Scripture tells us that the Resurrection of Jesus means that all believers will one day follow Jesus in resurrection to eternal, forever bodies.
Do your kids know what it will mean to spend eternity with Jesus?
Many children think we’ll spend forever in heaven, maybe floating through clouds and strumming harps.
However, God gave the apostle John a clear vision of the new heaven and the new earth. In Revelation chapters 21 and 22, there is a wonderful description of our forever home, the New Jerusalem.
Your kids can read all about that in my narrative biblical history book from Christian Focus Publications, Why Did the Resurrection Happen?. The book is a fun way for your kids to learn about the importance of the Resurrection of Jesus, what the resurrection means for believers, and about the witnesses to the Risen Christ.
Revelation 22:2
Revelation 22:1-2, ESV, says:
Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb through the middle of the street of the city; also, on either side of the river, the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit each month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.
As your kids consider the fabulous description God has given us of the new Jerusalem, where God will dwell with us, they can consider eternal life, represented by the tree of life in Revelation 22:2.
This fun craft will allow your kids to construct a representation of the tree of life, and to copy out Revelation 22:2 (or Revelation 22:1-2 for older kids).
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
Tree of Life 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 tree of life craft!
Revelation 22:2 Tree of Life Craft Supplies
You’ll need a few supplies to make your tree of life craft:
- Cardstock (white)
- Scissors
- Glue
- Paper Bags
- Colored Pom Poms
- Printable Copywork with Instructions
- Don’t forget this fun book that will teach your kids about the Resurrection: Why Did the Resurrection Happen?
Tree of Life Craft | Instructions
Your child’s representation of the tree of life 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) Print your copywork page(s).
Print the tree of life copywork page in the appropriate line width for each child on cardstock. Cut out each copywork page around the dotted border.
2) Assemble your tree of life.
Cut six vertical slits from the open end of the paper bag about 3-5 inches toward the base of the bag, as shown.
Open the paper bag and expand the base. Glue the base to the copywork page, in the blank upper right corner of the page. Then, squeeze the middle of the bag in the center and tightly twist the bag to create the trunk of the tree.
Carefully separate each cut piece of the bag and twist each one to create twelve limbs.
Glue twelve pom poms to the tree limbs to create the fruit.
3) Complete the Revelation 22 Tree of Life copywork.
Have your child write on their Revelation 22:2 (or Revelation 22:1-2 for older kids) verse on the copywork page in the version of your choice. Display your child’s copywork craft as you read Why Did the Resurrection Happen? to remember the forever home that Christians have been promised when we believe in Jesus and repent of our sins!
Learn more about the Who What Why series and get your FREE Resurrection Lapbooks here.
Bible Resources for Your Kids
Learn More HereLearn More HereLearn More HereLearn More HereLearn More HereLearn More Here
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.
Grab the autographed Reformation Family Bundle!
More Thinking Kids Posts You’ll Love!
Join the newsletter
Get the Family Prayer Box Project FREE!
Teach your children to pray with this fun project that includes 7 printable sets!
