15 Doubting Thomas Sunday School Crafts Ideas
- Eljoh Hartzer
- Jan 15
- 10 min read
Updated: Apr 27
This post offers you 15 Doubting Thomas Sunday School crafts about the Bible Story. Remember to save this page or pin to Pinterest to find it later!
John 20:24-29 tells us the story about one of the disciples, a man named Thomas, who required physical proof that Christ had risen from the dead. The Sunday School crafts below about Doubtful Thomas are for a wide range of ages from younger children to teens. The first few are simple and it gets more complex as you go down the list!
All of these Doubting Thomas Sunday School crafts are based on the Biblical account of Thomas doubting whether Jesus really resurrected.
Thomas’ doubt teaches children in Sunday school or Kids’ church to bring their worries and fears to God, but more than that, it teaches them how to have faith.
Kids church is more than entertainment, it is about sowing the seeds of faith. Let's dive in!
Doubt versus faith
You can explain it to them in these simple statements -
DOUBT says: Uh oh. I don't know. I'm not sure. Maybe. I hope so...
FAITH says: Yay! I trust it'll work out. God's got this. I can't see it, but I know He will make a way.
Fold construction paper in half. Have Sunday school kids draw a picture of doubt on the one side and faith on the other. This free Bible lesson teaches kids the difference that faith can make in their circumstances.
Here's an example:
Supplies needed: Paper, Crayons, or Pencils
I've found that most often, kids need to see a visual example when they're tasked to draw something by themselves. You can either print the AI-generated picture above or you can draw your own one before class. If you have a chalk board or white board, draw it on there. That way the less-confident ones when it comes to art can copy your picture.
Empty tomb
Doubtful Thomas didn't believe that Jesus really rose from the dead. Thomas' story can be linked to the one where the women find Jesus' tomb empty.
Use a paper plate cut in half to symbolize the tomb. Cut out a circle and use a split pin to fasten it to the plate so that the circle becomes a movable tombstone. The joy of Easter is captured in this fun craft. It should look something like this.
Supplies needed: Paper plates, scissors, split pins
You could even draw a creative line from the hole (entrance) of the tomb, and the holes in Jesus' hands. For a fun Doubtful Thomas lesson, I suggest getting O-shaped gummy sweets or even donuts for the snack. Something with a hole in them that kids can physically push their fingers through!!! I have a full guide for using food in creative ways like this to teach kids about the Bible.
Jesus’ hands with the marks of the nails
Have kids trace their own hands and cut out the shape. Then cut a hole in the middle of each paper palm. Teach them about the resurrection of Jesus and what that means for us today. If you have extra time, have them act out the story using the craft as a prop.
Here's an example where a picture of Jesus is added to the hole cut-out:
Supplies needed: colored paper, scissors, crayons or pencils
The most iconic / unique aspect of THIS Bible story is the visual of Jesus' hands with the holes in them. By focusing on this detail, the kids will always remember the story of Doubtful Thomas. For a visual, you can buy some red dot stickers and stick it on their hands (on both sides).
I'm assuming this lesson is following one about the joy of Easter. It's important for young kids to understand that Jesus chose to go to the cross because of LOVE. We can leave the focus on blood until much later. Did you know children don't understand figures of speech until they're 7 to 11 years old?
Doubting Thomas’s faith moment Coloring Picture
Print the following picture to create a mini coloring picture that kids can keep as a bookmark in their Bibles. Encourage them to do Bible journaling to bring the Word to life for them. You can download the picture I made by clicking download below.
Doubting Thomas and Jesus and disciples Download
If you enjoy this kind of free-hand digital drawing, you might be interested in my Coloring Book on the Gospel of Luke. Available for $8 (or the equilavent in whatever currency you're working with, here in South Africa it's R150). Here's some more info:
Supplies needed: Printer and printer paper, coloring supplies like crayons or pencils
Character Drawing of doubting Thomas
For this Sunday School craft get a few craft supplies together and have kids create a picture of Thomas using a full page. They can draw him with an uncertain expression and body language indicating his doubt.
