Author: Amanda McGarrigle

RE—Term 4
Salvation.
Why does Easter matter to Christians?

Background Information
Most Christians see the Bible as telling a story about the ongoing relationship between God and Creation, with a particular focus on the bond between God and humanity. The concept of Salvation is that God ‘saved’ humans and therefore renewed creation.
For Christians, Jesus’ life, death and resurrection is the culmination of this. Jesus, as God in the flesh (incarnation), shows people what God is like, in his teachings and example. Jesus’ name means ‘he saves’.

In this unit the children will…
Look for signs of ‘new life’ in the world around us. We will consider any signs that Spring might be one the way.
Look at where Salvation fits into the ‘Big Story’ of the Bible—understanding that Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus at Christmas and then follow the life of Christ through to Easter which is a season of sadness and celebration.
Follow an Easter Labyrinth to learn about the Easter story.
Consider Holy Week and the stories that are connected with this important week.
Consider how Christians show their faith and belief through how they celebrate Easter.

By the end of this unit….
All children can:
Recognise that Incarnation and Salvation are part of a ‘big story’ of the Bible.
Tell stories of Holy Week and Easter from the Bible
and recognise a link with the idea of Salvation (Jesus rescuing people).
Recognise that Jesus gives instructions about how
to behave.
Give at least three examples of how Christians show their beliefs about Jesus’ death and
resurrection in church worship at Easter.
Think, talk and ask questions about whether the story of Easter has anything to say to them about sadness, hope or heaven, exploring different ideas.
Most children will:
Make links between what is taught and what they believe.
Some children will:
Express their own ideas—in light of their thinking.
Identify similarities and differences in what different people might believe.

John 12:12–15: Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem
Luke 22:47–53: Jesus’ betrayal and arrest
Luke 23:26–56: crucifixion, death and burial
Luke 24:1–12: finding the empty tomb
John 20:11–23: Jesus appearing to Mary
Magdalene and the disciples.

Key Vocabulary
Easter—a festival celebrating the death and resurrection of Jesus.
Holy Week—The week leading up to Easter Sunday.
Palm Sunday—The Sunday before Easter Sunday where Jesus’ arrival into Jerusalem is remembered.
Maundy Thursday—The Thursday of Holy Week where Christian’s remember the Last Supper of Jesus with his disciples before his arrest and then crucifixion.