The Empty Tomb

John 19:28-30, 41-42; 20:18

To help the children learn that Jesus rose from the dead.

“He is not here; he has risen!” (Luke 24:6, NIV*).

These three passages in John give us a brief overview of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Through this story we can verify that indeed, Jesus lives!

The final moments on the cross are described in John 19:28-30. Jesus says, “I am thirsty,” and the soldiers give him a drink of wine. This shows that Jesus was conscious and that his words and actions were full of prophecy. “It is finished” were his last words, recognizing his knowledge of the perfect end. The plan of redemption for all mankind was complete, and in those final words, we can rejoice with a shout of victory. He had fulfilled the will of the Father, and at that moment, the love of God was fully revealed through his Son, Jesus.

John 19:41-42 gives us evidence of the death of Jesus. His body was prepared according to Jewish custom and placed in a new tomb. He was wrapped in a cloth and anointed with aromatic herbs to preserve his body, and the tomb was sealed with a large stone. However, the story does not end with the death of Christ.

In John 20:18, the discovery of the empty tomb begins when Mary Magdalene witnessed the first evidence of the resurrection: the stone was out of place. When she saw this, she ran to tell the others and two of them came back with her. John was the first to arrive, although Simon Peter was the first to enter. The wrappings of Jesus were in place, but not the body. With this, evidence for the resurrection was completed. First, the stone was out of place; second, the wrappings; and third, the body was not there. Although John, Peter and Mary did not fully understand what had happened at that time, the greatest test of Christ’s overcoming power was manifested.

We should rejoice and rest assured that the resurrection of Christ is a reality!

Observe the expression on the faces of children as you talk about the death of Jesus. Be sensitive to their body language, and answer their questions.

Children at this stage are curious about death, although they still do not fully understand the concept. It is important for you to be prepared to answer the questions that arise on this topic.

In this story of the resurrection, it is important to simply note the death of Jesus but not talk about the details. Instead, focus the children’s attention on the resurrection.

Attendance sheets

Allow time for your children to post their attendance on the chart. Help any new children to begin theirs. Hand out the attendance (heart) stamps from Student Activity Sheet #68-A and ask the children to stick them in the appropriate place, while saying something they learned in the PREVIOUS Bible stories.

Encourage them to continue attending regularly to complete their sheet.

Ancient tombs

For this activity, you will need molding clay or Play-dough to model and tablecloths or plastic bags.

Cover the work area with tablecloths or bags. Distribute lots of clay. Allow time for them to make the shape of an ancient tomb (show them an illustration or tell them how to do it).

Ask them: Is there something or someone inside the grave we did? (No). A grave is like a hole or cave where people who died were placed. When Jesus died, he was put in a grave. Do you believe that Jesus stayed in the grave? (Allow them to respond.)

We celebrate this special day, the Resurrection, because Jesus, the Son of God, did not stay in the grave, but he arose and lives forever.

This activity will help you teach the biblical truth to your children.

Jesus lives!

It was a very sad day for Jesus’ friends. Some people who did not believe in him put him on a cross and he died there. Jesus obeyed God, his Father, and went to the cross so that all the people of the world would know that God loves them.

Jesus was very hurt on the cross. Finally, after they made him drink vinegar, he said: “It is finished.” He was saying his mission on earth had ended.

After this, Jesus died. His friends took his body, wrapped it in blankets with sweet-smelling herbs, and put it in a tomb that was in a cave. A very large stone was placed at the entrance of the cave to close it. Jesus’ friends thought that they would never see him again.

Three days later, very early in the morning before the sun rose in the sky, Mary, a friend of Jesus, was walking towards the tomb. She was very sad because of what had happened.

“What happened here?” Mary asked. She was amazed to see the open tomb. She exclaimed, “The stone is gone!”

She ran to look for the disciples of Jesus. “Come with me!” she yelled. “Jesus is no longer in the grave!”

Simon Peter and John ran to the grave. John looked in first, but did not see Jesus. Peter decided to enter the tomb and look for Jesus. John followed after him. “What could have happened?” he asked himself. Jesus was no longer there, and they did not know what had happened to him. Peter and John returned home, but Mary stayed.

Do you know why the tomb was empty? I know! It is good news for everyone! Jesus, the Son of God, is not dead. He lives, and that’s why today we have a special celebration for him.

He’s not here!

For this activity you will need the cardboard grave that you previously made, and a flashlight.

Ask each child to take the flashlight and enter/ look into the grave. Then they must say, “Jesus is not here, he is risen!”

Repeat the game until everyone has had the opportunity to participate.

Where is Jesus?

Hand out Student Activity Sheet #68-B. Allow time for the children to write their names and trace the word of faith.

Ask them to choose three crayons of different colors to find and trace three different paths that guide Jesus’ friends to the empty tomb. When you have found the tomb, repeat the verse together to memorize: “He is not here, but is risen” (Luke 24:6). Tell them: “In our next session we will know who told Mary these special words.”