Easter is a very special time of year where loved ones gather together to celebrate the risen Christ. This Easter, draw your daughter into the precious Word of God with a journaling Bible that includes over 400 line-art illustrations to color plus extra space in the lightly ruled wide margins for creative journaling. Inspire is currently available in two editions, the Inspire Bible and Inspire PRAISE Bible. An exciting new addition to the line, Inspire Bible for Girls, releases this August with devotionals and journaling prompts written just for girls ages 8 and up by author Carolyn Larsen.
We encourage you to take a moment to read through the Scripture below from Luke 24 and listen for a word from God as you read.
What stands out to you in this passage? What did you learn about God? How might God want you to respond to what you’ve read?
The Resurrection
But very early on Sunday morning the women went to the tomb, taking the spices they had prepared. They found that the stone had been rolled away from the entrance. So they went in, but they didn’t find the body of the Lord Jesus. As they stood there puzzled, two men suddenly appeared to them, clothed in dazzling robes.
The women were terrified and bowed with their faces to the ground. Then the men asked, “Why are you looking among the dead for someone who is alive? He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead! Remember what he told you back in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be betrayed into the hands of sinful men and be crucified, and that he would rise again on the third day.”
Then they remembered that he had said this. So they rushed back from the tomb to tell his eleven disciples—and everyone else—what had happened. It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and several other women who told the apostles what had happened. But the story sounded like nonsense to the men, so they didn’t believe it. However, Peter jumped up and ran to the tomb to look. Stooping, he peered in and saw the empty linen wrappings; then he went home again, wondering what had happened.
The Walk to Emmaus
That same day two of Jesus’ followers were walking to the village of Emmaus, seven miles from Jerusalem. As they walked along they were talking about everything that had happened. As they talked and discussed these things, Jesus himself suddenly came and began walking with them. But God kept them from recognizing him.
He asked them, “What are you discussing so intently as you walk along?”
They stopped short, sadness written across their faces. Then one of them, Cleopas, replied, “You must be the only person in Jerusalem who hasn’t heard about all the things that have happened there the last few days.”
“What things?” Jesus asked.
“The things that happened to Jesus, the man from Nazareth,” they said. “He was a prophet who did powerful miracles, and he was a mighty teacher in the eyes of God and all the people. But our leading priests and other religious leaders handed him over to be condemned to death, and they crucified him. We had hoped he was the Messiah who had come to rescue Israel. This all happened three days ago.
“Then some women from our group of his followers were at his tomb early this morning, and they came back with an amazing report. They said his body was missing, and they had seen angels who told them Jesus is alive! Some of our men ran out to see, and sure enough, his body was gone, just as the women had said.”
Then Jesus said to them, “You foolish people! You find it so hard to believe all that the prophets wrote in the Scriptures. Wasn’t it clearly predicted that the Messiah would have to suffer all these things before entering his glory?” Then Jesus took them through the writings of Moses and all the prophets, explaining from all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.
By this time they were nearing Emmaus and the end of their journey. Jesus acted as if he were going on, but they begged him, “Stay the night with us, since it is getting late.” So he went home with them. As they sat down to eat he took the bread and blessed it. Then he broke it and gave it to them. Suddenly, their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And at that moment he disappeared!
They said to each other, “Didn’t our hearts burn within us as he talked with us on the road and explained the Scriptures to us?” And within the hour they were on their way back to Jerusalem. There they found the eleven disciples and the others who had gathered with them, who said, “The Lord has really risen! He appeared to Peter.
Jesus Appears to the Disciples
Then the two from Emmaus told their story of how Jesus had appeared to them as they were walking along the road, and how they had recognized him as he was breaking the bread. And just as they were telling about it, Jesus himself was suddenly standing there among them. “Peace be with you,” he said. But the whole group was startled and frightened, thinking they were seeing a ghost!
“Why are you frightened?” he asked. “Why are your hearts filled with doubt? Look at my hands. Look at my feet. You can see that it’s really me. Touch me and make sure that I am not a ghost, because ghosts don’t have bodies, as you see that I do.” As he spoke, he showed them his hands and his feet.
