5 Tips for Talking with Kids About Jesus’ Death this Easter

While Easter Sunday is a celebration of the resurrection of our Savior, the preceding days that focus on his death and sacrifice can’t be ignored. But death is a tricky topic when working with kids.

Discussing the crucifixion of Jesus with children can be a delicate task, especially during the Easter season when themes of death and resurrection are prominent. It’s essential to approach this topic with sensitivity, ensuring that children grasp the significance of Jesus’ sacrifice without being overwhelmed by its gravity.

Here are some tips to guide these important Easter conversations with kids (and find Easter resources to help here):

1. Emphasize the Concept of Sacrifice

Children may not fully comprehend the realities of death, but they do understand the idea of giving up something valuable. Frame Jesus’ crucifixion as the ultimate act of love, where He sacrificed Himself for the well-being of humanity. This perspective allows children to relate to the story on a personal level, recognizing the depth of Jesus’ love and commitment.

2. Use Age-Appropriate Language

Tailor your explanations to align with the child’s developmental stage. For younger children, simple statements like, “Jesus died because He loves us,” can suffice. Older children might benefit from more detailed discussions about the historical and spiritual contexts of the crucifixion. Focus on the broader narrative: Jesus faced hardships, was crucified, and died.

3. Connect Death and Resurrection

When discussing the crucifixion, always pair it with the triumph of the resurrection. This duality underscores the message of hope and renewal, teaching children that after profound sorrow can come immense joy. Emphasize that Jesus’ resurrection signifies new beginnings and the promise of eternal life, and never end the story with His death.

4. Encourage Open Dialogue and Questions

Children are naturally curious and may have lots of questions about Jesus’ death. Create a safe space for them to express their thoughts and feelings. If they pose questions you’re uncertain about, it’s totally OK to admit, “I don’t know.” Find more on the importance of letting kids ask questions in church here.

5. Pray Together

Engaging in prayer can provide comfort and a sense of community. Provide prayer stations or a worship response time with your Easter lesson to allow children to process Jesus’ death and resurrection. We love these prayer stations for Palm Sunday or Good Friday. This 4-week Easter series has a built-in worship response time with each lesson.

Navigating the topic of Jesus’ death at Easter with children requires a balance of honesty, sensitivity, and hope. By approaching this important Easter conversation with intentionality, you can help them understand the profound significance of the crucifixion and resurrection, laying a foundation for a resilient and personal faith journey.

Find resources to help you celebrate the life, death, and resurrection of our Savior in your children’s ministry here.

Brittany Nelson is an author, speaker, and creator of DeeperKidMin.com, an online hub of downloadable resources made FOR children’s ministry leaders BY children’s ministry leaders. She is a former children’s pastor and now loves leading the 2nd/3rd-grade small group at her church and volunteering with her husband’s youth group. Her other adventures include being a mom, drinking lots of herbal tea, and reading as many books as she can.