The Resurrection of Jesus Christ was a historical event that changed the history of the world. The Risen Jesus was witnessed by more than 500 people.
Jesus’ Resurrection
On the Sunday morning following the crucifixion of Jesus, Scripture tells us that Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James the Younger, Salome the mother of James and John, Joanna, and other women went to the tomb where Jesus was buried to bring spices for his burial.
There, these women encountered an angel who looked like lightning. He told them not to be afraid, for Jesus had risen, just as he said he would. Then, the angel told the women to go tell the disciples that Jesus is alive.
When Peter and John heard about the Resurrection of Jesus, they ran to the tomb. Finding the stone rolled away, they entered the tomb and found it empty, with just the grave clothes of Jesus remaining on the stone bench.
Your kids can read all about that amazing event in my narrative history and theology book from Christian Focus Publications, Why Did the Resurrection Happen?. The book is a fun way for your kids to learn about each of the witnesses to the Resurrection, and about what the Resurrection of Jesus means to us.
This fun craft will allow your kids to construct the scene of Jesus’ Resurrection.
Why Did the Resurrection Happen?
This exciting book explores one of the most important events in history – when Jesus rose from the dead three days after dying on the cross. Written especially for kids ages 8-12, it explains why the resurrection happened and what it means for us today.
You’ll learn about the Feast of Firstfruits in the Old Testament and how it pointed to Jesus’ resurrection. Follow along as women discover the empty tomb, disciples race to see for themselves, and over 500 people witness the risen Jesus! The book explains how Jesus appeared to his followers for 40 days, even eating meals with them, before ascending to heaven.
But this isn’t just history – the book shows why Jesus’ resurrection matters for you. It explains how Jesus conquered death so that everyone who believes in him can have eternal life. You’ll discover what the “already-and-not-yet kingdom” means and learn about the amazing new Jerusalem that awaits believers.
Jesus’ resurrection guarantees that, just like Jesus, in eternity we will never get sick, or old, or die. In fact, we will live forever with Jesus on the new earth, where there will be no sin and no death.
Why Did the Resurrection Happen?, Danika Cooley (Christian Focus Publications, 2025), page 23
Jesus’ Resurrection Scene Craft
You can help your kids commemorate what they’re learning about biblical history in a hands-on way! Check out this fun video of the Resurrection scene craft!
Resurrection Scene Craft Supplies
You’ll need a few supplies to make your Resurrection scene craft:
- Air Dry Clay
- Clay Crafting Tools
- Toothpicks
- Don’t forget this fun book that will teach your kids about the Resurrection: Why Did the Resurrection Happen?
Jesus’ Resurrection Scene Craft | Instructions
Your child’s representation of the women and disciples who discovered the empty tomb of Jesus is a great way to help them consider what they learn as they read Why Did the Resurrection Happen? from the Who What Why series!
1) Create your empty tomb.
Use enough clay to create the tomb. (About the size of two adult fists.) Divide it into parts and roll them into balls. One should be twice the size of the second ball.
Flatten the small sphere into an oval.
Form a bowl shape from the large clay ball.
Then, make the clay bowl shape thinner and wider, as shown.
Next, press the flattened bowl shape along one side of the smaller oval to create the bottom, sides, and top of the tomb, as shown.
Make a third ball of clay, roughly the same size as the smaller ball was.
Flatten the ball of clay, and make the bottom flat.
Press the clay onto the front side of the tomb, then cut a door into the tomb.
Make a small ball of clay and flatten it to create the stone rolled away from the tomb door. Press the stone onto the front door of the tomb.
2) Create the crosses.
For the three crosses, make a clay rope. Cut the rope into three long pieces and three short pieces. Press the short cross pieces onto the front of each long piece to create crosses, as shown. Insert a toothpick into the bottom of each cross.
Press the bottom of the toothpick from each cross into the back of the tomb, as shown.
3) Form your witnesses to the empty tomb.
Your kids can make two men, to represent Peter and John. There were four women mentioned by name in the Gospels as witnesses to the empty tomb. There were other women present as well. Your kids can make four or even six women to represent the witnesses.
To make each figure, select a small amount of clay for the head and roll it into a ball. Use twice as much clay to form a cylindrical shape for each tunic.
Use your thumb to flatten the top and bottom of the cylinder so it will stand well.
Press the head onto the body.
For Peter and John, create a triangle for each beard, and two teardrop shapes for each mustache.
Press the beard and mustache onto each head, as shown.
Flatten a ball of clay into a thin disk and lay it over the head of each figure to make a head scarf.
You can roll clay into a small rope to tie the head scarf around the head of each person, if you’d like.
Create the rest of your witnesses to the empty tomb.
Display your craft as you read Why Did the Resurrection Happen? to remember the Resurrection of Jesus and the witnesses to the empty tomb!
Learn more about the Who What Why series and get your FREE Resurrection Lapbooks here.
Bible Resources for Your Kids
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Christian Biographies for Kids | Christian History for Kids | Theology for Kids
Christian History Matters for Our Kids.
History matters. Now, more than ever, we see how important it is for our children to know and understand history and the Bible.
Here’s why:
- God is the sovereign ruler of all things. It’s important for our kids to see his hand in the history of nations and in the lives of both peasants and kings.
- Christian history is the story of our family history. Our kids get to see how people who love Jesus follow him.
- Understanding history can help our kids learn historic and biblical theology. They learn what the Bible says and what that means for us. They also see when the study of Scripture has taken important turns that have changed the Church.
- Reading Christian biographies and history can be a wonderful way for kids to think outside their own time and culture. God’s Church spans centuries and includes people from every nation.
- Christian biographies help kids consider their own faith, walk with Jesus, and the impact their witness may one day have on others–and on history.
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