5 Day Easter Unit Study

5-Day Easter Unit Study
(with more than 50 links for further information)
Activities for Each Day
Day 1: Christ’s Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem
Day 2: Celebration of the Passover (Last Supper) and the Garden of Gethsemane
Day 3: The Hearings and Trial
Day 4: The Crucifixion
Day 5: The Resurrection and AscensionRecommended Resources
• Basic Christian Education: Bible Based Curriculum
• Oxford Tutorial Service: High School College Prep

Greetings,

Our joyful celebration of the Lord’s resurrection provides the opportunity for us to:
• Teach our children the heart of the gospel so that they will thoroughly and accurately understand this most important doctrine.
• Proclaim to the world the death, burial, and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ — and salvation through faith in Him.
• Remember, reflect on, and appreciate what the Lord has done for us — then thank and praise Him!

Three Ways To Use This Unit Study
A variety of activities can enrich your teaching, contemplation, and proclamation of the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.

1. Substitute this study for your regular studies to provide a break and focus on the resurrection of our Lord. Optional: Continue math work and any other basic subject that needs daily attention.

2. Use the Scripture portions for your family’s daily Bible and devotional time.

3. Pick and choose any activity to enrich your family.

May the Lord bless you and your family for His glory.

Cordially,
The Pat Welch Family,
Publishers
Pat, Sue, Heather, Holly, and Brian

The Teaching Home is a home-school, family-run business operated in our home since 1980.

Activities for Every Day
The following activities are included for each of the five days.

Bible Reading and Study

Read notes in your Bible, or from a Bible handbook, and discuss the selected passages using who, what, where, when, why, and how questions for comprehension and understanding.

Most of the Scriptures listed by topic for each day (see below) are taken from “A Harmony of the Story of Jesus” with the Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John accounts rearranged by subject and approximate chronological order.

See another Harmony of the Gospels.Prophecy Fulfilled

The Scriptures listed are from “Messiah Revealed.”

See another site, “Prophecies Fulfilled by Jesus Christ, Messiah.”Bible Memory

Choose a verse from the day’s reading or one of the suggested verses.

Reading

Have your children (even beginning readers with help) read some of the Bible reading and study references directly from the Bible.Writing and Penmanship

• Ask your children to write 1-5 paragraphs (depending on their ability) on a topic of study for the day.
• Assign a portion of Scripture or your memory verse for your child to write out.
• Use writing and penmanship skills to make banners, cards, tracts, etc. (see “Evangelism” listings below).Art, Crafts, and Activities
• Download Living Books Curriculum’s free e-book, Easter Holiday Helper, a short collection of poems, stories, picture study, and copywork to make Easter more meaningful.
• Find many good links, recipes, family traditions, stories, activities, and cards at AnniesHomepage.com. Also “Jesus, Messiah, the Fulfillment of Prophecy,” Feasts of the Bible,
Messianic Jewish and Passover links.

Day 1: Christ’s Triumphal Entryinto Jerusalem
See notes for “Activities for Each Day” above for Bible Study and Memory, Reading, Writing, and Activities.

Bible Reading and Study
• Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem
Matthew 21:1-11; Mark 11:1-11; Luke 19:28-44; John 12:12-19
• Cleansing the Temple
Matthew 21:12-17; Mark 11:15-19; Luke 19:45-48
• Jesus Teaches about His Death and Resurrection
Matthew 16:21-23; 17:22-23; 20:17-19; 26:1-2Mark 8:31-33; 9:30-32; 10:32-34Luke 9:22; 9:43b-45; 18:31-34
• Jesus’ Anointing at Bethany
Matthew 26:6-13; Mark 14:3-9; John 12:1-8Bible Prophecy Fulfilled(References below are Prediction / Fulfillment.)
• Triumphal Entry
Psalm 8:2 / Matthew 21:15-16Zechariah 9:9a/ Matthew 21:8-10Zechariah 9:9b / John 12:12-13Zechariah 9:9f / Matthew 21:6-9Major ConceptChrist’s Purpose in Coming to EarthIsaiah 53:5-12, 59:15-16a; Matthew 20:28; Luke 23:33, 46; John 1:29; 6:40; 1 John 2:2

Bible Memory
John 1:29; John 6:40

Vocabulary and Spelling
Disciples, triumphal, anoint, temple, Messiah.The English Word “Easter”
• “Isn’t Easter a Pagan Holiday?” and other articles.
• “Is the word ‘Easter’ Mentioned in the Bible?“

