Quick answer: The Easter story tells how Jesus died on a cross on Friday and was laid in a tomb. Early on Sunday morning, women found the stone rolled away, and angels said He had risen. Jesus was alive, and He appeared to Mary Magdalene and His friends.
- Bible passage: Luke 22–24 and John 20
- Best for: children ages 4–8
- Main lesson: Jesus is alive!
- Reading time: about 3 minutes
Easter is the most joyful day of the Christian year. Here is the Easter story, told gently enough for young children ages 4–8, from the sad Friday to the happy Sunday morning when Jesus was alive.
The story of The Morning Jesus Was Alive, retold for kids
Jesus shared a special meal with His friends and told them that soon He would have to go away. Not long after, soldiers came and took Jesus. On Friday, Jesus died on a cross. His friends were very sad, and they laid His body in a tomb with a big stone in front.
Early on Sunday morning, while it was still dark, some women went to the tomb with sweet-smelling spices. But when they got there, the big stone had been rolled away!
Two angels in shining clothes said to them: “Why are you looking for the living among the dead? He is not here; He has risen!” The women ran to tell Jesus' friends.
Later, Mary Magdalene was crying in the garden when someone said her name: “Mary.” It was Jesus! He was alive! Jesus had beaten death, so that everyone who trusts in Him can be with God forever.
What this story teaches children
- Jesus is alive!
- Jesus loves us so much that He gave His life for us.
- Because Jesus is alive, sad days don't have the last word.
Questions to ask your child
- Why were Jesus' friends so sad on Friday?
- What did the women find on Sunday morning?
- What did the angels say?
- How do you think Mary felt when Jesus said her name?
- Why is Easter a happy day?
Bible verse to remember
“He is not here, but is risen!” (Luke 24:6)
A simple activity
On Easter morning, hide an empty plastic egg and let your child find it: it is empty, just like the tomb, because Jesus is alive!
Frequently asked questions
What is the Easter story about?
The Easter story tells how Jesus died on a cross on Friday and was laid in a tomb. Early on Sunday morning, women found the stone rolled away, and angels said He had risen. Jesus was alive, and He appeared to Mary Magdalene and His friends.
Where is the Easter story in the Bible?
You can read it in Luke 22–24 and John 20.
What is the lesson of the Easter story for kids?
Jesus is alive! Jesus loves us so much that He gave His life for us.
How do you explain the Easter story to a young child?
Keep it short and simple, like the retelling on this page. Read it together, ask one or two of the questions above, and end with the verse to remember. For children ages 4–8, a picture book with large text and illustrations helps them follow along.
What is a good Easter story picture book for kids?
The Morning Jesus Was Alive by Little Light Stories is a Bible-faithful picture book for ages 4–8, with big easy-to-read text on every left page and a full-page illustration on every right page. It is available as a hardcover with free shipping and as an instant digital download.
Read the full picture book
Want to read this story with beautiful full-page illustrations? The Morning Jesus Was Alive is a gentle, Bible-faithful picture book for ages 4–8. Along the way, Gili, a little rooster, asks your child questions to talk about together.
→ Get the hardcover book (free shipping)
→ Get the instant digital download
→ Get all 13 Little Light Stories books for $60
Written by the Little Light Stories team. Every retelling is checked against the Bible text.