How do you teach the Easter Story to your kids? You can never have enough ideas for an Easter Outreach. I know there are many thoughts and opinions surrounding the classic Resurrection Egg idea, but when we did them with our kids, we put a little different spin on it and the results were amazing. (Looking for something different? Check out instructions for Salvation Eggs!)

If you are familiar with the Resurrection Egg idea, you know that purchasing your own set at the local store can be costly.  The last retail price I saw was $12.99 per set.  That price led us to the decision to make our own sets.

Resurrection Eggs- the main idea

The big picture of a set of Resurrection Eggs is a set of Easter Eggs that contain different symbols from events leading up to and including Jesus’ death and resurrection. There are many different symbols that you could choose to represent in the story, this is the list that I chose to use.  I chose the items because I think they give a decent picture of events, as well as items that would be familiar and easily understood by kids.  They are also items that can be easily and cheaply acquired.

 Resurrection Eggs- the build up

We took 2 Sunday mornings and walked through the Easter story using large versions of the symbols. This was not just a craft time for each of our kids to make a set and take home. Using the lesson time added value to each of the symbols, and we all know how much it helps to have visual aids when teaching. The two weeks that we took to teach was packed with 12 different visual aids.

At the end of the second week, we did a scavenger hunt where the kids started with an empty egg carton and then found 12 empty eggs by following clues.  After they found their eggs they went to a station and filled their set of eggs with all the symbols so they had their own complete set of Resurrection Eggs.

Resurrection Eggs- the tool

Our purpose in allowing each kid to make their own set of eggs was a strategic one. Like I said, we did not do it for the sake of having a cool craft (though it was) or for the sake of filling time. Several times during the morning we stressed the fact that we were giving out tools. Their set of resurrection eggs was a tool for each person to use at home and during the week to share the true story of Easter with their family and friends. We believe in resourcing parents to be spiritual leaders in their home, but we also believe in empowering and resourcing our kids to share their faith with others. This set of eggs was a perfect opportunity for such a tool.

 

Resurrection Eggs- the results

After investing two weeks into telling the story, and essentially demonstrating the way the eggs work, we sent each kids home with their own set. The graphic at the beginning of the page was our carton cover, and we also printed out the following table and put on the inside of the carton for reference. Over the next few weeks we heard back from parents what a great project it was for their kids. Easter dinner was full of many conversations that included our kids sharing the Easter story with their family though their set of eggs. By investing a few weeks and teaching, and investing the money for supplies, we dramatically increased our sphere of influence directly related to sharing Jesus. Our kids were able to take what we thought them, and the tools we gave them to share their faith with their family and friends. It was awesome.

 

 

 

Resurrection Egg contents and Bible verse support

 

1		palm leaf								John 12:12-13
2		coins		Matthew 26:14-16
3		rope		Matthew 27:26		Mark 15:15				John 19:1
4		purple cloth		Matthew 27:28		Mark 15:17		luke 23:11		John 19:5
5		cross				Mark 15:21-22		Luke 23:26		John 19:17
6		thorns				Mark 15:17				John 19:5
7		dice		Matthew 27:35		Mark 15:24		Luke 23:34		John 19:23-24
8		sponge		matthew 27:48						John 19:29
9		sword								John 19:34
10		gauze		Matthew 27:59-60		Mark 15:46		Luke 23:53		John 19:40
11		rock		Matthew 27:60		Mark 15:46		Luke 23:53
12		empty		Matthew 28:1-7		Mark 16:4-6		Luke 24:2-8

 

palm leaf: Crowd waved palm branches.  We used a pack of palm tree scrapbook stickers

coins: Judas betrayed Jesus for 30 pieces of silver.  We used quarter/nickle or 3 dimes

rope: Jesus was whipped.  We used a piece of brown yarn

purple cloth: The purple robe the guards put on Jesus. We used a scrap piece of cloth

cross: The cross Jesus carried and was crucified on. We used a mini wooden cross.

thorns: The crown of thorns on Jesus’ head.  We used a twig from a bush and formed into a crown

dice: The guards cast lots for Jesus clothes. Available at the dollar store

sponge: Jesus was given a drink of vinegar from a sponge. Cut a sponge into pieces

sword: They pierced Jesus’ side with a sword. We used the plastic toothpick type swords. (we did have to cut the tip  to make it fit)

gauze: They wrapped Jesus on cloths to bury him.  Cut a gauze pad

rock: The large stone to seal the tomb. We used a small pebble

empty: The tomb was empty!

 

Have you used Resurrection Eggs before? What do you think? Would you use them again? I’d love to hear your thoughts. Post a comment and let me know.