Music: “Messiah”
Handel’s Oratorio “Messiah” speaks of Christ’s life, death, and resurrection.
• See the libretto (words) of “Messiah” and the Scriptures to which they refer – arranged in three sections:1) The libretto as a continuous and related Scripture.2) The Bible references following each passage.3) The Scripture references index, against each verse.
• See the Open Score (complete words and music).
• Get free sheet music for orchestra parts for the “Hallelujah Chorus.”
• Buy a low-cost MP3 download of Handel’s Messiah (Golden Classics) by the London Philharmonic Orchestra and Choir.
• Or buy the DVD, Handel’s Messiah (250th Anniversary Performance) plus “For Ever and Ever,” a documentary on “Messiah” with an accompanying booklet. This 1992 performance of Handel’s great masterpiece was filmed at the Point Theatre, Dublin on the 250th anniversary of the work’s premiere, which took place in Dublin on April 13, 1712.

Geography
• On maps of Jerusalem and the Holy Land locate the following (possible) locations: East Gate, Herod’s Temple, Golgotha, Garden Tomb, Garden of Gethsemane, Mount of Olives, Upper Room, Herod’s Palace and Early Maps and Models of Jerusalem.
• See an “Outline of the Story of Jesus” using maps.

Evangelism: Greeting Cards
A greeting card is a way to show thoughtfulness and love, as well as furnish an opportunity to witness at this time.
• Write and include a poem about Christ’s death and resurrection and its meaning to you. See poetry-writing instruction and tips.
• Use your best penmanship to copy the words of a hymn or Bible verse in your handmade cards and greetings.
• Include gospel tracts or write out a verse in greeting cards to family and neighbors.E-Mail Cards and Tracts
• Send an e-card with a Bible verse typed into the message area or a link to an online tract.
• Online tract, “God’s Simple Plan of Salvation,” in many languages.
• Crosswalk e-cards.
• Answers in Genesis e-card with link to a gospel message.

Day 2: Celebration of Passover (Last Supper) and Garden of Gethsemane
See notes for “Activities for Each Day” above for Bible Study and Memory, Reading, Writing, and Activities.

Bible Reading and Study
• The Plot To Kill Jesus
Matthew 26:3-5; Mark 14:1-2; Luke 22:1-2; John 11:45-57
• The Passover Instituted
Exodus 12:1-36
• Celebrating the Passover / The Last SupperMatthew 26:17-29; Mark 14:12-25; Luke 22:7-30; John 13:1-30; 1 Corinthians 11:23-25
• Judas Iscariot’s Plans To Betray Christ
Matthew 26:14-16; Mark 14:10-11; Luke 22:3-6
• In the Garden of Gethsemane
Matthew 26:30-46; Mark 14:26-42; Luke 22:31-46; John 13:31-38; 18:1-2
• Jesus Betrayed and Arrested
Matthew 26:47-56; Mark 14:43-52; Luke 22:47-54a; John 18:3-12Bible Prophecy Fulfilled(References below are Prediction / Fulfillment.)
• Messiah Betrayed
Psalm 41:9 / Mark 14:17-18Zechariah 11:12-13a / Matthew 26:14-15
• Messiah Abandoned
Psalm 22:11 / Mark 14:50Psalm 69:20b / Mark 14:33-41Major Concept: Jesus the Messiah
Read “How do we know that Jesus was the Messiah?“

Bible Memory
John 1:29 / 1 Peter 1:18-19

Vocabulary and Spelling
Passover, communion, betray, a “Judas.”

Music: “Messiah”
Continue exploring and listening to Handel’s “Messiah” (see Day 1).

Christ Typified in the Passover
• Read the “Introduction to a Christian Seder,” with an explanation of terms and symbols of the Passover.
• Print and read a sermon by C.H. Spurgeon, “Christ Our Passover.”
• Order The Miracle of Passover DVD by Zola Levitt or Messianic Passover Haggadah, a guide to observe Passover feast.

Comparative Religions
• Islam: Find out what Islam teaches about the crucifixion.
• Read what the Catholic church teaches about the “Sacrifice of the Mass.”Drama
“God’s Story” is a visual exploration of God’s revelations in chronological order. Hear and read text online (available in 27 languages).
• The Betrayal and Crucifixion.
• Resurrection to Eternity.

