This year, in addition to our Lenten Calendar and Jesus Tree, I’ve decided to add one more activity as we countdown the days to Easter: Resurrection Eggs.
Resurrection eggs are yet another great way to tell our children the story of the passion and resurrection of Jesus, using 12 colorful eggs filled, symbolic objects, and passages from the Bible.
I am still trying to decide whether or not I want to use the eggs to countdown the 12 days leading up to Easter (beginning Wednesday), or if I just want to pull them all out on Good Friday… Decisions, decisions… =)
Anyhow, I purchased these eggs (and this book
Sure enough, I ran across these directions online, but decided to modify them to match our eggs and the book, Benjamin’s Box: The Story of the Resurrection Eggs, which we will be reading, and possibly make a few more sets so each of my children can have their own. (If not this year, maybe next?!)
You will need 12 plastic eggs that can be opened and filled. The eggs can either be kept in an Egg Carton, or you could use a basket labeling each egg with a number. You can also include the corresponding Bible verse/verses in each egg, which adds to the significance of the symbolism.
Egg 1: Place a small toy donkey inside the first egg which represents the donkey on which Jesus rode into Jerusalem just before His death and resurrection. Suggested Reading: Matthew 21:1-9
Egg 2: Place three dimes to symbolize the “30 pieces of silver” that Judas received to betray Jesus. Suggested Reading: Matthew 26:14-16
Egg 3: Place a small cup or goblet to symbolize the Last Supper. Another option would be to use a small piece if cracker. Suggested Reading: Matthew 26:17-19
Egg 4: Place praying hands inside this egg reminding us of Jesus praying in the Garden of Gethsemane. You could make these out of Sculpey clay, cut them out of foam or felt, or even print out an picture. Suggested Reading: Mark 14:32-42
Egg 5: Place a strip of leather to represent the scourging at the pillar. Suggested Reading: John 19:1-15
Egg 6: Place a thorn to symbolize the “crown of thorns” that Jesus wore. A rose bush may be a good source. Suggested Reading: Matthew 27:29-31
Egg 7: Nail, to represent the nails used to crucify Our Lord. Suggested Reading: John 19:16-22
Egg 8: Place a die or a couple of dice to symbolize the “lots that were cast” for Jesus’ clothing. Suggested Reading: John 19:23-25
Egg 9: Place a spear (Playmobil would be perfect!) to represent the spear which the Roman soldiers used to pierce Jesus’ side.”lots that were cast” for Jesus’ clothing. Suggested Reading: John 19:31-37
Egg 10: Place a small piece of white/linen cloth to symbolize the cloth with which Joseph of Arimathea wrapped the body of Jesus after He died on the cross. Suggested Reading: Matthew 27:57-61
Egg 11: Place a rock to symbolize the stone that was rolled away from the tomb. Suggested Reading: Matthew 28:1-3
Egg 12: EASTER MORNING! This egg will be empty to symbolize the tomb that was empty, that Jesus was risen from the dead! Suggested Reading: Matthew 28:5-8
Jessica
So pleased to know you found the list helpful:)
I wondered about buying eggs this year, wondered if they were anything different to what I do, so pleased I didn’t now. Thanks.
We have that set of Resurrection eggs, plus a couple dozen more that kids made at our co-op! I think it’s time to pull them out!
Thank you so much for posting this! I saw a set of Resurrection eggs at a bookstore here a few weeks ago, and even had them in my basket for a while, but finally decided to put them back because they just didn’t seem worth the money. (Not well made and sort of silly looking, in my opinion.)
I had no idea, though, that it would be so easy to make our own! It was kind of hard to tell from the box what exactly was included. Your directions are perfect and we still have plenty of time to make a set (or three!) 🙂
Thanks you!
Melissa ~ I too thought they didn’t seem worth the money and kept putting off ordering them. I finally bought a discounted set and even still they could have been made so much more affordably at home. I should have done a little more research first! =)
I am glad that you will be able to make some yourself! =)
Oh what a neat idea! Thank you for sharing it!
What a great idea! We are so going to do this! May Our Lord of love smile upon your family during this Lenten season and bring you the fullness of joy that is the Easter celebration!
I love this idea. I find so many of your posts helpful and creative. Thank you so much for all of your time posting.
We just bought this book a week or two ago for Lloyd’s Easter basket! It was funny, T. thought that we were giving it to him for his birthday and that I would be wrapping it, so he was really worried about reading it before I wrapped it so sat up one night reading it. When I moved it (because I was wrapping gifts) he sadly said, “Where’s Benjamin?” (thinking I’d wrapped it and he wouldn’t be able to finish it.). That alone made me sure it was a keeper!
Maybe next year we’ll be making these eggs!
Best,
Sarah
See the comments section of Good Friday 2010 for why to steer clear of the book Benjamin's Box.
Thanks for the update, Jessica. I just got my resurrection eggs 80% off at Hobby Lobby and was about to order the book off of Amazon when I saw your cautionary comment. I guess we'll just make up our own story!