Resurrection Eggs

One of my favorite tools for teaching our kiddos about Easter is Resurrection Eggs!  I think you can buy them... but we made ours and the kids help fill the eggs with the things that represent different parts of the story leading up to the Resurrection. Then each day during the week leading up to Easter, we retell the story and open each egg at the appropriate time in the story. It really helps them to remember it when they have visual reminders and can touch and feel.

So I thought I'd share it...

I took an egg carton and some scrapbook paper and made a package to keep them in.

Each egg is numbered with the order in which they are to be opened and I made a cheat sheet at the top to help me remember what is in each egg. The kids have a much better memory than I do. :)

In each egg is something to represent each part of the story leading up to and including Jesus' resurrection. I'm also inluding the verses we use, but in a lot of parts I just summarize what's happening in a way they can better understand.

1. A small branch with leaves to represent Palm Sunday - John 12:12-13
2. A small wash cloth to represent Jesus washing the disciples feet - John 13:1-17 (the kids take turns pretend washing each other's feet with the cloth)
3. A dime to represent Judas betraying Jesus - Matthew 26:14-16
4. A cracker to represent Jesus' body (The Last Supper) - Matthew 26:26
5. A small cup to represent Jesus' blood (The Last Supper) - Matthew 26:27-28
6. A rubberband to represent the whips used on Jesus (this one is very delicate and I get the most questions and concerns starting here - we just explain how Jesus knew about this and how all of this was necessary for us to spend eternity with Him in heaven and because He loves us SO much, He was willing to do whatever it took for us to get to be with Him forever) - Luke 22:63-65
7. A branch of only thorns to represent the crown of thorns - Matthew 27:28-30
8. A cross made of sticks to represent the cross on which Jesus was crucified - Mark 15:21-39
9. A piece of gauze to represent the linens Jesus wore - John 19:23
10. A die to represent the soldiers casting lots for His linens - John 19:24
11. A stone to represent the stone in front of the tomb - Matthew 27:59-60
12. Empty... HE IS RISEN! Matthew 28:1-10

The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay." Matthew 28:5-6