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

BIBLE STORY

Who do you depend on to help take care of you? Who do you depend on to keep you safe? Who do you depend on for food and shelter. God created us to be in connection with one another. He gives us parents, teachers, and other leaders to provide for us who we are connected to. 

I’m going to say a list of things and I want you to tell me how they are all connected. Give me a title that describes all of these things. 

-Shoelaces, rope, string, yarn (Things you can use to tie)

-Red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet (Colors of the Rainbow)

-Piglet, foal, chick, kid, lamb, calf (baby farm animals)

-Car, boat, limo, bus, airplane (forms of transportation)

-Rose, daisy, lily, tulip, mum (Types of flowers)

-Butter, jelly, peanut butter, honey, cream cheese (Things you spread on toast)

-Cake, cookie, candy, cupcakes, ice cream (Types of dessert)

-“My dog ate it”, “I lost it”, “you didn’t give it to me”, “I forgot” (reasons you don’t have your homework)

-Because you are you, you are a masterpiece, you are His, You are created in His image (Reasons God loves you)

-Your family, your friends, other believers in God, your classmates (People you are connected with)

The disciples were afraid after Jesus died but they still met together to encourage each other. They were not sure what they should do next, now that Jesus was dead. The disciples were connected to each other because they believed and loved Jesus so when they saw him after He was raised from the dead, their connection was even stronger. They had an even greater purpose to complete together. Jesus was alive and they needed to tell everyone!

Read or listen to the Bible story 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

The disciples were afraid and Thomas didn’t believe Jesus was alive, until they saw Jesus in the room with them. Jesus appeared from out of nowhere to the disciples and they were shocked to see him. We have all been afraid of something or doubted if something was real. But Jesus gives us faith and connects us with others who can also strengthen our faith. Listen to the following statements about animals and decide if this is believable or if you have doubts.

Materials: Scenarios printed or viewed on device

Alternate

Jesus connects us and brings us together. When the disciples saw Jesus after his death, it helped bring them together for a greater purpose. They were connected to each other through their love and faith in Jesus. We are connected to each other in a special way because of our faith. Other things are connected as well, such as a momma bear with its cub. Play this game of memory. Match the adult animals who are connected with their baby animals.

Materials: Printed memory game, scissors

Independent 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: White construction paper, scissors, crayons or markers

Craft 2

Coloring page

Materials: printed coloring sheet, crayons

FOLLOW-UP

Did Thomas first believe that Jesus was alive when the disciples told him?

What did Thomas need to do in order to believe Jesus was alive?

What did Jesus do to help Thomas believe?

What helps you have faith in Jesus?

How do you know that Jesus is real and near to you?

How does knowing Jesus is alive help you be courageous and brave?

Who are you connected with that helps you have stronger faith?

Are you a part of a group that serves others?

Practical Application at Home

Jesus connects us to each other through our relationship with him. We can share with others what God has done for us which continues to connect us with other believers. We can share our stories, or testimonies with others and therefore be in fellowship with each other. Think about what it is like to share stories with other people. It can leave us feeling encouraged to know someone has been through something similar to us. It can also leave us feeling comforted to know we are not alone. We can feel connected with others because we share an experience. Listen to the following story starters and choose one you can continue with your own true story. Share with your family or group your experience.

I once helped someone….

I was lost when….

I share this with a friend…..

I once share this with my enemy and…

I wish I had shared the gospel with…

I told this someone Jesus loved them and…

I encouraged someone by….

Every day I try to pray for….

I showed someone Jesus loved them by….

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.