Children's Liturgy Guide

3rd Sunday of Easter

Year B · Easter

Jesus Is Really Alive

Reading: Luke 24:35-48

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 appeared to his friends. They were scared at first, thinking he was a ghost. But Jesus showed them his hands and feet and even ate some fish to prove he was really, truly alive.

Key Points

  • Jesus appeared to his disciples after rising from the dead
  • The disciples were frightened and confused at first
  • Jesus showed them his hands and feet as proof he was real
  • Jesus ate fish to show he had a real body, not a ghost body
  • Jesus opened their minds to understand the Scriptures

Background

This Gospel takes place on the evening of Easter Sunday. The two disciples from Emmaus have just returned to Jerusalem to tell the others how they recognized Jesus in the breaking of bread. Then Jesus himself appears among them. The disciples' fear that they are seeing a ghost reflects a common ancient belief. Jesus offers three proofs of his bodily resurrection: he shows his wounds, he invites them to touch him, and he eats broiled fish. Ghosts do not have flesh and bones, nor do they eat. This is not a vision or a spirit but the same Jesus who died, now gloriously risen with a transformed yet real body. For children, emphasize the concrete, reassuring details: Jesus showed his hands and feet, he let them touch him, and he ate real food. Set aside the theological complexities of the resurrected body and the fulfillment of Scripture passages, which are beyond a six-year-old's grasp.

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 being alive and for being with us always. Help us to know that you are real and that you love us very much. 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 been surprised by someone you love, like when a grandparent or friend showed up when you did not expect them? How did you feel?

Example: One time my grandma came to my house and I did not know she was coming. I was so happy and I ran to give her a big hug!

Bridge to the reading: That happy, surprised feeling is a lot like what happened to Jesus' friends. In today's reading, Jesus surprised his friends by appearing right in front of them after he had risen from the dead.

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 appeared to them?

    Example: They were all together in a room, maybe in Jerusalem, and they were talking about Jesus.

  2. How did the disciples feel when they first saw Jesus?

    Example: They were scared and frightened because they thought they were seeing a ghost instead of a real person.

  3. What did Jesus do to show his friends that he was really alive and not a ghost?

    Example: Jesus showed them his hands and his feet where the nails had been, and he even ate a piece of fish.

  4. Why do you think Jesus ate food in front of his friends?

    Example: I think he ate the fish so they could see that he had a real body and ghosts cannot eat food.

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 feel knowing that Jesus is really alive and not just a story?

    Example: It makes me feel happy and safe because Jesus is real and he can help me and be with me.

  2. When you are scared or worried, what could you do to remember that Jesus is with you?

    Example: I could say a little prayer and ask Jesus to help me feel brave and not so scared anymore.

  3. This week, who could you share the good news with that Jesus is alive?

    Example: I could tell my little sister or my friend at school that Jesus is alive and loves us very much.

Recap

Today we heard how Jesus surprised his friends by appearing to them after he rose from the dead. They were scared at first, but Jesus showed them his hands and feet and ate some fish to prove he was really alive. Jesus wanted his friends to know he was not a ghost but truly risen. He is alive and with us always.

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 feel scared or worried, that they may know Jesus is alive and always with them, 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' at Mass, he uses the same greeting Jesus spoke to his frightened disciples in today's reading.

Closing Prayer

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Loving Jesus, thank you for showing us that you are truly alive. Help us to share this good news with everyone we meet. May we always remember that you are 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 Is Really Alive

Luke 24:35-48

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.

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

Words to find

  • Jesus
  • risen
  • alive
  • peace
  • fish
  • hands
  • feet
  • disciples
  • Easter
  • believe
  • joy
  • real

ChildrensLiturgy.org