Easter weekend can arrive so quickly that families go straight from Palm Sunday branches to Easter Sunday morning without pausing to read what happened in between. Yet the Gospel accounts devote a remarkable share of their chapters to the final week of Jesus’ earthly ministry, His crucifixion, and His resurrection. Walking children gently through those chapters gives them context for why Christians rejoice on Easter morning.
You do not need an elaborate craft table every night of Holy Week. A Bible, fifteen unhurried minutes, and a quiet visual companion like Dr. Dime Presents Easter to Color can help children ages 3–12 listen attentively and ask honest questions.
A Simple Five-Part Holy Week Reading Sequence
Whether you spread these readings across five evenings before Easter or use them over two weekends, reading directly from the Gospels keeps the focus on Scripture’s own words:
1. The Triumphal Entry Into Jerusalem (Matthew 21:1–11 or Luke 19:28–40)
Read how Jesus entered Jerusalem riding on a colt while the crowd spread cloaks and palm branches on the road, shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” Ask your children what kind of king the crowd expected and how Jesus’ gentle entrance fulfilled Old Testament prophecy (Zechariah 9:9).
2. Servant Leadership and the Last Supper (John 13:1–17 and Luke 22:14–20)
Read how Jesus washed His disciples’ feet and shared the Passover meal, explaining how the bread and cup point to His sacrifice. With younger children, focus on Jesus’ command in John 13:14–15 to serve one another humbly.
3. Prayer in Gethsemane (Matthew 26:36–46 or Mark 14:32–42)
Read how Jesus prayed honestly to the Father in the garden of Gethsemane: “Not as I will, but as You will.” This passage reassures children and teens that we can bring deep sorrow and hard moments to God in prayer. You can also connect Jesus’ prayers during Holy Week with the Psalms by reading Psalm 27 or Psalm 46 alongside Dr. Dime Presents Psalms to Color – Trust & Courage.
4. The Trial and Crucifixion (Luke 23:32–49)
When reading about the cross with younger children, let the sober, restrained language of Scripture guide you rather than adding graphic explanations beyond their age. Highlight Jesus’ words of forgiveness from the cross (Luke 23:34) and the centurion’s recognition, “Certainly this man was innocent!” (Luke 23:47).
5. The Empty Tomb and the Risen Lord (Luke 24:1–12 or John 20:1–18)
On Easter weekend, read the discovery of the empty tomb and the angel’s words: “Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen!” (Luke 24:5–6). Ask each family member which person at the tomb—Mary Magdalene, Peter, or the disciples on the road to Emmaus—they would have wanted to talk to first.
How to Use Coloring Pages Thoughtfully During Holy Week
A coloring page works best when it slows the room down so children can listen and reflect. As your child colors a scene in Dr. Dime Presents Easter to Color:
- Read before coloring: Read the short Gospel passage first so the biblical text frames the picture.
- Distinguish Scripture from artistic detail: Ask your child, “What in this picture comes directly from the verses we just read, and what did the illustrator imagine to fill in the background?”
- Connect Christmas and Easter: If your family used Dr. Dime Presents The Story of Christmas to Color in December, remind your children that the baby born in Bethlehem in Luke 2 is the same Savior who rose in Luke 24. Both titles are available in our Holiday Faith Books collection.
Ideas for Sunday School Classes and Easter Baskets
If you are preparing Easter baskets for children or planning a mixed-age church class:
- For Ages 2–8: Pair a shared family reading with our hardcover picture book Dr. Dime Presents The Littles of Zion from Christian Gifts for Kids.
- For Ages 3–12: Include Easter to Color ($12.99 in our coloring books collection).
- For Ages 9–15: Pair Holy Week readings with Old Testament prophecy and history in Dr. Dime Presents Kings & Prophets.
Frequently Asked Questions
How early should I order Easter books for a family or church class?
Because our books are produced print-on-demand, please allow 2–3 business days for production plus 7–10 business days for standard shipping. Ordering at least two to three weeks before Palm Sunday ensures your books arrive in plenty of time.
Can I combine Easter to Color with Old Testament coloring books for the Pick-5 discount?
Yes. Automatic cart discounts apply across eligible titles in the coloring books collection
Continue Exploring Related Family & Founder Guides
- Walking Through Old Testament Promises Year-Round: Read Teaching the Books of the Bible in Order to Kids.
- Helping Children Trust God in Hard Seasons: Explore Turning Adversity Into Purpose: Teaching Children Courage and Faith Through Scripture.
- Screen-Free Family Table Traditions: See Why Hand-Drawn Christian Children’s Books Matter in a Screen-Filled World.
- Meet Founder Dr. Jeffrey S. Nickle (“Dr. Dime”): Read From the Frontlines to Faith: How a Disabled Combat Veteran Founded The Shield of Light.
