CCW Kids Sunday Recap

CCW Kids Families,

Toward the end of John 20, we find the disciples gathered, only a week after the discovery of the empty tomb. Word of His resurrection had already begun circulating, and Jesus even made Himself known to some followers. At this point in the story, we read of Thomas’ response when faced with the news of Jesus’s resurrected life.

What lessons can we learn from Thomas’ doubt? Why did Christ declare our faith was more blessed than our sight?

Doubt comes so naturally to us. We so often feel the need to see things for ourselves before choosing to move forward in trust. This is as true for us now as it was for Thomas. However, unlike the doubting disciple, we do not have the scar-bearing Christ standing physically in our midst. Yet, Jesus declared this reality to be our blessing and advantage.

Thomas' encounter with Jesus offers us a significant truth about the necessity of faith. Like this disciple, we weren’t physically present to witness the stone roll away or to see the Lord’s burial clothes folded neatly where His body once lay. We weren’t there, racing at breakneck speed to see the empty tomb with our own eyes. However, we can receive the greater blessing of faith that only comes with the absence of sight. How great will our joy be when our faith does become sight!

Just as Jesus' resurrected body was able to appear to His disciples even while they hid behind a locked door, so can He break down the barriers to our faith. He welcomes doubters to enter into His presence. Jesus stood among them despite their distress and fear. In fact, His initial greeting was one of gentleness and peace—not anger or apathy.

As you talk with your kids this week, help them understand that Christ offers us the same peace and compassion given to Thomas and the others. He likewise commissions us to proclaim the good news to the ends of the earth. Just as Thomas heard of the resurrection through word of mouth, people around us are also dependent upon our sharing of the gospel’s great news.

Check out The Gospel Project At Home for resources designed to help you lead a family worship experience as well as suggestions for morning and evening prayer times and family activities. 

FAMILY TALKING POINTS

CHRIST CONNECTION
This is the big idea of how this week’s Bible story points to Jesus.

• Babies & Toddlers: We have not seen Jesus, but if we believe in Him, we will be blessed. 
• Younger Preschool: Jesus is still alive today. We have not seen Jesus, but if we believe in Him, we will be blessed. 
• Older Preschool: Jesus is still alive today. We have not seen Jesus, but if we believe in Him, we will be blessed. 
• Kids: Jesus is still alive today. We have not seen Jesus, but if we believe in Him, we will be blessed. Jesus sends out believers to tell others about Him and gives us the Holy Spirit to help us. 

BIG PICTURE QUESTION & ANSWER
This is an important biblical truth that your child will encounter each week of this unit. 

• Younger Preschool: How do we know God wants us to know Him? We know God wants us to know Him because He shows Himself through the Bible. 
• Older Preschool: How do we know God wants us to know Him? We know God wants us to know Him because He shows Himself through the Bible.  
• Kids: How do we know that God wants us to know Him? We can know that God wants us to know Him because He has revealed Himself through His Word. 

KEY PASSAGE
This is a Bible verse that relates to what your child will encounter each week of this unit. 

• Babies & Toddlers: People who know God will live forever. John 17:3 
• Younger Preschool: People who know the only true God and Jesus will live forever. John 17:3 
• Older Preschool: “This is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and the one you have sent—Jesus Christ.” John 17:3 
• Kids: “This is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and the one you have sent—Jesus Christ.” John 17:3