Quick answer: This Easter devotional for families walks through Holy Week in eight short days, from Palm Sunday (March 21, 2027) to Easter Sunday (March 28). Each day has a Bible reading, one key verse, a question to talk about, a simple activity, and a prayer. It takes about 10 minutes and works for all ages.
How to Use This Devotional
- Pick a time: breakfast, dinner, or bedtime.
- Read the passage aloud. Younger children can listen to just the key verse.
- Ask the question and let everyone answer.
- Do the activity if you have time.
- Pray together. Take turns leading.
Want more background? See our Holy Week from Palm Sunday to Easter and The Easter Story in the Bible.
Day 1: Palm Sunday — The King Arrives
Read: Mark 11:1-11 Key verse: “And those who went before and those who followed were shouting, ‘Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!’” (Mark 11:9, ESV)
Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey, and the crowds shouted “Hosanna,” which means “save us.” They knew he was a king, but they didn’t yet understand what kind of King.
Talk about it: Why do you think Jesus chose a humble donkey instead of a big horse? Do it: Cut out paper palm branches and write “Hosanna!” on them. Pray: Jesus, you are our King. Rescue us and help us praise you. Amen.
Day 2: Monday — Jesus Cleans the Temple
Read: Mark 11:15-17 Key verse: Mark 11:17, where Jesus says God’s house is meant to be a place of prayer for people from every nation.
Jesus was upset that people were using God’s house to make money instead of to pray. He cared that everyone could come close to God.
Talk about it: What helps our family pray? What gets in the way? Do it: Clear a little “prayer corner” at home with a Bible and a candle. Pray: God, make our home a place where we talk to you. Amen.
Day 3: Tuesday — The Greatest Commandment
Read: Mark 12:28-34 Key verse: Mark 12:31, Jesus’ command to love the people around us as much as we love ourselves.
Someone asked Jesus which command matters most. He said to love God with everything and to love our neighbor as ourselves.
Talk about it: Who is one neighbor we could show love to this week? Do it: Bake cookies or make a card for a neighbor. Pray: Lord, help us love you with all our hearts and love others well. Amen.
Day 4: Wednesday — A Gift of Love
Read: Mark 14:3-9 Key verse: Mark 14:6, where Jesus defends Mary and calls her gift a beautiful thing done for him.
A woman poured expensive perfume on Jesus to show her love. Some people complained, but Jesus said her gift was beautiful.
Talk about it: What’s something we can give Jesus that shows we love him? Do it: Smell some perfume or a flower and talk about how love can “fill the room.” Pray: Jesus, you’re worth everything. Help us give you our best. Amen.
Day 5: Thursday — Jesus Serves
Read: John 13:1-15, 34-35 Key verse: John 13:34, Jesus’ new command to love one another the way he loves us.
At the Last Supper, Jesus washed his friends’ dirty feet, a servant’s job. Then he told them to love one another the way he loved them. (Read more in our Maundy Thursday Meaning.)
Talk about it: How can we serve each other at home this week? Do it: Take turns washing each other’s hands or feet with a warm towel. Pray: Lord Jesus, teach us to serve like you. Amen.
Day 6: Good Friday — Jesus Dies for Us
Read: Luke 23:33-46 Key verse: Luke 23:34, where Jesus asks the Father to forgive the people who are hurting him.
Jesus died on the cross. Even while he was hurting, he prayed for the people who hurt him. He was taking the punishment for our sins. Isaiah 53:6 says we have all wandered off like lost sheep, and God placed all of our wrongdoing on Jesus. (For older kids and adults: Good Friday Meaning.)
Talk about it: Why is this sad day called “Good” Friday? Do it: Make a simple cross from two sticks and some string. Pray: Jesus, thank you for dying for our sins. We’re sorry for the wrong things we’ve done. Amen.
Day 7: Holy Saturday — Waiting
Read: Luke 23:50-56 Key verse: Luke 23:56, which tells how Jesus’ friends rested on the Sabbath, just as God’s law said.
Jesus’ friends put his body in a tomb and rolled a big stone in front of it. They felt sad and confused. They didn’t know Sunday was coming. (See Holy Saturday Meaning.)
Talk about it: What’s hard about waiting? How can we trust God while we wait? Do it: Put a rock in front of a small “tomb” made from a cup or flower pot, and leave it until morning. Pray: God, help us trust you even when we’re sad or waiting. Amen.
Day 8: Easter Sunday — He Is Risen!
Read: Matthew 28:1-10 Key verse: Matthew 28:6, where the angel tells the women Jesus is gone from the tomb because he has been raised, just as he promised.
On Sunday morning, the stone was rolled away and the tomb was empty! Jesus is alive! He beat sin and death, and everyone who trusts him will live with him forever. Psalm 118:24 calls us to celebrate the day God made with glad hearts, and Easter is the best day to do it.
Talk about it: Who can we tell that Jesus is alive? Do it: Roll away the rock from yesterday’s “tomb” and shout, “He is risen!” Answer: “He is risen indeed!” Pray: Jesus, you’re alive! Thank you for beating death and giving us new life. Amen.
Tips for Different Ages
- Toddlers and preschoolers: Focus on one key verse and the hands-on activity.
- School-age kids: Read the whole passage and let them act out the scene.
- Teens: Ask them to read aloud and lead a prayer; add the reflection questions from our Gospel studies.
- Grandparents and guests: Invite them to share what Easter has meant in their lives.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good Easter devotional for families?
A good Easter devotional for families is short, Bible-centered, and hands-on. This eight-day plan follows Holy Week from Palm Sunday to Easter, with one passage, a key verse, a talk question, an activity, and a prayer each day. It takes about 10 minutes and works for toddlers through teens.
When should families start an Easter devotional?
Start on Palm Sunday, one week before Easter. In 2027, that’s Sunday, March 21, with Easter on March 28. Following the days of Holy Week helps kids see the story unfold in order: the triumphal entry, the Last Supper, the cross, the tomb, and the resurrection.
How do you explain Easter to kids?
Explain that Jesus, God’s Son, died on the cross to take the punishment for our sins, and that three days later he came back to life. Use simple words and point to Matthew 28:6, where the angel says the tomb is empty because Jesus is alive. Hands-on activities, like an empty-tomb craft, help it stick.
What Bible verses are good for kids at Easter?
Good Easter verses for kids include Matthew 28:6 (the angel’s news that Jesus is risen); John 3:16; John 13:34; and Psalm 118:24 (a call to celebrate the day God has made). See our full list of Bible verses about Easter.
How do you do a family devotion at Easter?
Choose a regular time, read a short passage aloud, ask one question, do a simple activity, and pray together. Keep it under 15 minutes so everyone stays engaged. Let children take turns reading or praying. Consistency matters more than perfection, so start small and keep going through the week.
A Family Prayer for Easter
Father, thank you for sending Jesus. Thank you that he served, suffered, died, and rose again for our family. As we walk through Holy Week together, open our eyes to your love. Make our home a place of prayer, service, and joy. Thank you that you loved the world so much that you gave your only Son, so that all who trust him are given life that never ends (John 3:16). Help us believe and share this good news. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Keep Reading: Easter 2027
- The Easter Story in the Bible: Every Passage, Day by Day (Easter hub)
- Scripture for Easter
- Holy Week Timeline
- the John 20 study
- 1 Corinthians 15 study
- the crucifixion in John 19
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Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway. Used by permission. All rights reserved.