Bible Texts:

John 20:19-31

 

Children's Bible Story sources:

"On the Road to Emmaus," DK Children's Illustrated Bible, p.278.  (The Emmaus story, Luke 24:13-40, and the story of the disciples, Thomas, and Jesus, John 20:19-31, appear together in this children's Bible)

"Doubting Thomas," Spark Story Bible, p.482 

"Jesus Appears to the Disciples" and "Thomas Stops Doubting," DK Children's Everyday Bible, p.313-314

 

Children's Story Resource

Nightsong by Ari Berk, illustrated by Loren Long

                                    Sense is the song you sing out into the world, 
                                       and the song the world sings back to you. 
With these words, Chiro's mother sends him off into the night for the first time alone. It's an adventure, but how will he find his way? And how will he find his way home? As the young bat discovers, navigating the world around him is easy as long as he uses his good sense.
This story conveys a heartwarming and universal message: No matter how far away you go, you can always find your way home.

How these stories are connected: Chiro is afraid to leave the safety of the cave until his mother speaks wisdom and promise. The same is true of the disciples. They lock themselves in a room because of their fear. Only when Jesus appears, reassures them of his life and presence, and gives them a higher purpose do they dare leave the safety of their company together in the closed room.

Questions about Nightsong:

    Why was Chiro afraid?

    What did his mother tell him?

    How did Chiro feel when he first left the cave?

    What caused his feelings to change?

 



Questions about the Bible story:

     Why were the disciples afraid?

     What did they do because they were afraid?

     What did Jesus tell them?

     What did Jesus tell Thomas?

     What difference do you think that made for them?

 

Questions about our lives: 

      How can we share Jesus’ peace with other people?

 

Prayer

Dear Jesus, help us to believe in you Help us to tell other people about you and to share your  peace with them. Amen.