The Easter Story for Kids.
The Easter story is the most important story in the Bible. Jesus gave His life out of love, and then rose from the dead three days later — and that changes everything.
Retold by Hannah Whitford · New Testament Story · Updated May 2026
The Story of The Easter Story for Kids
For young children, the Easter story should be told with honesty and hope. The sadness of Good Friday is real, but it does not have the last word. Easter morning — the empty tomb, the risen Jesus — is the great turning point of the whole Bible. It tells children that love is stronger than anything.
A dark and sad day
Jesus was arrested, and then He died on a cross. He did this out of love — to take the punishment for the wrong things we do, so we could be forgiven and know God. His friends were heartbroken. It felt like the worst day that had ever happened. But this was not the end of the story.
The tomb in the garden
Jesus was buried in a tomb — a cave with a great stone rolled across the entrance. Guards stood watch. His friends went home to grieve, not knowing that something extraordinary was about to happen.
Early on Sunday morning
Three days later, before sunrise, some of Jesus' friends came to the tomb. They found the great stone rolled away. When they looked inside — the tomb was empty. Jesus was not there.
He is risen
An angel told the women the most astounding news: 'He is not here. He has risen, just as He said.' Then Jesus Himself appeared — alive. He spoke their names. He ate with His friends. Jesus was stronger than death. He was truly alive, and nothing could ever change that.
Dear God, thank You for Easter. Thank You that Jesus rose from the dead. Help us live with joy and hope because of what He did. He is risen! Amen.
The Easter story teaches children that Jesus loves them so completely that He gave His life to forgive our wrongs — and then rose again to show that love wins over everything, even death. The empty tomb means that hope always has the last word.
- 01The empty tomb is a powerful, vivid image that children remember.
- 02The surprise of Easter morning — that Jesus is alive — gives the story real joy.
- 03Jesus appearing to His friends and calling them by name is deeply tender.
- 04Easter gives children a hopeful answer to hard questions about death and love.
Books that pair with this story.
Hand-picked after careful research.
The Jesus Storybook Bible: Every Story Whispers His Name
by Sally Lloyd-Jones
4.9 · 15,458 ratings on Amazon · checked May 2026A beautifully illustrated Bible storybook that presents every story as part of God's great rescue plan. Perfect for bedtime with its gentle, lyrical storytelling.
The kind of things parents wonder.
Start with the love: Jesus loved people so much He gave His life. Then share the hope: three days later He rose from the dead. Young children do not need every detail — they need to feel the sadness of Good Friday and the joy of Easter morning. The empty tomb is the key image to hold onto.
Conversation starters.
Questions to ask after you read together. No right answers — just good conversation.
How do you think the disciples felt on Saturday — the day in between? When they didn't know yet?
Mary didn't recognize Jesus at first. When did she know it was him, and why do you think that matters?
The disciples were hiding behind locked doors. What changed everything for them?
Easter means death didn't win. What difference does that make to how you want to live?
More stories from the library.
Keep exploring.
Bible Stories in Chronological Order for Kids
See where this story fits in the full Genesis-to-Revelation reading plan — 16 stories in order with summaries, ages, and a free printable.
Browse →Easter Bible Stories
Explore the full Easter season — from Palm Sunday through the Resurrection.
Browse →Palm Sunday
Read the story that began Holy Week — Jesus' humble entry into Jerusalem.
Browse →