be fulfilled: The one who eats My bread has raised his heel against Me. I am telling you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe that I am He. I assure you: Whoever receives anyone I send receives Me, and the one who receives Me receives Him who sent Me. - John 13:1-20 Devotional Message Doesn't it constantly amaze you that whenever we study His Word - whether a familiar passage or something fresh... we end up inheriting yet another Truth??!! Well, certainly this discourse was NO exception! Jesus gives one of His most profound comments on servanthood and living life by example in John Ch. 13. For Jesus, our Adonai, [OT Hebrew - "Lord & Master"], following the unforgettable last supper,...girds Himself to wash the disciples feet, as would any common slave! Then, openly declares, He "knew that the Father had given everything into His hands, that He had come from God, and that He was going back to God." [v. 3] Then, this same Jesus, our Kurios, [NT Greek, "Respected one, Supreme in Authority"], ever-so pointedly says: I assure you: A slave is not greater than his master, and a messenger is not greater than the one who sent him." [v. 16] Commenting on how blessed we are to know and do likewise! He, you see calls us to a life of His mastery over us... wherein our obedience follows - and, as His servants under Him,... His provision is always ample! Prayer Focus Father, burn into our hearts the angels chorus, which says: Holy, holy, holy is the Lord who rules over all. The whole earth is full of His glory. [Isaiah 6:3] Lord Adonai, guide us to see our own deception, distraction and disregard for who you are, what You represent and how You have invited us... Bring us to remember You are our Most Respected One, Supreme Authority & Worthy God!! Father, impress upon our minds, the responsibility we have to expect Your provision to our every need, as we take it upon ourselves to surrender to Your mastery over us!! 10 11

7 Easter Story for Kids 2 Jesus Washes the Disciples' Feet Just days after Jesus triumphal entry into the city some Jewish leaders felt angry that Jesus got so much attention. They didn t recognize he was God's son. They began to plot against Jesus. But Jesus was not afraid. He continued to teach everyone about God and spend time with his disciples. Today we will read about how Jesus washed his disciple s feet. Did you know in Jesus time there were no cars, no buses, and no bikes! If you wanted to go somewhere you had to walk. When you wanted to go inside you had to wash your feet. Take a minute to think about your feet. Yes your feet! What do your feet look like during summer vacation when you wear flip flops? Do your feet get dirty? Has your mom or dad ever told you to wash your feet before you go inside? Now think about what your feet would look like if you had to walk EVERYWHERE in sandals? Can you believe Jesus washed the disciple s feet? They must have been so dirty! Why would he want to touch their dirty feet? Lets Read John 13:4-17 to find out....so (JESUS) got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin (bowl) and began to wash his disciples feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him. He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, Lord, are you going to wash my feet? Jesus replied, You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand. No, said Peter, you shall never wash my feet. Jesus answered, Unless I wash you, you have no part with me. Then, Lord, Simon Peter replied, not just my feet but my hands and my head as well! Jesus answered, Those who have had a bath need only to wash their feet; their whole body is clean. And you are clean, though not every 12 one of you. For he knew who was going to betray him, and that was why he said not everyone was clean. When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. Do you understand what I have done for you? he asked them. You call me Teacher and Lord, and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things; you will be blessed if you do them. In verse 13 we see Jesus is called TEACHER. Jesus is teaching us to serve one another. Jesus washed the disciples feet showing them the example of a serving heart. Serving is something you do to show love to someone else. How does it feel when someone serves you? Do you think Jesus wants us to serve others? Why? a ACTIVITY: Take time now to PRAY and ask God to tell you how you can show God s Love by serving others. You can pray Dear Lord, Thank you for your son Jesus. Thank you for Jesus example of being a loving servant. Give me a loving heart to serve others. Lord tell me ways I can be a loving servant. Take time to listen to what God is saying to you. God might show you pictures, give you ideas, or tell you names or actions. Once you hear from God trace your feet on paper and write down or draw pictures of what God shows you inside your feet. Share with your family what God is telling you. QUIZ TIME: a 5 1. Who is our Teacher? 2. Why did Jesus wash the disciple s feet? 3. Who does Jesus want us to serve? Days Easter! to 13

