Based directly on Matthew 27:11–26 — the trial before Pilate, the choice between Barabbas and Jesus, and Pilate washing his hands in verse 24: “So when Pilate saw that he was gaining nothing, but rather that a riot was beginning, he took water and washed his hands before the crowd, saying, ‘I am innocent of this man’s blood; see to it yourselves.’”

This interactive flip book craft lets children create their own mini animated storybook showing the choice and its outcome, ending with hope from the resurrection.

Materials (per child)

• 6–8 small index cards or folded printer paper stapled on the left side like a book.
• Crayons, markers, or coloured pencils.
• Small bowl of water and blue paint or glitter glue for the “washing” page effect.
• Stapler and the printed verse strip from Matthew 27:24.

How to Make and Use It

1. Read the trial and hand-washing section (Matthew 27:11–26) aloud.
2. On each page, children draw a simple sequence:
3. Page 1: Crowd shouting “Barabbas!”
4. Page 2: Pilate looking worried.
5. Page 3: Pilate washing hands with real water drops or blue glitter paint.
6. Pages 4–6: Transition to the cross, then the empty tomb and angel (Matthew 28:1–7).
7. When they flip the pages quickly, it creates a mini animation showing the wrong choice leading to the cross, but God’s bigger plan winning with the resurrection.
8. Glue the verse “I am innocent of this man’s blood” on the hand-washing page.
9. Children take it home and flip it for their family while retelling the story exactly as written.

The flip motion makes the decision and its results “come alive” in a memorable, hands-on way.

Recommended age range: Suitable for ages 6–10. Younger children may need help with the stapling step.

Image: AI generated