Heartprints

A Family Devotional Guide for Easter Weekend

In preparation for Easter, I’ve put together a short devotional guide based on 1 Corinthians 15:1–8, 53–58.
 
Ideally, this is a great resource to use on or near Easter Weekend. This could be done in one day (example: Good Friday), or you could read it in two segments (the first two talking points on the first day & the third talking point on the second day). 
 
Download the pdf version of “A Family Devotional Guide for Easter” or simply view the plain text below.

The Good News of Jesus Christ
 
Read: 1 Corinthians 15:1–8, 53–58
 
Read the passage out loud as a family. Then go through the talking points.
 
Talking Point #1: The Gospel
 
1. Question: What does the word “gospel” mean?
 
Answer: Literally, it refers to “good news.” Each of the 4 gospel accounts is prefaced by the phrase “the gospel according to…” (Matthew, Mark, Luke, & John), and the accounts tell us about the good news of Jesus.
 
2. The apostle Paul takes the good news about Christ and simplifies it, showing how this good news brings salvation.
 
Question: What are the four main verbs found in verses 3–5?
 
Answer:
 
Died (v. 3; “Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures”)
Buried (v. 4; “He was buried”)
Rose (v. 4; “He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures”)
Seen (v. 5; “He was seen by Cephas, then by the twelve”)
 
3. Question: Based on Paul’s description, how would you define the gospel by which we are saved? (Discuss different possibilities)
 
Example Answer: Christ died for our sins and rose from the dead.
 
Talking Point #2: Our Hope
 
1. Question: How do verses 53–58 give us hope? (Discuss our hope and victory in Christ.)
 
Example Answer: Because Christ died and rose again, He conquered death and sin. Those of us who trust in Him for our salvation our likewise conquerors.
 
(Note: This was originally written for the ministry EvanTell.)

Sarah is the author of Bathsheba’s Responsibility in Light of Narrative Analysis, contributor to Vindicating the Vixens, and contributing editor for The Evangelism Study Bible. Some of her previous ministry experiences have included teaching and mentoring of adults and children in a wide variety of settings. Her small claim to fame is that she has worked with children of every age range from birth through high school over the past 20 years. She and her husband Ben reside in Richardson, Texas with their four children.