8 MARCH 23 The Lord's Supper While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, Take and eat; this is my body. Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. - Matthew 26:26-28 (NIV) Devotional Message Bread only benefits your body when you eat it. Jesus can only give you eternal life when you receive him. Prayer Focus If you have never received Christ today would be a great day to invite him to be your life. Tell him you are grateful he gave his life for the forgiveness of your sins, repent of those sins and ask him into your heart Are there friends and family that you know have not received Christ? Today would be a great day to pray for them! Typically more people than usual attend church on Easter weekend. Pray for the gospel to be clearly communicated in churches all across America. Taking and eating Jesus' body is strange language. It was 2,000 years ago and it is today. Sounds rather cannibalistic - until you understand that believing in Jesus is more than just looking at the bread that is on the shelf. Believing in him is taking him in, receiving him in such a way that he gets inside you, in your heart, in your spirit. Jesus gives us this reminder as he ate his last meal before he was crucified. It is our reminder to make sure we have received him. Does Christ live in you? 14 15

9 Easter Story for Kids 3 a The Lord's Supper Just as Jesus spent time washing the disciple s feet he spent time sharing a special meal with them called Passover. Passover is a special feast to remember God setting the Israelites (Moses and friends) free of slavery from Pharaoh in Egypt. Lets read Matthew 26:17-24 to learn more about it. On the first day of the Festival of Unleavened Bread, the disciples came to Jesus and asked, Where do you want us to make preparations for you to eat the Passover? He replied, Go into the city to a certain man and tell him, The Teacher says: My appointed time is near. I am going to celebrate the Passover with my disciples at your house. So the disciples did as Jesus had directed them and prepared the Passover. ACTIVITY: As a family you can prepare a special meal like Jesus and his disciples. Use this simple recipe to make Unleavened Bread to serve with dinner tonight. Unleavened Bread: 4 cups wheat flour ¾ cup margarine ½ cup brown sugar ¼ cup honey ½ cup of water - Combine ingredients, knead a few minutes. - Divide dough in half. - Make two 5-inch diameter, 1 inch thick circles. - Bake at 350 degrees, minutes in an ungreased pan Just like the disciples make special preparations for dinner. You could get out a white table cloth or even eat dinner on a low table and sit on the floor. As Jesus and his 12 disciples enjoyed the Passover Feast Jesus gave them symbols to help them remember him after he was gone. A Symbol stands for something or reminds us of something. I bet you can name some symbols. Let s think about Holidays. What symbols can you think of for these holidays? 16 -Draw a line from the Holiday to its matching symbol Christmas Thanksgiving 4th of July Birthday Watch this video Easter song - Remember Me! Jesus gave us two special symbols to remember him. 1. Loaf of Bread 2. Cup of Wine We eat the bread to remind This juice reminds us of us of Jesus' body. Jesus' Gift and God's love for us. a QUIZ TIME: 1. What are two special symbols to help us remember Jesus? 2. Who shared the special meal? Mark 14:22-25; Luke 22:17 While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, Take it; this is my body. Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, and they all drank from it. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many, he said to them. Truly I tell you, I will not drink again from the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God. Days Easter! 4to 17

10 MARCH 24 Christ's Intercessory Prayer After Jesus had spoken these words, he looked up to heaven and said, Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son so that the Son may glorify you, since you have given him authority over all people, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. And this is eternal life, that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. I glorified you on earth by finishing the work that you gave me to do. So now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had in your presence before the world existed. I have made your name known to those whom you gave me from the world. They were yours, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word. Now they know that everything you have given me is from you; for the words that you gave to me I have given to them, and they have received them and know in truth that I came from you; and they have believed that you sent me. I am asking on their behalf; I am not asking on behalf of the world, but on behalf of those whom you gave me, because they are yours. All mine are yours, and yours are mine; and I have been glorified in them. And now I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one, as we are one. While I was with them, I protected them in your name that[b] you have given me. I guarded them, and not one of them was lost except the one destined to be lost, so that the scripture might be fulfilled. But now I am coming to you, and I speak these things in the world so that they may have my joy made complete in themselves. I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world. I am not asking you to take them out of the world, but I ask you to protect them from the evil one. They do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world. Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. As you have sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify myself, so that they also may be sanctified in truth. I ask not only on behalf of these, but also on behalf of those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one. As you, Father, are in me and I am in you, may they also be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. The glory that you have given me I have given them, so that they may be one, as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become completely one, so that the world may know that you have sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. Father, I desire that those also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory, which you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world. 18 Righteous Father, the world does not know you, but I know you; and these know that you have sent me. I made your name known to them, and I will make it known, so that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them. - John 17:1-26 Devotional Message The Prayer of Christ in John 17 is simply amazing. In this prayer we see the amazing and deep love that Jesus has both for His disciples and for us. He expresses His deep love in His definition of eternal life. "Now this is eternal life: that they know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom You have sent." We might think of eternal life beginning as we enter heaven but Jesus defines eternal life as knowing God and knowing Him. As we are drawing near Easter, let me ask you do you know Him? If so how deeply do you know Him? How might you draw near Him and know Him more. He gave it all for you, that you would have eternal life that you would know Him. The only way to get to know someone is to spend time together, I urge you to spend time with Christ. In the prayer in John 17 you clearly see the love of Jesus for his disciples, listen to what he prays for them in verse 11, "Holy Father, protect them by the power of Your name, the name You gave Me, so that they may be one as We are one." Knowing that persecution is coming He prays for their protection, but He also prays for unity. Unity in our families and in the family of God is incredibly important, why not take some time today to build unity by telling a few important people in your life how much they mean to you, remind them that you love them. One of the amazing things about the prayer in John 17 is that Jesus prays for us. Listen to what He prays in verse 20. My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in Me through their message, 21 that all of them may be one, Father, just as You are in Me and I am in You. May they also be in Us so that the world may believe that You have sent me." Are you not amazed that over 2,000 years ago Jesus prayed for you. He prayed for you that you would be in harmony and unity with other believers and that through your relationships the world would come to believe that Jesus was the Son of God. Amazing. So my natural question is how are your relationships? Are people coming to Christ because of your example? As you ponder that question listen to how Jesus ends the prayer in verse 26, "I have made You known to them, and will continue to make You known in order that the love You have for Me may be in them and that I myself may be in them. We are called to follow the example of Christ, we are called to know God and to make Him known. Prayer Focus 1. Pray that you would grow in your knowledge of God, that you would know Him more and more. 2. Pray for protection for Christians worldwide who are experiencing persecution. 3. Pray for unity, unity in our families and in the family of God. 19

