Doubting Thomas

Have you ever heard a story and wondered if it was true? If so, you’ve felt doubt. When you doubt something, you aren’t sure whether that thing is real or unreal.

It is normal to have doubt. For example, if one of your friends said he was born on Mars, you probably wouldn’t believe him—and for good reason! But sometimes, even the most amazing stories really are true, and we are wise to believe.
Today’s Bible story is about an amazing event and one disciple, named Thomas, who had a very hard time believing it was true. As you read or listen to the story, imagine that you are Thomas. Would you believe something you couldn’t see? Why or why not?

Hear
The story of doubting Thomas comes from John 20:19-31. Find the story in the family Bible or a children’s storybook Bible and read it together.

You can also click here to read the story using an online Bible, or you can watch the video retelling below.

Think
When you’ve finished reading the story, talk about these questions with your family:
  • How do you think Thomas felt when his friends told him Jesus appeared to them when he wasn’t there?
  • Why do you think Thomas found his friends’ story hard to believe? If you were Thomas, would you have believed it?
  • What did Jesus say and do when he appeared to Thomas? Was Jesus angry?
  • Unlike Thomas, we cannot see Jesus with our own eyes. If we can’t see Jesus, how do we know he is with us?
Then, watch the following short video:

Do
Connect more deeply with the story of doubting Thomas by trying one or more of these activities:
Picture
Believe without seeing.
Ask each family member to gather a few small objects from around the house. Take turns having each person put one of their objects in a paper bag, then pass the bag around to the rest of the family. The other family members can shake the bag and put their hand inside, but they cannot look in the bag. Can you figure out what's in the bag without looking? If so, you didn't need to see to believe--just like we don't need to see Jesus to know he is with us!
Picture
Draw a picture--with a twist.
Get a pencil, a piece of paper, and a blindfold. Put on the blindfold, then try to draw a picture of Jesus' hand with the nail mark in the middle. Take off the blindfold and look at your drawing. Does it look like a hand? Is the nail mark in the right place? Drawing without seeing sure is tough--as is believing without seeing! But remember what Jesus told Thomas: "Blessed are those who believe without seeing."
Picture
Make a collage.
What are some things that remind you of Jesus' love? Your family? A special place? A favorite food or activity? Use old magazines, photos, stickers, and any other supplies you'd like to make a collage of things that remind you that Jesus is always with you, even though you can't see him.
Share what you've made! Take a picture of your project and send it to sfelde@ctkluth.com so we can include it in our online gallery!

Pray
Dear Jesus,
You are always with us, even when we have doubts.
Thank you for all of the wonderful blessings
That help us believe, even though we cannot see.
Amen.
CHRIST THE KING LUTHERAN CHURCH
17195 CLEVELAND ROAD  +  SOUTH BEND, IN 46635  +  (574) 272-4306