Supplies needed: Paper, crayons or pencils
Older kids who will work faster can draw the other disciples and Jesus too. I've facilitated kids church a lot with a group of various ages. I understand the struggle of trying to connect with the tween while not leaving the toddler behind all too well! It really helps if you do something like this where the SAME activity has different levels of challenge / intensity for the various ages in your group.
Older kids also thrive when they're given responsibility. It tells them that you don't see them like the toddlers, which is often their biggest frustration. "I'm not a little kid anymore!!!" So, you can let them help the younger ones or hand out supplies. Small acts like that makes the older kids feel a sense of leadership and belonging.
“We have seen the Lord!” Fun Paper Glasses
Here the focus is on the other disciples. If you read the full Bible passage, you’ll see that they respond with this faith-fuelled statement. Have the kids make paper glasses (spectacles) and write this Bible verse on the frames. Teach them about responding with faith versus doubt.
Supplies needed: Colored paper, scissors, pencils or markers to write with.
Troubleshooting tip: In order to get the glasses to be firm, you can either use a thicker paper, cardboard, or glue an ice-lolly stick behind the glasses - where the person's eyebrows will be. If it's still flimsy, you can use string or rope and tie the glasses around their heads...
What’s said in secret… Learn from Doubting Thomas and make a zipped lips emoji
Thomas told the disciples something he’d probably not have said to Jesus’ face (verse 25), but Jesus ended up knowing what He said (verse 27). Teach the kids about not saying things you do not mean and have them create an emoji with zipped lips by drawing on a yellow tennis ball to create something like this.
Supplies needed: Tennis balls, marker
This kind of lesson will also work well with older kids. Tweens and teenagers often struggle with peer pressure when it comes to things like gossip or spreading rumors. This approach to Doubtful Thomas' story can show them that what they say in secret can come to the light.
“Blessed are those who have not seen” Sunday School craft
Have the kids make blindfolds with the words “faith without sight” on them. This echoes Jesus’ words at the end of this passage when He said: “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” You can paint the words on or print it on a piece of paper that you pin to the material before class.
Supplies needed: Material for blindfolds, Marker or paint or printed paper slips (for adding the words)
It could be fun to do a scavenger hunt, trust fall, or other blindfolded activity too!
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Dear Kids Ministry Leader,
If you enjoy the Bible crafts for kids listed here, you might be interested to know that I offer a service where I create custom curriculums. Even though the rate is flexible depending on what's included, a 4-week custom kids' church curriculum + a story, Bible lessons, and crafts= $100 USD (or R2000 if you're in South Africa).
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Doubting Thomas Memory Verse Craft
Use Hebrews 11:1 as a memory verse and teach that the opposite of doubt is faith. The Easy-to-Read Version is great for younger kids: “Faith is what makes real the things we hope for. It is proof of what we cannot see.” Have the kids make posters with these words.
Supplies needed: Posters, Markers, Crayons, other craft supplies...
You can also hand out magazines and scissors if you want them to cut out letters and do that kind of collage poster. There's no limit here!
When working with younger kids, I'll usually print the words on a page beforehand that they can just decorate with craft supplies like stickers / crayons.
Rewrite the story of Doubting Thomas
Hand out paper and have kids write the story of Doubtful Thomas in their own words. Older kids can try to come up with creative essays that echo the themes of this Bible passage. The lesson objective is that they get to the heart behind the story. For example: Perhaps the character in their story is someone who trusted God for healing but who struggles to believe that they are truly healed.
Supplies needed: Paper, pens
Some kids will be able to do this kind of activity unassisted, but most will need some hand-holding. Perhaps you can have volunteers 'floating' in the room (I mean, walking around) and if they notice someone is stuck they can give a prompt to everyone out loud:
If you're stuck, that's okay. You're experiencing doubt, just like Thomas did. How would you describe what you're feeling right now? Write that down.