11 Easter Story for Kids 4 Jesus Prays After Jesus and the disciples finished the Passover dinner he took time to pray. When we pray we are communicating with God. We talk to God and listen to God when we pray. John 17:1-26 Let s sing along with this song Pray about everything a ACTIVITY: What are you going to talk to God about? What did Jesus Pray For Himself to Obey God Do you need help to obey? For His Friends the Disciples Do you have friends to pray for? For The Church - Do you go to church? For The sick - Do you know anyone who is sick? To Praise God - What is great about God? Tell Him how great! To Give Thanks - Do you have anything you to thank God for? What God was telling him- Listen to what God wants you pray. Pray Why pray? You can talk to God about Him, you, family, friends, and even strangers. You can pray about everything and everyone. When should we pray? We can pray every day, many times a day. You can talk to God anytime you want. You can pray when you feel happy, sad, hurt, or excited. We can pray during the day and night. Where can we pray? You can talk to God anywhere. You can pray at church, at home, at the playground, EVERYWHERE! You can even pray alone or with friends and family. Did you pray today? Maybe for a meal? 20 a QUIZ TIME: 1. When can you pray? 2. What can you pray for? Days Easter! 3to 21

12 MARCH 25 Jesus Suffers in Gethsemane Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and his disciples followed him. On reaching the place, he said to them, Pray that you will not fall into temptation. He withdrew about a stone s throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done. An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground. When he rose from prayer and went back to the disciples, he found them asleep, exhausted from sorrow. Why are you sleeping? he asked them. Get up and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. - Luke 22: Devotional Message grief: [grēf] (noun) deep sorrow, especially that caused by someone's death. In the passage for today it says that the disciples were "exhausted from sorrow." Things don't always turn out the way we had planned or imagined, and that IS something we can count on. The disciples imagined that Jesus was going to be an earthly ruler and king, they were already preparing their place at his right or his left and when He announces his death to them they are devastated. The beautiful thing about our Savior is that he doesn't try to explain all of it or even call them out. What He DOES do is prepare them. He uses these words: Get up and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. He sets them up for success by telling them what "to do." Prayer Focus Lord, we cannot always know in which direction you are moving, but help us to be in prayer so that when the time does come, we will not fall into temptation. How does Christ want to shape you during times of suffering? Ask the Lord to reveal areas of your life in which you have "blind spots." Which areas of faith are you NOT prepared for the road ahead? Are you seeking your OWN god, or your OWN functional savior over the work of Christ within you? 22 23

