Kids Blog-Peace be with you
Last week, kids learned that Jesus died on the cross and rose again so we could be forgiven.
Bible verse: Again Jesus said, "Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you." John 20:21
Bible story: The Empty Tomb John 20:1-23
In this story, we read that Mary went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance and Jesus' body was not there. Mary stood outside the tomb crying. She saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus. She thought he was the gardener. When Jesus asked her, "Woman, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?" She said, "Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him." Jesus called her by name and said to her, "Mary." Then Mary cried out, "Teacher!"
Later in the bible story, Jesus also appeared to the disicples when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders. Jesus said, "Peace be with you!" and he said, "Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone's sins, their sins are forgiven, if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven."
Jesus appeared to Mary when she was crying. Jesus also appeared to the disciples when they were afraid. Both Mary and the disciples were overwhelmed with sadness and fear even though Jesus has already risen. Jesus was standing right next to Mary, yet she did not realize that it was him. Often times, we are defeated by our emotions like worry, fear, sadness, and anxiety. We live our lives as if Jesus has not risen, unaware of His presence in our daily lives. But this story teaches that in our moments of weakness, Jesus calls us by name in his gentle voice and promises to give us peace and fill us with the Holy Spirit. "Peace be with you. Receive the Holy Spirit."
Images: www.lambsongs.co.nz.