5. Outdoor Game: Join the Team
Jesus Is Crucified: Luke 23:26-49
Use this game to show that Jesus wants us all on his team.
You’ll need:
- Bibles,
- two sports jerseys, and
- a ball.
Say: Let’s play a game to help us think about the impact Jesus had because of what he went through on the day of his crucifixion.
Gather kids on the lawn or parking lot, and establish boundaries. Give two kids jerseys to put on. These two will play catch with a ball while the rest of the players scatter around the playing field. When a jersey player has the ball, he or she can tag other players to join his or her team. No one can hold the ball for more than five seconds. Play until everyone is tagged.
Say: Like we all got tagged to be on a team, Jesus wants everyone in the world to join his family. Read aloud Luke 23:39-42. Jesus’ love was for both of the criminals, even though only one asked to be with Jesus. Have kids look at Luke 23:33-48 to find all the people mentioned.
Ask:
- How do you feel knowing Jesus died for everyone? Invite kids to talk to Jesus for a few minutes.
6. Indoor Game: Bury the Sock
Jesus’ Body Is Buried in a Tomb: Luke 23:50-56
Use Easter Sunday school games to talk about Jesus’ burial.
You’ll need:
- a Bible,
- one set of socks folded into a ball,
- one paper plate per child, and
- small goal posts. (To make small goal posts, make two stacks of books and place them about 5 inches apart.)
Set up a playing area by placing one small goal at each end, with about 15 feet between them. Form two teams. Say: Your team will try to get the sock ball into the other team’s goal. You can move the ball only by pushing it with a paper plate. The catch is, you have to make it into the goal without touching the sides of the goal. Have kids play for 10 to 15 minutes.
Ask:
- What was it like trying to make goals?
Say: You had to be careful to get it right. Today we’re learning how Jesus’ body was cared for when it was placed in the tomb. Read aloud Luke 23:50-55.
Ask:
- Why do you think they dealt carefully with Jesus’ body?
- What are the ways you honor Jesus?
