Roosters and Coins - Family Easter Challenge

Each day as we approach Easter, I've been trying to focus the children in on different parts and pieces of the Resurrection story, with a variety of toys, crafts, activities and desserts (of course).  This morning, along with our usual morning muffins, and an Arch book from our Easter collection, I set the table with three beanbag roosters (thanks to fast, and easy to follow sewing instructions from Red Ted Arts) for the younger children.

I also added a plate of 30, silver foil wrapped, chocolate coins to generate discussion amongst my teens.

When they got up, I asked them to identify the events symbolized by the roosters and the coins.  The book on the table was a pretty big clue (most of the details can be found in Matthew 26, if you aren't familiar with the story).

Then, after breakfast, I asked the older children to locate and read the Bible passages about Peter's denial, and Judas' betrayal, as well as the events and prophesies leading up to, or following them.

Finally, I pulled out our old, dilapidated, dry-erase board, so they could brainstorm together a list of similarities, and differences between the two disciples, and their actions. Meanwhile, the younger children read the picture book, and headed off, roosters in hand, to learn how to juggle (the roosters were a huge hit).

The older children, motivated by the promise of chocolate coins after lunch, spent the morning flipping through the Gospels, and the old testament prophesies, Googling commentaries, and weighing the difference between genuine and counterfeit faith, compassion and judgement, and Godly versus worldly sorrow.

Godly sorrow (like what Peter felt) brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow (as we sadly witness in Judas) brings death.  2 Cor. 7:10 NIV