Easter Family Devotional

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We pray that this devotional will be a blessing and an
encouragement to your family as we celebrate the death and

resurrection of our Savior!

The Triumphal Entry ~ submitted by Earl Koch
Easter is coming. This week in the life of Jesus was nothing short of the pinnacle of history. The warriors of hell
faced off against the King of Heaven. Everything before this week looked forward to it, everything since has been
influenced by it…
The week began with what we call “The Triumphal Entry”, on what is now known as “Palm Sunday”. It’s described in
Matthew 21:1-11, Mark 11:1-11, Luke 19:28-44, and John 12:12-19. Choose one and read it. (Luke is my favorite.)
Jesus (in Hebrew “Yeshua”) resolutely set his face toward Jerusalem, knowing full well what the week held in store.
The short journey he made from Bethphage to Jerusalem that day was fully connected with significant prophecies.
Here are several:
1. The day. This day on the Jewish calendar (the 10th day of the first month) was “lamb selection day” (Ex. 12:3-6).
This was the day individuals and families were to choose a one-year-old male lamb without defect to be the main
part of their Passover meal. It was at the end of this day that Jesus and his disciples would have selected their
lamb for what would be the “Last Supper”.
2. The birthplace. The traditional sheep herd from which all Passover lambs were to be selected were tended by
special priest/shepherds in the pastures near Bethlehem. Sound familiar? Coincidence? Probably not.
3. The direction. Jesus came “from the east” as prophesied by Ezekiel.
4. The method. Jesus rode into the city on the colt of a donkey, as foretold in Zechariah 9:9.

5. The people’s shout. The war cry of the zealots (those who wanted to overthrow Roman rule) was “God Save Us!”
which in Hebrew was Ho-sha-NAH, translated Hosanna. Psalm 118:25, 26 “O Lord, save us...” The passage contin-
ues, “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord…” which are the very words these happy people used.
6. Use of Palm branches. Psalm 118:27 says, “…with boughs in hand, join in the festal procession”. History shows
that no palm branches were allowed within the city of Jerusalem by the Romans because the palm branch was the
symbol of the zealots.
The Pharisee’s reaction is worth noting as well. In Luke’s account, “Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Je-
sus, ‘Teacher, rebuke your disciples!’” Why? Because the normal, extremely brutal way Rome dealt with uprisings
in the empire was to swoop in and crucify dozens of prominent men of the city. How did Jesus answer the Phari-
sees? “If they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.”
We call it Palm Sunday. The divine plan had it all mapped out ahead of time. Coincidences? Probably not.
“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. O Lord, save us; O Lord grant us success. Blessed
is he who comes in the name of the Lord. From the house of the Lord we bless you. The Lord is God, and he has
made his light shine upon us. With boughs in hand, join in the festal procession up to the horns of the altar. You
are my God, and I will give you thanks; you are my God, and I will exalt you. Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
his love endures forever.” (Psalm 118:1, 25-29 NIV)

Today’s Activity:
Once you’ve read through today’s passage and thoughts, pull out some sheets of paper and something to write with.

Choose one person to go first, and have them select a room of the house without telling anyone which one. Once they’ve se-
lected it, have them write out detailed step-by-step directions to walk to that room (or if they’re too young to write, have them
simply tell you). To make it more of a challenge, have one person read the directions for someone else, who’s blindfolded, to
follow. Be sure to play long enough for everyone to have a chance at each role. Afterwards, huddle up and talk about what it’s
like to follow directions without knowing exactly where you’re going. Ask what it felt like to be blindfolded, and listening for
where you needed to go next. Talk about what it might have felt like for the Israelites to have some instructions and
“directions” for how the savior or “Messiah” would be coming, and yet when Jesus was actually here, how difficult it was to
actually recognize who He was and how He was going to save the world.

Jesus Cleansing the Temple—- submitted by Pastor Cameron Lucas
Read Mark 11:15-19

Who was driven out of the temple?
This event took place in what's called the Court of the Gentiles. It was a large plaza (larger than 6 football fields of
area!) where people would come to buy animals for sacrifice, take tours, exchange currency, and buy souvenirs.

Mark specifically mentions the people who sold pigeons. Read Leviticus 5:6-7.

Why do you think Mark specifically mentions these sellers?

