Added on 20 Apr 2009
Aim
A continuation of the Easter story
Introduction
So here we are again, back at school after the Easter holidays. Do you remember what we talked about before Easter? That Easter is not just about eggs and chocolate and hot cross buns! We are continuing the story today as it fits in very nicely with your value of the month, ie peace. You may remember that we stopped the story at the empty tomb (hold up picture) where the angel said "Jesus is alive" and we also said a Bible verse: John 3:16 which we’ve put up on the overhead. So what happened next
Sandal Prop
Two followers of Jesus were walking home to Emmaus when a stranger caught up with them and wanted to know why they were so sad. They were astonished he did not appear to know what had happened in Jerusalem with the death of Jesus! The stranger told them that everything that had happened had been foretold by the prophets and began to explain. When they reached home, they invited the stranger to eat with them.
Bread Prop
The meal was ready, the stranger took the bread in his hands and thanked God for it – immediately they realised that the stranger was Jesus and no sooner had they done that, then Jesus was gone. They were so excited that they raced back to Jerusalem to tell their friends of their amazing encounter with Jesus on the road!!
Key Prop
The friends of Jesus had locked themselves in a room to talk about what was going on when suddenly, there was Jesus, standing in the room with them! A ghost! But Jesus calmed them and said, "Peace be with you." The disciples saw the marks of the nails in his hands and feet, and Jesus said: "Touch me – ghosts aren’t made of flesh and bones". It was really Jesus in the flesh! They were so happy to see him again and to talk to him!
Fish Prop
Jesus asked "Is there anything to eat?" They gave him some fish and watched him eat it – there were no more doubts – he was real and he was alive! Once again Jesus told them that everything that had happened had been part of God’s rescue plan, the penalty for sin had been paid and death conquered. Now God offers a free pardon to everyone who believes and comes to him for new life.
Picture of hands Prop
One week later, Thomas who had not been with the others, was refusing to believe the story. "Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and touch the wound in his side, I won’t believe he is alive." Suddenly Jesus was in the room. "Peace be with you. Look and touch – stop doubting – and believe!" But Thomas did not need to look or to touch, his doubts were gone and he said "My Lord and my God!"
Fish Prop
Over the next few weeks, many of Jesus’ followers saw him. One day Peter and some others went fishing. All night they were out on the lake and caught nothing. At dawn, Jesus stood on the shore but they didn’t recognise him. It wasn’t until Jesus instructed them to throw out the net and they caught a multitude of fish, they realised that it was Jesus standing there. He lit a fire on the beach and cooked some of the freshly caught fish for breakfast for them all.
Heart
After they had eaten, Jesus asked Peter three times, “Do you love me?” Each time Peter answered “Yes”, and Jesus asked him to take care of his people because they are like sheep.