A Walk with the Savior Week

Why Easter Is My Favorite Time of Year

I absolutely love Easter—honestly, it might just be my favorite time of year. Years ago, when my children were young, I collaborated with friends, gathered insights from books, and searched online resources to create a week-long focus on the Savior. It became a sacred tradition, and one that continues to evolve.

This year, I’ve made a few small changes to our lesson plan to incorporate some of the beautiful new resources recently shared by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. What you’ll see here is truly a collaborative effort—a blend of inspiration from many sources, brought together in hopes of creating a meaningful and comprehensive experience.

To be completely honest, there’s more here than any one family could possibly do in a single week—and that’s okay. We simply do our best and let the Spirit guide us. Some days we read all the scriptures. Other times, we focus on just one or two things that speak to our hearts or meet the needs of our children in that moment.

Throughout the week, I’ll be sharing a day-by-day bullet-point experience on Instagram. But this post is the full, comprehensive view—offered in case you’re looking for ideas or inspiration for your own family’s Easter celebration.

The resources I used:
A Christ Centered Easter by Janet and Joe Hales
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/welcome/easter/holy-week-study-guide?lang=eng
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/comeuntochrist/easter/holy-week
small seed website (I can no longer find them)

“Every attempt to reflect upon the atonement, to study it, to embrace it, to express appreciation for it, however small or feeble it may be, will kindle the fires of faith and work its miracle towards a more Christlike life. It is inescapable consequence of so doing. We become like those things we habitually love and admire. And thus, as we study Christ’s life and live his teachings, we become more like him.” (Tad R. Callister)

PALM SUNDAY                                      Events: TRIUMPHANT ENTRY

Jesus Christ rides into the city of Jerusalem on a donkey, and is greeted by multitudes of people shouting hosanna, waving palms, and laying down clothing and branches for Christ to walk on. They recognize Him as their king. “And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the son of David: blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest.” (Matthew 21:9)

READ: Triumphal Entry: Mark 11:1-11 Prophecy of Triumphal Entry: Zechariah 9:9	SING: Hosannah (Children’s Songbook 66)
INVITATION: Think about how you are going to welcome the Savior into your week.	QUESTION: How can we let Christ into our lives?
ACTIVITY: Read the story as a family, and then act out Christ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Hang up a picture of Christ’s triumphal entry. (Watch The Lamb of God)

MONDAY             Events: CLEANSING THE TEMPLE, HEALING BLIND

Three years before this Easter week, Jesus cleansed the temple in Jerusalem, calling it "my Father’s house." On this day during Easter week, Jesus again clears the temple of money changers. In His role as the Messiah, He declares the temple to be "my house." While in the temple, He teaches, and the blind and lame come to Him, seeking healing, and He heals them.

READ: Jesus Cleanses the Temple & Heals Blind: Matthew 21:12-17Jesus Cleanses the Temple and Teaches: Luke 19:45-48	SING: “Come, Follow Me" (Hymns 116)
INVITATION: Think about ways you can invite the Savior into your life this week. If possible, consider visiting the temple.	QUESTION: Is there anything in your life that you need to cleanse? What is one step you can take today to create a more holy and sacred space in your life?
ACTIVITY: Watch the Bible video “Jesus Cleanses the Temple.” Discuss why Jesus was upset and why it's important to show respect for sacred things. Hang a picture of Jesus cleansing the temple. Optionally, spend time cleaning your home, followed by coloring Easter eggs for a fun Family Home Evening activity. TUESDAY                                       Events: TEACHINGS & PARABLES

Jesus was the master teacher. He spent His final days in Jerusalem teaching the waiting crowds at the temple and the mount of olives through sermons and parables. His powerful teachings on this day included the parable of the Ten Virgins, the Widow's mite, and the Greatest Commandment, love one another. He also emphasizes the importance of serving others: “Verily I say unto you, and as much as you have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, He hath done it unto me.” (Matthew 25: 40)

