With very young children
This week's activity gives us a chance to explore seeing and believing
You will need: lidded boxes with different objects inside (e.g. a torch, a toy animal). Share this short paraphrase and actions.
Jesus died and had risen. (hold hands up and outwards)
He went to see his friends. (clasp hands in front as if shaking hands with yourself)
He showed them the scars on his hands (hold out hands, palm upright)
but Thomas wasn’t there. (shake head)
Thomas said: ‘I won’t believe unless I see and touch Jesus.’ (wag finger)
When Jesus came again later he let Thomas touch him. (touch the palm of one hand with finger from other hand)
Jesus said: ‘Happy are those who believe without seeing me.’ (smile)
Repeat so the children can join in. Show the boxes to the children. Tell them what is inside each box, and ask them whether they believe you (e.g. ‘there is a wild animal in this box’; ‘there is a light in this box’). Reveal the contents of the boxes, and invite them to play with the boxes and objects.