In the final chapter of Luke’s Gospel account, we receive insight into how Christ made His resurrection power known. The manner He chose to reveal His newly resurrected body teaches us how we can share and receive His gospel truths in the present day. Since Christians today represent the body of Christ in action, we serve as living, tangible proof of His resurrection power in the world. Just as the earliest followers sought to make His life, death, and resurrection known within their circles, we too must seek to share the gospel with the world today.
Why did Christ return to the people after His crucifixion? What knowledge did He seek to impart to them amidst their weariness and confusion?
Though Christ now sits at the right hand of God, shortly after His resurrection He chose to stand in His followers’ midst, that His resurrected humanity might become apparent to them. The first greeting He offered was that of peace through the gift of His presence.
The questions He posed were rhetorical: “Why are you troubled? For what reason do you doubt?” Jesus recognized their fear and welcomed His disciples to see and touch His body so that their fear may be overcome with belief. His desire was that they would realize their need for His peace and be assured by the power of His resurrected presence.
As you talk with kids about Christ’s resurrection, reflect on the peace that His presence provides. He left the comfort of heaven that we would have peace with the Father through His death and resurrection. The disciples saw and believed in Christ's resurrection and would later come to profess His peace throughout the world. Only Jesus provides peace to all who trust in Him as Savior. By teaching this story to your group, you’re extending the legacy of the earliest church members!
FAMILY TALKING POINTS
CHRIST CONNECTION
This is the big idea of how this week’s Bible story points to Jesus.
- Babies & Toddlers: God made Jesus alive again! We can tell others this good news.
- Younger Preschool: God made Jesus alive again! Jesus is still alive today. He wants us to tell others this very good news.
- Older Preschool: God made Jesus alive again! Jesus visited many people so they would know He is alive. Jesus is still alive today. He wants us to tell others this very good news.
- Kids: For 40 days, Jesus presented Himself to over 500 people and proved that He is alive. (1 Corinthians 15:3-8) Jesus is still alive today. He sends out believers to tell others about Him.
BIG PICTURE QUESTION & ANSWER
This is an important biblical truth that your child will encounter each week of this unit.
- Younger Preschool: How do we know God wants us to know Him? We know God wants us to know Him because He shows Himself through the Bible.
- Older Preschool: How do we know God wants us to know Him? We know God wants us to know Him because He shows Himself through the Bible.
- Kids: How do we know that God wants us to know Him? We can know that God wants us to know Him because He has revealed Himself through His Word.
KEY PASSAGE
This is a Bible verse that relates to what your child will encounter each week of this unit.
- Babies & Toddlers: People who know God will live forever. John 17:3
- Younger Preschool: People who know the only true God and Jesus will live forever. John 17:3
- Older Preschool: “This is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and the one you have sent—Jesus Christ.” John 17:3
- Kids: “This is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and the one you have sent—Jesus Christ.” John 17:3
** Next week: Jesus Appeared to Thomas (John 20)