Many of the people in this market were taking advantage of the devout poor who were trying to live up to the
strict standards of the Levitical law when it came to sacrifices. The people at the temple had lost God's vision for
the temple. God wanted it to be a house of prayer for EVERYONE! Jesus' taking over the temple with hostile words
and actions was a wake up call to all.

In what areas have you lost God's vision for your life?

Do you just show up at church and go through the motions?
Do you just show up at your job so you can get a paycheck?
Do you just show up at school so you can get a grade?
Do you just show up for your family and put in the bare minimum?

Where do you need a wakeup call?

What can you do as a family to refocus on God together?

God wants you to be intentional with every part of your life and with everyone you interact with.

Ask God to reveal the areas you need to refocus and to give you the power and courage to make those changes

Today’s Activity:
Jesus’ Cleansing the Temple – Mark 11:15-33; Matthew 21:33-46

Find a small object that can be hidden easily without getting lost (a small doll, an action figure, or a matchbox
car would work great. If you want to increase the difficulty, use something smaller like a thimble or a lego mini fig.)
Gather in the living room or somewhere with a good amount of space and play a game of “Hot and Cold” with your
item. Choose one person to be the “hider” and another person to be the “finder.” Have the “finder” leave the room
while the “hider” hides the object somewhere in the room. When the “finder” comes back, the “hider” will say
“hot” or “cold” based on how far away from the hidden object the “finder” is. Everyone else will be the
“distractors” and will also say “hot” or “cold,” but at random times in random ways, with no relation to the actual
hidden object. After everyone has had a chance to be both the “hider” and the “finder,” huddle up and talk about
what happened. Ask how it felt to be the “finder” with all the distractions of everyone calling out poor directions.
Ask how frustrating it was to be the “hider” with someone else also trying to give directions. Talk about how God
might feel what we lose focus of what He wants for you as a family. Talk about ways that you might be distracted
as a family from the goal that God has for you.

"Mary Annoints Jesus" - submitted by Pastor Carol Sheldon
John 12:1-8

1. tanybeh____________________________________(Town that the annointing of Jesus took place)
2. taharm_____________________________________(Person who served Jesus a meal)

3. rsuzala_____________________________________(Person who reclined at the same table as Jesus)

4. dnra_______________________________________(Name of perfume that was put on Jesus feet)
5. rhai____________________________(Item used to wipe the perfume on Jesus feet)
6. ether dnuhder iinared ____________________________________________________(Amount of money that Judas
wanted from selling this perfume) (3 words)
7. fplire_____________________________________(What did Judas do with any money he received?)
8. lbuiar ____________________________________( For what thing did Jesus tell Mary to save the money?)
9. cihfe tsseipr_______________________________(Who came to put Lazarus to death?)
10. wjes_____________________________(What group of people left to follow Jesus?)
Memorization: Memory Verse: Mark 14: 8 and 9...."She has done what she could; she has annointed my body be-
forehand for the burial. Truly, I say to you, wherever the gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman
has done will also be spoken of in memory of her."
Summary: The word “serving” is important here to remember because Mary had compassion for Jesus as he was
about to be put to death.

Mary used what she had and served at an appropriate time.
She did what she could:

1. While at Simon’s home…she anointed Jesus with costly perfume. She gave what she could.
2. She could have sold this perfume and given the proceeds to feed many poor people. She gave what she could.
3. Custom in those days, was that the dead were anointed with perfumes and oils. She recognized that the per-
fume was a symbol to show compassion to Jesus before his burial. She showed compassion to him before he
died. She gave what she could. And in a timely manner.
We know that Jesus gave what he could by giving his whole life to save all of us. Mary gave what she could by
anointing Him with her most precious earthly possession (perfume) to recognize that Jesus was her Savior and he
was giving her the most precious possession of His life…so that she (and us) would have Eternal life.

Activity:
Friends in Bethany/Anointing of Jesus – Mark 14:1-9; John 12:1-8

Gather some interesting and distinctive smelling things, either from the kitchen or from around the house.
Some of these could include (but wouldn’t be limited to) garlic, cinnamon, bath soap, cookies, potato chips, or any
other nice smelling food or object. Put them each in an individual container or bag that you can’t see into. Mix
them around so you don’t know which thing is in which container. Have everyone take turns smelling without
looking inside, and then guessing which thing is inside which container. You could even give everyone index
cards or slips of paper that they could write down their guesses before revealing it to everyone. Huddle up after-
wards and talk about how the woman gave her very expensive and nice smelling perfume to Jesus. We don’t nec-
essarily have perfume to give, but even everyday objects and actions can be very pleasing to God. It makes Him
incredibly happy when we serve and give of what we have, whether that’s our things, or even just our time. Take
some time to brainstorm some ways that you, as a family, can give of your best to God and the people He’s placed
in your life.

