Powerpoint Pictures: Flags of France, Germany, Spain, Australia, Japan, Kenya, Hawaii, South Africa, England, Israel

When we greet someone, we say “Hello” to them. But if we were in another country, we would say something different.

Can you tell me what country you would say the following in: Bonjour (France); Guten Tag (Germany); Hola (Spain); G’Day (Australia); Konnichi Wa (Japan); Jambo (Kenya); Aloha (Hawaii); Sawubona (South Africa); God Dæg (England – Anglo-Saxon); Shalom (Israel).

Shalom means peace, and it is what Jesus would have said when he greeted people. There was an occasion when He did this and gave a group of people a big surprise by doing so.

Jesus’ disciples were in a locked room. They were afraid that what had happened to Jesus, might happen to them. Suddenly Jesus appeared in that room and said “Shalom” or “Hello”. Wasn’t Jesus supposed to be dead?

The disciples wondered was it really Him, How would they know? Mary recognised Jesus’ voice. But this wasn’t the way they would tell. Jesus showed them His hands. What would be different about Jesus’ hands? (They would have the nail marks in them).

But one of the disciples was missing on that day. Thomas. When he turned up, Jesus had gone. The 10 disciples said to him, “We’ve seen Jesus” but Thomas did not believe them.

“Unless I see the nail makes in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe it.” (John 20:25).

Jesus appeared to them again 1 week later. Thomas saw Jesus and believed. He believed that Jesus really did rise from the dead and that He was God’s Son.

Because the disciples, along with a number of other people were eyewitnesses who saw Jesus alive, we can be sure that Jesus is really alive too.

What are the disciples going to do with this news that Jesus is alive?