Fear Not … Peace Out: Sunday School Crafts on Jesus Appearance to His Disciples and Doubting Thomas in John 20:19-31. Craft Ideas for Trusting in Christ’s Promises
We celebrate the hope and joy of Easter and the resurrection of Jesus, but the story doesn’t end with the empty tomb, and neither does our peace! Jesus appeared to His disciples and comforted them with His presence then and forever. He reminded them of the forgiveness or their sins and breathed into them the Holy Spirit. Jesus took away the fears of the disciples, and granted them peace instead. These crafts remind children that Jesus brings peace and hope. A “breathing peace plate” recalls the power of the Holy Spirit. “Forgiveness Shackles” remind us that Jesus took on our sins and gives us grace instead..
More Doubting Thomas Activities for Sunday School
- Video demonstration of John 20:19-31 sermon for kids and related Doubting Thomas crafts
- Download our free Doubting Thomas children’s ministry lesson
- Compare another children’s message about Doubting Thomas and related Faith Object Lesson
- Download Doubting Thomas worksheets
- Read Doubting Thomas scriptures and study the meaning of John 20:24-29
Craft one: “Breathing Peace Plate”
You will need:
- Scissors
- Construction paper (any color)
- Markers or decorating materials
- Glue or tape
- Paper plates
- Balloons
Procedure:
- Write verses and captions on both sides of the paper plate, with one side focused on elements of fear and the other rejoicing in peace.
- Add extra decorations (stickers, glitter, etc.) as desired.
- Cut a small hole in the center of the plate.
- Draw a face around the hole (hole should be the “nose”), with one side of the plate looking concerned and fearful, and the other side featuring a happy pleasant face.
- Slide a balloon through the hole in the plate. Blow up the balloon to demonstrate the inspired “Holy Spirit breath” that brings peace.
Craft Two: “Forgiveness Shackles”
You will need:
- Construction Paper or cardstock
- Glue, tape, or staples
- Shower curtain rings (or pipe cleaners bent in circles)
- Scissors
- Markers, crayons, or decorative supplies
- Stickers or decorative elements (optional)
- Hole punch
Procedure:
1. Using card stock or construction paper, cut out two hands
2. Decorate the hands with verses or captions.
3. Add extra decoration as desired, including nail mark “scars” in the hands.
4. Punch a hole in each hand. String the two hands together with “chains” made of attached shower curtain rings or pipe cleaners.
5. Add a cross to one of the hands or to the center of the chain. Hang as a decoration to recall the sacrifice of Jesus on our behalf.
Bible Verses or Craft Captions to Consider…
On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” -John 20:19
Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” 22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. -John 20:21-22
He is risen!!! Alleluia!
Jesus bore our sins!
Jesus took my place and broke my chains!
Sometimes I feel scared…But Jesus gives me peace!
The Holy Spirit breathes on me.