The Easter Story

The report that “Christ died for our sins… that he was buried and that he was raised on the third day”, are to quote the apostle Paul, of “first importance”. These events focus on the heart of God’s plan for our redemption. This CD-ROM will enable us to present these central truths. (Click here to order)

Triumphal Entry (John 12:12)

The focus of this presentation centres on those who were present in the crowd that welcomed Jesus. A spotlight picks out four groups in turn. The ignorant (Matthew 21:10), the informed (John 12:17), the irritated (Luke 19:39), and the interested (John 12:20).

Peter’s Denial (Luke 22:54)

Peter had claimed that even if everyone else deserted he would remain faithful. Jesus predicts that “before the cock crows twice you will disown me three times.” (Mark 14:30) When Jesus is arrested Peter follows to the high priest’s courtyard. As he sits by a fire three people in turn accuse him of being a friend of Jesus which he denies vigorously. The crowing of a cock reminds him of Jesus’ warning and he went out and ‘wept bitterly.’

Pilate’s Problems (Matthew 27:24)

In this presentation Pilate returns to his quarters having washed his hands to show that he was not responsible for Jesus’ death. But it was not as simple as that. He is approached with a complaint about the message on the cross. Permission is sought to break the prisoners’ legs and Joseph asks for approval to bury Jesus. The following day a guard for the tomb is requested. The concluding scenes show the guards fleeing in terror at the sight of the angel and the subsequent bribe to report that Jesus’ disciples had stolen his body. (Matthew 28:11)

The Crucifixion (John 19:17)

The sequence of events in this presentation is limited to John’s report only. It shows the soldiers gambling for Jesus’ clothing, the arrival of his mother and Jesus’ request to John to care for her. After being offered vinegar on a sponge Jesus cried with a loud voice “It is finished!” A soldier with a spear pierced his side.

Faces in the Crowd

This outline focuses on people who were in the crowd on the day of the crucifixion. Five witnesses are identified by their faces. There is one of the Pharisees who ridiculed Jesus, a soldier who was indifferent to the suffering of Jesus. Mary was present, her tears reveal her distress. A thief also being crucified asks Jesus to remember him and the centurion remarks that "Surely, he was the Son of God" (Matthew 27:54).

Witnesses to the Character of Jesus

Illustrations of hands draw attention to each of five people who spoke about Jesus at the time of the crucifixion. Judas (Matthew 27:4, Pilates’ wife (Matthew 27:19), Pilate (Luke 23:14), the repentant thief (Luke 23:41) and The Centurion (Luke 23:47). Their testimonies bear witness to the innocence of Jesus. (1 Peter 3:18)

The Resurrection (John 20:1-18)

This story recounts Mary visiting the tomb only to find it open and empty. Distressed she runs to tell the disciples. Peter and John go to investigate and also discover that it is empty. Later, Mary returns to the tomb, is confronted by angels and then the risen Lord who instructs her to tell his disciples that she has seen him.

The Road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13)

Cleopas and his friend are joined by a stranger whom they do not recognise. Their conversation is depicted in speech bubbles. On arrival at their home, Jesus is invited to share their meal. They recognise him in the breaking of bread and they hurry back to Jerusalem to report that Jesus is alive.

A Doubt that led to Faith – Thomas (John 20:24)

Thomas has been dubbed 'Doubting Thomas' because he insisted on discovering for himself the truth of Jesus’ resurrection. Jesus appears to an assembled group of disciples but Thomas who was not with them refuses to believe their report. A week later Jesus appears again and challenges Thomas to examine his hands and side and to “stop doubting and believe.”

The Legend of the Three Trees

This is a folklore story of unknown origin. The story outline involves three trees that make wishes about their future uses. These wishes all come true but not in the way the trees expected.