Jesus Is Alive We Can Be Brave
Children's church (3-6) · leader guide · Anchor: Matthew 17:22-23· preview
From the sermon Distressing Prophecy
Story
Jesus told His friends something very sad. He said, 'Soon bad men will hurt Me, and I will die.' His friends felt very sad because they did not know the happy ending. But Jesus had a big surprise—He would come back alive on day three! Because Jesus rose up, we can be brave and happy, even when things are hard.
The Son of Man is about to be delivered into the hands of men, and they will kill him, and he will be raised on the third day. — Matthew 17:22-23
Motion and Song
Stand up tall and shout in a big voice: 'Jesus is alive!' Now hop three times—one, two, three—for the third day. Do it again!
Yes or No Question
Is Jesus alive today?
Expected answer: Yes! If a child says no, gently remind them: 'Remember, Jesus came back alive on the third day, so the answer is yes.'
Coloring Page
Draw a picture of the empty tomb with the stone rolled away so you can see that Jesus is gone because He is alive.
Leader Notes
Delivery tone: Use a warm, gentle voice for the sad part and a big, happy voice for the resurrection part. Sit at eye level with the children.
Time estimate: 5 minutes total.
If a child gets restless: Invite the child to stand and do the motion with you. If needed, shorten the story to the last two sentences and move straight to the motion. You may also let the child hold a small object (like a plastic egg or stone) to represent the empty tomb while you read.
Redirect language: If a child asks why Jesus died or seems worried, say: 'Jesus died because He loves us, and the best part is He came back alive so we never have to be afraid.'