Still they stood there in disbelief, filled with joy and wonder. Then he asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” They gave him a piece of broiled fish, and he ate it as they watched.
Then he said, “When I was with you before, I told you that everything written about me in the law of Moses and the prophets and in the Psalms must be fulfilled.” Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures. And he said, “Yes, it was written long ago that the Messiah would suffer and die and rise from the dead on the third day. It was also written that this message would be proclaimed in the authority of his name to all the nations beginning in Jerusalem: ‘There is forgiveness of sins for all who repent.’ You are witnesses of all these things.
“And now I will send the Holy Spirit, just as my Father promised. But stay here in the city until the Holy Spirit comes and fills you with power from heaven.”
The Ascension
Then Jesus led them to Bethany, and lifting his hands to heaven, he blessed them. While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up to heaven. So they worshiped him and then returned to Jerusalem filled with great joy. And they spent all of their time in the Temple, praising God.
Is God prompting you to invite anyone to church with you this Easter to hear the Good News?
Inspire Bible Contest Giveaway
We would love to hear your answer to any of the questions above. You’ll have a chance to win an Inspire Bible of your choice, including the soon-to-release Inspire Bible for Girls. See below for ways to enter.
Ten people will win an Inspire Bible of their choice, and one Grand Prize winner will receive two Inspire Bibles of their choice plus a $150 Amazon gift card to spend on Bible journaling goodies to fill an Easter basket. To check out the Inspire Bible line, please visit: https://www.tyndale.com/l/inspire-bible
I would like to invite my coworker to church with me, and my aunt. What stood out to me from the passage was that Jesus took the time to explain the scriptures and how He fulfilled them to the men on the way to Emmaus. That must have been so special for them!
I’d love to invite my son and his girlfriend as well as my brother
God has given us the information that’s needed to lead us to Jesus but sometimes our sight becomes so clouded we don’t even recognize Jesus Himself. He’s with us always but we need to listen and believe.
I learned from this passage that God opens our mind to understand the scripture.My prayer is that will open my mind to understand all the scripture.That Jesus is always with us even if we don’t feel Him or see Him. I am going to invite my own self to church this Easter.
The LORD is really pointing out to me the Holy Spirit and do this is one of the things that stands out to me. Jesus said he was sending the Holy Spirit to us. I want to know the Holy Spirit better and follow His lead.
I am praying about who to invite to church on Easter Sunday.
I’m praying for a close family member who stepped away from Christ, to return to Him and would like to invite them to church this Easter.
This passage resonates with me because of a message God shared with me in how to become more like Jesus. It’s confirmation that this is the direction He wants my sermon to go later this month.
As a read these words, “Why are you looking among the dead for someone who is alive? He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead!” I was reminded that Jesus is alive today. Too often I forget that, only focusing on what he did 2000 years ago and not looking for a living God at work today.
No one has been on my mind to specifically bring to church; but the question has led me to give it some thought.
God is good and patient with us, he just wants a personal relationship with us. I will invite my friend Bev to church with me at Easter
I have asked the Lord to put someone in my path/heart to ask to come to church
I would like to invite my sister and husband to church with us this Easter
I learned that god is helpful and offers a caring hand. I have been brought to church by family members. I believe one can connect with god even outside of church.
I won’t be at my own church this Easter.
Jesus wants us to experience this great joy.
I’m not a in christ. Hopefully the bible will help.
He is Risen! I need to always remember with Joy the moment the empty tomb was revealed! ❤️
Every time I read the Easter Story, I am reminded that Jesus did this – sacrificed himself – just for me. It was not just a story and it is real. JESUS is real. He wants and persues a loving relationship with me, His creation.
As for.the question of who am I led to invite to church this Easter to hear the Good News…I am burdened for the children who do not hear about Christ at home. Those children who are searching for that something that only God can fill!
The Easter story reminds me of God’s great love for us and the great sacrifice that was made so we might be with him someday. It is so moving and filled with such hope.
I try to be a light to others everyday and if there is an opportunity to encourage someone in their faith if they seem open to it then I would invite them to church.
This is one of my favorite passages! It always hits me that I need to stop taking God for granted and that he really is capable of all things and that His work is already done. I struggle with trusting him and not resting my worries on His shoulders. Reading about His resurrection snaps that out of me!