Doubting Thomas Painted stones
The story of doubting Thomas is about the opposite of faith... DOUBT. This Bible story brings us a unique approach to teaching kids about faith by looking at what the opposite of faith is. Hand out stones and have each kid paint something that they are trusting God for on their stone.
For example, if they are trusting for restoration in their family, they might paint their family portrait where everyone’s happy and at peace. They get to take it home with them as a reminder to pray and trust God. Take a photograph of the completed craft and put it up in your Sunday school classroom for a reminder about what faith is really about.
Supplies needed: Smooth stones, paint, paintbrushes, water, wet wipes (to clean hands), craft aprons (to keep clothes clean)
Painting can be messy... but also lots of fun! I'd suggest pulling in an extra volunteer or two on a day where you attempt this knd of craft. I've also found it helpful to not pack out things like paint beforehand. It helps to do 1 color at a time. "OK, everyone let's start by painting the grass under our family portrait."
God’s Word is the answer to doubt
Draw a huge question mark on the ground or pavement using chalk. Then hand out a piece of chalk to each individual and have them write their doubts and questions inside the question mark. During that week, go through each thing they wrote and write a Bible verse that answers it underneath. The following Sunday, the kids need to look up their Bible verse and talk with a friend / volunteer about how it addresses their doubt.
Here's a weird AI generated photo haha :0
Supplies needed: Chalk
If your kids ministry doesn't have an outdoor space, you can always do this activity using paper on the floor... When I worked as Children's Ministry Coordinator, we did kids church outside for 3 whole years. So we had to get creative with the kinds of things you could do outside rather than inside.
The ascension of Jesus coloring picture
Here we take a step forward in the story to when Jesus ascended into Heaven. If you use this coloring picture, the focus can be on how Thomas' doubt was replaced with faith later on. You can download the coloring picture I made by clicking download below.
The ascension and Jesus and disciples Download
Supplies needed: Printer, printer paper, coloring supplies like crayons or pencils
Alternatively, doodle your own coloring picture for the kids by using a thick black marker and a plain white page. You can take a photo of your picture with your phone and print it, or scan it in on your printer. Tada! Your very own custom coloring picture.
Pro tip: Edit the 'contrast' of the photo of your drawing so that the white bits don't print as gray.
Teen discussions and prayer card
To teach this story to teens, focus on the keyword doubt. Hand out paper and pens and have them write a prayer down to God talking to Him about their own doubts – the things they find it hard to have faith for. You can prompt them with some “complete the sentence” ideas, like:
I am worried about…
Something about God that I don’t understand is…
Sometimes I doubt that God will really...
Supplies needed: Cards, Pens
It's important to tell younger generations how Jesus responded to Thomas' doubts. He did not laugh at him or push him away. They can also come to Him with all their questions and concerns.
Respond to video below about doubtful Thomas
Here's a fun video to combine with the crafts:
The craft here is to make characters that look like the ones in this video and act out the story told in the video, using their own paper characters/ puppets. They can either perform it for the group like a puppet show, or do it on their own, or in little groups.
Supplies needed: Digital: Screen and speaker to show video Craft: Paper, scissors, glue, and drawing supplies By including the video, you engage more of the kids' senses. This makes the lesson more memorable for them! Note: Older kids might prefer to act out the Doubtful Thomas story as a skit over making paper crafts, but it depends on the group you're working with.
Let me know in the comments, which one of these crafts you used - if any. I'd love to see what you made in your Sunday School!
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Good news! I just published my first kids storybook!
Here's a video where I read the first part of the storybook for kids :)
Use it to share the Gospel in a beautiful and unique way that young kids relate to. A big focus is placed on developing the Fruits of the Spirit in a believer's life. You can read it on Kindle here.
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(This post was originally written as part of a series for GodsVerse.org and can be read here.)
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