See also: Why did it take 3 days for Jesus to come back? Is Jesus technically a zombie?
How you might answer: This is a question that you shouldn't really try to answer... we don't know! Part of the definition of a miracle is that it has no rational explanation, so trying to give it one only serves to muddle things. As for why 3 days, that too is something of a mystery! There are various theories out there about not rising on the Sabbath, or about it being to prove that he was dead, but nothing terribly conclusive. Ultimately, the timing wasn't as important as the event itself. And, finally, to every middle school boy's favorite question, "Is Jesus technically a zombie?", the answer is "no". It's obviously not a serious question, but you can counter that zombies re-animated without rational thoughts, while Jesus communicated and taught quite clearly with the disciples after his resurrection.
What might be behind their question: This one is probably just pure curiosity (aside from the zombie question, which is just pure trolling on the part of middle school boys), but if it's asked around a family member, friend, or pet dying, then you may need to ask your child if they wish that person/pet would come back to life - it can be a way into a meaningful conversation about grief, heaven, and how you hope you'll be able to be together again some day.
How you might answer: This is a question that you shouldn't really try to answer... we don't know! Part of the definition of a miracle is that it has no rational explanation, so trying to give it one only serves to muddle things. As for why 3 days, that too is something of a mystery! There are various theories out there about not rising on the Sabbath, or about it being to prove that he was dead, but nothing terribly conclusive. Ultimately, the timing wasn't as important as the event itself. And, finally, to every middle school boy's favorite question, "Is Jesus technically a zombie?", the answer is "no". It's obviously not a serious question, but you can counter that zombies re-animated without rational thoughts, while Jesus communicated and taught quite clearly with the disciples after his resurrection.
What might be behind their question: This one is probably just pure curiosity (aside from the zombie question, which is just pure trolling on the part of middle school boys), but if it's asked around a family member, friend, or pet dying, then you may need to ask your child if they wish that person/pet would come back to life - it can be a way into a meaningful conversation about grief, heaven, and how you hope you'll be able to be together again some day.