Faithfulness and Betrayal - submitted by Pastor Craig Ziese
Matthew 25:31-46 and Luke 22:1-6
In these two passages, we see the cross roads coming towards one another at full speed. Jesus, knowing the time
for His crucifixion has come, is daily teaching the crowds. Every day in this final week of His life He shares axioms
of the kingdom that demand careful thought and consideration. His teachings during this week force those who
are following after Him to make a choice. He leaves no middle ground. It even forces those closest to Him to make
a choice, to finally decide to whom they will show their faith and allegiance.

Read Matthew 25:31-46 – The new axiom in the kingdom Jesus will establish measures our worthiness in God’s
eyes by behavior related to the needs of humanity, not a list of rules. Entrance into heaven will be granted or de-
nied based upon actions that demonstrate the same kind of love for our fellow humans as God has for us. This is
quite foreign to the thinking of the people. The crowds following after Jesus are daily confronted with a king
whose purpose is diabolically opposed to their own. The one for whom Palm branches and robes were laid down
on Sunday isn’t talking or behaving like they expected. Jesus would leave no middle ground.

Read Luke 22:1-6 – It becomes very clear that one of the disciples has been waffling in middle ground. Judas’ alle-
giance is paper thin. Here in the middle of the week, he is forced to step out of the grey. As the days of this week
unfold and the final teachings call for a line in the sand, force those who have been following Jesus to choose, Ju-
das chooses betrayal.
The Jesus of the gospels forces us to make the same choice. He claims things and behaves in ways that won’t allow
for us to honestly sit in the grey. In the middle of this Easter week, you have the same choice in front of you. Jesus
claims Himself King. He lays out behavioral standards for those who would choose to enter His kingdom. He clari-
fies the cost of your choice.

Questions to ponder:
Does your daily behavior and attitude measure up to this teaching from Jesus?
Is this a hard teaching for you? Why?
In what ways does your daily behavior demonstrate faithfulness and allegiance?
In what ways have your betrayed Him?
What is one way you can demonstrate “sheep” behavior this week?

Today’s Activity:
Faithfulness and Betrayal – Mark 12:28-34; Matthew 25:31-46; Luke 22:1-6; Mark 14:43-46

Jesus offered some specific examples of how to behave towards those in need. Huddle up as a family and come up with a
game plan for one or two ways that you can help someone in need. Below are a couple of examples. Feel free to use these, or
come up with your own.
1) Go through your closets, and pull out any clothes (in good condition) that you don’t wear more than once a month. Bring
them all together and be sure it’s all clean (maybe run a load or two through the laundry, just to be sure). After you’ve gath-
ered it all, sort it by size and type (i.e. pants, shirts, coats, etc.) and put it in bags. Set the bags aside until Monday, March 28,
sometime between 6pm-7:30pm, and then bring them to the NCO dropoff location at The Chapel in Troutdale: 27132 SE
Stark St. Troutdale, OR 97060. You can check other locations and times here:

http://www.northwestchildrensoutreach.org/hoursdirections.php

2) Find out if you have a neighbor or friends who could use a warm meal. Plan and prepare it together as a family. Assign each
person a task in preparations. Someone could be in charge of picking out some inexpensive plates/utensils, someone could
be in charge of making juice or punch to go with the meal, various individuals could help with the actual food prep and cook-
ing, and someone else could be in charge of clean up. Just be sure that everyone is involved and has a task. Be sure to con-
tact whomever you’re bringing the meal to, so they know you’re coming over and you can plan on which day you’ll bring them
the meal. If they won’t be eating the meal today, have the food in freezer/microwave safe containers, so it can easily be put
in the freezer and the heated up again. Take the meal over all together as a family, then come home, huddle up, and pray that
they would be blessed and know God’s love for them.

The Upper Room - submitted by Pastor Craig Ziese
John 13:1-20
In this passage, Jesus demonstrates the behavior of one who is great in God’s kingdom (servanthood) and the pur-
pose (to wash away the filth of sin from humanity). Mark 14:22-25 – In this passage, Jesus explains how he is go-
ing to wash away the filth of sin as the final Passover Lamb.
Jesus gathers with his disciples to participate in the yearly celebration of Passover. This ritual established by God
not only protects the Israelites from the angel of death that night, but it would remind them every year of their de-
liverance from the bondage of slavery. However, Jesus, once again uses the evening to display very clearly that He
is the fulfillment of all things.

Read John 13:1-20
Take note of the discussion on washing and cleansing. Jesus is using this evening to move historical and temporal
rituals to deeper eternal truths and realities.
In all of the commotion and preparation of this special day, something had been forgotten. Jesus takes note and
waits for the right moment to correct the oversight, an act for which any good host in His day would have arranged.
In the heated moment of a conversation about position, authority and power Jesus quietly yet purposefully strips
down, grabs a towel and basin and begins to correct that which had been missed. A simple act of good hospitality.
Jesus had been given all things, had all power, deserved the “place of prominence” and yet refrains from exercis-
ing it in way of the flesh. Instead, Jesus would even stoop to serve and wash the feet of the one who would betray
Him. At this final meal with his disciples, Jesus demonstrates by example two reasons for His incarnation – To serve
the needs of humanity even knowing they would betray, deny and leave Him alone and to wash us clean from our
pride and sin.

Read Mark 14:22-25
Take note how Jesus changes the purpose of the central part of the Passover Seder. Jesus took the middle one of
the three pieces of matzo, the piece that stood for the priest or mediator between God and the people, broke it as
His body would be broken, wrapped half in a linen napkin as he would be wrapped in linen for burial, hidden it as
he would be buried, brought it back as he would be resurrected, and distributed it to everyone seated with him, as
He would distribute His life to all who believe. As He did this, he was conscious that this middle piece of matzo
represented His own, spotless body given for the redemption of His people.
He then takes the third for four cups of wine consumed during the meal. This is the cup of redemption, which re-
minds us of the shed blood of the innocent Lamb which brought our redemption from Egypt. We see that Jesus
took the third cup in Luke 22:20 and 1 Corinthians 11:25, "In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying,
'This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.'" This was not
just any cup, it was the cup of redemption from slavery into freedom. This is our communion cup.
The lesson began by the washing of feet and ends as the unleavened bread (Afikomon) is broken, eaten and
washed down with the 3rd cup of wine, the cup of redemption. Jesus both demonstrated and participated in the
last teaching of His purpose in coming here at the Last Supper.
Write here how this display of humility most deeply affects you.
What emotion or action does forgiveness stir in you?
What change needs to take place in your life because of the events of the Last Supper?

Today’s Activity:
Gather your family around the table and have everyone take turns washing each other’s feet. Then ask, how did
you feel both as the foot washer and as the one whose feet were being washed? Do we need to make changes in
our family because of this experience?

Good Friday - Jesus’ Death - submitted by Pastor Tom Santillanes
Read Mark 14:32–15:47

As I write this thought, I’m on my way to Africa. I’m reminded that Christians all over the world are remembering
Jesus’ death today.

Jesus was arrested late in the night and then stood trial before He being crucified. Just before dark on Friday, Je-
sus’ body was taken down from the cross and buried. Friday was a hard day, especially if you followed Jesus. As I
read the Biblical account of Jesus’ death I am astonished by the things Jesus said that day. He spoke many
thoughtful words. A few of His words really stick out to me.

Luke quotes them for us (Luke 13:34), “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”

Jesus is living out what He had taught others to do.

“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your
enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he
makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.” Matthew 5:43-45 ESV

On Good Friday, on the cross, Jesus forgave and loved everyone, even those who were hostile to Him.

As Jesus followers we know we should love our enemies. There are still bigger lessons here. The one lesson Good
Friday teaches us is that Jesus forgave those who put Him to death on the cross - He forgives us too!

As you consider Good Friday, what does it mean for you to be forgiven by Jesus?

And over His head they put the charge against Him, which read, ‘This is Jesus, the King of the Jews.’
Matthew 27:37 (ESV)

Today’s Activity:
Jesus Suffered and Died – Mark 14:32-15:47

After you’ve sat down together as a family and read through today’s passage, talk about what it must have felt
like for Jesus’ followers when He died on the cross. Talk about how hard it must have been for God to let His son
die. Gather up some paper and coloring supplies, and have everyone draw, paint, or color a picture of a cross.
Leave room to write John 3:16 on the bottom (either the whole verse or just the reference). Hang your pictures up
in a prominent area, so you’ll all be able to see them and remember what Jesus did for us and how much He loves
us all. Be sure to look at tomorrow devotion either tonight or in the morning, as the activity will last for the whole
day.