13 Easter Story for Kids 5 Gethsemane We talked about Prayer yesterday. Remember praying is talking to God. Jesus knew he had one day left before the Cross. He went to the garden of Gethsemane to spend time talking to God. Jesus was sad. Going a little ahead, he fell to the ground in the garden of Gethsemane and prayed for a way out: Papa, Father, you can get me out of this. Take this away from me. He didn t want to carry the cross he knew it would be very hard and painful. Jesus talked to God saying But please, not what I want I ll do what you want. Jesus wanted Gods plan more than his own. He asked God to help him. God sent an angel from Heaven to comfort and encourage Jesus. After praying Jesus was ready. Then an army came to arrest Jesus. Some of the disciples wanted to fight the army but Jesus said to them surely you know I could ask my Father and he would give me more than twelve armies of angels. Jesus could have stopped them, but he let them arrest him and was ready to take all of the punishment for all of the bad stuff for the whole world! Watch this video about Gethsemane. a ACTIVITY: Pray Take time now to thank God for sending his Son Jesus. Thank Jesus for loving us and taking our punishment for us. a QUIZ TIME: 1. What is the name of the garden Jesus went to pray in? 2. Who visited Jesus in the Garden? 3. Why did Jesus let the army arrest him? 24 2 Easter! Days to 25

14 MARCH 26 The Death of Christ From noon until three in the afternoon darkness came over the whole land. - Matthew 27:45 Devotional Message The day had finally come. Jesus knew it would, even as he pleaded with his Heavenly Father for it not to come. In his heart he knew that it would. It was unthinkable to those who followed him. To the religious leaders this day would prove once and for all that Jesus was not the Son of God, as he claimed to be. Now the problem of the Rabbi Jesus would be gone after his death. Matthew tells us that "darkness came over the whole land." It is so accurate and yet so incomplete. The whole land had already been in darkness spiritually. Christ came as the Light when he entered this dark world. Praise God that we, who know Christ, are no longer in darkness! However, we know that darkness is still "over" people we know and love. Remember them as you celebrate the risen Christ! Prayer Focus Consider the season in your own life when there was spiritual darkness. How would you describe your heart, attitude, or your life? Take some time to consider people or even whole parts of the world today that are primarily still in spiritual darkness. Pray for God to send the light of His gospel truth to them. Pray for people and for the different world religions that keep people under darkness. As we celebrate the death and resurrection of Christ, ask God to show you how you may serve as light to anyone that is still in darkness. Ask God to give strength to the Church in those dark places. Their task is not an easy one

15 Easter Story for Kids 6 The Death of Christ Once Jesus was arrested they took him to Pilate. Pilate was the governor in the city. Pilate and the people didn t believe Jesus was telling the truth. They hurt Jesus. They put a crown of thorns on his head. Jesus was hurt so bad his whole body was bruised and bleeding. The disciples of Jesus felt very sad. They couldn t believe Jesus, their teacher, was being punished. Jesus had NEVER sinned and he was being punished. a ACTIVITY: Watch this video about sin. Have you ever sinned? Have you done anything that is not Gods way? Have you been disobedient to mom or dad? Have you taken a toy from a sibling or friend? Have you told a lie? We all have! All kids and adults have sinned. But Jesus NEVER DID! Even though Jesus never sinned he was willing to take the punishment for all of the bad stuff that you and me have done. He loved us so much that he took our punishment and died on the cross. Jesus had to take the punishment and die for all sin so Christians could go to heaven and be with God. Jesus loved us enough to die for us. In the bible we learn God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son Jesus that whoever believes in him will not perish but have eternal life John 3:16 Name a time that you sinned. How does it make you feel thinking about Jesus getting all of the punishment and dying for your sin? Take time to pray and tell Jesus about your sin. Ask Jesus to forgive you and thank him for taking all of the punishment for you. Thank him for making a way for you to go to heaven. It is sad to think about Jesus on a cross. But the good news is TOMORROW IS EASTER and the Story of Jesus isn t over! a QUIZ TIME: 1. What is sin? 2. Who has sin? 3. Who did not sin? 28 1 Easter! Dayto 29

16 MARCH 27 The Visit of the Women at Sunrise The angel said to the women, Do not be afraid; for I know that you are looking for Jesus who has been crucified. He is not here, for He has risen, just as He said. Come, see the place where He was lying. Go quickly and tell His disciples that He has risen from the dead; and behold, He is going ahead of you into Galilee, there you will see Him; behold, I have told you. - Matthew 28:5-7(NASB) Devotional Message Take a moment to read and reflect on Matthew's account of the visit of the women at sunrise. As you read and reflect, try to place yourself in these women's shoes. It is a cold, gray morning. Mary and the other Mary are walking towards Jesus' tomb. Their hearts are heavy. Their hope in Jesus of Nazareth has been crushed as Jesus died a painful death on the cross. They carry spices to anoint His dead body. Prayer Focus Thank God for the empty tomb as you approach this day and everyday with the wonder and amazement that, "Jesus is not here, for He has risen!" Thank God for His unending love for you, as He desires to be in continuous relationship with you. Ask God to give you opportunities to tell others about Jesus, just as the angel told these women. The world needs to hear the Good News of Jesus Christ. As these women approach the tomb, the stone has been rolled away and an angel proclaims that, "Jesus is not here, for He has risen, just as He said!" Imagine your shock if you were there. How long would it take for you to truly understand that Jesus has risen? Nothing could destroy Jesus, not even death. He has risen! The tomb is empty! Praise God! Jesus has defeated sin and death! Hallelujah! 30 31

