For Kids · 4 min with a grown-up
Mary comes to the tomb in tears — and becomes the very first person to see Jesus alive. Then doubting Thomas gets a surprise too.
Today's Story
Early Sunday, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to Jesus' tomb — and the stone was rolled away, and it was empty! She ran to tell Peter and John, crying, “They've taken the Lord, and I don't know where!”
Peter and John raced to the tomb and found it empty, with the grave cloths folded up neatly. They didn't understand yet.
Mary stayed behind, weeping. Then she saw a man she thought was the gardener. “Sir, where have they put Him?” she asked. The man said just one word: “Mary.” And she knew that voice! It was JESUS! “Teacher!” she cried, full of joy.
That evening, Jesus appeared to His friends in a locked room. “Peace be with you,” He said, and showed them His hands. They were overjoyed!
But one friend, Thomas, wasn't there, and he wouldn't believe it. “Unless I see Jesus myself, I won't believe.” A week later, Jesus appeared again — just for Thomas. “Go ahead, Thomas. See My hands. Stop doubting and believe.” And Thomas fell down and said, “My Lord and my God!”
Jesus said, “Thomas, you believe because you've seen Me. But blessed are those who haven't seen Me and still believe.” That's us!
A Big Word
Memory Verse
Talk About It
- Mary recognized Jesus the moment He said her name. How does it feel that Jesus knows YOUR name?
- Thomas wanted to see before he believed. Is it hard to believe in someone you can't see? What helps you?
- We haven't seen Jesus with our eyes — what makes you believe He's real?