When the angel told the women Jesus had risen, they were excited and confused. They started to go and tell the good news, but on the way they saw Jesus! They ran to him, held his feet, and worshipped him. Jesus told the women not to be afraid and to tell the rest of his disciples he would see them in Galilee.

Afterward, Jesus appeared to two of his followers who were walking from Jerusalem to Emmaus. They didn’t recognize him at first. They talked together about the crucifixion and Jesus explained the scriptures concerning his death. They felt comforted and invited him to dinner. While there, Jesus broke bread and prayed and suddenly they recognized him! As soon as they realized who he was, Jesus disappeared. Immediately the two men went back to Jerusalem to tell the other followers what had happened.

As the men were giving their report, Jesus suddenly appeared and stood there among them. Many thought he was a ghost, so he showed them the wounds in his hands and feet. He ate fish to show he was really alive. Then, he told them to wait for the gift of the Holy Spirit and then go and tell everyone in the world about him.

One of the apostles, Thomas, was not there when Jesus appeared to the group. So, he did not believe Jesus was alive. Eight days later, when the followers were gathered together, Jesus again appeared suddenly. He told Thomas to touch the wounds in his hands, feet, and side. Then Thomas believed. Jesus said, “Blessed are those who haven’t seen me and believe anyway.”

Later, several of the apostles went fishing. They fished all night but caught nothing. In the morning, they heard a voice from the seashore telling them to cast their nets on the other side. When they did, they caught 153 large fish! Then they knew it was Jesus who called to them. He was waiting for them on the shore and had made them breakfast.

Activity:

Notice the wood posted nearby. Touch the holes and feel the gash in the wood with your fingers. Imagine these are Jesus’ wounds. Imagine being there when Jesus suddenly appeared to his followers. Blessed are we who believe in Jesus even though we have not seen!

Lesson:

Jesus appeared to many of his disciples after conquering death and rising from the dead through the power of God. In doing this, he showed that he loved his followers and wanted them to understand and believe. We have these stories that we may also believe!

Read the Scriptures:

Matthew 28:8-10, 16-20; Mark 16:9-18; Luke 24:13-49; John 20:11-29, 21:1-14 NIV

Go back to the previous page to continue the journey.