The Easter Litmus Test: Why the Physical Resurrection Matters

However, when you are looking through different storybook bibles, you might notice something surprising. While most versions do a wonderful job with the manger at Christmas, some start to get a little "fuzzy" when they reach the empty tomb. At Eden, we believe the ending of the story is just as important as the beginning. Here is how to make sure your child’s Bible tells the whole truth about Easter.

Why the Details Matter

It is common for some modern children's books to use soft, poetic language to describe what happened after the Cross. You might see phrases like "Jesus returned to heaven" or "His spirit lives on in our hearts."

While these sound lovely, they miss the heart of the miracle. If Jesus only "lived on as a memory" or "went to heaven as a spirit," then He didn't actually beat death. The "bad news" of the tomb would still be there. For our children to have a confident faith, they need to know that the resurrection wasn't a metaphor: it was a physical fact.

The 3-Step Easter Check

When you are browsing for a new Bible or devotional for kids, flip to the final chapters and look for these three things:

1. The "Physical" Proof Does the story mention that Jesus was hungry? Does it show Him eating fish on the beach or bread with His friends? These small details are in the Bible to prove that He had a real, physical body. He wasn't a ghost; He was truly alive again.

2. The "Touch" Test Look for the story of "Doubting Thomas." A great children’s Bible will show Jesus inviting Thomas to touch the scars in His hands. This helps children understand that the same Jesus who died on the Cross is the same Jesus who came back to life.

3. The Living King Make sure the book doesn't just end with Jesus "disappearing." It should emphasise that He is alive now. We want our children to realise that they aren't just reading about a hero from history, but about a King who loves them today.

The Eden Plan for Success

To help your child celebrate Easter with confidence, try this simple approach:

• Compare the Versions: Read the Easter story from a storybook bible and then read a few verses from a full-text bible like the ICB. Ask your child what they notice is the same.
  
• Focus on Joy: Remind them that because Jesus physically rose, we don't have to be afraid of anything, not even the "big" sad things in life.
  
• Celebrate the Victory: Treat Easter Sunday like the victory it is. Use your Bible reading to spark a "party" atmosphere for the King who won!

By choosing a Bible that gets the resurrection right, you are giving your child a foundation that can't be shaken. You are showing them the greatest rescue story ever told, with the greatest ending imaginable.

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