MORNINGSIDE KIDS
Drama Camp: The Town Mouse and the Country Mouse
Last week, several Morningside kids got to participate in a drama camp we hosted for The Academy of Arts. The week ended with a fun production of The Town Mouse and the Country Mouse.
“Adapted for stage from the well-known Aesop’s Fable and the story of the Prodigal son from the Book of Luke, this timeless children’s tale follows one mouse’s journey from the simple, happy cornfields of the country to the fast-paced opportunities of the town as he learns that things are not always as they seem.”
It was a privilege to host, and the kids had a great time. We took some pictures of the rehearsals, and if you’re interested you can watch it on Facebook Live.
If you're looking for a Christian drama camp that teaches skills and important life lessons, check out The Bird and The Bug being offered at the Academy of Arts this summer.
Kids on Mission - Alphabet Night
Last Wednesday night was Alphabet Night! Kids and volunteers arrived with words, letters and Bible verses on their clothes. And if kids forgot, there were plenty of sticky letters to go around thanks a wonderful volunteer who brought extra letters to share.
Our K4-2nd graders learned about Josiah, lover of God’s Word. After finding an old dusty scroll in God’s house, he realized as he read God’s commands written inside that the children of Israel had been disobeying God. With great sadness, Josiah tore his clothes to show how upset he was. Josiah sent out a message to call the children of Israel to the temple to hear God’s Word. As Josiah stood before the people to read God’s Word, he told the Israelites that he would love and obey God and commanded the people to do the same. As long as Josiah was king, the children of Israel obeyed God. However, after the death of Josiah, the Israelites turned away from God and began worshiping idols again. Even though the Israelites turned their backs on God, God did not abandon His people. God kept on loving them and would one day send a Savior, as he had promised many years before.
As a reminder of the lesson, K4-2nd graders made their own scroll with the week’s Bible verse written on the inside.
3rd-5th graders played “Protect the President” as a reminder that nothing or no one can destroy God. God sent Jesus who lived a perfect life, died a sinless death, and finally conquered death so that we might be saved from the punishment of our sins and live forever with Him in heaven one day. The older elementary kids then met in their small groups to write out, talk about and memorize I Corinthians 15:19-20 which tells us that Jesus conquered death.
Morningside Kids 2/7/21
Unit 29 Description: The church is God’s plan to bring praise and glory to Jesus. Through the church, the gospel goes beyond Jerusalem, Judea, and Samaria to the end of the earth.
Something amazing was happening among believers in the early church. Not only was the Holy Spirit changing people’s hearts to believe in Jesus, He was empowering them to live differently. We see the evidence of God’s grace among the believers in Acts 4:32-35. The believers shared everything they had. If one person had a need, someone else gladly gave what he had to meet that need. As a result, “there was not a needy person among them” (Acts 4:34).
Joseph (also known as Barnabas) was one of the disciples living in this way. He sold a field and gave the money to the apostles. But trouble arose when Ananias and his wife, Sapphira, sold some land. Perhaps they wanted to appear as generous as Barnabas without feeling the full cost of such generosity. They secretly kept back some of the money, and Ananias brought the rest to Peter.
When Peter confronted Ananias, he didn’t tell him he was wrong to only bring part of the money. In fact, Peter said Ananias could have been honest about how the money was divided. Ananias and Sapphira’s sin was in pretending to be generous when they were actually greedy. They had tried to deceive the apostles, but Peter pointed out that they were guilty of trying to deceive God.
Ananias dropped dead, and a few hours later his wife did too.As you teach this story to kids, avoid using Ananias and Sapphira as a warning to be generous or die.
As sinners, we struggle with the temptation of greed. Point your kids to Jesus, who forgives our greed and changes us through the Holy Spirit. Christ Connection: Ananias and Sapphira wanted to look generous, but they were greedy. The Holy Spirit changes our hearts to want to share with those in need because Jesus generously gave all He had so we can share in His riches and have forgiveness and eternal life.
Volume 10: The Mission Begins
Unit 29, Session 1: The Early Church, Ananias and Sapphira
Bible Passage: Acts 4-5
Story Point: Ananias and Sapphira lied about their gift to the church.
Key Passage: Romans 12:5 “So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.”
Big Picture Question: What is the Church? The church is all Christians everywhere, who gather together in their communities to worship and serve God.
