Children's Liturgy Guide

2nd Sunday of Easter

Year B · Easter

Jesus Shows Thomas His Hands

Reading: John 20:19-31

Leader Prep

Don't worry about doing this perfectly. If the children hear one good idea about God, Jesus, prayer, kindness, forgiveness, or the Gospel, this time has been worthwhile.

Summary

After Jesus rose from the dead, he came to visit his friends even though the doors were locked. Thomas was not there the first time, so Jesus came back again just for Thomas and showed him his hands and his side so Thomas could believe.

Key Points

  • Jesus appeared to his frightened disciples and gave them peace
  • Thomas was not present the first time and struggled to believe
  • Jesus returned specifically so Thomas could see and believe
  • Jesus blesses those who believe without seeing
  • Jesus meets us where we are in our faith

Background

This Gospel recounts two post-Resurrection appearances of Jesus to the disciples. The first occurs on Easter evening when the disciples are hiding in fear. Jesus passes through locked doors, offers peace, shows his wounds, and breathes the Holy Spirit upon them, commissioning them to forgive sins. Thomas is absent and later declares he will not believe unless he touches Jesus' wounds. A week later, Jesus returns specifically for Thomas, inviting him to touch and see, then proclaims a blessing on those who believe without seeing. The theological weight includes Christological affirmation of the bodily resurrection, the institution of sacramental reconciliation, and the nature of faith. For children, emphasize that Jesus came back especially for Thomas because he wanted Thomas to believe, and that Jesus understands when we have questions or doubts. Set aside the commissioning to forgive sins and the deeper theology of the Spirit's breath.

Session Flow

Opening Prayer

Invite the children to pray with you, then read the opening prayer below. If many don't know the sign of the cross, teach the whole group.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Dear Jesus, thank you for coming back to be with your friends and for showing them you were really alive. Help us to believe in you even when we cannot see you. We love you, Jesus. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Warm-up

Ask the warm-up question before the reading. There are no wrong answers; this is just to help the children connect today's reading to their own lives.

Have you ever missed something special and then someone told you about it, but you wished you could have seen it yourself?

Example: One time my brother saw a rainbow and I missed it and he told me but I really wanted to see it too because it is not the same when someone just tells you.

Bridge to the reading: It can be hard to believe something amazing happened when we were not there to see it. In today's reading, one of Jesus' friends named Thomas missed something very special, and Jesus did something wonderful just for him.

Read the Scripture

Read the day's selected passage aloud. The full Scripture text is not included here. Use a Children's Lectionary if your parish has one available. A children's Bible may also be helpful for younger children. Otherwise, read from a standard lectionary, Bible, or USCCB.org. Read slowly, with short pauses.

Reading Questions

Ask the questions conversationally. You do not need to use every question if time is short. The example answers are for leader preparation, not scripts or required answers.

  1. Where were Jesus' friends when he came to visit them?

    Example: They were hiding in a room together and the doors were all locked because they were scared.

  2. What did Jesus say to his friends when he appeared to them?

    Example: Jesus said peace be with you and he wanted them to feel safe and not be afraid anymore.

  3. Why did Thomas say he would not believe Jesus was alive?

    Example: Thomas said he would not believe unless he could see Jesus and touch the marks on his hands himself.

  4. Why do you think Jesus came back again just for Thomas?

    Example: I think Jesus loved Thomas so much that he wanted to help Thomas believe and not be sad or confused anymore.

Application Questions

Use these questions to help the children connect the reading to their own lives this week. Simple, concrete answers are best.

  1. How do you think Thomas felt when Jesus came back just for him?

    Example: I think Thomas felt so happy and surprised and maybe a little sorry that he did not believe his friends before.

  2. What can you do when you have questions about Jesus or things you do not understand?

    Example: I can ask my mom or dad or my teacher at church because they can help me understand and learn more.

  3. This week, how can you remember that Jesus is with you even when you cannot see him?

    Example: When I say my prayers at night I can remember that Jesus is right there listening to me even though I cannot see him.

Recap

Today we heard how Jesus came to visit his friends after he rose from the dead. Thomas was not there the first time and he said he would not believe unless he saw Jesus himself. Jesus loved Thomas so much that he came back just for him. Jesus understands when we have questions, and he is always with us even when we cannot see him.

Prayer of the Faithful

Before returning to the assembly, invite the children to share their own prayer intentions. Their prayers may be serious, simple, funny, or very specific. After each child's prayer, the group may respond: "Lord, hear our prayer." Lastly, include the suggested prayer below.

For children who have questions about Jesus and need someone to help them believe, we pray to the Lord.

Mass Connection

If time allows, point out this connection just before returning to Mass. This helps children see that Children's Liturgy is still part of the Mass.

When the priest says 'Peace be with you' during Mass, he is using the same words Jesus spoke to his disciples in today's reading. Jesus wanted his friends to feel safe and loved, and the priest shares that same peace with us.

Closing Prayer

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Thank you, Jesus, for loving Thomas and for loving us. Help us to believe in you and trust that you are always with us. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

ChildrensLiturgy.org

Jesus Shows Thomas His Hands

John 20:19-31

Word Search

Optional activity: use the word search after the discussion if you have time, or send it home with the children. The words relate to today's Children's Liturgy Scripture passage.

J V I U H C U O T O U W E C A
P I U F T A Y D N U M D E H T
R R W R J E V E I L E B S Q S
R N Y R N P P G S D W I I D R
E J V M D X V T R D R L F L O
T R O I V B U W D Y N W M G O
S I J A V S B V D I Q E I U D
A S K Y U W B H P L P W I D R
E E L F I D M E F E N S U R I
V N F P A C B N T W R U K P F
S G N E C N A H J K X S R O M
D S E A P W O R W O Z E O C D
N L B C F M U U A O H J N C Y
A C Z E A F X Q Y J Y G Q M Y
H H X S Z M B L E S S E D A S

Words to find

  • Jesus
  • Thomas
  • Peace
  • Believe
  • Hands
  • Doors
  • Friends
  • Risen
  • Easter
  • See
  • Touch
  • Blessed

ChildrensLiturgy.org