Lesson kit: Thomas: The Doubt That Became Faith

Lesson aim

Doubts don’t push us away from God; bringing our doubts to Jesus can make our faith stronger.

Key verse

“Jesus came and stood among them and said to them: Peace be with you.” John 20:19

Lesson plan

1. 1

   Welcome · 5 minutes

   Greet the children, sing a song they know and say a short prayer.

2. 2

   The story · 10 minutes

   Tell the story with the illustrations on the big screen or by reading it aloud, page by page.

   Open on the big screen →
3. 3

   Talk · 10 minutes

   Ask the questions below and let the children answer in their own words.

4. 4

   Activity · 10 minutes

   Hand out the printed sheet: each child draws their favourite scene and practises the verse.

5. 5

   Closing prayer · 2 minutes

   Close by thanking God for what you learned today. Doubts don’t push us away from God; bringing our doubts to Jesus can make our faith stronger.

Discussion questions

1. Why did Thomas doubt?
2. How did Jesus treat Thomas?
3. What can you do when you have doubts about faith?

Summary for the teacher

The risen Jesus appeared to the disciples, but Thomas wasn’t there and said he would only believe if he saw the nail marks. Eight days later, Jesus came back and, without shaming him, invited Thomas to touch his hands. Thomas said: "My Lord and my God!". Jesus said: "Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed".