Once upon a time, Jesus had come back to life! His friends, the disciples, were so happy to see Him again. They had been very sad when Jesus died, but now their hearts were full of joy. It was like the sun coming out after a long, dark storm.
One of Jesus’ friends was named Thomas. Thomas loved Jesus very much, but he was feeling unsure. He said, “I will not believe that Jesus is alive unless I see Him with my own eyes. I want to touch His hands and His side.” Thomas needed to be sure, just like when you want to see a surprise before you believe it.
A week later, Jesus came to see His friends again. This time, Thomas was with them. Jesus smiled and said, “Thomas, put your finger here. Look at my hands. Put your hand where the nails were. Don’t be afraid.” Thomas was amazed and happy. He touched Jesus’ hands and saw the proof he needed.
Then Thomas said, “My Lord and my God!” He believed with all his heart. Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you believe. Blessed are those who believe without seeing.” This means we can trust Jesus even if we don’t see Him with our eyes.
Jesus’ friends felt so happy and full of peace. They knew Jesus was alive forever. Their hearts were like flowers blooming in the warm sunshine. They wanted to tell everyone the wonderful news.
Sometimes, we might have questions or doubts, just like Thomas. It’s okay to wonder and ask. Jesus loves us and wants us to believe in Him with our hearts. He shows us His love every day, even if we cannot see Him with our eyes.
So remember, Jesus is always with us. When we trust Him, our hearts can feel the joy and peace that only He can give. Like Thomas, we can say, “Jesus, You are my Lord and my God!” and believe with happy hearts.
Questions to think about
- Why did Thomas not believe at first?
- What did Jesus show Thomas to help him believe?
- How do you think Thomas felt when he saw Jesus?
- What does Jesus say about those who believe without seeing?
- How can we believe in Jesus even if we don’t see Him?
Message of the story
God loves us so much and wants us to trust Him, even when we cannot see Him. Jesus is always with us, and believing in Him brings us joy and peace.
Bible passage
John 20:24-29
John 20:24-29 (ICB)
Now Thomas, one of the twelve disciples, was not with the others when Jesus came.
The other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!”
But he said, “I will not believe it unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were. I will not believe it unless I put my hand into his side.”
Eight days later, the disciples were together again, and Thomas was with them. Jesus came, even though the doors were locked. He stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!”
Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here. Look at my hands. Put your hand into my side. Stop doubting and believe!”
Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!”
Jesus said, “You believe because you have seen me. Blessed are those who have not seen me and yet believe.”
