This lesson teaches children that Jesus rose from the dead and that he is alive today, so we can trust him even when we cannot see him. It suits children aged 5 to 11 and takes 20 to 30 minutes, including the story, the memory verse, and the activity.
Big Idea
Jesus is alive! Even when we cannot see him, we can believe that he is real and that he loves us. Trusting Jesus is a gift from God.
Memory Verse
John 20:31
But these are written, that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in his name.
(WEB)
Put your hands together like you are praying, then open them slowly like a book. Say the words together, clapping softly on “believe” and lifting your arms high on “life.” Doing this each time helps children remember the verse.
The Story: John 20 for Kids
Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, a woman named Mary Magdalene went to the tomb where Jesus had been buried. When she got there, she saw that the big stone had been rolled away from the entrance. She was so worried that she ran to tell Peter and another friend of Jesus. “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb!” she said, “and we don’t know where they put him!”
Peter and the other friend ran to the tomb. The other friend got there first, but he waited outside. Then Peter arrived, went right inside, and saw the linen cloths lying on the ground. The other friend went in too, and when he saw what had happened, he believed that Jesus had risen from the dead. Then they went home.
Mary stayed outside the tomb, crying. She looked inside and saw two angels in white sitting where Jesus’s body had been. They asked her, “Woman, why are you crying?” She told them that someone had taken her Lord away. Then she turned around and saw a man standing there. She did not know it was Jesus.
Jesus asked her gently, “Why are you crying? Who are you looking for?” Mary thought he was the gardener and begged him to tell her where Jesus was. Then Jesus said her name, “Mary.” Mary knew at once that it was her Teacher. She ran to tell the other disciples, “I have seen the Lord!”
That same evening, the disciples were hiding behind locked doors because they were afraid. Suddenly Jesus stood right in the middle of the room and said, “Peace be with you.” He showed them his hands and his side, and they were filled with joy. Later, Thomas, one of the twelve, was not there. When the others told him they had seen Jesus, Thomas said he would need to see the marks himself.
A week later, Jesus appeared again, and Thomas was with them. Jesus said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands. Stop doubting and believe.” Thomas said, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus told him that people who believe without seeing are blessed.
Read It Together
John 20:1-2
1 Now on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene went early, while it was still dark, to the tomb, and saw the stone taken away from the tomb. 2 Therefore she ran and came to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken away the Lord out of the tomb, and we don’t know where they have laid him!”
(WEB)
Point out that Mary came to the tomb very early and found it open. Ask the children how they would feel if someone they loved was gone. Explain that Mary was sad and confused, but God had a surprise for her.
John 20:16
Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned and said to him, “Rabboni!” which is to say, “Teacher!”
(WEB)
Show how Mary knew Jesus the moment he said her name. Point out that Jesus knows each of us by name too. Let the children say their own names together and remember that Jesus knows them.
John 20:29
Jesus said to him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen, and have believed.”
(WEB)
Explain that Jesus blesses people who believe even though they have not seen him. Ask the children how they know that Jesus is real today, even though they cannot see him with their eyes. Encourage them to name ways they know he is with them.
Talk About It
- How do you think Mary felt when she saw the empty tomb?
- What was the first thing Mary did when she realized Jesus was alive?
- Why were the disciples hiding behind locked doors, and how did Jesus help them feel better?
- What do you think Thomas felt when he finally saw Jesus?
- How can you show your friends and family that you believe Jesus is alive?
Activity Ideas
Empty Tomb Drawing
You will need paper, crayons, and a small cardboard box or a paper cup. Have the children draw a stone, then cut a small opening in the box or cup to show an empty tomb. Let them color the inside bright and cheerful, to show that Jesus is alive. Talk together about what they see when they look inside.
Locked Door Game
Have the children stand in a circle and hold hands, pretending to be the disciples hiding behind a locked door. Choose one child to be Jesus, who walks into the middle and says “Peace be with you.” Then let the children take turns being Jesus. Afterward, talk about how it felt to receive peace even when they were scared.
Peace Card at Home
You will need an index card, a marker, and a sticker or drawing supplies. Have the child write “Jesus is alive” and “Peace be with you” on the card, then decorate it. Encourage them to place it on the kitchen table or by their bed. When family members see it, they can talk together about Jesus rising from the dead.
Teacher Notes
For adults, John 20 shows that the resurrection is the center of the Christian faith. The empty tomb, the appearances of Jesus, and the gift of the Holy Spirit all point to God’s power over death and his plan to give life through Jesus. The chapter also invites every believer, whether they saw Jesus or not, to trust him and receive the life he offers.
Avoid overstating to children the details about forgiving and retaining sins in verse 23, since that passage is interpreted in different ways across churches. Keep the focus on Jesus being alive, his peace, and the blessing of believing.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank you that Jesus is alive and that he is with us today. Help us to trust him even when we cannot see him. Give us your peace when we feel scared, and help us to tell others about Jesus. Amen.
