April 12, 2026 – Jesus Meets Our Questions

After Jesus rose from the dead, His disciples were gathered together when He appeared to them. One disciple named Thomas was not there and had trouble believing that Jesus was alive. Later, Jesus appeared again and showed Thomas His hands and side so Thomas could believe. This story reminds us that Jesus understands when we have questions, and He helps us grow in faith. Core Teaching Theme This lesson helps children understand that faith sometimes includes questions and uncertainty. In the story often called “Doubting Thomas,” Jesus does not become angry when Thomas struggles to believe. Instead, Jesus meets Thomas with patience and kindness, giving him the assurance he needs. Children will learn that Jesus welcomes our questions and helps us trust Him more each day. Lesson Length 25 minutes total Suggested pacing: Introduction and Curiosity Activity – 5 minutes Bible Story and Teaching – 10 minutes

Discussion and Faith Application Activity – 7 minutes

LEADER PREP

Leader Devotional & Invitation (for you, before teaching) In this passage, Jesus appears to His disciples after the resurrection. The room is filled with fear and uncertainty, yet Jesus meets them with peace. One disciple, Thomas, struggles to believe the incredible news that Jesus is alive. Rather than rejecting Thomas for his doubt, Jesus patiently meets him where he is. Jesus invites Thomas to see, touch, and believe. This moment reminds us that faith is not always instant or easy—it is often a journey that grows through questions, experiences, and trust. Many of us can relate to Thomas. There are moments in life when we wonder, question, or struggle to fully understand what God is doing. Yet this story reminds us that Jesus does not turn away from people who wrestle with faith. Instead, He gently invites us closer. Jesus knows our questions and meets us with grace and understanding. As you prepare to teach children today, remember that children also experience curiosity, uncertainty, and questions about God. Their questions are not a problem—they are often the beginning of deeper faith. When children ask “why?” or “how?”, they are learning to seek truth. This story teaches them that Jesus welcomes those questions. Your role today is not simply to explain the story, but to create a safe and encouraging space where children can explore faith. By listening to their thoughts, answering questions with patience, and pointing them toward Jesus, you help plant seeds of faith that may grow for a lifetime. God often uses small moments—simple conversations, a thoughtful question, or a shared story—to shape a child’s understanding of Him. Take a moment before teaching to reflect: Where has God helped you believe when things felt uncertain? Your own journey of faith can help you teach this lesson with honesty and compassion. Leader Prayer Dear God, Thank You for loving us even when we have questions or doubts. Thank You for being patient with us and helping our faith grow. As I teach these children today, help me speak with kindness, wisdom, and joy. Help the children understand that they can trust You and bring their questions to You. Let this lesson help them grow in faith and confidence in Your love. Amen.

Bible Background (Understanding the Story)

This story takes place shortly after Jesus rose from the dead. The disciples were gathered together in a room, likely hiding because they were afraid of the people who had arrested and crucified Jesus. Suddenly, Jesus appeared among them and greeted them with peace. He showed them His hands and side, proving that He was truly alive. One disciple, Thomas, was not present when Jesus first appeared. When the other disciples told him that they had seen Jesus, Thomas struggled to believe it. He said he would need to see and touch Jesus’ wounds before he could believe. About a week later, Jesus appeared again while the disciples were gathered together, and this time Thomas was there. Jesus invited Thomas to see His wounds and believe. This moment is important because it shows how Jesus responds to doubt—with patience and grace. Jesus does not reject Thomas for questioning; instead, He helps Thomas believe. The message children should understand is that Jesus welcomes our questions and helps us grow in faith, even when believing feels difficult.

Key Vocabulary

Disciple – A follower of Jesus who learns from Him and shares His message with others. Doubt – Feeling unsure about something or having questions about whether it is true.

Resurrection – When Jesus rose from the dead and came back to life. Believe – Trusting that something is true.

Supply Checklist

Bible Printed copy of the lesson plan Paper or small note cards Pencils, crayons, or markers Whiteboard or poster paper for discussion Tape or sticky notes (optional for activities) Prep Time Estimated Prep Time: 10–15 minutes Time includes reviewing the lesson plan, gathering supplies, and briefly reading the scripture passage before teaching.

