Jesus’ Last Words 4 – Stop Doubting and Believe Grace Lutheran Bible Study 1. Some things are just unbelievable, until you’re shown so much evidence that you can’t deny it anymore. Any examples of times when you could not believe something, but later were convinced?
2. Today we’ll learn how Jesus personally interacts with Thomas, who wasn’t there for the Easter-day appearances. John 20:24-25 But Thomas, one of the Twelve, the one called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples kept telling him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he said to them, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands, and put my finger into the mark of the nails, and put my hand into his side, I will never believe.” 3. Ever miss out on an exciting day with friends and have to hear them talk all about it later? How do you feel at such times?
4. Let’s remind ourselves: what did Thomas miss out on when he wasn’t there on Easter evening?
5. Complete the sentence: Thomas’ words (“Unless I see… I will never believe”) to the other disciples were _____________________.
6. Complete the sentence: Having a skeptic around who regularly questions what should be believed is: ______________________________.
7. When is it good to be honest and vocal about doubts or skepticism that you have?
8. When is it better to keep your doubts or skepticism to yourself?
9. Is it possible to believe that Jesus is alive without seeing the nail marks and putting hands on him?
10. Fill in the blank: “Unless Jesus _________________, I can never believe.”
John 20:26-27 26 After eight days, his disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them. “Peace be with you,” he said. 27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and look at my hands. Take your hand and put it into my side. Do not continue to doubt, but believe.” 11. At least 8 days after the first resurrection appearance of Jesus, why do you think the doors were locked?
12. Jesus again stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” Didn’t he already say that the last time? Why do basically the same thing over again? 13. So, did Thomas need to see Jesus in order to believe?
14. Jesus allowed himself to go through Thomas’ skepticism tests. Isn’t that beneath him? Why subject himself to a doubter’s criteria?
15. Should you expect Jesus to answer your skepticism tests? Why or why not?
16. When do you need Jesus to tell you, “Do not continue to doubt, but believe”?
John 20:28-29 28 Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” 29 Jesus said to him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” 17. Thomas went from doubting skepticism to confident belief. How could he so quickly change from one to the other?
18. Can your doubt change that quickly? Why or why not?
19. Finish the statement: Thomas is often called “doubting Thomas.” That title is _______________. 20. Not many have seen Jesus, but many have believed. How does Jesus get people to believe something as crazy as his resurrection without showing himself to people more often?
21. What are some ways that you and others are blessed to believe in a Jesus
we have not seen?