Resurrection Appearances (April 24, 2022)

Caravaggio, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

READ: Easter is so amazing and important, one Sunday is not enough to explore its mystery. We are now in what is called Eastertide, the season of Easter which stretches from Easter Sunday to the day of Pentecost. On the evening of the first Easter after God raised Jesus from the dead, the disciples were together in a house with the doors locked because they were afraid of the soldiers. Someone said, “Peace be with you.” It was Jesus. He said, “As God has sent me, I am sending you.” And then he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.”
Thomas had been away that night. When they told him, he said, “I won’t believe Jesus is alive until I can touch his wounds.” And why wouldn’t he have some doubts? Their minds were stretching…stretching to know Jesus in this new way.
The next week, Thomas joined them at the table, and they closed the doors. A voice said,, “Peace be with you.” It was Jesus. He went right up to Thomas and held out his hand, “Touch me.” All Thomas could do was fall on his knees, and he said, “My Lord, and my God.”
Jesus looked at him a long time. “Do you believe because you have seen?” Then he slowly looked around the whole circle and said, “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe.” (John 20:19-31)

WONDER: I wonder how the disciples felt when Jesus appeared to them in the locked room? 
I wonder why Thomas wanted to touch Jesus' wounds? 
I wonder how Thomas felt when Jesus said, "Touch me"?
I wonder if you've ever had doubts about anything? I wonder how that feels? 
I wonder what is your favorite part of the story?

​SAY: In today’s story we find the first disciples learning to know Jesus in a new way after his resurrection. 
PRAY: Let’s pray. Dear God, thank you for listening to us when we have questions. And thank you for loving us just as we are. Amen.
EXTEND

• Jesus says to the disciples, “Peace be with you.” Using your favorite art materials create a depiction of peace. What does peace look like for you? Is there someone you know who could use a message of peace today?
  
• Read Can You Say Peace? by Karen Katz. In the book we learn other words for peace in many languages including Salaam, Pace, Sidi. I wonder which word you like best? 
  

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