Welcome Question (displayed): Have you ever had a question about something and wanted someone to help you understand it?

Before Kids Arrive

Write the Welcome Question on a whiteboard or poster if available. Arrange chairs or floor spots in a small circle so children can see each other and the leader. No special supplies are needed for the activity. Prayer Over the Space (Pray quietly before kids arrive): Dear Jesus, thank You for bringing these children here today. Help this room be a place where kids feel safe to ask questions and learn about You. Thank You for loving us even when we are unsure or curious. Help us grow in faith together today. Amen.

Leader Tip

Younger children (K–2) may answer with very simple examples like school questions or puzzles. Older children (3–5) may share deeper thoughts about things they don’t understand. Affirm all responses so children feel safe asking questions.

As Kids Arrive (Leader Script)

“Hi everyone! I’m so glad you’re here today. Before we start, I have a question for you.”

“Have you ever had a question about something and wanted someone to help you understand it?”

Allow a few children to answer.

If children need help responding, try prompts like: “Have you ever asked a teacher a question at school?” “Have you ever wondered how something works?” “Have you ever asked a parent or friend to explain something to you?”

“That’s great! Questions help us learn and understand things better.”

At Start Time (Leader Script)

“Let’s gather together so we can begin.”

“Sometimes we don’t understand everything right away. We might hear something amazing and think, ‘Is that really true?’ or ‘How could that happen?’”

“Did you know that one of Jesus’ disciples had a question like that? His name was Thomas. When his friends told him that Jesus was alive, he had a hard time believing it.”

“But Jesus didn’t get angry with Thomas for asking questions. Instead, Jesus helped Thomas understand and believe.”

“Today we’re going to learn how Jesus helps us believe in Him—even when we have questions.” Curiosity Activity – Game or Object Lesson: “Believe It or Not?”

Leader Instruction

This quick game helps children think about believing things they hear. It introduces the idea that sometimes people need help understanding or believing something—just like Thomas in the Bible story. Step-by-Step:

1. Ask children to stand or raise their hands if they think a statement is true.
2. Tell the group you will say a few short statements.
3. Children decide if they think the statement is true or not.

Example statements: “Some frogs can jump more than 10 times their body length.” (True) “Octopuses have three hearts.” (True) “A dog can fly like a bird.” (False) “Honey never spoils and can last a very long time.” (True)

After each one ask: “Did that surprise you?” “Was it hard to believe at first?” Leader Tips for Management: Keep the pace quick so children stay engaged. Celebrate participation rather than correctness. If kids become too excited, invite them to sit while raising hands instead of standing.

Transition (Leader Script)

“Sometimes we hear something surprising and it’s hard to believe right away. We might need more information before we understand.” “In today’s Bible story, one of Jesus’ disciples felt exactly like that. His friends told him that Jesus was alive—but Thomas had questions.” “Let’s listen to the story and discover how Jesus helped Thomas believe.”

Leader Instruction

This is the moment when children hear and experience the Bible story. The goal is not to rush through the passage but to help children imagine what happened and feel the emotions of the disciples and Thomas. Use pauses, simple questions, and small movements to keep children engaged. Teaching Tips for Volunteers: Speak slowly and clearly so children can picture the story.

Ask the reflection questions and allow a few children to respond.