I always feel called to invite my sister and her husband to church on Easter, she’s never accepted but that won’t ever stop me from trying!
I may invite my college friend to church this Easter.
I am inviting my son & his family & also my daughter & her husband.Hoping we will all get to go together.
God ‘s word is true; every word of it. What stands out to me is that Jesus, who walked this earth, teaching & proving who He was/is through miracles, is still performing them in this life we know. Jesus is/has always been my very best friend. I’ve seen miracles within my family’s lives.
I love you, Jesus with my whole heart!
I have been inviting our neighbors since they moved in I will be inviting them again for Easter!
This passage has spoken to me numerous times. Today it is telling me that no matter how difficult of a time I am going through, Jesus made the ultimate sacrifice for my family. I just need to trust in him that he has this too!
God is prompting me to invite my coworker to church this Easter who is not Christian.
This passage reminds me that the Holy Spirit is inside me and it is my duty to spread the good news to others.
Proverbs 11:16 A kindhearted woman gains honour, but ruthless men gain only wealth
No promoting to invite anyone to church this Easter
No, I have decided to go because I want to know more about Easter and it’s true meaning.
I belive gods word is true. He died on the cross for us an he reserrects on easter sunday he wants us all to love one another.
I have decied to bring my family to church on easter sunday for the love of god
I would love to invite my daughter to Church
I learned about the joy of Christ and the need to spread His message.
Yes, I need to invite a young woman I know to Easter service.
I will be attending church with my parents this Easter.
This passage always reminds me of his word!
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”
God is prompting me to invite someone who use to work with me to Easter Sunday. I have shared message of the Good News to him. Now, I just pray that the Holy Spirit touches his heart, so that he comes and receives salvation in Jesus name, Amen.
Q.What stands out to you in this passage? What did you learn about God?
A. Easter is Jesus Christ’s victory over death. His resurrection symbolizes the eternal life that is granted to all who believe in Him.
How might God want you to respond to what you’ve read? Do everything with love.
Q.Is God prompting you to invite anyone to church with you this Easter to hear the Good News?
A. Yes, I would love my granddaughter to enter church with me.
I hadn’t really thought about it since I just got home from the hospital, but I do feel that I need to extend the invitation to my daughter and her friend. Perhaps it would help them find a relationship with Christ.
I’m excited to get my Son to go …and hopefully his girlfriend too!
I feel like I was led to this contest to read this passage. I have two little girls. I would love to win a Bible. The passage made Jesus’ words real to me. I have been struggling with my faith and think it is time to go back. If I were to win a Bible, I would read it and try to pray to come back to God. If not, I will buy one anyway as soon as I can afford to. If I win the whole thing, I will buy some bibles to give away and some dresses to take my girls back to church. Thank you for the post. I can tell it is more than a contest to you and you truly care.
Yes. God is not only prompting me to go to church, but to take my two daughters as well. I have an elderly neighbor. I may invite him as well.
I believe God wants me to inspire others to come to live by His word, beginning with any family members who would benefit from the teaching and faith He offers. In today’s tumultuous world, God’s presence is more important than ever.
I want to invite my friend who is need of Christ and his message.
god is sood all the time i would love to bring my non believer friends
I hope this is where I reply to the question about if God is prompting me to ask someone to church. God lays it on my heart all the time to ask someone to church. This Easter I would like to invite my brother to my church who lives about an hour distance from me.
This passage in the Bible reminds me that we are always surprised by God and don’t always realize what He is doing, such as the travelers on the road to Emmaus.
I have a few people on my heart that I would love to come to church with me this Easter.
I see God’s great mercy. Please pray for my parents that they will come to know Yeshua.
What stands out to me is that God is with us even when we don’t think about it.
I can recall times where I really needed help or was lost and someone was always there to give me words of encouragement from the bible.
Thinking about it makes me tear up. God is good and has been in my life even during the toughest times.
I would love to give one of these bibles to a dear friend as a surprise on Easter.
I think it would be nice to invite her to church as well.
Thank you for the chance to win. I’ve been wanting an Inspire Bible for a while.
