Easter

Easter is an important Christian festival. Not only do Christians remember that

Jesus died on the cross, they also celebrate that He came back to life.

Holy Week begins on Palm Sunday.

The First Holy Week Holy Week Today

Palm Sunday

Jesus and His followers went to The day when Jesus rode into
Jerusalem for a special meal. He Jerusalem is called Palm Sunday.
travelled on a donkey. Churches hold special services to
remember this day.
Jesus arrived in Jerusalem a
big crowd of people waved People are given a
palm leaves. They were palm cross.
very happy to see Him.
The cross is a symbol of
Not everyone liked Jesus the Christian faith.
because they were jealous of Him.

Maundy Thursday

Jesus washed the feet of His closest Some churches have foot-washing on
friends, also called His disciples. He Maundy Thursday.
told them to always look after one
In church services, Christians still
another.
share the bread and wine as a
Jesus ate a special meal with His reminder of Jesus. This is called Holy
disciples. He knew He was going Communion.
to die because one of His disciples
would betray Him. This was Jesus’
last supper.

At the meal, Jesus broke the bread

and blessed it. He told His disciples
that it was His body and they when
they eat it they should remember
Him. Jesus then took a cup of wine
and blessed it. He told his disciples

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 Easter

that it was His blood and that when

they drink it they should remember
him.

After the meal, Judas, one of the

disciples, betrayed Jesus. Guards
took Jesus away.

Good Friday

Jesus had to carry a heavy cross Good Friday is a very special day
through the city. He was beaten and for Christians. Services take place in
laughed at by the Roman soldiers. church.
He had to wear a crown of thorns.
Jesus gave His life for the good of
Jesus was nailed to a cross and died. everyone so the day is called ‘Good’
This is called the crucifixion. Friday.

Easter Sunday

Mary, one of Jesus’ friends, went to Easter Sunday is a day of celebration

visit the tomb where Jesus’ body lay. for Christians as they believe that
When she got there, she saw the stone Jesus was resurrected.
had been rolled back and Jesus’ body
Special church services take place.
was gone.

Over the next 40 days, Jesus appeared

to his disciples and to many other
people. The people knew that Jesus
had come back to life. This is called
the resurrection.

Other Easter Traditions

Hot cross buns are eaten at Easter. The cross reminds Christians
of when Jesus’ died.

Many Christians eat chocolate eggs too. The egg is a sign

of new life, just like when Jesus came back to life.

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 Easter

Questions
1. Holy Week begins on…

Palm Sunday Good Friday

Maundy Thursday Easter Sunday

2. What might you be given if you go to church on Palm Sunday?

A book A flower A cross A crown

3. Which food and drink did Jesus share at the Last Supper?

Wine and bread Wine and fruit

Water and fruit Water and bread

4. Why is the cross an important Christian symbol?




5. Who betrayed Jesus?

Andrew Luke John Judas

6. What is the name for sharing the bread and wine at a church service?

7. Match up the correct answers:

On Palm Sunday… Jesus ate his last supper.

On Maundy Thursday… Jesus came back to life.

On Good Friday… Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey.

On Easter Sunday… Jesus died on the cross.

8. Tick the foods eaten at Easter which remind Christians of what happened to Jesus:

sweets hot cross buns

chocolate eggs fruit

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 Easter

Answers
1. Holy Week begins on…

Palm Sunday Good Friday

Maundy Thursday Easter Sunday

2. What might you be given if you go to church on Palm Sunday?

A book A flower A cross A crown

3. Which food and drink did Jesus share at the Last Supper?

Wine and bread Wine and fruit

Water and fruit Water and bread

4. Why is the cross an important Christian symbol?

Christians believe that Jesus died on the cross, giving His life for the good of everyone.
The cross is a way of remembering this.

5. Who betrayed Jesus?

Andrew Luke John Judas

6. What is the name for sharing the bread and wine at a church service?

This is called Holy Communion.

7. Match up the correct answers:

On Palm Sunday… Jesus ate his last supper.

On Maundy Thursday… Jesus came back to life.

On Good Friday… Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey.

On Easter Sunday… Jesus died on the cross.

8. Tick the foods eaten at Easter which remind Christians of what happened to Jesus:

sweets hot cross buns

chocolate eggs fruit

 Easter
Easter is an important Christian festival. At this time of the year, Christians
remember the death and resurrection of Jesus.

The week leading up to Easter Sunday is called Holy Week. During this
week, Christians remember the last week of Jesus’ life. Holy Week begins on
Palm Sunday.

