Easter Week Family Devotional
“From the Cross to the Empty Tomb:A 5-Day Guide for Holy Week”
I know how busy Holy Week can be, and with so many options flooding your feed for how to make Easter special, I wanted to offer you something simple that can be used during devotions.
How to Use This 5-Day Devotional
Each day you will do 4 simple things:
Read the Scripture out loud
Explain the Truth (short + clear)
Ask 2–3 Questions
Pray together
This should take 10–15 minutes total.
DAY 1: The King Who Came Low
Read the Scripture
Matthew 21:6–11
Explain the Truth
Jesus didn’t enter Jerusalem like a proud political king. He came humble, riding on a donkey. The crowd shouted “Hosanna” (it means “save us now!”), but they didn’t understand the kind of salvation He came to bring.They wanted rescue from Rome, but Jesus came to rescue them from sin.Much like today, people would love if Jesus would give them the things they want, but Jesus came to give people what they need. He came to save souls.
Discussion Questions
Why did the people want Jesus?
Have you ever wanted Jesus just to fix something for you?
What kind of King is Jesus really?
Pray
Jesus, help us not just want what You give, but to love You for who You are as the Savior for our sins and the Lord of our lives.
DAY 2: The Cost of Sin
Read the Scripture
Luke 23:32–43
Explain the Truth
Jesus was crucified between two criminals. One mocked Him. The other believed in Him. Both were guilty, just like we all are (Romans 3:23). But only one was saved, because only one believed that Jesus was the Son of God. Salvation is not about being “better,” it’s about trusting Jesus.
Discussion Questions
What did the second criminal believe about Jesus?
Can we earn our way to God?
What does it mean to trust Jesus?
Pray
Jesus, thank You for dying on the cross and paying the penalty for our sin. Help us to trust in You each day and live by faith in You.
DAY 3: It Is Finished
Read the Scripture
John 19:30
Explain the Truth
Jesus’ final words on the cross were: “It is finished.” Those three powerful words don’t just mean that Jesus died, they mean that His work was complete! Sin was paid for. The debt was cleared. Nothing needs to be added in order for a sinner to be saved.
Discussion Questions
What do you think “It is finished” means?
Why can’t we add to what Jesus did?
Do you ever feel like you have to “earn” God’s love?
Pray
Jesus, thank You that You finished the work. Help us rest in what You’ve done.
DAY 4: The Silent Saturday
Read the Scripture
Matthew 27:57–61
Explain the Truth
Jesus is buried. The tomb is sealed. Everything feels quiet. This is the day where it looks like nothing is happening. But God is always working, even when it feels silent.
Discussion Questions
How do you think Jesus’ followers felt that day?
Have you ever felt like God was silent?
Why can we trust God even when we don’t see what He’s doing?
Pray
God, help us trust You even when life feels quiet or confusing.
DAY 5: He Is Risen
Read the Scripture
Matthew 28:5–6
Explain the Truth
The tomb is empty and Jesus is alive. This changes everything! Because of the resurrection, sin’s curse has lost its grip on us, death is defeated, the grave has been denied, and our hope is alive!
Discussion Questions
Why is it important that Jesus rose from the dead?
What does the resurrection mean for us today?
How should we live if Jesus is alive?
Pray
Jesus, thank You for laying down Your life and conquering death so that we might live. Help us to live in light of what you have done, not just during Easter, but every day that follows.
Ideas for Young Families
We have six kids ages 11 down to 1, and family devotions aren’t always tidy, orderly, or without interruption. If you have young children, incorporate some creative options if it helps to engage them and keep them focused.
Let each child take turns reading
Have kids draw the scene each day
Print coloring sheets that reflect each day
End Day 5 with an Easter celebration (dessert, a worship song, etc.)
