Resurrection Sunday and Good Friday

It’s a reality of many church calendars that it’s really easy to skip over Good Friday in our treatment of the relevant Easter stories for kids. The prior Sunday is when we typically celebrate Jesus’ Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem on what we now call Palm Sunday. There’s nothing wrong with this. And, of course, it’s also just as natural and proper to look at the resurrection on Easter Sunday, one week later. But that leaves us with an important question; where do we put the crucifixion?

And, many people feel the crucifixion is too dark and violent for some children. This, of course, is best decided by those who know the children and what they can handle. It’s important, however, to remember that the resurrection makes little sense if Jesus wasn’t already dead and the fact that Jesus died a cruel and sacrificial death is what gives the resurrection its power. Most adults understand this.

If you’re one of the many churches that celebrate Palm Sunday the week before Easter, I would encourage you to at least give some minimal attention to crucifixion on the Friday before; Good Friday. Let Resurrection Sunday be a day for celebrating the victory of God’s power over the power of evil that was so evident on Friday. Yes, certainly let the resurrection be the main focus, but don’t ignore the crucifixion either. The two things go hand in hand.

Happy Easter! And remember, He is risen! He is risen indeed!

Rick Edwards
Author, Speaker, Bible Teacher

See a list of other articles by Rick Edwards.