The First Palm Sunday

Jesus and His followers went to Jerusalem for the Passover
meal. As Jesus rode the donkey, people cut branches from the
palm trees and put them on the ground in front of Him. They
shouted, “Hosanna! Hosanna! Blessed is the King of Israel!”
This was to show Jesus that they believed in Him as their King.

To welcome Jesus into Jerusalem, a large crowd waved palm

leaves. The leaders saw how the people loved Jesus and they
became angry and jealous.

Palm Sunday Today

Palm Sunday is the Sunday before Easter Day. There are special church
services which remember Jesus’ arrival into Jerusalem. Crosses made
from palm leaves are given out as a symbol of the Christian faith.

The First Maundy Thursday

Jesus washed the feet of His disciples and told them they must serve
others, just as Jesus had served them.

Jesus celebrated Passover with His disciples. He knew He was soon to die and
that this meal would be His last; this is known as the Last Supper. One of Jesus’
disciples would betray Him.

During the meal, Jesus broke the bread and blessed it. He told his disciples that
the bread was his body and they should eat it in remembrance of Him. Jesus
then took a cup of wine, blessed it and said that this was His blood. He told the
disciples to drink it in remembrance of Him.

Later, Jesus and His disciples went to the Garden of Gethsemane. Jesus prayed
to God and the disciples fell asleep. Judas, one of the disciples, came into the
garden with guards and priests. As a signal to the guards, Judas kissed Jesus on
the cheek, then the guards arrested Jesus and took Him away.

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 Easter

Maundy Thursday Today

In church, Christians still remember the Last Supper, this is called Holy
Communion. It reminds Christians of Jesus’ sacrifice.

Did you know

Some churches still hold foot-washing ceremonies on this day.

The First Good Friday

Jesus was handed over to the Roman Governor, Pontius Pilate, and made to
carry a large, wooden cross through the city to the place where He would be
crucified. As He walked, the Roman soldiers laughed at Him, beat Him and made
Him wear a crown of thorns.

Finally, Jesus was nailed to the cross. He was placed between two robbers who
were also being crucified. Soon after, Jesus died.

Good Friday Today

Good Friday is a special day for Christians and services are held in church. They
remember how Jesus sacrificed His own life so that others could be forgiven for
the bad things they had done. Christians believe that Jesus gave His life for the
‘good’ of everyone, which is why the day is called ‘Good’ Friday.

The First Holy Saturday

Jesus’ body was placed in a tomb. A heavy stone was rolled in front of the
tomb’s entrance and guarded by a Roman soldier.

Holy Saturday Today

Church services take place and the Easter candle
(or Paschal candle) is lit. This is a time of
waiting for Jesus’ resurrection.

The First Easter Sunday

On the Sunday morning, one of Jesus’
friends, Mary Magdalene, went to visit the
tomb. When she got there, she found that the
stone had been rolled away and Jesus’ body
was gone. Over the next 40 days, Jesus appeared
to His disciples and to many other people. They
realised that Jesus had risen from the dead.

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Easter Sunday Today
Easter Sunday is a day of celebration for Christians as they believe that Jesus
came back to life. The resurrection of Jesus is very important to Christians as it
gives the promise of eternal life in heaven. There are special church services on
this day.

Other Easter Traditions

On Easter Sunday, many Christians celebrate with a special meal.

Hot cross buns are eaten at this time of year. The cross reminds Christians of
Jesus’ sacrifice and resurrection.

Chocolate eggs are also eaten. The egg is a sign of new life, just like when
Jesus came back to life.

Many Christians also give and receive Easter cards.

Glossary
disciples: the 12 disciples were men who travelled with Jesus and learned
from him. They were Jesus’ closest friends.

resurrection: to come back to life

sacrifice: to give something up for the sake of others

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 Easter

Questions
1. On the first Palm Sunday…

Jesus washed the feet of his disciples Jesus arrived in Jerusalem

Jesus’ body was placed in the tomb Jesus was crucified

2. What might you be given if you go to church on Palm Sunday?




3. The Last Supper took place on …

Palm Sunday Good Friday Easter Day

Maundy Thursday Holy Saturday

4. What is the significance of Holy Communion during church services today?




5. Why is the day called ‘Good Friday’?

6. Match up the correct answers:

Good Friday A day of Christian celebration when Jesus came back to life.

Holy Saturday Jesus’ crucifixion took place on this day.

Easter Day Church services take place in the evening and the Easter candle is lit.

