Easter is one of the two highlights of the Christian calendar. As we endeavor to communicate the magnitude of the story to our children, it’s important that we help them understand that Jesus’ death and resurrection is more than just an isolated event in the Bible. It is the turning point in God’s grand story with mankind. We asked our friend Dr. Dick Gruber to create a simple Easter timeline to share with children. This Easter timeline will be helpful to all children but especially to those who will visit your church on Easter morning.

Easter is a day that the Christian church celebrates the resurrection of Jesus. Jesus died and three days later rose from the dead. But the Easter story began long before that Easter morning.

Way back in the beginning of time, God created everything. He made the stars and the world and the animals and the fish. Then He created something special. God formed man from the dust of the earth and breathed life into man. God and man became best friends. They walked and talked with each other every day.

One day man sinned. Adam and Eve, the first man and woman, disobeyed God and sin entered this world. God could not be close with them like He once was. But God did make a promise…

God had a plan to take away man’s sin and become friends with Him once again. He would send His only Son to live a life without sin. One day, that Son, Jesus would die for the sin of all mankind. His sacrifice would be the one and only offering needed for the forgiveness of sin.

So Jesus was born. We remember His birth at Christmas. Jesus grew in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and with man. When He was old enough, Jesus began to minister to people. He told stories about God, healed the sick and injured, and even raised people from the dead.

One day, Jesus was captured and put to death on a cross of wood. The Roman and Jewish leaders thought this would be the end of Jesus and His followers. But it was only the beginning.

After lying in a tomb for three days, Jesus rose from the dead. He was alive again. Many of His followers saw Him after His resurrection. Now, because Jesus is alive, we can be forgiven of our sin.

On Easter Sunday, Christians everywhere celebrate the living Savior. Jesus is alive. Because He is alive, we can be too. The sin that tries to destroy us can be forgiven. If you put your trust in Jesus, this Easter can be a day to celebrate your new life in Jesus.

You can accept new life in Jesus right now. God’s plan can be your plan today. Now is a good time to pray and receive the new life Jesus has for you.

When you pray, do the things listed on this page. Admit that you have sin. Remember, whenever we hurt somebody with words or actions or attitudes, we sin. When we disobey God’s word, like Adam and Eve did, that is sin. Ask Jesus to forgive your sin. He is faithful and just and will forgive your sin and cleanse you from all wrong. Then accept Jesus as your Savior and friend. Believe that He died on the cross for you, rose from the dead, and is with you now.