Children's Liturgy Series: 5th Sunday of Easter (Cycle A)

In this lesson, Jesus tells his disciples that they already know the way to the place he is going, even though they have never been there before. We will see how confused they became and how Jesus explained all that they needed to know.

Father, forgive us if we have hurt anyone by our thoughts or actions. Help us to forgive those who have hurt us. We ask this through Jesus, our Lord.

Jesus said to his disciples, "Do not be afraid or worried; trust in me as you trust in God. In my father's house there are many rooms, and I am going there to prepare a place for you.  Then I shall come back to take you with me, and we will be together again. You already know the way to the place I am going". 

Thomas felt unsure and asked Jesus, "Lord, how can we know the way, if we do not know where you are going?" Jesus answered "I am the way, the truth and the life. Through me you will know how to find my father's house."

• Show a toonie to the children. Say: Have you ever looked closely at a toonie? On one side there is a the queen. On the other side there is a bear. So there are two sides to the same coin.
• Say: In a way, this toonie reminds me of Jesus. He has two sides also. He’s man and he’s God—all at the same time. Can we split this toonie and remove one side from the other? (No) Well, we can’t remove Jesus from God or God from Jesus either. They are one.
• Ask: What can we get for a toonie? Brainstorm some answers with the children.
• Say: When we believe in Jesus and follow his teachings, we receive all the benefits that he gives. The Gospel this week is about some of the benefits of faith in Jesus. 
• Ask: What does Jesus say that he is going to do for us? (Jesus says that he is preparing a place for us in his Father’s house in heaven.) What does Jesus say about people who believe in him? (Jesus says that those who believe in him will be given the ability to do great things just as he does.) Say: Jesus does a lot for us, and he keeps on giving and giving!

Teach me your ways, Lord; make them known to me. Teach me to walk in your truth, for you are my savior, and I can always place my trust in you. The Lord is just and good. He shows the humble the way and teaches them His will. With loyalty and love he leads all those who obey his commandments.