“Easter Play,” Friend, March 2026, 16–23.
Easter Play
You can put on this program with your family and friends to tell the Easter story. You can even dress like people might have dressed in Jerusalem during the Savior’s life.
As you act out the program, imagine what it would be like if you were there with Jesus. How would you feel? After the program, talk about what you learned and felt.
Scene 1
Palm Sunday
The disciples stand in a line to form a path for the picture holder and wave their palm leaves.
Narrator: The Sunday before Jesus Christ died, He came to Jerusalem on a donkey. “And when he was come … , the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen.”
The picture holder walks through the path holding picture 1 (Jesus Christ on the donkey). The disciples shout “Hosanna!” a few times as they wave their palm leaves.
Disciple 1: “Blessed be the King that cometh in the name of the Lord: peace in heaven, and glory in the highest.”
Narrator: “And when He was come into Jerusalem, all the city was moved, saying, Who is this?”
Disciple 2: “This is Jesus the prophet of Nazareth of Galilee.”
Everyone sings the third verse of “Beautiful Savior” (Children’s Songbook, 62–63).
Scene 2
The Last Supper
Narrator: On Thursday, Jesus Christ gathered with His disciples and gave them the sacrament.
The picture holder holds picture 2 (Jesus at the Last Supper). The disciples sit around and look at the picture of Jesus.
Narrator: “And as they did eat, Jesus took bread, and blessed, and brake it, and gave to them, and said, Take, eat: this is my body.”
Reverently, one of the disciples holds up the bread.
Narrator: “And he took the cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them: and they all drank of it. And he said unto them, This is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many.”
Reverently, one of the disciples holds up the cup.
Narrator: Jesus also taught them something important. He said, “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you. … By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.”
Everyone sings “Love One Another” (Children’s Songbook, 136).
Scene 3
The Garden of Gethsemane
Narrator: “Then cometh Jesus with them unto a place called Gethsemane, and saith unto the disciples, Sit ye here, while I go and pray yonder.”
The disciples sit together on one side of the stage. The picture holder stands on the other side of the stage, holding up picture 3 (Jesus praying in the garden).
Narrator: “And [Jesus] went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.”
The disciples lie down and pretend to fall asleep.
Narrator: While the Savior prayed, His disciples fell asleep. Jesus suffered in the garden alone. He felt all of our pain and sadness so He could understand us and help us. He suffered to pay the price of our sins.
Everyone sings “Gethsemane” (Hymns—For Home and Church, no. 1009).
Scene 4
The Cross
Narrator: After Jesus finished praying, soldiers took Him away and tied Him up. Even though He did nothing wrong, the leaders decided to put Him to death.
The picture holder holds up picture 4 (the Savior on the cross). The disciples kneel around, looking up at the picture.
Narrator: As He hung on the cross, Jesus said, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” Even in His great pain, He was the perfect example of love and forgiveness.
Everyone sings “There Is a Green Hill Far Away” (Hymns, no. 194).
Scene 5
The Tomb
Narrator: After Jesus Christ died, His body lay in a tomb for three days. On the third day, Mary Magdalene and other women came to visit the tomb. “And they found the stone rolled away. … And they entered in, and found not the body of the Lord Jesus.”
Mary and the women sadly walk on stage and look around, confused.
Narrator: Two angels appeared and spoke to the women.
Angel 1 and Angel 2 step onto the stage next to Mary.
Angel 1: “Fear not … for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified.”
Angel 2: “He is not here: for he is risen.”
Narrator: “And they departed quickly … with fear and great joy; and did run to bring [the other] disciples word.”
Mary and the women joyfully run off the stage to share the good news with everyone.
Mary: He is risen! Jesus Christ lives!
The picture holder holds up picture 5 (the resurrected Christ). Everyone returns to the stage.
Narrator: Our Savior rose again on Easter morning. Because of Him, everything changed. We can have hope, peace, and happiness. Because He lives, He is with us today and always.
Everyone sings “Jesus Has Risen” (Friend, Apr. 2025, 18–19).
Illustrations by Róisín Hahessy. Paintings by Dan Burr. May be copied for Church use only.