7. How did Mary Magdalene feel when she saw that Jesus’
body had disappeared from the tomb?

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 Easter
8. In the Garden of Gethsemane…

Judas kissed Jesus on the cheek to identify him to the guards.

Judas shook hands with Jesus to identify him to the guards.

Judas bowed before Jesus to identify him to the guards.

Judas shouted Jesus’ name to identify him to the guards.

9. Why is the cross an important Christian symbol?

10. How does eating Easter eggs help Christians to remember Jesus at Easter time?

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 Easter

Answers
1. On the first Palm Sunday…

Jesus washed the feet of his disciples Jesus arrived in Jerusalem

Jesus’ body was placed in the tomb Jesus was crucified

2. What might you be given if you go to church on Palm Sunday?

Crosses made from palm leaves are given out as a symbol of the Christian faith.

3. The Last Supper took place on …

Palm Sunday Good Friday Easter Day

Maundy Thursday Holy Saturday

4. What is the significance of Holy Communion during church services today?

Holy Communion reminds Christians of Jesus’ sacrifice.

5. Why is the day called ‘Good Friday’?

Christians believe that Jesus gave His life for the ‘good’ of everyone, which is why the
day is called ‘Good’ Friday.

6. Match up the correct answers:

Good Friday A day of Christian celebration when Jesus came back to life.

Holy Saturday Jesus’ crucifixion took place on this day.

Easter Day Church services take place in the evening and the Easter candle is lit.

7. How did Mary Magdalene feel when she saw that Jesus’
body had disappeared from the tomb?

Mary Magdalene must have felt sad because she was weeping. She was upset because
she thought someone had taken Jesus’ body away.
 Easter
8. In the Garden of Gethsemane…

Judas kissed Jesus on the cheek to identify him to the guards.

Judas shook hands with Jesus to identify him to the guards.

Judas bowed before Jesus to identify him to the guards.

Judas shouted Jesus’ name to identify him to the guards.

9. Why is the cross an important Christian symbol?

The cross is an important Christian symbol because Christians believe Jesus was
crucified on the cross. Jesus gave His life for the ‘good’ of everyone and the cross is an
important reminder of this.

10. How does eating Easter eggs help Christians to remember Jesus at Easter time?

The egg is a sign of new life, just like when Jesus came back to life.
 Easter
Easter is the time when Christians call to mind the crucifixion and the resurrection
of Jesus, the Son of God.

The week leading up to Easter is called Holy Week (the final week of Lent).
During this time, Christians remember the last week of Jesus’ life. The dates
differ each year but Holy Week always begins on Palm Sunday.

The First Palm Sunday

Jesus travelled to Jerusalem for the Passover meal. He
told two of his followers to bring him a donkey. He also
said, “Tell the people of Jerusalem your King is coming,
He is gentle and riding on a donkey.” The followers did
as Jesus asked, they found and brought a donkey to Jesus
and laid their cloaks on its back for Jesus to sit on.

Palm leaves covered the ground as Jesus rode towards

Jerusalem. Crowds gathered and shouted, “Hosanna!
Hosanna! Blessed is the King of Israel!” This showed
that they believed in Him and that in their eyes, He was King.

When Jesus entered Jerusalem, an enormous, excited crowd welcomed

him, waving palm leaves and shouting, “Hosanna!” The people were so
pleased to see him. Jesus went to heal the lame and blind in the temple.

His popularity caused the leaders in Jerusalem to become wary,

envious and resentful towards Jesus.

Palm Sunday Today

Palm Sunday is the Sunday before Easter. Often, churches
hold special services to remember Jesus’ arrival into
Jerusalem. Palm leaf crosses are distributed to the congregation
as a symbol of the Christian faith.

The First Maundy Thursday

On Thursday, Jesus gathered His disciples together and washed
their feet. Just as He had served them, He instructed his disciples
to serve others.

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 Easter

Jesus celebrated Passover with His disciples, despite knowing that one of them
would betray Him. During the meal, Jesus broke the bread and blessed it. He
said that this represented His body and that they should eat it and remember
Him. Next, Jesus took a cup of wine and blessed it. He told them that this was
His blood and they should drink it in remembrance of Him. This is known as the
Last Supper.

Later, Jesus and His disciples visited the Garden of Gethsemane. Jesus prayed
and the disciples fell asleep. One of the disciples, Judas, entered the garden with
guards and priests by His side. Judas kissed Jesus on the cheek to signal who
Jesus was. The guards seized Jesus and He was taken away.

Maundy Thursday Today

The Queen distributes Maundy money to deserving senior
citizens. The coins are specially made for the occasion.