READ: The Greatest Commandment: Matthew 22:35-40 Ye Have Done It Unto Me: Matthew 25:31-46 The Widow’s Mite: Mark 12:41-44 The Parable of the Talents: Matthew 25:14-30 The Parable of the 10 Virgins: Matthew 25:1-13	SING: Love One Another (Hymn 308)
INVITATION: Show love to a neighbor or perform a random act of kindness for a family member. (This could be as simple as helping with a task, offering a kind word, or doing something thoughtful for them.)	QUESTION: How can we better follow Jesus’s invitations to serve those around us? How does service bless our lives? How is service related to becoming disciples of Jesus Christ?
ACTIVITY: Place Pictures of Parables and Teachings. Pass a "Service Easter Egg" around the house. As you perform random acts of kindness for family members, leave the egg on their bed as a reminder of the service you’ve done. The egg will travel from person to person throughout the week. If you find the egg on your bed, it's your turn to serve and pass the egg to someone else.

WEDNESDAY               Events: HEALINGS, MIRACLES & BETRAYAL

Some believe that this was the day Judas began to make plans to betray Jesus. Others believe that Jesus continued His ministry, teaching, healing, and performing miracles. What we do know is that during the last week of His life, Jesus spent time in the town of Bethany. The people of Bethany were deeply moved by His love for Lazarus. As a powerful sign of His divine power and a foreshadowing of the gift of His Resurrection, Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead.

Today, instead of focusing on the exact location of Jesus, we can reflect on His teachings, His actions during His ministry, and the importance of having good friends.

READ: Jesus Raises the Daughter of Jarius: Mark 5:22-24, 35-43 Lazarus Raising: John 11:1-44 Jesus Heals Woman with Issue of Blood: Mark 5: 25-30 Jesus Calms the Tempest: Mark 4: 37-40 Judas Betrays Jesus: Matt 26:14-16	SING: Our Saviors Love (Hymn 113)
INVITATION: Think of a friend who could use some love and find a way to bring some joy into their lives.	QUESTION: How does discipleship relate to friendship and loyalty? How can showing love to others help us become disciples of Jesus Christ?
ACTIVITY: Place Pictures of Betrayal, and Miracles. Watch the Bible videos of Jesus healing the daughter of Jairus, healing the woman with the issue of blood, or calming the tempest. Discuss the role of faith and the miracles that can happen through it. Take time to talk about the importance of having good friends. Then, become "Easter Bunnies" by surprising an unsuspecting family with Easter egg hunt, carrying out an act of kindness and friendship.

THURSDAY      Events: LAST SUPPER, ATONEMENT IN GETHSEMANE

On this day, Jesus gathered with His Apostles to honor the Passover. During what we now call the Last Supper, Jesus told His friends how much He loved them. His words hinted at the painful events that would come within hours when He would suffer for the sins of the world in the Garden of Gethsemane and on the cross at Calvary. But Christ also gave His Apostles reassurance that the darkness ahead would soon be overcome. The Atonement of Jesus Christ is the single most important event of all time; “Surely He hath borne our griefs and carried our sorrows…he was wounded for our transgressions; he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.” (Isaiah 53: 4-5)

READ: The Last Supper: John 13: 1-35 Gethsemane: Luke 22: 39-46, Matthew 26:36-45 Jesus is Betrayed and Taken: Matthew 26: 45-57	SING: How Great Thou Art (Hymn 86)
INVITATION: Take time in personal prayer to express gratitude for what Jesus Christ has offered us through His Atonement.	QUESTION: What does the Atonement of Jesus Christ mean to you? How can we show our gratitude for His sacrifice?
ACTIVITY: Place Picture of Last Supper, Atonement, and Gethsemane. Eat a Passover dinner. Using your best dishes, a nice tablecloth, and a lovely centerpiece helps set a reverent and respectful tone. Begin with a brief overview of the original Passover, to Jesus as our Messiah, and His atoning sacrifice. Eat four symbolic foods: the Paschal Lamb, unleavened bread, grape juice & bitter herbs (romaine lettuce). Read the scriptural accounts of the Last Supper, Jesus Christ in Gethsemane, and Jesus Christ’s Atonement. Talk about the importance of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Hang up picture of the Last Supper and a picture of Jesus Christ in Gethsemane.

