Palm Sunday to Easter: Experiencing Holy Week as a Family
Holy Week is a special time to reflect on the story of Jesus’ love and sacrifice. Families can make these powerful moments more meaningful with simple, interactive activities that engage children in each step of the journey. Here are easy-to-do family activities for Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Sunday that bring the events of Holy Week to life.
Palm Sunday: Welcoming Jesus with Joy
On Palm Sunday, we celebrate Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem. The crowds greeted Him with joy and waving palm branches.
Activity Idea: Palm Branches Craft
Scripture to Read:
Activity Idea: Palm Branches Craft
- What You’ll Need: Green construction paper, scissors, and markers or crayons.
- Instructions: Help your children cut out palm leaves from the green construction paper. On the leaves, write words like “Hosanna” or “Praise Jesus.” Have a mini parade around the house or yard, waving the palm branches and shouting, “Hosanna!” This simple activity helps children remember the excitement and praise of Jesus’ arrival.
- Why It’s Special: It’s an easy and fun way for children to connect with the Palm Sunday story.
Scripture to Read:
- Matthew 21:8-9 – "Most of the crowd spread their garments on the road ahead of Him, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. Jesus was in the center of the procession, and the people all around Him were shouting, 'Praise God for the Son of David! Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Praise God in the highest heaven!'"
Maundy Thursday: Remembering the Last Supper
Maundy Thursday is when Jesus shared the Last Supper with His disciples before His death.
Activity Idea: Simple Last Supper Snack
Scripture to Read:
Activity Idea: Simple Last Supper Snack
- What You’ll Need: Bread, grape juice (or water), and a small plate or cup.
- Instructions: Sit together as a family and break a piece of bread to share. After sharing the bread, talk about how Jesus shared a meal with His disciples and how He gave His body for us. Share a prayer of thanksgiving for Jesus’ love.
- Why It’s Special: This simple meal helps kids understand the meaning behind Communion in a relatable way.
Scripture to Read:
- Luke 22:19-20 – "He took some bread and gave thanks to God for it. Then He broke it in pieces and gave it to the disciples, saying, 'This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.' After supper He took another cup of wine and said, 'This cup is the new covenant between God and His people—an agreement confirmed with My blood, which is poured out as a sacrifice for you.'"
Good Friday: Reflecting on Jesus’ Sacrifice
Good Friday is a solemn day as we remember Jesus’ death on the cross for our sins.
Activity Idea: The Cross of Love
Scripture to Read:
Activity Idea: The Cross of Love
- What You’ll Need: A simple wooden cross or cardboard cross (can be found at craft stores or made at home), markers, and strips of paper or small hearts.
- Instructions: Set up the cross in a central location. Have each child write or draw something they’re thankful for on the paper strips or small hearts—these could be family members, friends, or blessings in their life. As you reflect on Jesus’ sacrifice, share how He gave His life out of love for us. Let the children hang their strips or hearts on the cross as a symbol of gratitude for His love.
- Why It’s Special: This activity helps children focus on Jesus' love and encourages them to reflect on the blessings they have because of His sacrifice.
Scripture to Read:
- John 19:30 – "When Jesus had tasted it, He said, 'It is finished!' Then He bowed His head and gave up His spirit."
- Romans 5:8 – "But God showed His great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners."
Easter Sunday: Celebrating the Resurrection
Easter is the day we celebrate Jesus’ victory over death, and His promise of eternal life.
Activity Idea: Resurrection Roll
Scripture to Read:
Activity Idea: Resurrection Roll
- What You’ll Need: Crescent roll dough, marshmallows, cinnamon, and butter.
- Instructions: Preheat the oven and help your children roll a marshmallow in butter and cinnamon, then wrap it in the crescent dough. As you do this, explain that the marshmallow represents Jesus’ body and the dough represents the tomb. Bake the rolls and when you cut them open, the “tomb” will be empty, just like the empty tomb of Jesus.
- Why It’s Special: This edible activity gives children a hands-on way to experience the story of the resurrection.
Scripture to Read:
- Matthew 28:5-6 – "Then the angel spoke to the women. 'Don’t be afraid!' he said. 'I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He isn’t here! He has risen from the dead, just as He said would happen. Come, see where His body was lying.'"
- John 11:25-26 – "Jesus told her, 'I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in Me will live, even after dying. Everyone who lives in Me and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?'"
These simple activities bring the story of Holy Week to life in a way that’s easy for families to do together. Each activity helps children understand and celebrate the key moments of Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Sunday. By making these moments interactive, families can create meaningful traditions and deepen their faith during this important time of the year.
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