In today's Gospel we learn about how Thomas, one of the 12 apostles, could not believe that Jesus had risen unless he saw Jesus in person and could touch His wounds. Jesus teaches us that those believe without seeing, are blessed.
Father in Heaven we praise and glorify you. We thank you for bringing us together to hear your story. Thank you for revealing to us the many people you appeared to after your resurrection. Please send us the Holy Spirit so that we too can believe without seeing. Help us to recognize your voice in our daily activities. In Jesus's name we pray. Amen.
One evening, Jesus’ friends (the disciples) were all together in a room. They were scared, so they locked the doors. They were worried that something bad might happen to them.
Suddenly… something amazing happened. Jesus came and stood right there with them, even though the doors were locked!
He said, “Peace be with you.”
The disciples were so happy to see Him! Jesus showed them His hands and His side so they knew it was really Him.
Then Jesus said again, “Peace be with you.”
He told them that God had sent Him, and now He was sending them to share His love with others.
But one of the disciples, named Thomas, wasn’t there that day. When the others told him, “We saw Jesus!” Thomas said, “I won’t believe it unless I see Him myself and touch His wounds.”
A week later, the disciples were together again, and this time Thomas was with them.
Even though the doors were locked, Jesus came again and stood with them.
He said, “Peace be with you.”
Then He turned to Thomas and said,
“Go ahead. Touch my hands. See that it’s really me. Don’t doubt—believe.”
Thomas looked at Jesus and said,
“My Lord and my God!”
Jesus said to him,
“You believe because you see me. Blessed are those who believe even without seeing.”
Source: Saddleback Kids. (2021, APR). Jesus appears to Thomas [VIDEO]. YOUTUBE.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A_QcGnwilXI
Recall the Story (What happened?)
Why were the disciples hiding in a locked room?
What did Jesus say when He appeared to them?
Which disciple didn’t believe at first?
What did Thomas say when he finally saw Jesus?
Relate to the Story (How does it connect to you?)
Have you ever felt scared like the disciples? What helped you feel better?
Have you ever had a hard time believing something? What made it hard?
How do you think Thomas felt when he saw Jesus?
Apply to Real Life (What can we do?)
What can you do when you feel afraid, like the disciples did?
How can you show trust in Jesus, even if you can’t see Him?
How can you share peace and kindness with others this week?
Father in Heaven, we thank you for this lesson on faith. Thank you for the gift of the Holy Spirit who gives us courage and strength. Help us to believe without seeing. Please use us as an instrument to help others believe as well. in Jesus's name we pray. Amen.