Use simple movements to help children stay focused and involved. Emphasize that Jesus was patient and kind with Thomas. Encourage children to listen carefully for what Jesus says. Prayer of Invitation (Leader Script): Dear God, Thank You for giving us the Bible so we can learn about Jesus. Help us listen carefully and understand what You want to teach us today. Open our hearts so we can grow in faith and trust You more each day. Amen. Bible Time Rhyme (say with motions): Open up the Bible wide, (open hands like a book) God’s great story is inside! (point upward) Listen close and you will see, (cup hands around ears) God has a message just for me! (point to self) Storytelling (Leader Script): Today’s story happens after Jesus rose from the dead. Jesus’ friends, the disciples, were gathered together in a room. They were scared and confused about what had happened. (Have children sit very still and quiet.) Suddenly… Jesus stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” (Pause.) Jesus showed them His hands and His side. The disciples were filled with joy because they knew it really was Jesus! But one of the disciples, named Thomas, was not there when this happened. Later, the other disciples told Thomas, “We have seen the Lord!” Thomas had a hard time believing them. He said, “Unless I see the marks in His hands and touch them, I will not believe.” (Pause and gently ask:) Have you ever had trouble believing something someone told you? Eight days later, the disciples were together again. This time Thomas was with them. Suddenly, Jesus stood among them again and said, “Peace be with you.” Then Jesus turned to Thomas. Jesus said, “Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and touch my side. Do not doubt, but believe.” (Pause.) Thomas looked at Jesus and said, “My Lord and my God!” Then Jesus said something very important: “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.” Jesus knew that many people would believe in Him even without seeing Him with their own eyes. And Jesus was patient with Thomas when he had questions. Engagement Tips:

Ask children: “Why do you think Thomas had trouble believing?”

Invite children to hold their hands open when Jesus shows His hands. Have children whisper together: “Peace be with you.”

Ask: “What helped Thomas believe?”

Optional movement: When Jesus appears, children can quietly stand up and say “Peace be with you.” Connecting the Wonder Truth (Leader Script): In today’s story, Thomas had questions and doubts. But Jesus did not get angry with him. Instead, Jesus helped Thomas believe.

Sometimes we have questions about God too.

Jesus understands our questions, and He helps us grow in faith.

Let’s say this together:

“Jesus helps us believe.”

(Repeat together twice.) Word of Wonder (Memory Verse): “Jesus said to him, ‘Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.’” — John 20:29

Simple Motions: “Jesus said to him” — point upward “Have you believed” — hand over heart “because you have seen me” — point to eyes “Blessed are those” — open hands outward “who have not seen” — cover eyes briefly “and yet have come to believe” — hand over heart again

Practice:

1. Whisper the verse together.
2. Say the verse normally.
3. Say it with confidence using all the motions.

Optional Engagement Game: Believe It or Not

Tell the children you will say a statement. If they believe it, they place their hand over their heart. If they are unsure, they place a finger on their chin.

Example statements: “The disciples saw Jesus alive.” “Thomas believed right away.” “Jesus helped Thomas believe.”

After each statement, briefly explain the correct answer and remind children that Jesus helps us believe even when we have questions.

Leader Instruction

This part of the lesson helps children think about how the Bible story connects to their own lives. Remind them that everyone sometimes has questions about faith. Just like Thomas, we can bring our questions to Jesus and ask Him to help us believe.

Encourage every child to share if they want to, but do not pressure anyone to speak. Affirm each response kindly so children feel safe expressing their thoughts. The goal is not to find perfect answers but to help children practice trusting Jesus.

Volunteer Tips: Thank children for sharing and affirm their ideas (“That’s a thoughtful answer!”). Allow children time to think before answering. Silence is okay. Remind children that questions are part of learning about God. If answers are different, gently guide the conversation back to the main idea: Jesus helps us believe.

Discussion (Leader Script)

Younger (K–2)

1. Who came to visit the disciples after He rose from the dead?

(Guide: Jesus appeared to them.)

1. Why did Thomas have trouble believing the others?

(Guide: He had not seen Jesus yet.)

1. What did Jesus do to help Thomas believe?

(Guide: Jesus showed Thomas His hands and side.)

1. When we have questions about God, who can help us?

(Guide: Jesus helps us, and we can talk to God in prayer.)

1. Is there something this week where you might need help trusting God?

(Guide: School, friendships, being brave, or making good choices.)

Older (3–5)

1. Why do you think Thomas struggled to believe that Jesus was alive? What might he have been feeling?

1. Why is it important that Jesus was patient with Thomas instead of becoming angry with him?

1. How can questions sometimes help our faith grow instead of hurting it?

1. Think about something in your life where trusting God might feel difficult. What could it look like to trust Him in that situation this week?

(Remind children that there are no wrong answers. Honest thoughts and questions are welcome.) Faith Practice Moment (Optional but Encouraged) Leader Script: Let’s take a quiet moment to remember that Jesus is with us even when we have questions.

Ask children to place their hands over their hearts.

Leader: “Jesus, you know my questions.” Children repeat: “Jesus, you know my questions.”

Leader: “Help me trust you.” Children repeat: “Help me trust you.”

Leader: “Thank you for loving me.” Children repeat: “Thank you for loving me.”

Invite children to open their hands in front of them as a sign of trusting God with their questions.

Transition (Leader Script)

Sometimes faith grows slowly as we keep trusting Jesus and bringing our questions to Him. The amazing thing is that Jesus loves us and walks with us while we learn to believe. Let’s talk next about what this story tells us about who we are and how much Jesus cares about each of us.

Craft Activity – “Faith Footprints” Supplies: Small pieces of paper or cardstock Crayons or markers Pencil Optional: stickers or small cross stamps

Leader Instruction

In today’s story, Thomas struggled to believe that Jesus had risen from the dead. Instead of being angry, Jesus patiently showed Thomas the truth and helped him believe. This reminds us that Jesus understands when we have questions. Faith doesn’t mean we never wonder or doubt—it means we keep trusting Jesus as we learn and grow.

This activity helps children remember that they are followers of Jesus. Even though we cannot see Jesus the way the disciples did, we can still choose to trust Him and follow Him every day. Just like footsteps show the path someone walked, our lives can show that we are walking in faith with Jesus.

As the children create their “faith footprints,” remind them that believing in Jesus makes us part of God’s family. Our identity is not based on being perfect or having all the answers—it is based on belonging to Jesus and trusting Him.

Younger Kids (K–2): Children trace one of their feet (with a shoe on or off) onto the paper and color it. Inside the footprint they can draw a heart, cross, or picture that reminds them of Jesus. Teachers can help them write the phrase: “I follow Jesus.”

Older Kids (3–5): Students trace their footprint and write inside it: “I follow Jesus even when I have questions.” Encourage them to add one word or short sentence about how they can follow Jesus this week (for example: pray, be kind, help others, trust God). Classroom Management Tips: Pre-cut paper and place crayons at each seat before the activity begins. Encourage creativity but remind children to stay seated while tracing their foot. If time is short, allow students to decorate quickly and finish details later at home. Instructions:

1. Give each child a piece of paper and crayons/markers.
2. Ask them to place their foot on the paper and trace around it with a pencil.
3. Have them decorate the footprint with colors, hearts, crosses, or stickers.
4. Help younger children write “I follow Jesus” inside their footprint.
5. Older children write their reflection sentence inside the footprint.
6. Allow students to briefly show their footprints to the group.
7. Remind them that following Jesus means trusting Him, even when we have questions.

Leader Script (Identity Connection): “Today we learned that Thomas had questions about Jesus being alive again. Sometimes we have questions too—and that’s okay. Jesus is patient and helps us grow in faith. When we believe in Jesus, we become part of God’s family.

These footprints remind us that we are followers of Jesus. Every day we can take steps that show our faith—being kind, helping others, praying, and trusting God. Even when we cannot see Jesus, we can still walk with Him and follow His way.”

Review the Wonder Truth Today we learned that Jesus helps us believe in Him, even when we have questions or doubts. Just like Thomas had questions, we sometimes wonder about things too. Jesus understands our questions and helps us grow stronger in our faith. We can trust that Jesus is alive and that He is always with us. Closing Questions Why did Thomas have trouble believing that Jesus was alive? How did Jesus help Thomas believe? What can we do when we have questions about God or our faith?

Closing Prayer

Dear Jesus, Thank You for loving us and being patient with us when we have questions. Help us grow in faith and trust You more every day. Thank You for showing us that You are alive and always with us. Help us remember that we can come to You whenever we need help believing. Amen. Optional Sending Activity

This week, whenever you have a question about God, take a moment to say a short prayer like, “Jesus, help me trust You.” You can also talk with a parent, teacher, or friend about your questions. Remember that asking questions can help our faith grow stronger!