Evangelism: Tracts and Gospels of John
1. Purchase Tracts
Obtain a supply of gospel tracts to hand out at this season and throughout the year.
• Good News & Crossway
• “God’s Simple Plan of Salvation” in 21 languages. Also read the inspiring story of the author of this tract, Dr. Ford Porter.
2. Write Your Own Tract
Consider writing your own tract including a short personal testimony and the gospel.
• Read “How To Write a Tract.”
• You may use or include (copyright free) “God’s Plan of Salvation.”
3. Gospels of John
Include a Scripture portion, or the Gospel of John, with your greetings cards throughout the year.
• The Pocket Testament League offers copies of the Gospel of John with different cover designs and translations (English, Spanish, Chinese). 1-866-626-8106.

Day 3: The Hearings and Trial
See notes for “Activities for Each Day” above for Bible Study and Memory, Reading, Writing, and Activities.

Bible Reading and Study
• Jesus Tried before Jewish Authorities; Peter’s Denial
Matthew 26:57-27:2; Mark 14:53-15:1; Luke 22:54b-23:1; John 18:13-28
• Judas Iscariot Commits Suicide
Matthew 27:3-10; Acts 1:18-19
• Jesus before Pontius Pilate; the Sentence
Matthew 27:11-26; Mark 15:2-15; Luke 23:2-25; John 18:29-19:16a
• Jesus Ill-Treated and Tortured
Matthew 26:67-68, 27:26b-31; Mark 14:64b-65, 15:15b-20; Luke 22:63-65; John 19:1-3Bible

Prophecy Fulfilled(References below are Prediction / Fulfillment.)
• The Messiah Rejected
Isaiah 6:9-10a / John 12:37-40Isaiah 49:4a / Luke 19:41-42Isaiah 53:3b / Matthew 27:21-23Isaiah 49:4b / John 5:43Psalm 69:8a / John 1:11Zechariah 11:12-13b / Matthew 26:14-15
• Messiah Judged
Psalm 109:2 / John 18:29-30Isaiah 53:8b / John 18:13-22Isaiah 53:7b / Matthew 27:12-14Isaiah 53:9b / Mark 15:3

Major Concept: Why Jesus Needed To Die
John 1:7, and “What about the death and resurrection of Christ was important and vital to Christianity?” with additional Scripture.

Bible Memory
Isaiah 53:6
Vocabulary and Spelling
Sanhedrin, Pharisees, High Priest, blasphemy, denial, suicide.

Music: “Messiah”
Continue exploring and listening to Handel’s “Messiah” (see Day 1).

Drama
Order or rent, and watch these movies:
• The Fourth Wise Man. Read review.
• Word for word Scripture: Visual Bible Gospel of Matthew or The Gospel of John. Read review of The Gospel of John.

History
Refer to a Christian history textbook (or the curriculum that you are using) and read about the Roman world in which Jesus lived.

Evangelism: Outside Banners and Window Signs
Let your neighbors and those passing by know that you celebrate the resurrection of our Lord.
• Make a banner or inside window sign with fabric, butcher paper, poster board, etc.
• Signs can say, “Our Redeemer Lives!,” “He Is Risen!,” “Our Savior Is Alive!,” or “Hallelujah, Christ Arose!” See samples.

Day 4: The Crucifixion
See notes for “Activities for Each Day” above for Bible Study and Memory, Reading, Writing, and Activities.

Bible Reading and Study
• Christ’s Crucifixion and Death
Matthew 27:32-50; Mark 15:21-37; Luke 23:26-46; John 19:16b-30
• Supernatural Events as Jesus Dies
Matthew 27:45,51-53; Mark 15:33,38; Luke 23:44-45
• People at the Crucifixion
Matthew 27:54-56; Mark 15:39-41; Luke 23:47-49; John 19:25-26a
• Christ’s Burial
Matthew 27:57-66; Mark 15:42-47; Luke 23:50-56; John 19:31-42

Bible Prophecy Fulfilled(References below are Prediction / Fulfillment.)
• Place of Crucifixion
Genesis 22:14 / Luke 23:33Isaiah 53:12c / Luke 23:32
• Events during Crucifixion
Psalm 22:16c / Matthew 27:38Psalm 109:4 / Luke 23:34Psalm 69:20-21a / Matthew 27:34Psalm 22:18a / John 19:23-24Psalm 22:18b / John 19:23-24
• Mocked by People
Psalm 22:17b / Luke 23:35Psalm 22:7 / Matthew 27:39Psalm 109:25 / Mark 15:29-30Psalm 22:8 / Matthew 27:41-43
• On the Cross
Psalm 22:14b / Matthew 27:35Psalm 22:1a / Matthew 27:46Psalm 22:1b / Mark 15:34Psalm 22:15a / John 19:28
• Messiah’s Death
Zechariah 13:7b / Matthew 27:35Psalm 22:17a / John 19:32-33Zechariah 12:10a / John 19:34-37Psalm 22:14a / John 19:34

Major Concept:The Importance of Jesus’ Resurrection
Read 1 Corinthians 15:12-19 and the “Resurrection of Christ” with Scriptures included.

