Nursery Bible Lesson: Jesus Appears to Mary Magdalene
Use this nursery Bible lesson to tell little ones in your ministry about Mary Magdalene. Young kids will hear about her sadness when she couldn’t find Jesus in the tomb, and you’ll help them experience joy when Mary discovers that Jesus is alive.
Prepare for the Nursery Lesson
In John 20:1-18, it is obvious from Mary Magdalene’s response and from that of the disciples that no one expected Jesus to rise from the dead.
As Mary stood outside sobbing, she peered into the tomb and saw two angels sitting there. In her grief, it didn’t register who or what they were. Her response to the angels’ inquiry indicates that she hadn’t grasped that Jesus had risen.
When Jesus shows up, it’s interesting that he repeated the same question the angels had asked Mary. The angels and Jesus were both trying to help Mary understand what had actually happened. But she just couldn’t comprehend it until Jesus called her name.
She knew the voice of Jesus and recognized him.
The same voice Mary Magdalene heard calls to us, inviting, assuring, welcoming us into a full life with him—a timeless relationship with Jesus.
Sing About Mary Magdalene and Jesus
Sing “Mary, Mary” to the tune of “Baa, Baa, Black Sheep” to the babies and toddlers anytime during the lesson.
Mary, Mary, where is he?
Do you know where Jesus could be?
We looked by the rock,
And we looked by the tree.
We looked everywhere that we could see.
Mary, Mary, where is he?
Do you know where Jesus could be?
Mary, Mary, where is he?
Do you know where Jesus could be?
Yes, friends, yes, friends, I did see!
Jesus came and talked to me.
Our friend Jesus lives today.
Let’s all clap and shout hooray!
Make and Play With “Resurrection Shakers”
You’ll Need:
Lead the Craft
Say: When Mary knew Jesus was alive, she was very happy. Let’s make some happy noisemakers to celebrate that JESUS IS ALIVE.
- Help toddlers, one at a time, pour a small handful of uncooked rice through a funnel and into one half of an empty plastic Easter egg. Do this over a plastic tablecloth for easy cleanup.
- Before snapping the egg together, apply a line of glue around the rim.
- Tape around the edge so children can use the “maracas” immediately.
- Then demonstrate how to make music by shaking the egg.
Play a worship song, and have children dance and shake their maracas to the rhythm.
Say: Mary Magdalene was very sad and worried. But then Jesus appeared to her. JESUS IS ALIVE!
This lesson is adapted from Group’s FaithWeaver NOW curriculum, which offers Sunday school curriculum for all ages (infants–adults). Looking for more Bible lessons for your nursery? Check out these articles.
