Lesson Learned: Thomas doubted Jesus’ resurrection but believed when he saw his wounds.
Material Needed: washable marker
Bible Verse:
John 20:24-29
24 Now Thomas (also known as Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!”
But he said to them, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.”
26 A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” 27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.”
28 Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!”
29 Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”
Talking Points: None of Jesus’ close friends were perfect. Thomas had a bad attitude and often thought the worse was going to happen. However, he was very loyal to Jesus and was very, very sad when he thought Jesus had died. When Thomas sees Jesus, however, he sees the scars on Jesus’ hands and on His side, and he knows Jesus has been resurrected and that Jesus is Lord and God just like He claimed to be. Those that believe without seeing these things are even more blessed.
Questions: Do you think Thomas was sad when Jesus died? Why? What made him believe the man he saw was Jesus?
Activity:
Draw 2 “X”s on the child’s hand with the washable marker. Explain to them that Jesus had nails driven into his hands, right where they see the X’s on their own hands. It was very painful for Him. Thomas did not believe his friends had seen Jesus but as soon as he saw these wounds, he knew that Jesus had come back to life and was Lord.
Prayer: Holy Lord and God, You came to save us and You sent Your Son to show us the way. Help us to believe! Amen!