Can you imagine how the followers of Jesus felt the day after His crucifixion? Here was the beloved teacher they followed – some of them for three years – who they saw heal the sick, raise the dead, and cast out demons. The man they thought would rescue them from the Roman Empire. Now what would they do? Would the Romans come after them too?
Reflect on what it would mean to be unsure of your future. Thank God for loving us enough to send His Son to die for us.
Activity:
Make resurrection cookies – fun for all ages!
Recipe: (owner unknown, I got it from nivadivup.blogspot.com)
***First preheat the oven to 300 degrees.***
Ingredients:
1 c. whole pecans
1 tsp vinegar
3 egg whites
1 pinch of salt
1 c. of sugar
You will need:
Mixing bowl, wooden spoon, Bible, Ziplock baggie, wax paper, cookie sheet, tape, mixer
Place pecans in the baggie and let the children beat them with the wooden spoon to break into small pieces. Explain that after Jesus was arrested, He was beaten by the Roman soldiers. (Read John 19: 1-3)
Let the children smell the vinegar. Put 1 tsp. into a mixing bowl. Explain that when Jesus was thirsty on the cross, He was given vinegar to drink. (Read John 19: 28-30)
Add the egg whites to the vinegar. Eggs represent life. Explain that Jesus gave his life for us. (Read John 10: 10-11)
Sprinkle a little salt into the children’s hand and let them taste it, then brush the rest into the bowl. Explain that it represents the salty tears shed by Jesus’ followers and the bitterness of our own sin. (Read Luke 23:27)
Add 1 cup of sugar. Explain that the sweetest part of this story is that Jesus died because He loves us. He wants us to know and belong to Him. (Read Psalm 34:8 and John 3:16)
Beat with mixer on high speed for 11-15 minutes until stiff peaks form. Explain that the color white represents the purity in God’s eyes of those whose sins have been cleansed by Jesus. (Read Isaiah 1:18 and John 3:1-3)
Fold in broken nuts. Drop by teaspoon onto wax paper-covered cookie sheet. Explain that each mound represents the rocky tomb where Jesus’ body was laid. (Read Matthew 27: 65-66)
Put cookie sheet in oven. Close the door and turn the oven OFF. Give the child a piece of tape and seal the door. Explain that Jesus’ tomb was sealed. (Read Matthew 27:65-66)
Explain they may feel sad to leave the cookies in the oven overnight. Jesus’ followers were in despair when the tomb was sealed. (Read John 16:20 and 22)
Go to bed!