Bible Memory
1 Corinthians 15:3-5; John 3:16

Vocabulary and Spelling
Crucified, myrrh, Golgotha, transgressors, mocking, tomb.

Music: “Hallelujah! What a Savior!”
Words and music by Philip P. Bliss. Become acquainted with this great hymn of the faith and learn at least the first verse. See words, hear the music, read the story, and print music.

History / Time
• Explore the question: “Was Jesus crucified on Friday or Wednesday?“
• What do B.C. and A.D. stand for? Why is B.C. being changed to B.C.E. and A.D. changed to C.E.? Read one view here and another view here.Science: “The Science of the Crucifixion”
Have your older students read “How did Jesus Christ die?” and “The Science of the Crucifixion.”

Evangelism: Gifts
Include a greeting card, tract, and/or Gospel of John in thoughtful greetings such as:
• A baked gift to neighbors.
• Gifts to shut-ins.
• Instead of giving children Easter baskets, give a new Bible (if needed), Scripture bookmark, prayer journal, or something that will encourage their spiritual life.
Order the Bible in Living Sound audio CDs of the Passion of Jesus Christ (3 CDs, 18 dramatized stories).

Day 5: The Resurrection and Ascension
See notes for “Activities for Each Day” above for Bible Study and Memory, Reading, Writing, and Activities.

Bible Reading and Study
• The Empty Tomb
Matthew 28:1-8,11-15; Mark 16:1-8; Luke 24:1-12; John 20:1-13
• The Resurrection and Appearances to Disciples
Matthew 28:9-10,16-17; Mark 16:9-14; Luke 24:13-44; John 20:14-21:14; Acts 1:1-5; 1 Corinthians 15:3-8
• Christ’s Commission
Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-18; Luke 24:45-50; John 21:15-23; Acts 1:6-8
• The Ascension
Mark 16:19-20; Luke 24:51-53; Acts 1:9-11

Bible Prophecy Fulfilled(References below are Prediction / Fulfillment.)
• Resurrection of the Messiah
Psalm 16:8-10b / Acts 13:35-37Psalm 16:8-10a / Matthew 28:6Isaiah 53:10c / Mark 16:16
• Ascension of the Messiah
Psalm 68:18a / Luke 24:51Daniel 7:13-14a / Acts 1:9-11

Major Concept: Personal Application
Have I personally received the benefit of Jesus Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection? John 3:16; Romans 10:9; Ephesians 2:8-9

Bible Memory
1 Corinthians 15:3-5; Ephesians 2:8-9

Vocabulary and Spelling
Resurrection, appeared, commission, ascension.
Music: “Christ, the Lord, Is Risen Today”
Words written by Charles Wesley in 1739. Become acquainted with this great hymn of the faith and learn at least the first verse (see words in left column).
• Print the piano music.

Apologetics
Stimulate your older children to think by examining and discussing one or more of these articles.
• “10 Reasons To Believe Christ Rose from the Dead“
• “Evidence for the Resurrection” by Josh McDowell
• “Beyond Blind Faith” by Paul E. Little
• “How Do We Know That Jesus Christ Really Rose from the Dead?“Drama
• View “The Hope,” a free 80-minute online video of God’s redemptive story from beginning to end (or just chapters 10-11). It clearly explains how Jesus Christ was born and why – starting at the very beginning, at the dawn of Creation. Also read a review of “The Hope.”
• Read and act out the dramatic sketch “A Press Conference after the Resurrection.”

Evangelism: Invite Someone to Church
Many people will go to church on Easter Sunday that would not at any other time. Take advantage of this to invite family, friends, or neighbors to attend with you (and hear the gospel message). Consider some of the following:
• Send a hand-written letter of invitation and follow up with a telephone call.
• Offer a ride.
• Invite them to dinner with you after the service.
• Pray before and after that they will be saved or renew their commitment to the Lord.

Source: The Teaching Home Newsletter