Christians re-enact the Last Supper at church

and this is called Holy Communion. The
congregation share wine and bread in
remembrance of how Jesus sacrificed
His life for mankind.

Did you know

Centuries ago, the monarch of the period would wash the feet of poor people
as a gesture of humility and in remembrance of Jesus’ actions. The last
monarch to do this was James II. Some churches still hold foot-washing
ceremonies on Maundy Thursday. The word ‘Maundy’ comes from a word
which means ‘command’.

The First Good Friday

Jesus was handed over to the Roman Governor, Pontius Pilate. It was His job
to decide what would happen to Jesus. Pilate consulted the crowd and they
shouted, ‘‘Crucify him!’’.

Jesus was made to carry a heavy, wooden cross through the city to the place
where He would be crucified. He was mocked and beaten by the Roman soldiers
and made to wear a crown of thorns.

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 Easter

Jesus was nailed to the cross. He was placed between two thieves who were also
being crucified. Soon after, Jesus died.

Good Friday Today

Good Friday is a day of mourning for Christians and special services are held
in church. Christians reflect on how Jesus sacrificed His own life so that others
could be forgiven for their sins. Christians believe that Jesus gave His life for the
‘good’ of everyone; hence the name ‘Good’ Friday. No floral decorations are used
in church at this time of year.

The First Holy Saturday

Holy Saturday was a day of mourning after the crucifixion.

Jesus’ body was lifted down from the cross, wrapped in a shroud and placed
in a tomb. A large and heavy stone was rolled in front of the entrance and a
Roman soldier stood on guard.

Following Jesus’ arrest, His disciples fled, hiding for fear of meeting the same fate.

Holy Saturday Today

Church services are held on the night of Holy Saturday and the Paschal candle,
also known as the Easter candle, is lit. This candle is much larger than a normal
candle.

The First Easter Sunday

One of Jesus’ friends, Mary Magdalene, visited the tomb. When she arrived, she
found that the huge stone had been rolled back and Jesus’ body had disappeared.
She ran to tell the disciples and some came to look for themselves.

Mary stayed by the tomb; she was weeping.

Someone spoke to her to ask why she was crying.
She explained that someone had taken Jesus’
body and that she didn’t know where it was.
“Mary,” said the stranger. Mary looked up to
see that the stranger was Jesus.

Jesus appeared to his disciples, and many

others, over the next 40 days. People came to
realise that he had risen from the dead.

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 Easter

Easter Sunday Today

Easter Sunday is a day of celebration for Christians. Jesus is believed to have
been resurrected on this day. The resurrection of Jesus is very important to
Christians as it gives them the promise of eternal life in heaven.

On this day, there are special church services, church bells ring and flowers
decorate the building.

Other Easter Traditions

Christians may get together with friends and family to eat
a special meal of celebration on Easter Sunday.

Another Easter tradition is eating hot cross buns. The cross

reminds Christians of Jesus’ sacrifice and resurrection.

Many people give and receive chocolate eggs at

Easter time as the egg is symbolic of new life, just
like when Jesus was resurrected.

Some families may also

eat Simnel cake. This is a special
fruit cake, the top layer of the cake is decorated
with 11 marzipan balls, one for each of the faithful
disciples. Judas (the 12th disciple) is left out because
he betrayed Jesus.

Some Christians also exchange Easter cards.

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 Easter

Questions
1. What do you think is meant by ‘deserving’ senior citizens?




2. The word ‘Maundy’ comes from a word which means ‘command’.

How does this relate to the story of the first Maundy Thursday?




3. Who was the last monarch to carry out the foot-washing ceremony on Maundy Thursday?

Charles I Elizabeth II

James II George I

4. During the Last Supper, what did Jesus say the bread and wine symbolised?




5. Why are palm leaf crosses given out to the congregation on Palm Sunday?

6. Why do you think Pontius Pilate made Jesus carry a large, heavy, wooden
cross through the city to the place where he was to be crucified?

7. Order the following events of Holy Week:

Easter Day Palm Sunday Holy Saturday Maundy Thursday Good Friday

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 Easter
Next, write down one thing that happened on that day during the first Holy Week.

8. Why is the Friday of Holy Week called ‘Good’ Friday when

something sad happened on that day?

9. How do you think Jesus’ faithful disciples felt on Holy Saturday?

10. What do hot cross buns, Easter eggs and Simnel cake symbolise?
Explain your answer in detail.

11. True or False? If the statement is false, write the correct answer.

• Judas identified Jesus to the guards by shaking his hand.

