Home-Made Resurrection Eggs

I was introduced to the idea of Resurrection Eggs when my first daughter was very young. I found some at a garage sale one day and we've been using them every year since. They're a wonderful way to keep the focus on Christ - when the world tends to focus on bunnies, chickens, and eggs at this blessed time of year. Sure, bunnies, chickens, and eggs are cute, but the bigger picture is the sacrifice Jesus gave us on the cross and ultimately his resurrection from the dead. If you've never read this amazing story, grab a Bible or go to BibleGateway.com and read starting at Matthew chapter 26. Also, read John chapter 19.

You can make your own Resurrection Eggs to share with your family this Easter. Here's how:

You'll need 12 plastic eggs (preferably different colors). Use a clean 1-dozen egg carton to store the eggs in. You'll want to open the eggs in order, so numbering them 1 to 12 will help. Here's the order and what to place inside:

1. Blade of Grass - Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey as the people waved palm branches. (Matthew 21:1-11)
   
2. 3 Dimes - Judas betrayed Jesus for 30 pieces of silber. (Matthew 26:14-15 and 27:3)
   
3. Cracker and Grape - Jesus ate the Last Supper with His disciples. (Matthew 26:17-19)
   
4. Small Piece of Rope - Jesus was scourged. (Matthew 27:26)
   
5. Piece of Purple Cloth - Jesus was given a scarlet robe and mocked. (Matthew 27:29)
6. Thorns (taken from a rose) - Soldiers placed a crown of thorns on Jesus' head. (Matthew 27:29)
7. Dice - Soldiers parted Jesus' garments and cast lots for His coat. (John 19:23)
   
8. Nail - Jesus was nailed to a cross and pierced in His side. (John 19:18, 37 and 20:25-29)
9. Piece of Sponge - They gave Jesus vinegar mixed with gall on a sponge to drink. (Matthew 27:34)
   
10. Cotton Ball - Spices to prepare Jesus for burial. (John 19:40)
11. Small Rock - The stone covering Jesus' tomb was rolled away. (Matthew 27:59-60)
12. Nothing - The tomb is empty. He has risen! (Matthew 28:6)

If you've never done the Resurrection Eggs activity with your kids, this is a wonderful and fun way to teach them the true meaning of Easter this year.