GOOD FRIDAY                                 Events: CRUCIFIXION AND BURIAL

On Friday, Jesus was put on trial, condemned, beaten, and crucified by those who hated Him. On the cross, Jesus showed compassion as he said, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:34). In the America’s great storm shook the earth, and darkness descended in the land, lasting for three days as a sign of Christ’s death.

READ: Jesus is Held in Illegal Trials: Matthew 26:57-68 Jesus is Condemned by Pilate: Matthew 27: 1-2, 11-25 Jesus is Scourged and Crucified: Matthew 26: 27-54 Jesus is Laid In A Tomb: Matthew 27:57-60 The America’s: 3 Nephi 8-10	SING: I Stand All Amazed (Hymn 193)
INVITATION: In 2022, President Russell M. Nelson encouraged us to forgive. He said, “I repeat my call to end the conflicts in your life. Exercise the humility, courage, and strength required both to forgive and seek forgiveness. … …I invite you to seek an end to a personal conflict that has weighed you down. Could there be a more fitting act of gratitude to Jesus Christ for His Atonement? If forgiveness seems impossible, plead for power through the atoning blood of Jesus Christ to help you.”	QUESTION: What does the Atonement of Jesus Christ mean to you? How does practicing forgiveness help us to come closer to Jesus Christ?
ACTIVITY: Place Picture of Crucifixion. Read scriptural accounts and watch the video of Christ’s crucifixion. Carry out a family activity centers on reflection on Christ’s suffering and the darkness that followed his crucifixion, followed by a focus on His Atonement and the promise of light. Turn out all the lights in the house to signify the three hours of darkness in the Old World and the three days in the New World. Discuss how the darkness symbolizes the suffering and death of Christ. Have family members take time to reflect on their own lives and how they experience darkness and challenges. Share stories of how Christ’s Atonement has brought light and hope into our lives.

SATURDAY              Events: THE SPIRIT WORLD, & THE AMERICAS

Although the gospel writers in the Bible do not detail this day, Peter wrote that as Jesus’ body lay in the tomb his spirit visited “the spirits in prison” to preach to them. His disciples faced intense grief for the loss of their great friend and Master. He promised He would not leave them comfortless.

READ: Guard are Placed in Front of Tomb: Matthew 27:62-66 The Americas Have Storm & Darkness: 3 Nephi 8:6, 19-23 Christ Speaks to Americas: 9:13-21, 10: 9-11 The Spirit World: 1 Peter 3: 18-19	SING: I Need Thee Every Hour (Hymn 98)
INVITATION: Jesus taught: “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John 14:26-27) Invite the Comforter into your life.	QUESTION: What are small things you can do to invite more of Jesus Christ’s peace into your life?
ACTIVITY: Place Picture. MORNING ACTIVITY: The Easter Bunny comes today, providing space for Jesus Christ on Sunday. Enjoy Easter Egg Hunts and fun activities. EVENING ACTIVITY: Turn off the lights and light candles at your Jerusalem setting. Read scriptural accounts and enjoy a Jerusalem-style dinner. Sit on the floor with wooden bowls and plates, creating an atmosphere symbolic of the day. Afterward, have a candle testimony meeting. Start by blowing out the candles. The first person lights their candle, shares their testimony, then lights the next person’s candle, and so on, until everyone has shared. Discuss how inviting Christ into our lives fills us with light, contrasting the room’s darkness with the light after sharing testimonies. BEFORE BED: Prepare Empty Tomb rolls, or Easter Cookies

SUNDAY                                               Events: THE RESURRECTION

Early in the morning, some of Christ’s followers visit the tomb to care for His body but find it open. An angel tells them Jesus has risen. Peter and John race to confirm the news. Soon after, the resurrected Lord appears to Mary, other women, disciples on their way to Emmaus, and finally to His apostles. Jesus Christ overcame death, and because He lives, we too will live again!

