Jesus Appears to His Disciples
Scripture: Luke 24:13-49, John 20:19-31
Theme: The risen Jesus is real, and He is with us
Age Group: Nursery (Ages 0-2)
Overview
“Jesus is with Us!” “Jesus came back alive, He is real!” God loves you so much! Even when we’re scared, Jesus is there with us. He hugs us and tells us, “I’m here, little one!” Optional reflection: children can draw a picture of Jesus helping their friends, then share one way they can help someone else this week. This extra activity supports the lesson’s theme and gives teachers a simple, lowprep option for extending the discussion.
Bible Story
Jesus Comes to His Friends
Two men were walking far from town. “Are we the only ones who don’t know?” said one. “We thought the Lord Jesus was killed.” The other answered, “Maybe he rose to be with God again!”
Suddenly, two men in bright clothes stood near them! “Why are you sad?” they asked. They told their sad story. The men smiled and said, “It’s time to believe God’s promise!”
That evening, Jesus stood in a big room. His friends were afraid. “Peace be with you!” Jesus said. He showed his hands and side, he was alive! They were happy and scared at the same time.
The next day, Jesus appeared to Thomas. He put his finger on Jesus’ hands and said, “See for yourself!” Thomas said, “I believe!”
Why This Matters God loves us always. When we are afraid, Jesus is near! He keeps his promise, he will always be with us. “God loves you!”
Activities
Supplies:
- Read together: Hold up the Bible and say, “Jesus is like a light that shines for us, He loves us so much!”
- Color & cut: Give each child paper to color, then cut out simple shapes (e.g., flowers, stars) and let them glue them onto their paper.
- Shine & share: Say, “Jesus is our light, just like this glow!” Let them hold up their paper and make a happy face.
- Pray: Close with “Thank You, Jesus, for your love!”
- 2. “Follow Jesus Like a Little Disciple!”
- Read aloud: Point to Luke 24:31 (“Jesus walked with them…”) and say, “Let’s follow Jesus like He did!”
- Wiggle & walk: Have kids sit in a circle, then stand up and slowly walk forward like disciples meeting Jesus.
- Shake & cheer: When you say “Jesus appears!” (like in John 20:19), everyone makes a big circle and cheers: “Hallelujah!”
- Pray: End with “Jesus sees us and loves us, just like He loved His friends!”
- Tip: Keep movements short, repeat phrases, and use simple gestures to help young minds remember!
Discussion Questions
- Here are four simple, open-ended discussion questions for babies and toddlers based on Jesus Appears to His Disciples:
- What color was the light that Jesus showed them? (Help them name a color like “red,” “yellow,” or “glowing.”)
- “Did you see how bright it was? That’s how God loves us, He lights up our dark days!”
- When did the disciples feel scared? (Point to their faces or make “shy” hands.)
- “Jesus was scared too at first. But then He hugged them and said, ‘Don’t be afraid, I’m here with you!’”
- What do you think Jesus wanted them to eat? (Hold up a pretend snack like bread.)
- “He brought them food because God gives us love like a hug, even when we’re hungry!”
- If Jesus saw you right now, what would He say? (Let them whisper or shout a word like “love” or “peace.”)
- “He’d say, ‘Little one, I see you! I love you more than anything!’ Just like in the story!”
Prayer Focus
“Dear God, be near us today. Love us like a baby needs a hug. Help us see Jesus is with us too, just like He was with His friends. Thank You for always loving us!” (Optional repeat:) “Jesus is with us! Jesus is with us! God’s love is so big!”
Missions Spotlight
In secular Europe, many people doubt the resurrection. Yet in the same cities where doubt is strongest, immigrant churches are growing rapidly. African, Asian, and Latin American believers are bringing the joy of the resurrection back to Europe.
To the Cross
Jesus appeared to His disciples and said, ‘Peace be with you.’ Because of the cross, we have peace with God. Because of the resurrection, we have the living Jesus with us always. Thomas doubted, and Jesus gently proved He was real. He meets our doubts too.
Family Take-Home
Here’s a concise summary for families: Jesus appeared to his disciples after His resurrection, first to two travelers on the road to Emmaus (Luke) and later in a locked room with Thomas (John), showing them His hands and feet, proving He was alive. His appearance gave them peace and the courage to spread the news, leading to the growth of the early Church, including Thomas’ faith when he saw Him too (John 20:31).