Lesson Helps

FHE: Easter

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Conference Talk: 

For more information on this topic read "Attempting the Impossible," by Jorge F. Zeballos, Ensign, Nov 2009, 33-34.

Thought:

Jesus Christ took upon Himself the weight of our sins and the injustices that are committed in the world to the end that we can be free from the consequences.

(Jorge F. Zeballos, "Attempting the Impossible," Ensign, Nov 2009, 33-34.)

Song:

"Did Jesus Really Live Again," Children's Songbook, p.64.

Scripture:

Behold, I am Jesus Christ, whom the prophets testified shall come into the world. And behold, I am the light and the life of the world; and I have drunk out of that bitter cup which the Father hath given me, and have glorified the Father in taking upon me the sins of the world, in the which I have suffered the will of the Father in all things from the beginning (3 Nephi 11:10-14).

Note:

The following story and lesson are excerpts from the book The Easter Walk by Deborah Pace Rowley and Dan Burr. You can find the entire story and scripture walk in the book.

Story:

Tyler couldn't wait for his Easter walk with Grandpa. This year would be even better because his little sister, 6-year-old Amy, was coming with them for the first time. Tyler knew she wouldn't completely understand each scripture, but she would be excited about the treasure hunt.

Grandpa, Tyler, and Amy walked quietly through the park until Grandpa gave the first scripture clue: "And they clothed him with purple, and platted a crown of thorns, and put it about his head" (Mark 15:17).

Tyler took Amy's hand, and they ran ahead until they found a thorny branch. Amy carried it back to Grandpa.

"Excellent," Grandpa said. "What does this thorny branch remind you of?"

"It reminds me that Jesus knows what it feels like to be hurt and sad," Tyler answered. "When Jesus prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane, he sweat drops of blood because of our sins. One of the apostles betrayed him, and the soldiers whipped and mocked him. Then they forced a crown of thorns onto his head."

Grandpa reached out for Tyler's hand and squeezed it tight. For the next clue, Grandpa explained that a friend of Jesus "wrapped him in the linen, and laid him in a sepulchre which was hewn out of a rock, and rolled a stone unto the door of the sepulchre" (Mark 15:46).

Amy found a pretty rock that had sparkly crystals in it and handed it to Grandpa. "Good choice," said Grandpa.

"Tyler, can you tell us the meaning of this stone?"

"A stone was rolled in front of Jesus' tomb, and guards were put in front of it," Tyler answered. "But on the third day an angel came from heaven and rolled the stone away. When Jesus' disciples went to the garden, they saw that the stone had been moved and the tomb was empty."

Grandpa waited until they were almost back home before he gave the last clue. This scripture was Tyler's favorite. "And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. He is not here: for he is risen, as he said" (Matthew 28:5-6).

The children saw many things that were alive. Amy brought Grandpa a ladybug, but Tyler wanted to find something special. He found it in front of their house. Tyler carefully picked a red tulip blossom and sat down beside Grandpa on the porch. Amy picked a red tulip, too. Their mom had planted these tulips, and they came up every spring.

"So," said Grandpa quietly, "tell me why we needed to find something alive."

Tyler loved it when Grandpa asked this question. He always had a warm and good feeling inside when he answered. Grandpa said that feeling was from the Holy Ghost. "We found something alive because Jesus is alive. He was resurrected on the third day."

Tyler put his arm around Amy and gave her a big hug.

Amy leaned up and whispered in Tyler's ear. "I know Jesus is alive, too."

(Deborah Pace Rowley, The Easter Walk, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2010].)

Lesson and Activity:

You can go on your own Easter walk as a family. Walk around your neighborhood or go to a park or wooded area near your home.

If the weather is uncooperative, you can have a treasure hunt inside the house. You may want to carry a sack to hold your treasures. Read the following verses in the Bible and the Book of Mormon and have your children find items suggested by the scriptures. Discuss the significance of each item as you walk or after you arrive home. Bear testimony to your family of the truthfulness of the Atonement and the Resurrection.

Share your feelings about the Savior. As you do this, your children will feel the Spirit, and their testimonies will grow.

Scripture Clue: Mark 15:17 Something pointed and sharp to represent the crown of thorns.

Scripture Clue: John 19:17-18 Something made of wood to represent the cross.

Scripture Clue: Mark 15:46 Something hard and round to represent the stone placed in front of the tomb.

Scripture Clue: Matthew 28:5-6 Something alive to represent that Jesus Christ is alive again.

(Deborah Pace Rowley, The Easter Walk, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2010].)

Lead photo from Getty Images.
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