Morningside Kids 1/31/21
Like his first letter, Peter’s second letter was written to believers in the early church who had experienced persecution and suffering. At this time, Peter was in a Roman prison. He was aware that his death was imminent. (See 2 Pet. 1:13-15.) Besides the outside threats to their faith, these believers were also confronted with false teachers within the church who tried to lead them away from the true gospel.
Paul warned against false teachers. In the opening chapter of his letter, Paul’s exhortation to live like Jesus gives believers a measure for making sure they are following the truth. The best defense against false teachers is a dedication to a knowledge of the truth. As you prepare to teach from 2 Peter 1, consider these two questions: How do we live like Jesus? Why do we live like Jesus?
First, God’s people live like Jesus through the power of Jesus (2 Pet. 1:3-4) and through personal application (2 Pet. 1:5-7). Not only is the Christian life marked by faith in Christ, it is characterized by goodness, knowledge, self-control, endurance, godliness, brotherly affection, and love. These come from knowing Jesus, who calls us to Himself.
Second, God’s people live like Jesus to confirm their calling. (2 Pet. 1:8-11) If we claim to have faith but do not live like Jesus, we have forgotten what Jesus has done for us. Because God has credited to us Jesus’ righteousness, we strive to live in loving obedience to Him to show those around us that Jesus has truly changed our lives.
Soon after writing this letter, Peter was killed in Rome as Jesus had predicted. (John 21:18-19)
Christ Connection: Help your kids grasp that Jesus lived a perfect life and died the death we deserve for our sin. When we trust in Jesus, God forgives our sins and changes our hearts. Jesus calls and empowers His followers to live like Him.
Volume 10: The Mission Begins
Unit 28, Session 4: Living Like Jesus
Bible Passage: 2 Peter 1
Story Point: Peter instructed believers to live like Jesus.
Key Passage: 2 Peter 1:3 "His divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue."
Big Picture Question: How does the Holy Spirit help Christians? The Holy Spirit comforts us, shows us our sin, and guides us as we live for God’s glory.
Morningside Kids 1/24/21
Peter’s story of faith began when Jesus said, “Follow Me.” (Matt. 4:18) Peter and his brother Andrew—two fishermen from Galilee—left their nets and followed Jesus. As one of Jesus’ twelve disciples, Peter witnessed firsthand Jesus’ miracles and teachings.
Peter believed that Jesus is the Messiah (Matt. 16:16), and he was understandably upset when Jesus predicted that Peter would deny Him (Matt. 26:34-35). Peter fell asleep as Jesus prayed in the garden, and he drew his sword to defend Jesus when He was arrested. (Matt. 26:40; John18:10) Peter denied Jesus three times, but after the resurrection Jesus appeared to Peter and the other disciples. Then Jesus restored Peter to ministry at the sea of Galilee. (John 21:15-19)
The first 12 chapters in the Book of Acts record the Holy Spirit’s work through Peter after Pentecost. God revealed to Peter that the gospel is for everyone—Jews and Gentiles. Peter was arrested and imprisoned for sharing the gospel, but an angel of the Lord rescued him. (Acts 12:1-8)
Peter wrote his first letter sometime between AD 62 and 64 to believers who had experienced persecution and suffering. He encouraged them and reminded them how to live holy lives as followers of Christ, looking forward to an eternal reward in their true home—heaven.
Peter’s letter was written nearly two thousand years ago to believers who were not far removed from Jesus’ life on earth. We still wait eagerly for Jesus’ return, but God calls us to faithfulness in hard times—using our time on earth to better know and love Him, and to tell others about Him. As believers, we are all called to live a life of love and to glorify God by what we do and say, even in the midst of trials and troubles.
Christ Connection: The Bible says Christians will suffer for following Jesus. Peter encouraged believers who faced persecution for their faith. Through suffering, God can make us more like His Son. Jesus gives us hope and true life so we can live joyfully for Him, even in hard times.
Volume 10: The Mission Begins
Unit 28, Session 3: Faithful in Hard Times
Bible Passage: I Peter 1-2
Story Point: Peter encouraged believers who faced persecution.
Key Passage: 2 Peter 1:3 "His divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue."
Big Picture Question: How does the Holy Spirit help Christians? The Holy Spirit comforts us, shows us our sin, and guides us as we live for God’s glory.