• Today, Good Friday is a day of mourning for Christians.

• Pontius Pilate was a Roman Governor

• For 70 days after the resurrection, Jesus appeared to his disciples and to many other people.

Extension: Find out about how Easter is celebrated in other parts of the world.

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 Easter

Answers
1. What do you think is meant by ‘deserving’ senior citizens?

I think the word ‘deserving’ means that the people who get the money must have done
something good to deserve it.

2. The word ‘Maundy’ comes from a word which means ‘command’.

How does this relate to the story of the first Maundy Thursday?

During the first Maundy Thursday, Jesus instructed his disciples to serve each other.
This was a command given by Jesus.

3. Who was the last monarch to carry out the foot-washing ceremony on Maundy Thursday?

Charles I Elizabeth II

James II George I

4. During the Last Supper, what did Jesus say the bread and wine symbolised?

During the Last Supper, Jesus said that the bread represented his body and the wine
represented his blood.

5. Why are palm leaf crosses given out to the congregation on Palm Sunday?

Palm leaf crosses are distributed to the congregation as a symbol of the Christian faith.

Palm leaves are used as people covered the ground with them as Jesus rode towards
Jerusalem. Also, when Jesus entered Jerusalem, an enormous crowd welcomed him,
waving palm leaves and shouting “Hosanna!”.

6. Why do you think Pontius Pilate made Jesus carry a large, heavy, wooden
cross through the city to the place where he was to be crucified?

Various answers - I think Pilate wanted to make Jesus suffer for His popularity.

7. Order the following events of Holy Week:

Easter Day Palm Sunday Holy Saturday Maundy Thursday Good Friday

Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday, Easter Day.

Next, write down one thing that happened on that day during the first Holy Week.

Answers may include:

Palm Sunday – Jesus travelled to Jerusalem for the Passover meal, people shouted
 Easter
“Hosanna! Hosanna! Blessed is the King of Israel!”, Jesus entered Jerusalem and was
welcomed by an enormous, excited crowd waving palm leaves and shouting “Hosanna!”,
Jesus went to heal the lame and blind in the temple.

Maundy Thursday – Jesus gathered his disciples together and washed their feet, Jesus
instructed His disciples to serve each other, Jesus celebrated Passover with His twelve
disciples. Jesus and His disciples visited the Garden of Gethsemane, Judas betrayed
Jesus, Jesus was seized and taken away by guards.

Good Friday – Jesus was handed over to the Roman Governor, Pontius Pilate, Jesus was
made to carry a heavy, wooden cross through the city to the place where he would be
crucified, Jesus was mocked and beaten by the Roman soldiers as he dragged the cross,
and made to wear a crown of thorns. Jesus was nailed to the cross, He was crucified
and died.

Holy Saturday - Holy Saturday was a day of mourning after the crucifixion, Jesus’ body
was lifted down from the cross, wrapped in a shroud and placed in a stone tomb, the
disciples were in hiding.

Easter Day – Mary Magdalene visited Jesus’ tomb, Mary found that the huge stone had
been rolled back and Jesus’ body had disappeared. Mary stayed by the tomb and Jesus
appeared to her. Jesus had risen from the dead, this is called the resurrection.

8. Why is the Friday of Holy Week called ‘Good’ Friday when

something sad happened on that day?

Christians believe that Jesus gave His life for the ‘good’ of everyone hence the name
‘Good’ Friday.

9. How do you think Jesus’ faithful disciples felt on Holy Saturday?

The disciples were in fear of meeting the same fate as Jesus which suggests they would
have been very frightened. They would have also been very sad.

10. What do hot cross buns, Easter eggs and Simnel cake symbolise?
Explain your answer in detail.

Hot cross buns, Easter eggs and Simnel cake all symbolise the Easter story in some way.
Simnel cake is decorated with 11 marzipan balls, one for each of the disciples. Judas
is left out because he betrayed Jesus. Hot cross buns have a cross on the top which
reminds Christians of Jesus’ sacrifice and resurrection and Easter eggs are symbolic of
new life, just like when Jesus was resurrected.
 Easter
11. True or False? If the statement is false, write the correct answer.

• Judas identified Jesus to the guards by shaking his hand.

False - Judas kissed Jesus on the cheek to signal who Jesus was to the guards.

• Today, Good Friday is a day of mourning for Christians.

True

• Pontius Pilate was a Roman Governor

True

• For 70 days after the resurrection, Jesus appeared to his disciples and to many other people.

False – Jesus appeared to his disciples, and many others, over the next 40 days.