Easter is one of the most meaningful celebrations in the Christian faith. For preschoolers, it’s a wonderful opportunity to introduce the story of Jesus in a gentle, joyful, and age-appropriate way. Sharing Bible stories during the Easter season can help young hearts understand the love of Jesus, His sacrifice, and His resurrection in ways they can grasp. Below are 10 carefully selected Bible Easter stories for preschoolers that are simple, easy to tell, and full of hope.
1. Jesus Rides a Donkey (Palm Sunday)
Scripture: Matthew 21:1–11
Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem is a beautiful starting point for the Easter story. Preschoolers will love the image of Jesus riding a donkey as people wave palm branches and shout, “Hosanna!”
Why it’s great for preschoolers:
This story introduces Jesus as a kind and gentle King. Children enjoy pretending to wave palm branches and can even reenact the scene with stuffed animals or simple crafts.
Lesson to share:
Jesus is a special King who brings peace and love. We can praise Him with joyful hearts!
2. The Last Supper
Scripture: Matthew 26:17–30
The Last Supper teaches about friendship and Jesus’ love. Jesus shared a special meal with His disciples and told them to remember Him.
Why it’s great for preschoolers:
Children understand meals and sharing. You can create a simple activity by sharing bread and juice, explaining that Jesus shared His love with His friends.
Lesson to share:
Jesus loves His friends and wants us to remember Him and love others too.
3. Jesus Washes His Disciples’ Feet
Scripture: John 13:1–17
On the night before He died, Jesus showed His disciples how to serve others by washing their feet.
Why it’s great for preschoolers:
This story teaches humility in a very physical, relatable way. Preschoolers can help wash dolls’ feet or their own hands while learning that serving others is an act of love.
Lesson to share:
Jesus wants us to be kind and help others, just like He did.
4. Jesus Prays in the Garden
Scripture: Luke 22:39–46
After the Last Supper, Jesus went to a garden to pray. He was sad and scared but still trusted God.
Why it’s great for preschoolers:
Children understand the idea of being scared. This story helps them see that it’s okay to be afraid and that we can always talk to God.
Lesson to share:
When we’re scared or sad, we can pray like Jesus did. God listens to our prayers.
5. Jesus Dies on the Cross
Scripture: Matthew 27:32–56
Jesus gave His life for us on the cross. This part of the Easter story can be shared simply, focusing on Jesus’ great love.
Why it’s great for preschoolers:
Though this is a serious story, preschoolers can understand that Jesus loves them so much that He made a big sacrifice. Use gentle language and focus on the love behind the event.
Lesson to share:
Jesus loves us so much that He died for us, but that’s not the end of the story!
6. The Tomb Is Sealed
Scripture: Matthew 27:57–66
After Jesus died, His friends placed Him in a tomb, and a big stone was rolled in front.
Why it’s great for preschoolers:
Children are fascinated by big things like stones and caves. This part sets the stage for the surprise of the resurrection.
Lesson to share:
Jesus’ body was placed in a tomb, but God had a big plan coming next!
7. The Stone Is Rolled Away (Resurrection Morning)
Scripture: Matthew 28:1–10
On Easter morning, some women went to the tomb and found it empty. An angel said, “Jesus is not here. He has risen!”
Why it’s great for preschoolers:
This is the heart of the Easter message, and it’s full of wonder and joy. Preschoolers love surprises, and the empty tomb is the best surprise ever!
Lesson to share:
Jesus is alive! That’s why we celebrate Easter—Jesus rose again!
8. Jesus Appears to Mary Magdalene
Scripture: John 20:11–18
Mary Magdalene was sad at the tomb, but then Jesus appeared to her, and she was so happy to see Him alive!
Why it’s great for preschoolers:
This story shows emotions children can relate to—sadness turning into joy. It also reminds them that Jesus cares about each person.
Lesson to share:
Jesus knows us and loves us. When we’re sad, He brings us joy.
9. The Road to Emmaus
Scripture: Luke 24:13–35
Two disciples were walking and talking about Jesus when He appeared and walked with them, though they didn’t recognize Him at first.
Why it’s great for preschoolers:
Preschoolers love walks and stories. This story shows that Jesus is with us, even when we don’t see Him right away.
Lesson to share:
Jesus walks with us and helps us understand God’s love.
10. Jesus and the Big Breakfast (Jesus Appears to His Disciples)
Scripture: John 21:1–14
After His resurrection, Jesus met His friends by the sea and made breakfast for them.
Why it’s great for preschoolers:
The image of Jesus cooking breakfast for His friends is warm and familiar. Kids can relate to mealtime and friendship.
Lesson to share:
Jesus takes care of us and wants to spend time with us.
How to Share These Stories With Preschoolers
Keep It Short and Sweet
Preschoolers have short attention spans. Stick to one story at a time, and use simple sentences and key phrases like “Jesus loves you” or “Jesus is alive.”
Use Visual Aids
Children love pictures, puppets, felt boards, and colorful storybooks. Show them scenes like the empty tomb or Jesus riding a donkey.
Include Songs and Movement
Songs like “Hosanna,” “Jesus Loves Me,” or “He’s Alive” help reinforce the message. Movement activities like waving pretend palm branches or pretending to walk to Emmaus add fun and engagement.
Involve All the Senses
Let preschoolers touch things like smooth stones (representing the tomb) or taste a simple snack to remember the Last Supper. Engaging the senses helps cement the lesson in their hearts.
Ask Simple Questions
Examples:
- “Who rode the donkey?”
- “What did the angel say?”
- “Who did Jesus talk to after He came back?”
These questions help children recall and reflect.
Easter Storytime Tips for Parents and Teachers
Be Gentle with the Crucifixion Story
When telling about Jesus’ death, focus on the love of Jesus rather than the painful details. Say something like, “Jesus died on the cross because He loves us so much. But don’t worry—He didn’t stay dead!”
Celebrate the Joy of Easter
Preschoolers may not fully understand all the theology, but they can feel the excitement and joy of the resurrection. Celebrate with songs, crafts, and even a mini Easter party focused on Jesus.
Reinforce the Message All Week
Stretch the stories over Holy Week:
- Sunday: Palm Sunday
- Thursday: The Last Supper
- Friday: Jesus Dies for Us
- Sunday: Jesus Is Alive!
This helps build anticipation and understanding.
Fun Easter Activities to Go With the Stories
Resurrection Eggs
Fill plastic eggs with small items that represent parts of the Easter story—like a cross, a nail, a stone, and a piece of cloth. Let children open each egg as you tell the story.
Easter Coloring Pages
Provide coloring pages with scenes like Jesus riding a donkey, the empty tomb, or Jesus and the disciples having breakfast.
Easter Storybook Craft
Help children make a little Easter booklet with drawings for each story: Palm Sunday, The Last Supper, The Cross, and The Empty Tomb.
Snack Ideas
- Grape juice and bread (Last Supper)
- Donkey-shaped cookies (Palm Sunday)
- “Empty Tomb” cookies made with a marshmallow center
Final Thoughts
Easter is a time of celebration, wonder, and hope—and even the youngest children can experience its joy. These 10 Bible Easter stories for preschoolers gently lead little ones through the journey of Jesus’ love, sacrifice, and triumph over death. By telling the story in a simple, loving way, you can plant seeds of faith that will grow as they grow.
So grab a storybook, sing a song, wave a palm branch, or share a snack. Most of all, let preschoolers know the most important truth of Easter: Jesus is alive, and He loves them very much!
You Might Be Interested In:
