(10 minutes, easy set-up)
Students will discuss why Jesus appeared to so many people after His resurrection.
Provide a dry erase board and marker.
Learning Goal: Students will examine the evidence that Jesus was no longer in the tomb, but was alive.
Draw a horizontal line across the board, and then label the left side of the line, “Jesus’ Resurrection,” and the right side of the line, “Jesus’ Ascension.” Explain that after His resurrection, Jesus lived on earth for 40 days before ascending to His Father in heaven. Point out that the Bible records several times during those 40 days when Jesus appeared to His disciples and to others. List Jesus’ first appearance to Mary Magdalene at the beginning of the line, along with the reference of John 20:11-18.
Assign one of the following verses to a student (or small group of students). Instruct students to list, on the timeline on the board, the verse reference and to whom Jesus appeared.
| Matthew 28:8-10 | The other women at the tomb |
| Luke 24:13-32 | Two men on the road to Emmaus |
| Luke 24:34 | Peter in Jerusalem |
| Luke 24:36-43 | The men from Emmaus and the disciples |
| John 20:19-23 | To the disciples behind closed doors, gave them Holy Spirit |
| John 20:26-31 | Eight days later, to the disciples and Thomas, who touched Him |
| 1 Corinthians 15:5 | Appeared to Peter and the disciples |
| 1 Corinthians 15:6 | Appeared to more than five hundred |
| 1 Corinthians 15:7 | Appeared to James, the apostles, and Paul |
| Acts 1:3-11 | Appeared to His apostles, giving them instructions over a period of 40 days, before ascending into heaven. |
When all of Jesus’ appearances have been added to the timeline, ask: Why do you think Scripture records so many times when Jesus appeared to His disciples and other followers? After responses, point out that each of the appearances served to verify that God raised Jesus from the dead.
Point out Thomas’ statement in John 20:25, “Unless I see in His hands the imprints of the nail, and put my finger into the place of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe.” Enlist a volunteer to read Jesus’ response to Thomas in verse 29. Say: When we believe in Jesus, even though we didn’t personally witness His resurrection or touch the wounds on His hands and sides, we receive all the blessings of salvation through faith in Jesus.