​Read all or parts of Matthew 27:57–28:15; Mark 15:42–16:18; Luke 23:50–24:12; and John 19:38–20:10  from your Bible or watch the Bible story video.

DISCUSSION: Have you ever read a book or watched a movie and were surprised by how it ended? What was your reaction when you read or watched the end of the story?



STORY: What is something amazing that you’ve experienced this week? Maybe you’ve watched a caterpillar leave its chrysalis as a butterfly. Or maybe you watched a sports game where the underdog won in the final seconds of the match. Or maybe you got a good grade on a math test that you were nervous about. Amazing things happen every single day, but there is nothing more amazing than the miracle of the resurrection of Jesus! On the third day after Jesus’ death and burial, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to the tomb. An angel of the Lord had rolled back the stone. The angel said to the women, “Don’t be afraid, because I know you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He is not here. For he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay.” (Matt. 28:5-6) At this announcement, the women ran to share the good news with the other disciples. The death and resurrection of Jesus is at the center of the gospel. We deserve to die because of our sin, but Jesus died in our place. Because Jesus is alive, we do not need to fear anything. Those who trust in Jesus have forgiveness and eternal life, and we can joyfully obey Him. Now that’s amazing!

QUESTION: Why was Mary crying when she saw the tomb empty?

ANSWER: But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb, and as she wept she stooped to look into the tomb. ¹² And she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had lain, one at the head and one at the feet. ¹³ They said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.” She did NOT realize he had risen.

Thank You, Jesus, for dying on the cross for our sins and for resurrecting on the third day. We celebrate and worship because You are alive! You have defeated sin and Your resurrection guarantees eternal life for all who believe in You.

AMEN