Kids on Mission - Kings & Queens Night
Our K4-5th enjoyed Kings and Queens Night on Wednesday. Younger kids learned about Solomon, David’s son and the third king of Israel. Solomon could have asked God for anything as ruler over Israel. He chose to ask God for wisdom. Wisdom can be found in a variety of places (parents, friends, teachers, books, experiences) but true wisdom comes from God and His Word. Solomon received great wisdom to build God’s house. Solomon was not perfect. He made many mistakes. However, he is a picture of Jesus our True and Perfect King. Jesus came to earth, chose to do His Father’s will and now lives in His Father’s house (heaven) where he prays for us to believe on Him.
K4-2nd graders decorated a crown as a reminder to seek God’s wisdom.
3rd-5th graders participated in a fun game time and continued learning truths about Jesus and memorizing Scripture verses. Several of our 3rd-5th graders completed our Books of the Bible challenge and were rewarded with a Chick-fil-A gift card. Congratulations to Aiden, Colleen, Evelyn, Kate and Priscilla!
Morningside Kids 1/17/21
With the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, Jesus’ disciples were empowered to carry out Jesus’ mission for them: to take the gospel to all the nations. More and more people believed in Jesus. They met together at the temple to praise and worship God, and the first church began.
One afternoon, two of Jesus’ disciples—Peter and John—went to the temple to pray. They encountered at the gate a man who could not walk. Rather than give the man money, Peter gave him something much more valuable: immediate physical healing in Jesus’ name.
As you teach this Bible story to kids, keep three things in mind. First, Peter’s healing the beggar was not magic; it was a miracle. Beginning in Acts 3:12, Peter responded to the people who were amazed at what had happened. “Why are you amazed at this ... as though we had made him walk by our own power?” The man wasn’t healed because Peter was a super-believer. Peter explained that it was by Jesus’ power the man was healed.
Second, the man’s healing made him happy and thankful. He entered the temple and rejoiced! Consider the wonderful miracle of salvation. We are dead in our sin, and God makes us alive in Christ! How we should rejoice and give thanks to the Lord!
Finally, Peter and John were bold in their witness. When confronted by the religious leaders, they did not shy away. Peter and John preached about the salvation found in Jesus. In fact, they said they were “unable to stop speaking about what [they had] seen and heard” (Acts 4:20).
Christ Connection: After Jesus returned to heaven, the Holy Spirit gave the disciples power to begin working. With the power of Jesus’ name, Peter healed a man who was lame. Not even the religious leaders could stop Jesus’ followers from sharing the good news about Jesus.
The same power that enabled Peter to heal the man who was lame—the power of the Holy Spirit—enables believers today to live on mission for Jesus. Pray that God would give your kids a willingness to be used by Him for His glory and for the fame of Jesus’ name.
Volume 10: The Mission Begins
Unit 28, Session 2: Peter Healed a Man
Bible Passage: Acts 3-4
Story Point: The Holy Spirit gave Peter power to heal a man.
Key Passage: 2 Peter 1:3 "His divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue."
Big Picture Question: How does the Holy Spirit help Christians? The Holy Spirit comforts us, shows us our sin, and guides us as we live for God’s glory.
Morningside Kids 1/10/21
Before Jesus ascended to heaven, He instructed the disciples to go to Jerusalem and wait. Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would come upon them. So the disciples went back to Jerusalem, where they waited and prayed for 40 days.
The time came for the Jewish festival called Pentecost, or the Feast of Weeks. As with the Passover festival, Jews from all over the Roman Empire would be at the temple in Jerusalem.
During this festival, the Holy Spirit came to the disciples in Jerusalem. They heard a sound like a violent, rushing wind. When the Holy Spirit filled Jesus’ followers, they were able to speak in foreign languages. They went out into the city and began to preach, and the Jews from all over the world were amazed. These men were from Galilee, but they were speaking in languages the visitors could understand.
Some of those who heard this thought the disciples were drunk. But Peter explained that God had kept His promise to send the Holy Spirit. He reminded them of the prophet Joel’s words: “I will pour out my Spirit on all humanity” (Joel 2:28).
The disciples told about God’s plan. The Holy Spirit convicted the crowd and they asked, “Brothers, what must we do?” Peter told them to repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus. That day, three thousand people received salvation!
God kept His promise to send the Holy Spirit. With the Holy Spirit’s help, Jesus’ disciples could begin their work to share the gospel with the entire world. God gives the Holy Spirit to everyone who trusts in Jesus as Lord and Savior.
