Mary Sees Jesus for Kids: Bible Story Explained Simply

Series: He Is Risen (Episode 02 of 10) | Scripture: Matthew/Luke/Acts | Ages 5+

Mary Sees Jesus is a Bible story from Matthew/Luke/Acts in the New Testament. This retelling is designed for kids ages 5 and up, using simple language they can understand and lessons they will remember.

What Is the Story of Mary Sees Jesus for Kids?

HE IS RISEN — Episode 2: Mary Sees Jesus Based on John 20:11-18 Series: He Is Risen | Target Age: 7-15

After everything that happened at the tomb, most people had run off — to tell the news, to figure out what was going on. But one person stayed. Mary Magdalene. And she was crying.

See, Mary had been one of my closest followers. I had set her free from terrible darkness — seven demons had tormented her, and I cast every one of them out. She had been with me through my ministry, through the cross, through it all. And now she stood outside the empty tomb, heartbroken, because she thought someone had stolen my body.

She bent down and looked inside the tomb. Two angels in white were sitting there — one where my head had been, one where my feet had been. They asked her, "Woman, why are you crying?"

This story comes from Matthew/Luke/Acts and is part of the New Testament.

What Does the Story of Mary Sees Jesus Teach Children?

The story of Mary Sees Jesus teaches children important lessons about resurrection, hope, faith, new life, Easter:

• God chose an ordinary young woman for the most extraordinary job in history
• Saying yes to God can change the whole world
• Jesus was born in the humblest place to show that God is for everyone

Key Bible Verse

"I am the Lord's servant. May your word to me be fulfilled." — Luke 1:38

If small hands need something to do while you read, the free angel visits Mary coloring page is made for exactly that.

Parent's Guide: Why This Story Matters

The birth of Jesus is the story your child will hear every Christmas for the rest of their life. Giving them the real version now, not just the cultural one, matters. Jesus was not born in a palace. He was born in the humblest place imaginable, to an ordinary young woman, announced first to shepherds (the lowest status people in society). Every detail of this story says: God is for everyone, especially the overlooked.

Quiz: Test What Your Child Learned

After watching the video, see if your child can answer these questions:

Why was Mary Magdalene crying outside the tomb?

She thought someone had stolen Jesus' body. Mary did not yet realize Jesus had risen. She thought His body had been taken, and she was heartbroken.

Who did Mary think Jesus was when she first saw Him?

The gardener. Her eyes were blurred with tears and her heart was heavy with grief, so she mistook Jesus for the gardener.

What did Jesus say that made Mary recognize Him?

"Mary" — He spoke her name. Jesus said just one word — her name — and she instantly knew His voice.

What did Mary call Jesus when she recognized Him?

Rabboni, which means Teacher. She cried out "Rabboni!" which is a deeply personal and respectful word meaning "Teacher" or "My Teacher."

Why is it significant that Jesus appeared to Mary first?

In that culture, a woman's testimony was not accepted in court — yet Jesus chose her voice to announce His resurrection first. The world said her voice did not count, but Jesus chose her to be the very first person to see Him risen and to announce the greatest news in history.

Discussion Questions for Families

Use these questions at the dinner table or during bedtime:

1. What was your favorite part of the story of Mary Sees Jesus?
2. What do you think God was teaching us through this story?
3. How can we be more like Mary in our own lives?
4. If you were in this story, what would you have done differently?
5. What does this story teach us about trusting God?

More Episodes in the He Is Risen Series

This story is episode 02 of 10 in the He Is Risen series:

• The Empty Tomb for Kids
• The Road to Emmaus for Kids
• Doubting Thomas for Kids
• Breakfast on the Beach for Kids
• Peter Is Restored for Kids
• The Great Commission for Kids
• The Ascension for Kids
• Waiting in Jerusalem for Kids
• The Day of Pentecost for Kids

300+ Bible Stories for Kids on Faithful Kids

Faithful Kids has 300+ Bible story videos covering the entire Bible from Genesis to Revelation. Every story is a short video lesson, designed for kids Ages 5+, with a quiz after each lesson. No ads, ever.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the story of Mary Sees Jesus about for kids?

Mary Sees Jesus is a story from Matthew/Luke/Acts. HE IS RISEN — Episode 2: Mary Sees Jesus Based on John 20:11-18 Series: He Is Risen | Target Age: 7-15

What age is the story of Mary Sees Jesus appropriate for?

This retelling of Mary Sees Jesus is designed for children Ages 5+. The language is simple and age-appropriate, and the video is just a few minutes long, perfect for young attention spans.

Where is Mary Sees Jesus found in the Bible?

Mary Sees Jesus is found in Matthew/Luke/Acts in the New Testament. It is part of the He Is Risen series on Faithful Kids.

Is there a video of Mary Sees Jesus for kids?

Yes. Faithful Kids has a short video retelling of Mary Sees Jesus designed for children, with narration, visuals, and a comprehension quiz. Watch it here.

How can I use Mary Sees Jesus for Sunday School or homeschool?

Play the short Faithful Kids video as an introduction, then use the discussion questions above for group conversation. The built-in quiz checks comprehension. Many Sunday school teachers and homeschool parents use Faithful Kids as weekly curriculum.

What does Mary Sees Jesus teach kids?

The story of Mary Sees Jesus teaches children about resurrection, hope, faith, new life, Easter. God chose an ordinary young woman for the most extraordinary job in history.