Jesus Appears to his Disciples
/We have been exploring the stories of Jesus appearing to people after his death and before he ascends to heaven. He appeared to his followers and others many times, but today we are looking at a story when Jesus appeared to some of his disciples in a locked room. The trouble was, one of his followers wasn’t there that day and didn’t get to see Jesus in person. Let’s find out what happens.
You can read this story directly from the Bible here: John 20:19-31.
Story: Thomas Believed
Wondering Together
I wonder how you would feel if you were in the locked room when Jesus appeared?
I wonder how you might feel if (like Thomas) you weren’t there when Jesus appeared at first?
I wonder how Thomas felt when Jesus allowed Thomas to see and touch him, and responded to him kindly?
I wonder what this story makes you think about?
Spiritual Exercise: Finger Labyrinths
At the beginning of our story today, Jesus followers were feeling kind of confused and worried. But Jesus met them where they were and helped them better understand what was happening. When Thomas felt that he had to see Jesus to believe that he was alive, Jesus again met Thomas where he was and responded to him with gentleness and kindness, helping him understand. Today we’ll try out a spiritual practice called a labyrinth, which followers of Jesus have used as a way to worship God for at least 1500 years. We can use it today as a way to calm the thoughts in our minds, and as a way to invite Jesus to meet us where we are.
Directions:
Quiet your mind, breathing deeply in and out. Then, with your non-dominant hand, that is the hand that you don’t use to write or draw, follow the path, imagining Jesus with you. Keep following, focusing on the movement of your finger all the way into the middle. When you get there, stay a little. Imagine Jesus with you and see if He says anything to you.
Songs
It’s so wonderful to know that Jesus will meet us wherever we are: whether we are in a locked room, whether we are having doubts, or anywhere we happen to be! Jesus is a friend who will always be by our side. Let’s sing some songs about just that!
Prayer
Dear Jesus,
It’s so amazing that you meet us wherever we are. Even when we are afraid or have doubts, you respond to us with kindness and gentleness. Thank you for being such a wonderful friend!
Amen.