As you talk with your kids, emphasize that the Holy Spirit gives us power to do God’s work, and He changes us to be more like Jesus.
Volume 10: The Mission Begins
Unit 28, Session 1: The Holy Spirit Came
Bible Passage: Acts 2
Story Point: God kept his promise to send the Holy Spirit.
Key Passage: 2 Peter 1:3 "His divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue."
Big Picture Question: How does the Holy Spirit help Christians? The Holy Spirit comforts us, shows us our sin, and guides us as we live for God’s glory.
Volume 10 - The Mission Begins
Volume 10: The Mission Begins helps kids discover how after Jesus returned to heaven, the Holy Spirit—whom He had promised to send—was given to the disciples. Filled with the Holy Spirit’s power, the small group of disciples shared the gospel and the early church grew rapidly. The church is God’s plan to bring praise and glory to Jesus. Through the church, the gospel goes beyond Jerusalem, Judea, and Samaria to the end of the earth. The leaders of the early church addressed disagreements and problems by reminding everyone that Jesus is their ultimate leader and that they share the common mission given by Him to take the gospel to the entire world.
1/10 The Holy Spirit Came
1/17 Peter Healed a Man
1/24 Faithful in Hard Times
1/31 Living Like Jesus | 5th Sunday Serving - Loving Others
2/7 Ananias and Sapphira
2/14 Stephen’s Sermon
2/21 The Good News
2/28 Doers of the Word
3/7 Philip and the Ethiopian
3/14 Paul Met Jesus
3/21 New Life in Jesus
3/28 Palm Sunday - Hosanna! Blessed is He Who Comes in the Name of the Lord!
4/4 Easter - He is Risen! He is Risen, Indeed!
4/11 Guarding the Truth
Morningside Kids 1/3/21
Volume 9: Jesus the Savior
Unit 27: Out of the Grave
Session 4: Jesus Returns to Heaven
Bible Passage: Matthew 28; Acts 1
Story Point: Jesus gave his disciples the Great Commission.
Key Passage: John 11:25 "Jesus said unto her, 'I am the resurrection and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live.'"
Big Picture Question: Where is Jesus now? Jesus ascended to heaven where He is seated at the right hand of the Father.
Lesson Summary:
After Jesus’ death and resurrection, He appeared to His disciples over a 40-day period. At one point, He appeared to more than 500 people. During that time, Jesus taught about the kingdom of God. Some of them wondered if Jesus was finally going to overthrow the Roman government and set up His kingdom on earth.
Jesus had a different plan for the disciples. He directed the Eleven to go to a mountain, where He appeared to them again. They worshiped Him, but some still doubted. (Matt. 28:17) On the mountain, Jesus gave His disciples the Great Commission. He commanded His disciples to go into the world and preach the gospel, the good news about Him.
The Great Commission is not just for missionaries far from home. All believers are called to share the gospel with others, teach them to obey God’s commands, and baptize them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Jesus finished His commission with a profound promise: “And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matt. 28:20).
Jesus told the disciples to remain in Jerusalem until they received the Father’s promise—the Holy Spirit. Those who repented of their sins and trusted in Jesus’ death and resurrection would be baptized by the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit would give them power to live holy lives and take the gospel to the ends of the earth. After Jesus told the disciples these things, Jesus was taken up into the sky—right in front of their eyes!
Christ Connection: Jesus left earth and returned to heaven, but He did not leave us alone. Jesus promised to send the Holy Spirit to be with us and help us do God’s work—to teach people everywhere about Jesus so they will trust in Him as their Lord and Savior. One day, Jesus will return to make all things new and to rule as Lord over all.
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K3 Bible Lessons 2021
K3 Bible Lessons 2021
6-Jun God is Great Paul in a City of False Gods
13-Jun God is Almighty Jonah
20-Jun God is Ruler Isaiah's Vision of God
27-Jun God is Emmanuel God Comes to Earth
4-Jul God is Trustworthy David Trusts God (David & Goliath)
11-Jul God is the One True God The Israelites Worship God at the Temple
18-Jul God is the One True God Elijah Reminds the Israelites to Worship only God
25-Jul God is the One True God Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego Worhsip only God
1-Aug God's Word is Truth Adam and Eve Live in a Beautiful Garden
8-Aug God's Word is Truth Adam and Eve Don't Listen to God's Truth/ Leave the Garden
15-Aug God is in Charge The Israelites Disobey God's Commands
22-Aug God is in Charge God Chooses David as King
29-Aug God is in Charge Esther
Miracle Hill Christmas Shoeboxes
Morningside Kids partnered with Miracle Hill Foster Care Ministries this Christmas season by assembling and donating 75 Christmas shoeboxes. The shoeboxes contained gloves, socks, headphones for virtual learning, pocket New Testament, notebook, pencils, craft and toys. The shoeboxes are now available at Miracle Hill Foster Care ministries for parents to pick up and give to their foster children this Christmas. Our Morningside Kids learned how to share and show the love of Christ to other children. It is more blessed to give than to receive!
