The Resurrection of Jesus: Sunday School Lesson
Matthew 28 · Luke 24
Big Idea
Jesus rose from the dead just as He promised — He is alive forever, and that means we can live forever with Him.
Story Summary
After Jesus died on the cross, His body was gently laid in a tomb cut from rock, and a great stone was rolled against the door. On the third day, early in the morning, there was a great earthquake. An angel of the Lord descended from heaven, rolled back the stone, and sat upon it. The guards shook with fear. When women came to the tomb, the angel told them, 'He is not here: for he is risen, as he said.' Jesus appeared to Mary Magdalene, to His disciples on the road to Emmaus, and to many others. Because Jesus rose from the dead, everyone who believes in Him will also rise to everlasting life.
Memory Verse (KJV)
“He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.”
Matthew 28:6
Discussion Questions
- Why did Jesus have to die on the cross?
Teacher hint: He died to pay the punishment for our sins so we could be forgiven.
- What happened on the third day after Jesus was buried?
Teacher hint: He rose from the dead — the tomb was empty (Matthew 28:6).
- Who was the first person to see Jesus alive?
Teacher hint: Mary Magdalene (Mark 16:9).
- What does 'He is risen' mean for us today?
Teacher hint: It means Jesus has power over death and gives us hope of eternal life.
- How can our family celebrate that Jesus is alive this week?
Craft Idea: Empty Tomb Diorama
Supplies
- A small paper cup or half an egg carton per child
- Brown construction paper
- A cotton ball
- Small twigs or brown paper strips
- Glue stick
Steps
- Cover the outside of the cup with brown paper to look like a stone tomb.
- Cut a door on one side that can open and close.
- Inside, place a cotton ball to represent the folded linen cloths.
- Make a small cross from twigs or paper strips and glue it above the door.
- Open the tomb and say together, 'He is not here — He is risen!'
Printable Worksheet
The printable bundle includes the story page, a Matthew 28:6 memory-verse card, a quiz worksheet with answer key, and an Empty Tomb coloring page.
Lesson flow (45 minutes)
- Welcome (5 min): Pray, then read the memory verse aloud three times together.
- Story (10 min): Tell the story summary in your own words; open a KJV to Matthew 28 · Luke 24.
- Discussion (10 min): Walk through the questions above. Let every child answer at least once.
- Craft (15 min): Make the empty tomb diorama.
- Wrap-up (5 min): Hand out the worksheet to finish at home and recite the memory verse one last time.
More Sunday school lessons
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1 Samuel 17
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Jonah 1–4
Jonah and the Whale
Ages 4–10 · ~40 min
Luke 2 · Matthew 1–2
The Birth of Jesus
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Genesis 1
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Daniel 6
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Exodus 14
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Luke 10:25–37
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Mark 10:13–16
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John 6:1–14 · Matthew 14:13–21
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Joshua 6
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Moses and the Burning Bush
Ages 5–11 · ~45 min
Ruth 1–4
Ruth and Naomi
Ages 5–11 · ~40 min
Ephesians 6:10–18
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Mark 4:35–41
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Where to go next
Teaching The Resurrection of Jesus? Here is what to grab next for your class.