WELCOME TO WEEK 2

We are connected to our family because we live with them and we have lots of things in common. We are also connected to other believers because we have something in common, our belief in Jesus. Jesus connects us with other people and we can help each other build our faith stronger or encourage each other when we feel down. This week we will see how Jesus connected the disciples to each other.

John 20:19-31; 1John 1:1-4

BIBLE STORY

We depend on other people and sometimes people depend on us. Jesus helps connect us to other people and other believers. There are also animals that depend on one another. There are animals who have a symbiotic relationship, this means although they may look like an unlikely pair, they depend on each other for their survival. God created them to be in connection with each other and depend on each other.  Listen to these animals and guess which animals are being described.  

After Jesus’ death the disciples and His followers did not know what was going to happen next. They were sad and disappointed that what they thought would happen, did not happen. They were not sure what they would do next but they met together to encourage and comfort each other. God wants us to be with other believers to help build each others’ faith and work together for His purpose. While the disciples were together, locked in a room, Jesus appeared to them. He did not knock on the door or climb through a window, but He appeared in the room. Read or listen to the Bible verse to see how Jesus’ appearance to the disciples changed them.

Materials: printed animal guessing game or device for viewing

Let’s read the Bible story for the week John 20:19-31

Where were the disciples on the evening of first day of the week? (Together with the doors locked)

How did Jesus come in the room? (He came and stood among them)

How did Jesus show them who he was? (He showed them his hands and side)

Why did Jesus breath of them? (To give them the Holy Spirit)

Who was not in the room when Jesus was there? (Thomas)

What did he say when the other disciple told him Jesus had been there? (Unless he saw the nail marks in his hands, and put his fingernails where the marks were and put his hand in His side; he would not believe)

What happened the following week when Thomas was with the disciples? (While the door was locked, Jesus came and stood among them)

What did Jesus say to Thomas? (Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach your hand and put it in my side. Stop doubting and believe)

Did Thomas believe it was Jesus? (Yes, he said “My Lord and my God”

What did Jesus say about those who couldn’t see him and then believe? (Blessed are those who would not see but would still believe)

BIBLE STORY ACTIVITY

Jesus presented himself to the disciples and they believed what the women had said about Jesus being alive. They all experienced the death and resurrection of Jesus together and this connected them to each other. We are connected with other believers because we share a common love and purpose to share the gospel of Jesus with anyone who does not already know. We are connected by Jesus and the purpose he has given each one of us that we can accomplish by working together.

Activity

Thomas was not in the room when Jesus appeared the first time so when the disciples told Thomas Jesus was alive, he doubted. Sometimes it is hard for us to believe things we do not see. Jesus gave Thomas what He needed in order to believe and Jesus meets us where we are too. He wants us to believe and trust in Him. Play this game of Feely-Bag. Get several non see-through bags and place a different item in each of the bags. Without letting your partner see, allow them to feel in the bag while you give an accurate description of what is in the bag or try to trick them by giving an inaccurate description. They must say if they believe you or doubt what you are saying is true. Then reveal the truth by showing them what was actually in the bag. Example items to place in bags: a small bunch of grapes, a paper towel, a lemon peel, blades of grass.

Materials: paper bags, items to be guessed

Alternate

When the disciples saw Jesus and knew he was alive, Jesus gave them a common goal, to spread the good news of Jesus. This mission brought them together and they all had the same purpose. Jesus brings us together and connects us to each other for the same common goal. He wants us to spread the Good News that He died to save us. When we work together as a family we are also sharing a common goal and connecting with each other as well. Cut the following activities into strips and place them in a small bowl or jar and pull out a strip each night or several times this week. Work together as a family to complete the task

Materials: Printed activity sheet, scissors, bowl

create activity:

Draw a picture of people that Jesus has given you who you are connected with. Write their names on your picture to label the people you are connected with. These are people who help you in your faith with God and work together for a common purpose. On the top of your paper write the title “We are connected in God’s family”

Materials: Construction paper, crayons, pencil

ARTS & CAFTS

CRAFT 1

Fold a sheet of white construction paper in half. Place their thumb along the fold of the paper, and then trace your child’s hands. Then cut around the hand, leaving the thumb and the bottom of the page attached. Cut a small half heart under the thumb but above the straight edged bottom of the paper to create a heart shape once the paper is opened. Open the paper and have your child place two holes in the middle of the hands then write “Jesus died” on one hand and “For Me” on the other hand.

Materials: construction paper, child’s hand, pencil

Craft 2

Coloring page

Materials: printed coloring sheet, crayons

FOLLOW-UP

Read or listen to 1John 1:1-4

When John wrote this verse he wanted others to know that Jesus had been with them and fellowshipped with them. He wanted others to know that just as they had fellowshipped with Jesus, others could also have fellowship and eternal life through Jesus Christ. He wanted others to know they too could be connected with Jesus.

If Jesus appeared to you after his death, would you want to share that with others?

Would you want to keep that information a secret?

What would you say to someone who did not believe?

How could you help them be encouraged and have faith?

How does knowing you have eternal life change your attitude toward life here on earth?

Would you want to share that feeling with others?

Practical Application at Home

Make a Fellowship-Tree, similar to making a family tree. Place Jesus name at the top, then write the names of people in your family or church that have helped you have a connection with Jesus. Draw lines connecting Jesus to these people that you have listed below Jesus name in a single row. On the the next row add your name and any other names of people you may know have been influenced by those people. Draw a line connecting those names to yourself and others in your row of names. Under your name only, write the names of people you have share the gospel with or encourage in their relationship with Jesus.

Materials: sheet of paper, pencil

Additional Resources

Outings to Reinforce Lesson

Donate to a local food shelter or toy drive this Christmas season. As a family, volunteer together or pick out toys you think another child your age might enjoy.