An Interview with Thomas

To tell the story of Thomas looking for proof of the Resurrection

The children will be able to tell the story of Thomas looking for verification of the Resurrection.

• Bibles

• Take a few moments to discuss the significance of Easter. Encourage the children to share why and how we celebrate Easter.
• Say: Easter is the most important time of the year for Christians. It is so important that we take 50 days to celebrate it! (Easter ends at Pentecost, which is traditionally 50 days after the Resurrection of Christ.)
• Invite the children to share what they know about the story of Thomas looking for proof that Jesus had risen.
• Ask the children to open their Bibles to John 20:24-29, and direct them to read it silently on their own.
• When all have finished, discuss the story with the children, and encourage them to ask questions about anything they didn't understand.
• When you feel the children understand the story, ask them to work in pairs or groups of three.
• Invite them to imagine that they have been given the chance to interview Thomas about his experience with Jesus.
• Suggest that one child play the role of Thomas and the other play the role of a reporter. If a third child is in the group, encourage him or her to play the role of one of the women who saw Jesus.
• Allow the children plenty of time to plan their interviews and responses.
• When the children are ready, ask them to present their interviews to the entire group.
• If time permits, encourage them to discuss some of the questions that the interviewers were asking Thomas.
• Close by reminding the children why it is important that we understand Thomas' story as we celebrate Easter. Say: At Easter, we remember that we are especially blessed because of our faith in the Resurrection.

People Smart, Self Smart, Word Smart

If you're short on time, have a list of possible questions and responses that the children might want to borrow for their interviews. Or spend time as a group brainstorming the types of questions that a reporter might ask Thomas in an interview.

For the children who feel uncomfortable role-playing in front of others, offer the opportunity to do the behind-the-scenes work. Suggest that they write cue cards for the interviewer.