Second Baptist Baytown

This week becomes very busy in most households with stuffing Easter baskets, dying eggs, school parties, family dinners, and buying new clothes.  But I would like to encourage you to take some time to reflect on the true celebration of Easter.  Why don't you try to have a family devotional time between now and Friday using the scriptures and activities listed below?  It would help you and your family focus on the reason Easter is just as special as Christmas.

Mark 11:1-11 - Jesus triumphanial entry (Palm Sunday).  This was a sweet day for Jesus, but he knew that soon he would be broken - or would die - for our sins. Make a sweet treat together as a family.

Mark 11:15- 18 - Jesus' cleaning of the temple.  You could decorate a worshipful space in your home for Easter week.

Mark 14:3-9 - This woman gave Jesus a gift that was very precious.  What gift can you give from your heart, too?

Matthew 26:14-16 - Judas betrayal.  Use 30 dimes and ask "Was Jesus' life on earth worth more than 30 pieces of silver? What is the true value of Jesus' life to our family?

John 13:1-5 - Jesus washed the disciples' feet. Take turns washing each other's hands and drying them as you express love to each other.

Mark 15:21-39 - Crucifixion. Make a cross from nails and light gauge wire and retell the story with each wrap.

Mark 15:42-47 - Jesus burial. Take turns wrapping each other in material or linens just as Jesus may've looked when prepared for burial. "How would you have felt if you had been there when Jesus died?  What would you have done?"

Talk about how the burial isn't the end of the story, but that it was a very sad day for Jesus' friends.

Luke 24:1-9 - Resurrection. Light a candle on a cupcake or cake.  Talk about how Jesus came to be the light of the world.

I pray that you will find time this week to dwell on the Scriptures and try to comprehend how much Jesus really loves you!