READ: Angels Announce Resurrection: Luke 24:1-12 Mary Magdalene sees Christ: John 20: 11-17 Christ Appears to Many: Matthew 28: 1-10, 16-20	SING: He is Risen (Hymn 199)
INVITATION: Today seek the Lord. Celebrate the gift of His Atonement and Resurrection. Make becoming a disciple of Jesus Christ your highest priority.	QUESTION: What part of Holy Week brought you the most joy? How can we make Jesus Christ a part of our everyday lives?
ACTIVITY: Sunrise Service: Eat a Yummy Breakfast and talk about the events of the week. Read “The Living Christ”, and the Easter Egg Devotional. Spend the day in Holy Celebration. Encourage family members to take time to record thoughts in journal.

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Sunday-Day 1
Palm Sunday
-Read Mark 11:1-11
-Watch The Lamb of God

Monday-Day 2
Cleansing of the Temple
-Read Matthew 21:12-16; Luke 19:45-48
-Clean the House
-Color Easter Eggs for FHE

Tuesday-Day 3
Teachings & Parables
-Read Matthew 22:35-40 (The Greatest Commandment)
Matthew 25:31-46 (Ye Have Done it Unto Me)
Mark 12:41-44(The Widow’s Mite)
Matthew 25:14-30 (The Parable of the Talents)
Matthew 25:1-13 (The Parable of the 10 Virgins)
Pass a Service Easter Egg

Wednesday-Day 4
Healings, Miracles, & Betrayal
-Read John 11:1-44 (Raising Lazarus)
Mark 5:22-24, 35-43 (Jesus Raises the Daughter of Jarius)
Mark 5:25-30 (Jesus Heals Woman with Issue of Blood)
Mark 4: 37-40 (Jesus Calms the Tempest)
Matt 26:14-16 (Judas Betrays Jesus)
Talk about the importance of good friendships.
Become "Easter Bunnies" by surprising an unsuspecting family by
delivering an Easter egg.

Thursday-Day 5
Last Supper, Atonement in Gethsemane
-Read John 13: 1-35 (The Last Supper)
Luke 22: 39-46, Matthew 26:36-45 (Gethsemane)
Matthew 26: 45-57 (Jesus is Betrayed and Taken)
Have at a Passover dinner with best dishes, a tablecloth, and a centerpiece.
Eat four symbolic foods: Paschal Lamb, unleavened bread, grape juice, and bitter herbs (romaine lettuce).

Friday-Day 6
Good Friday Jesus’ Trial & Crucifixion
Matthew 26:57-68 (Jesus Held in Trial)
Matthew 27: 1-2, 11-25 (Condemned by Pilate)
Matthew 26: 27-54 (Scourged and Crucified)
Matthew 27:57-60 (Tomb)
3 Nephi 8-10 (America’s)
Spend the evening in darkness discussing symbolism of Christ’s suffering,
our lives and how the Atonement can heal us.

Saturday-Day 7
The Spirit World & The America’s
Matthew 27:62-66 (Guards)
3 Nephi 8:6, 19-23 (America’s); 9:13-21, 10: 9-11 (Christ Speaks to America’s)
1 Peter 3: 18-19 (Spirit World)
Easter Bunny, Candle Testimony Meeting, Easter Rolls or Easter Cookies

Sunday-Day  8
The Resurrection
Luke 24:1-12 (Angels)
John 20: 11-17 (Mary Magdalene)
Matthew 28: 1-10, 16-20 (Christ Appears)
The Living Christ
Easter Egg Devotional
Sunrise Service of singing songs & reflecting in Journal.