The Easter season is upon us. Much of the décor of the day involves glittery eggs, baby chicks, bunnies in various dimensions, baskets, fake grass made out of paper or plastic and stuffed furry things in all the wrong colors. But, this holiday represents so much more. Easter is simply the biggest exclamation mark to the greatest story ever told. It’s a day that Christian denominations celebrate the resurrection of Jesus. It’s the period, end of the sentence, at the end of a series of events that were predicted and foretold. Frankly, it’s the reminder of grace magnificent and mercy undeserved.

While I don’t personally participate in Lent or Lenten activities, I admire and respect what’s happening. Lent is all about the extreme focus of the sacrifice that was made. Some will give up something for the time period from Ash Wednesday to Easter Sunday. In a similar effect, others will “take up” something for the same amount of time, hoping to set a new habit or redirect their focus.

Whether you are interested in something for the full Lent season or might be just looking for a devotional or “focus” resources for Holy Week, I’ve listed a couple of easily accessible options below

• Fellowship Bible Church of Northwest Arkansas does a Daily Devotional during Holy Week, the week leading up to Easter. This year specifically, their family devo is super creative and encourages the family to take time each night to explore the events leading up to Jesus’ crucifixion.
• She Reads Truth app – I’ve recently reacquainted myself with this app for devotional readings. They have several “book” based devotionals available, but currently, they have their Lent devotional out. You do have to purchase some of their devotionals for download to your account, but the fee is nominal.
• Parent Cue – has become a great resource for encouraging families in a practical way week to week and with day to day challenges. Click here for a link to some Easter resources and blogs they have on their website.
• Many churches in your local area will probably host Holy Week services of some sort. It might be daily at lunch or something special on Maundy Thursday or Good Friday.
• Mainly, let me just encourage you to jump into something – get in the Word, read the unfolding of the events leading up to the Crucifixion, Burial, and Resurrection. Be reminded of the sacrifice and more importantly, the redemption.

Last year, I worked on an Easter lesson for teens. I was volunteering at a local after school program and in charge of the high school class. While many of these kids had some kind of church background I wasn’t sure they had ever dug deep into the events of the season. So, I filled an Easter basket with items that symbolized the details of the events of Holy Week and we used them to remind ourselves or learn for the first time what sacrifice looked, sounded, smelled, and felt like. If you are looking for a creative lesson for teens or even adults, let me encourage you to check it out – What’s in my Basket?

For any project, holiday, or topic you are deep diving with your family, it is always important to keep it age-appropriate. Below are some thoughts and an outline of what to focus on at each stage as you progress and grow your understanding of scripture.

• Young kids – get the basic concepts: Jesus loves me. Died for me. Went to heaven.
• Older elementary – expand on the concepts of Jesus loves and died for me by talking about the basics of things like Palm Sunday and the Triumphal Entry, Last Supper, Praying in the Garden, Crucifixion, Burial, and Resurrection. You don’t have to go deep into details on any, it’s just good to cover them together or over a couple of weeks and talk through feelings of how Jesus must have felt and how to do these things make them feel
• Youth – One thing to remember is that this is the stage of life when many come to the church for the first time. They may be invited by a friend, so you cannot assume that they know or have any background on any of these topics. But, they can start understanding details and symbolism. Have them help you tell the stories and find out what they already know. Don’t be afraid to show your emotions and what gets you excited when you dive into these stories. Reiterate Jesus’ love and the story of the Gospel. Help them understand the events and details of the sacrifice of God giving up His only son to take the place of our sin and eternal damnation.
• Adults – dig deeper. Again, keep it age-appropriate and know your audience. You might be with a group of young adults who are deeply committed to their faith or you might be with a group of older adults who have forgotten the details or mundane and monotony has kicked in. Invite them to again remember and come to know, deeply and intimately, the Christ who loves you. Be reminded of the “why” that all of this had to occur. Be mesmerized by grace and mercy and the difference between the two. Share your faith (unapologetically).

I was recently reminded about some who are boldly sharing their faith and both of these could be resources for you to use for discussion in a small group or class you are teaching. I’m also including a couple of songs that mean so much to me right now as I reflect on all that Jesus has done for me through the sacrifice of His life. Even hearing Jim C’s testimony below just puts some of the discomfort and pain into a new perspective.

• Jim Caviezel testimony (and shares some of what it was like to portrait Jesus in The Passion of the Christ)
• Kathie Lee Gifford reaction to the passing of Billy Graham
• O the Blood, Kari Jobe
• What a Beautiful Name, Hillsong
• Hallelujah for the Cross, Newsboys
• Jesus Paid it all/O Praise the One
• How Deep the Fathers Love for Us (this one is over images from The Passion of the Christ movie)
• In Christ Alone, Travis Cotrell
• Worthy is the Lamb, Hillsong (over graphic images from The Passion of the Christ movie)
• Forever, Kari Jobe
• Revelation Song, Kari Jobe
• Just as I am (I Come Broken), Travis Cotrell
• Break Every Chain, Jesus Culture
• Come to the Altar (O What a Savior), Elevation Worship

We all have free platforms like our blogs, social media, websites, car conversations, lunch dates – these all provide “free” opportunities to share the Gospel and the story of how our life was changed when it intersected with Jesus. Who else that you know is boldly telling their story?

One more thing I leave you with – The Meaning of the Cross – a last message from Billy Graham to America and the World. Jesus LOVES you and He is willing to love you with an everlasting, forgiving, love.