HERE
WELCOME TO WEEK 4
We trust lots of things every day without even thinking about it. We trust our car will get us to school in the morning. We trust our refrigerator will keep our food cold all day. We trust our alarm clock to wake us up in the morning. More than those things that we trust to do what they are made to do, we can trust Jesus to do what He says He will do. This week we will see how the disciples learned to trust that Jesus what do what He said He would do.
BIBLE STORY
Sometimes we need to see something for ourselves to believe and sometimes we need to believe even when we can’t see it. Listen to the following statements and decide if you think it is true or false.
The sky is blue
There is wind on Earth
We breath oxygen
Grass grows
Living things need food
Gravity keeps grounded
Rainbows are made by reflecting light
Earth’s core (center) is hot
Some of the things listed you have experienced or seen for yourself so you know they are true. Some of the things listed you have not seen but need faith to believe that it is true. When Jesus appeared to the disciples Thomas was not there and so had a hard time to believing. Today we will read a story about Thomas who didn’t believe right away that Jesus had risen.
Read or listen to the scripture John 20:19-31
Who was together in the room? (The disciples)
Why were the doors locked? (Of fear of the Jewish leaders)
How did Jesus enter the room? (Jesus came and stood among them)
What did the disciples do when they saw Jesus? (They were overjoyed)
How did Jesus give them the Holy Spirit? (He breathed on them)
What did Jesus say would happen if they forgave someone’s sin? (Their sins would be forgiven)
What did Thomas say when the disciples told him they had just seen Jesus? (He would believe when he saw the holes in his hands and feet)
How did Jesus appear again to the disciples? (Jesus came and stood before them)
BIBLE STORY ACTIVITY
Activity
Think of someone you know who you trust? What makes you trust them? What helps you feel secure around them? Listen to these situations and decide who you trust for these things. For as much as we can trust those people in our lives, we can trust Jesus even more. He loves us and will never let us down, we can trust Him.
Materials: printed situations
Alternate
Create an obstacle course in your space. Use chairs, blankets, small table, pool noodles or things you have on hand. Blindfold the person going through the course. The other person then gives oral directions to get them through the course. Did you make it through the course without tripping or falling over anything? Was it easy or hard to listen and have faith in the person directing you through the course? Did you trust they were leading you the right way? What senses did you have to use to get through the course?
Materials: materials for an obstacle course (blankets, chairs, small tables, pool noodles etc), blindfold
Independent activity:
When Jesus appeared to his disciples, they did not realize He was even in the room because he door was closed and locked. Let’s play a game of hide and seek. When you are found shout “Jesus appeared to disciples”.
Materials: area for play
ARTS & CAFTS
CRAFT 1
Hand cut-out with heart in the middle. On the hand write “Jesus Helps me Believe
Materials: handprint, construction paper, scissors
Craft 2
Coloring page
Materials: printed coloring sheet, crayons
FOLLOW-UP
How did Jesus appear to the disciples?
How could Jesus appear when the door was locked?
Which disciple did believe Jesus appeared to them?
Why were they disciples so afraid?
What are some things you have a hard time trusting that you can not see?
How can we have faith even when we can’t see it?
Practical Application at Home
What questions do you have for God today? What things do you doubt or are unsure of. Questions are not a sign of weak faith but of a faith that is searching for God. Wanting to know more and believe for yourself shows you want to have a relationship with God. God is big enough to handle your questions, just keep talking to Him!
On the journal sheet, write the date on your entry and write a letter, or prayer, to God. Tell Him what you believe right now, and ask questions you may have. This week, as you read your bible, sing songs, listen to praise music, talk with your parents, teachers and church leaders, see if God reveals his answers to you. Continue to seek God and praise Him for the answers you receive. You can easily turn this page into a journal by printing more pages or using a blank notebook and glueing this to the first page as a starter. Journaling prayers is a great way of communicating with Jesus. It’s also a great way to look back and see how God has answered your prayers.
Additional Resources
Outings to Reinforce Lesson
Enjoy the cool weather and take a nature walk. Observe the things God created and how they work together in His plan. What part do each of us play in God’s plan for us?