I know a young teen I want to introduce to the word of God and the salvation of Jesus Christ
The scripture that stands out to me, is that Jesus first appeared to the women at the tomb. It is a passage that is good to teach that Jesus does not belittle women or see them as being lesser persons.
God is always with us, no matter what.
I love these passages! I read them every year during Easter with my 3 sons. We talk about what we would do if we suddenly found ourselves talking to Jesus in person. Then we talk about how even though we can’t see Jesus, he does hear our prayers. We will be at church this Easter.
I will call my friend and make sure she will be attending church this Easter.
I was taught that God is everywhere and it’s up to us to choose to let him into our hearts so Yes, He invites us all to come visit His home on earth…church(I would love to go to Easter Mass with my whole family)
Don’t waste time being afraid- Jesus is always with us.
The first thing that stood out to me was how manny times the passage refers to Jesus as being the fulfillment of prophecy. The two followers of Jesus initially referred to Jesus as a prophet, a mighty teacher, and the Messiah we hoped had come to RESCUE Israel. Jesus, however, is the fulfillment of prophecy from the the time of Moses, to the time of the prophets, as the Messiah, who has come to save not only Israel, but EVERYONE who BELIEVES in Him and calls upon His name. He died on the cross for our sins, becoming a perfect sacrifice, and took the punishment that we deserve. He was buried and after 3 days, he rose from the dead. The angels said in Luke 24:“Why are you looking among the dead for someone who is alive? He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead!”
The second thing that stood out to me was what the disciples and followers of Jesus did after they witnessed the empty tomb and the angels and after they spoke with Jesus and later were ableto recognize him. They went and told others of what they had seen and heard. It mentions at the end of Luke 24: It was also written that this message would be proclaimed in the authority of his name to all the nations beginning in Jerusalem: ‘There is forgiveness of sins for all who repent.’
I am stil praying who I can be a witness to and invite to church this Easter to hear the good news!
Passage stand out to me:1. This is the hope that we all have in God. That JESUS is risen. 2. That the apostles share whst happen to others. That we should have the zeal and excitement to share Gods word to others through words and action.
Learned about God: Lord of all, Powerful, He is Able. If we repent,we can be forgiven. And we need the Holy spirit daily.
To respond in Faith, trusting on what Jesus did on the cross. Trust him more in our daily lives.
God responds differently to meet the needs of all people!
I hope some of my family attends Church with me this Easter.
God is everywhere and always with us
I will be attending church with my neighbors this Easter.
I know a young teen I want to introduce to the word of God and the salvation of Jesus Christ
WHEN are you going to make a masculine cover?! I bought my son a teal one and jiffy markered the page edges black for him. He LOVES the colouring and note taking space and I’d reading his bible regularly now because he feels like it’s interactive. But didn’t want birds and flowers on the side. A stag, moose, eagle, roaring ocean waves, yes. I have two more sons learning to read and wanting their own colouring bibles. Please, you’re missing a huge demographic by not making a masculine cover. Thank you for reading my two cents, Kteni
I am going with my family to church this Easter.
We are hoping to go as a family to church on EAster .i loves reading this passage
What I learned about God from this passage is that he has given us everything we need to know right in the bible and to never doubt what is written in the bible. I believe God would want me to respond to this passage by living my life right and following his word and know that Jesus suffered what he did on earth for all of us because he loves us all.
I am going to church this Easter with friends, trying to get my husband to go.
Jesus is always there for you no matter how bad things are..
It is good. I will be taking my sister and her kids..
god is good! much love for jesus. accept him in your heart.
forgot to answer 2nd question.
easter i shall take my mother.
If we draw near to God, he will reciprocate and draw near to us. Drawing near to God is spending time with Him, worshiping Him, praying and talking to Him, inviting Him into every aspect of our lives.
It was put on my heart to invite a friend with me to church service. She is in a dark place and He and His Word are light.
While we may not at first realize it, God is with us always, even when we are going through the most difficult times.
Jesus cannot be held back and will always be with us.
I am heading to my daughter’s house for Easter so inviting others to attend church service with us on that day is a little difficult. But I have invited friends to join as at the Easter drama at the church across the street from our home.