Jesus is Dead.

Read Psalm 22

Yesterday, Jesus was killed and buried. Jesus stayed in the tomb until Sunday morning. What do we do with Satur-
day? On Saturday, Jesus and His followers were mourning, especially since they thought everything was over. They
thought this was the end of the Jesus’ movements and the mourned.

First century people mourned - they mourned loudly, it was messy and very emotional. Certain clothes were worn
to identify their mourning. Some would wear ashes on their heads or tear their clothes to signify their mourning.
Others would be still and silent for lengthy periods of time.

While hanging on the cross, Jesus quoted Psalm 22. Although the Psalm begins with, “My God, my God, why have

You forsaken me? the Psalm ends with a high level of praise, security and confidence in God.
”,

Saturday is an awkward day. There are many ways to indicate you are mourning the loss. In many traditional church
settings there are hymns sung to indicate the day of mourning. Some backgrounds will refrain from doing anything
on Saturday - no shopping - no TV - no working.

This hymn, “O Sacred Head Now Wounded is over 900 years old and became popular when J.S. Bach wrote a
”,

melody for it in the 1700’s. Consider these few verses:

O sacred Head, now wounded, What Thou, my Lord, hast suffered, What language shall I borrow
‘Twas all for sinners' gain; To thank Thee, dearest friend,
With grief and shame weighed down,
Now scornfully surrounded Mine, mine was the transgression, For this Thy dying sorrow,
But Thine the deadly pain. Thy pity without end?
With thorns, Thine only crown; Lo, here I fall, my Savior!
How pale Thou art with anguish, 'Tis I deserve Thy place; O make me Thine forever,
Look on me with Thy favor,
with sore abuse and scorn! Vouch safe to me Thy grace And should I fainting be,
Lord, let me never, never
How doth Thy visage languish,
which once was bright as morn! Outlive my love for Thee.

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” John 10:11 ESV

Today’s Activity:
Jesus Suffered and Died – Mark 14:32-15:47

After you’ve sat down together as a family and read through today’s passage, talk about what it must have felt
like for Jesus’ followers when He died on the cross. Talk about how hard it must have been for God to let His son
die. Gather up some paper and coloring supplies, and have everyone draw, paint, or color a picture of a cross.
Leave room to write John 3:16 on the bottom (either the whole verse or just the reference). Hang your pictures up
in a prominent area, so you’ll all be able to see them and remember what Jesus did for us and how much He loves
us all. Be sure to look at tomorrow devotion either tonight or in the morning, as the activity will last for the whole
day.

Jesus is ALIVE!
Read Mark 16:1–8 and John 20

The last week of Jesus’ life is filled with plenty of emotions. I find it interesting that Palm Sunday is a day of cele-
bration and Easter Sunday is a day of celebration. The last week of Jesus’ life begins with a party and ends with a
party.

Why? Because from complete death, Jesus powerfully rose from the dead. The power of God opened the sealed
tomb and Jesus emerged. He first met Mary and some other women. Then He appeared to His disciples. Jesus was
more alive than ever.

From the resurrection from the dead, Jesus reminded all His followers that He was building a new kingdom.

Today, we worship to remember this resurrection because Jesus defeated death.
We fear death for ourselves and for those we love. Yet, Easter reminds us that He is greater than death.

Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in Me, though he die, yet shall he live, and every-
one who lives and believes in Me shall never die” (John 11:25–26 ESV)

This is a promise that belongs to us. This is why this day is filled with overflowing joy.

Today’s Activity:
Mark 16:1-8; John 20

Today is a day of celebration! And one way that we can celebrate is by dancing! Put together a playlist of some
fun, upbeat songs (they don’t necessarily need to be Christian-themed, but that’s not a bad idea. If you go the
channel Christian Lyric 101 (https://www.youtube.com/ChristianLyric101) on YouTube, there’s some great
playlists you can use). Then spend a half an hour just bouncing around and dancing with each other to some great
songs, celebrating that Jesus is alive! Do your best to really jump into this. Remember, that your kids will only be
as into it and enthusiastic as you are. Don’t be afraid to look a little silly! Jesus loves it when we celebrate His love,
no matter how goofy it might look!