The Empty Basket Easter Basket Object Lesson

Show the children the Easter basket and ask them if they have ever received an Easter basket before. Ask them what they usually find inside an Easter basket.

Explain that today, the Easter basket is empty. Ask the children how they feel about that. Explain that the empty basket represents the empty tomb where Jesus was buried.

Read the Bible verses about Easter and explain their meaning to the children. Matthew 28:5-6 tells us that when the women came to Jesus' tomb on the third day, they found it empty, and an angel told them that Jesus had risen. John 20:1-18 and Luke 24:1-12 tell similar stories of Jesus' resurrection.

Ask the children to think about what it means that Jesus rose from the dead. Explain that Jesus' resurrection shows us that he has power over death and sin, and that he is alive and with us today.

Optional: Provide small cards or slips of paper and pens or markers. Ask the children to write or draw something that they are thankful for because of Jesus' resurrection. It can be anything from forgiveness of sins to the promise of eternal life. They can put their cards or slips of paper in the empty Easter basket.

Conclusion: Emphasize that the empty Easter basket represents the hope and joy that we have because of Jesus' resurrection. Encourage the children to remember the meaning of Easter and to share the hope and joy with others.