Morningside Kids Holiday Schedule
Morningside Kids Holiday Schedule
Merry Christmas from Morningside Kids! May we take the time to share special memories together and, most of all, reflect on our Savior who came to bring JOY to a dark and weary world!
Below are a few reminders about this Sunday (12/20) and the next few weeks as some children's ministry will look a little different. Please see the holiday schedule below.
Parents of K4-5th graders, please pick up your child/children this Sunday (12/20) at 11am for the Christmas children's specials in the Auditorium.
Children's Ministry Holiday schedule:
Sundays
12/20
10am nursery & children's ministry
11am Christmas children's specials - nursery & no children’s programming
12/27
10am & 11am limited nursery & no children's ministry
1/3
10am & 11am nursery & children's ministry
1/10
Children's Choir begins
Wednesdays
No nursery or children’s ministry, 12/23 & 12/30
Nursery & Kids on Mission, 1/6
God's Power: Moses, Lesson 6
Here’s Lesson 4 of “God’s Power: Moses.” Click here for Lesson 1.
Follow these links for your Jesus and Me sheet!
Morningside Kids 12/13/20
Volume 9: Jesus the Savior
Unit 27: Out of the Grave
Session 4: Jesus Returns to Heaven
Bible Passage: Matthew 28; Acts 1
Story Point: Jesus gave his disciples the Great Commission.
Key Passage: John 11:25 "Jesus said unto her, 'I am the resurrection and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live.'"
Big Picture Question: Where is Jesus now? Jesus ascended to heaven where He is seated at the right hand of the Father.
Lesson Summary:
After Jesus’ death and resurrection, He appeared to His disciples over a 40-day period. At one point, He appeared to more than 500 people. During that time, Jesus taught about the kingdom of God. Some of them wondered if Jesus was finally going to overthrow the Roman government and set up His kingdom on earth.
Jesus had a different plan for the disciples. He directed the Eleven to go to a mountain, where He appeared to them again. They worshiped Him, but some still doubted. (Matt. 28:17) On the mountain, Jesus gave His disciples the Great Commission. He commanded His disciples to go into the world and preach the gospel, the good news about Him.
The Great Commission is not just for missionaries far from home. All believers are called to share the gospel with others, teach them to obey God’s commands, and baptize them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Jesus finished His commission with a profound promise: “And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matt. 28:20).
Jesus told the disciples to remain in Jerusalem until they received the Father’s promise—the Holy Spirit. Those who repented of their sins and trusted in Jesus’ death and resurrection would be baptized by the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit would give them power to live holy lives and take the gospel to the ends of the earth. After Jesus told the disciples these things, Jesus was taken up into the sky—right in front of their eyes!
Christ Connection: Jesus left earth and returned to heaven, but He did not leave us alone. Jesus promised to send the Holy Spirit to be with us and help us do God’s work—to teach people everywhere about Jesus so they will trust in Him as their Lord and Savior. One day, Jesus will return to make all things new and to rule as Lord over all.
Morningside Kids 12/6/20
Volume 9: Jesus the Savior
Unit 27: Out of the Grave
Session 3: Jesus Appeared to the Disciples
Bible Passage: Luke 24; John 20
Story Point: Jesus proved he is alive.
Key Passage: John 11:25 "Jesus said unto her, 'I am the resurrection and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live.'"
Big Picture Question: Where is Jesus now? Jesus ascended to heaven where He is seated at the right hand of the Father.
Lesson Summary:
The disciples were devastated that Jesus had died. They believed that Jesus was the Messiah, but they had abandoned Him and Jesus was killed. How could He save anyone if He was dead? But now some people were reporting that Jesus was alive! Was it true?
