Easter is the most important event in all of human history.

For many teenagers, the deepness of the Easter story can feel distant, more like a history lesson than a personal reality. As a parent, you have a powerful role in helping your teen truly understand what Easter means.

The Scriptures tell us in Deuteronomy 6:6-7 (ESV), “And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.” This means that as parents we are called to have ongoing conversations about faith and Easter is a great, if not the greatest, opportunity to do just that.

Here are some practical ways to help your middle school or high school student dive deeper into the Easter story this season.

1. Read the Easter Story Together

I know it sounds basic, but there is nothing wrong with the basics! One of the best ways to make Easter real for your teen is to read the story together. Don’t just skim it but take time to discuss it. Encourage your teen to imagine being in the story.

Here’s a simple reading plan:

• Palm Sunday – Matthew 21:1-11

• The Last Supper – Luke 22:7-38

• Jesus’ Trial & Crucifixion – John 19:1-37

• The Resurrection – Luke 24:1-12

After reading, ask:

• What stood out to you?

• How would you have felt if you were one of Jesus’ disciples?

• What does this story say about who Jesus is?

Even if your teen doesn’t respond much at first, keep engaging. God’s Word is living and active (Hebrews 4:12), and it will take root in their hearts.

2. Make It Personal

Teens connect best when they see how something applies to their lives (adults too!). Easter is about victory, redemption, faith, love, and hope. Ultimately, these are things they need every day.

For example, if your teen has ever felt betrayed by a friend, relate that to how Jesus was betrayed by Judas. If they’ve ever experienced loss, connect it to how the disciples felt when Jesus died, but then remind them of the joy of the resurrection.

Romans 5:8 (ESV) says, “but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Help your teen see that Jesus didn’t just die for “people,” He died for them personally.

3. Use Stories to Bring It to Life

Jesus taught using stories, and you can do the same. Share a personal experience of when Easter became real for you. Maybe there was a time you felt hopeless, and remembering Jesus’ resurrection gave you strength.

Another great way to bring the story to life is to watch The Chosen, The Passion of the Christ, or another biblically-based film as a family. Seeing the events of Easter visually can help your teen connect in a deeper way and make it real for them.

4. Encourage Their Questions

Many teens wrestle with questions like:

• Did Jesus really rise from the dead?

• Why did He have to die?

• How do we know the Bible is true?

Instead of avoiding tough questions, invite them! Jesus Himself said, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find” (Matthew 7:7, NIV). If you don’t know the answers, research them together. Books like The Case for Christ by Lee Strobel or websites like GotQuestions.org can be helpful resources.

Doubt isn’t the enemy, ignoring doubt is. Encourage your teen to bring their questions to God.

5. Pray Together

Prayer can feel awkward at first, but it’s one of the best ways to grow in faith. This Easter, start simple:

• Thank Jesus for His sacrifice.

• Ask God to help you understand His love.

• Pray for friends who don’t know Jesus yet.

1 Thessalonians 5:17 (ESV) says, “pray without ceasing.” Even short prayers can make a huge impact.

6. Live It Out

Easter isn’t just something we celebrate or acknowledge, it’s something we live. Jesus calls us to love and serve others. A great way to help your teen connect to Easter is by serving together.

• Write encouraging letters to people who are struggling.

• Serve with Caring for Miami or at our other Reach Beyonds here. This Easter season, we have several serving opportunities for the whole family!

• Invite someone to church who doesn’t normally go.

James 1:22 (NIV) says, “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” When your teen lives out their faith, Easter will mean so much more.

My Last Thoughts

You don’t need to be a theologian to lead your teen deeper into Easter. You just need to be willing to have conversations, ask questions, and walk alongside them. By reading Scripture, making it personal, embracing their questions, praying together, and living out your faith, you can help your teen see Easter as life-changing and not just another holiday.

This year, don’t let Easter pass by as just a tradition. Use it as an opportunity to help your teen grow in their faith and truly understand the incredible love of Jesus. May God bless you!