How To Talk To Kids About The Easter Story

Written By Rev. Jonathan Perry

As we approach Easter, I’ve heard from several parents wondering how to talk with their children about the story of Jesus’ death and resurrection. Honestly? I share those questions, too!

Easter is at the heart of the Christian story—but it can be a hard one to share with kids. There’s life and death in it. Pain, power, and mystery. Some families believe it happened exactly as it’s written in the Bible. Others see it as a powerful story of love and renewal, whether or not it happened just that way.

Wherever you are, that’s okay. There’s room for you here.

Here are a few gentle, life-giving ways to talk with your kids that invite curiosity, compassion, and hope.

1. Start with Wonder, Not Fear

It’s okay to begin with wonder rather than having all the answers. In fact, that’s often the best way to approach the mystery of faith—especially with children. Instead of trying to explain everything, you can open the door to curiosity and connection. Try saying:

“Easter is the story Christians tell about God’s love being stronger than anything—even death. What do you wonder about that?”

This kind of open-ended question creates space for your child’s imagination and heart to engage with the story at their own pace.

👉 When we lead with wonder, we make space for hope to grow.

2. Be Gentle With the Hard Parts

The crucifixion is a painful story. But it doesn’t have to be scary. You don’t need to go into graphic detail to be honest. Younger children especially benefit from gentle, age-appropriate framing that acknowledges suffering while centering love. You might say:

“Some people were afraid of how Jesus loved so boldly. They hurt him, and he died. But we believe that wasn’t the end of the story.”

This kind of language tells the truth without overwhelming a young heart. It models empathy and shows that even in sadness, God is close.

👉 Even in sadness, God’s love keeps going.

3. Let Resurrection Be About Hope

You don’t have to explain how it all happened—especially when even adults wrestle with that! Focus on what the story means instead of how it works. Easter is a celebration of love, renewal, and God bringing life out of death. You can say:

“Some believe Jesus came back to life. Others think the story reminds us that God brings new life out of hard things. Either way, Easter says love wins.”

This keeps the emphasis on hope, while honoring different ways families approach the mystery of resurrection.

👉 If things are hard, the story’s not over.

4. Make Room for Questions and Doubt

Not every parent—or child—believes the same things. That’s okay. You can model that faith doesn’t require certainty, and that doubt and questions are part of the journey. You might say:

“Some people believe every part of the story happened exactly like it says in the Bible. Others believe it’s true in a different kind of way. What do you think?”

This shows your child that their thoughts and questions are valid—and it gives them space to grow a faith that’s honest and resilient.

👉 Questions can lead us deeper into love.

5. Connect Easter to Everyday Life

The best theology is lived. Easter isn’t just about something that happened a long time ago—it’s also about how we see the world today. You can help your child recognize Easter in everyday moments:

“Have you ever seen something beautiful come out of something hard? Or felt love even when you were sad?”

These questions teach kids that hope is not just an idea—it’s a reality we’re invited to notice and participate in. More than a one-time event, Easter is the way God works!

👉 Easter reminds us that hope shows up in real life, too. 

6. Come Back to the Heart of the Story

At its core, Easter tells us something about who God is. And we see that most clearly in Jesus. Through him, we see a God who loves us, forgives us, heals what is broken, and brings life where we least expect it. The good news is this:

“Easter tells us that God’s love and life are stronger than anything—even death. And that love is for everyone.”

This is the kind of story kids (and grown-ups) need. It reminds us that if life feels hard, it doesn’t mean we’ve come to the end.

👉 If life feels hard right now, remember: it’s not the end of the story.

Easter invites us into a story that is both tender and powerful—a story full of mystery, love, and hope. As parents and caregivers, we don’t need all the answers to guide our children well. We just need the courage to walk with them, ask good questions, and trust that wonder, compassion, and honesty will lead the way. Whether you hold the story of Easter as literal truth, symbolic meaning, or something in between, its heart remains the same: love is stronger than death, and hope always has the final word. May that truth find its way into your home, your conversations, and your hearts this season.

Announcing A New Pastor

Beginning on July 7, 2024, Arapaho United Methodist Church is excited to announce that our new senior pastor will be Rev. Jonathan Perry. Pastor Jonathan along with his wife Lindsey and two children, will be joining AUMC from First United Methodist of Denton. Pastor Jonathan has been serving as their Executive Pastor of Strategic Leadership as well as Pastor of Open Worship. Additionally, Pastor Jonathan's work has centered and continues to center on social justice, leading interfaith partnerships, racial justice initiatives, as well as supporting immigrants and asylum seekers.

Rev. Jonathan Perry, an Ordained Elder in the United Methodist Church, has been appointed as Senior Pastor of Arapaho United Methodist Church. Jonathan and his family come to our church from First United Methodist Church of Denton, TX, where he served as Executive Pastor of Strategic Leadership and Pastor of Open Worship. His ministry has been marked by a dedication to creativity, collaboration, and inclusivity, fostering vibrant faith communities where all are welcome and find belonging and sacred purpose.

Jonathan and his wife, Dr. Lindsey Perry, have been married for 18 years and have two children: Hudson, age 10, and Grace, age 7, as well as a cute pup named Bella, and an 18-year old cat with seniority named Kitty. Lindsey works for Compassion International, a faith-based international development agency that serves children in extreme poverty in 26 countries around the world. Prior to coming to Arapaho, Jonathan served at FUMC Denton beginning in 2016, when he was first appointed as Associate Pastor to establish Open Worship, an inclusive worship community dedicated to embracing diversity and providing a safe space for all, particularly the LGBTQ+ community and others whose faith journeys left them searching for a home.

In 2021, Jonathan was named Executive Pastor of FUMC Denton while continuing to serve as pastor of Open Worship. In this dual role, he led the staff and spearheaded strategic initiatives with laity, including a campus master plan, financial sustainability pathways, and affordable housing initiatives, as well as missional work in areas like racial reconciliation and care for immigrants and asylum seekers at the Border and in the DFW area.

Jonathan's passion for serving both in the Methodist tradition and with those from other backgrounds deconstructing and reconstructing faith is shaped by his own journey. Jonathan grew up in Panama City, Florida, as the son of a pastor in the Baptist tradition. After much seeking, it was in the community and theology of the United Methodist Church that he found a spiritual home and a renewed sense of purpose.

Jonathan, Lindsey, and their family are excited to embark on the next chapter of their ministry at Arapaho UMC. With a focus on building relationships, empowering the church, and serving others. They look forward to contributing to the vibrant community and amazing work taking place at Arapaho UMC as it continues to be a creative, constructive, forward-leaning Christian community, committed to becoming more like Jesus Christ.