The disciples were talking about these things when Jesus stood among them. “Peace to you!” He said. Imagine how Jesus’ words might have calmed the disciples’ anxious hearts. Their Lord, whom they had deserted, didn’t show up to scold them for their failures or shame them for their lack of faith. He spoke peace to them.
Thomas, who was not with the disciples when Jesus came, had a hard time believing. Thomas wanted physical proof. A week later, Jesus showed Thomas His hands and His side. Thomas immediately believed, and Jesus said, “Because you have seen me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe” (John 20:29).
With His resurrection, Jesus’ mission was accomplished, but the disciples’ work was just beginning. Jesus gave His followers a job to do: “As the Father has sent me, I also send you” (John 20:21). This verse contains the Gospel of John’s version of the Great Commission.
Jesus, the One sent from the Father, sent the disciples to be His messengers and representatives. Jesus equipped the disciples with the Holy Spirit to proclaim the gospel—the good news of what Jesus has done—to the world.
Christ Connection: Emphasize to your kids that for 40 days, Jesus presented Himself to more than 500 people and proved that He is alive. Jesus is still alive today. We have not seen Jesus, but if we believe in Him, we will be blessed. He sends out believers to tell others about Him and gives us power through the Holy Spirit.
God's Power: Moses, Lesson 5
Here’s Lesson 4 of “God’s Power: Moses.” Click here for Lesson 1.
Follow these links for your Jesus and Me sheet!
God's Power: Moses, Lesson 4
Here’s Lesson 4 of “God’s Power: Moses.” Click here for Lesson 1.
Follow these links for your Jesus and Me sheet!
Christmas Boxes for Foster Children
This Christmas, Morningside Kids is excited to partner with Miracle Hill Foster Care Ministries as a way of giving and serving our community. Kids are learning how to share and show the love of Christ to other children. If you would like to give supplies to fill the boxes, please sign up here and drop off your donations this Sunday morning at 10 a.m. in the bin outside the South wing. Many of the requested donations can be purchased at the Dollar Tree.
On Sunday, our 1st-5th graders enjoyed preparing 75 Christmas boxes for Miracle Hill's Foster Care Ministry. We will decorate and fill the boxes this coming Sunday morning. Please pray these Christmas boxes will be a blessing to many foster children!
Morningside Kids 11/29/20
Volume 9: Jesus the Savior
Unit 27: Out of the Grave
Session 2: The Emmaus Disciples
Bible Passage: Luke 24
Story Point: Jesus taught that all the Scriptures point to Him.
Key Passage: John 11:25 "Jesus said unto her, 'I am the resurrection and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live.'"
Story Point: God raised Jesus from the dead to defeat sin and death.
Big Picture Question: Where is Jesus now? Jesus ascended to heaven where He is seated at the right hand of the Father.
Jesus’ death and resurrection should not have surprised the disciples. Sometimes Jesus spoke metaphorically about His death and resurrection. (See Matt. 12:39; Mark 14:58; John 2:19; 3:14-15.) Other times, Jesus plainly told the disciples that He would be betrayed, crucified, buried, and resurrected on the third day. (Matt. 17:12; Mark 8:31; Luke 9:22) In fact, Jesus had spoken so frequently of His death and resurrection, the chief priests and Pharisees asked Pilate to place guards at the tomb in case the disciples stole Jesus’ body. (See Matt. 27:62-66.)
On resurrection morning, the angel at Jesus’ tomb asked the women, “Why are you looking for the living among the dead?” (Luke 24:5). Even when Peter and John ran to the empty tomb to see it for themselves, Peter was amazed but uncertain (Luke 24:12), while John believed (John 20:8).
That same day, two disciples were walking to Emmaus, arguing about recent events. Jesus began walking next to them, but God prevented them from recognizing Jesus. (Luke 24:16) Jesus simply asked them what they were arguing about. They stopped walking. How could He not have heard about what happened over the last three days?
The two disciples had hoped Jesus was the Redeemer of Israel. Their hopes were crushed when Jesus died. Now Jesus explained to them why the Messiah had to die, starting with Moses and the Prophets. Jesus showed how the Scriptures point to Him. (Luke 24:27; John 5:39)
Remind kids that the Bible is not a collection of unrelated stories. The whole Bible is about Jesus. When Adam and Eve sinned, God began working out His plan to send Jesus to rescue people from sin. All of the Old Testament points forward to Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection—the time when Jesus would bring God’s promised salvation for sinners.