One Sunday evening, Jesus’ disciples were together in a room. They closed the doors because they were afraid of the Jews.

Suddenly, Jesus was there with them. He said, “Peace be to you!” and showed them the nail holes in His hands and the spear hole in His side.

The disciples were so happy to see the Lord Jesus! He told them that He was going to send them out to help others learn about God. Then, He breathed on them and told them, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” It was a very special time for the disciples.

One disciple, Thomas, was not in the room when Jesus came. Later, when the others told Thomas what he had missed, he said, “I will not believe unless I can see—and even touch—the nail and spear marks for myself!”

Eight days later, the disciples were together in the closed room again. This time, Thomas was with them. Jesus came to them again and again said, “Peace be to you!” Then He went to Thomas and said, “Look, Thomas! See the holes in my hands and side? Here, touch them, and believe!”

Thomas answered, “My Lord and my God!”

Jesus said, “You believe because you got to see it for yourself. People who don’t get to see it for themselves, who believe anyway, are blessed.”

Jesus did so many other things that couldn’t all be written down. But the ones that were written, were written so that we can believe that Jesus is the Son of God. By believing, we can have life!

Where were Jesus’ disciples when He appeared to them?

Why do you think Jesus said, “Peace be to you?”

How did the disciples feel after seeing Jesus?

Who missed this happy time? Did he believe the others?

What did Jesus tell Thomas to do, when He came again, eight days later? Did Thomas believe then?

Do you know you get to touch Jesus, too? Every Sunday when you receive Holy Communion, you touch our Lord. Holy Communion helps us to believe, too!