17 Easter Story for Kids 7 God's Not Dead! After Jesus died on the Cross he was buried in a special place called a tomb. It looks like this. It s like a cave with a very big rock put in front of the door. Watch this video and celebrate the life of Jesus. a QUIZ TIME: 1. How long was Jesus dead? 2. Who rolled the stone away? 3. Who discovered Jesus was alive? The Visit of the Women at Sunrise - Matt. 28:5-7; Mark 16:2-8; Luke 24:1-8 Everyone who loved Jesus was very sad. On the third day Jesus mother and two friends wanted to visit Jesus tomb. They woke up that morning sad. But they didn t stay sad. Mary woke up early and prepared for the journey. The three friends left to go to the tomb. It was very quiet. They barely said a word to each other because they were so sad. But when they got there they were very surprised. The rock was rolled away and the door was open. But how could that be? An angel had moved the huge rock out of the way. The angel told Mary don t be afraid. I know you are looking for Jesus, the one who was killed on the cross. But he is not here. He has risen from death as he said he would. The women were so shocked and scared they didn t know what to do. Then the angel said come and see the place where his body was. The women looked for Jesus body but it was gone just as the angel had said. The angel then told them to go quickly and tell the disciples Jesus had risen. a ACTIVITY: You can make your own empty tomb snack like this one. Mary was full of Joy! Jesus had risen. He wasn t dead. How does it make you feel knowing Jesus is ALIVE? Now you know what Easter is about. Jesus is ALIVE. Today we celebrate Jesus victory over death and sin. 32 Happy Easter! 33

18 Easter Story for Kids 1. Read the story and do the activities and quizzes in each kid's section of this booklet. 2. Check the box next to each section you finish and write your name on the line below. 3. Bring your booklet to the Easter Eggstravaganza or to church on Easter weekend for a special prize. A Donkey's Adventure with a King Jesus Washes the Disciples' Feet The Lord's Supper Jesus Prays Gesthemene The Death of Christ God's Not Dead! (Print Your Name on the Line Above) has finished the 2016 "Easter Story for Kids" part of this booklet. 34 Resurrection Art Project What you need to make your own resurrection set: 10 cardboard tissue tubes (or about 4 paper towel tubes, or 1 wrapping paper tube) 1 empty (square) tissue box Glue or a stapler Something to color them with (optional) Resurrection Set Printables Scissors 1. Color and cut out (on the outside lines) the pieces on pages (If you want something to stick out from the sides like Jesus arms or the angels wings you can cut them out around the edges to let them flap free from the sides of the tubes.) 2. Set aside the cross, tomb, rock, and Jesus. 3. Glue each of the remaining pieces around toilet paper tubes. 3. Glue the tomb to the top of a tissue box. (You can use a brad to attach the rock so that it can swing open or closed. You can find brads in the scrapbooking section of a craft store.) 4. Cut the hole out of the middle of the tomb and glue it over the open hole in your tissue box, and turn it on it s side. This makes a tomb you can actually place Jesus in. 5. Tape Jesus onto the cross on Good Friday at noon. Then at 3pm, take Him down, place his body in the tomb, and close the stone. On Easter morning, replace Jesus body with the empty linen cloths. You can see an example of this resurrection set on Page 36 of this booklet. 35

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28 Our Pastors & Contributors to this Easter Devotional Please enjoy these Easter devotional messages and prayer focus points written by our Pastors as a gift to you and your family this Easter season. Tom Pound Senior Pastor March 24 Pastor Mark Elliott Associate Pastor, Student March 25 Pastor Jeff Houghton Associate Pastor, Pastoral Care March 23 Pastor Gary Kirkpatrick Associate Pastor, Children & Global Missions March 22 Pastor Coley Mull Associate Pastor, Discipleship March 26 Pastor Brad Pilkington Associate Pastor, Worship March 21 Pastor Jeff Smith Associate Pastor, Congregational Care March

29 spring hills baptist church 1820 Newark-Granville Road l Granville, OH Connect with us 24/7 56