The Faith Conversation
In your doubts and disappointments, Jesus invites you to draw near to Him and believe. Jesus conquered death and is alive today. When He returns to gather His followers, every shadow of your greatest disappointments will fade in the light of His glory.
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KEY VERSES
JOHN 20:24-29 (NASB)
24 But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples were saying to him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he said to them, “Unless I see in His hands the imprint of the nails, and put my finger into the place of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe.”
26 After eight days His disciples were again inside, and Thomas with them. Jesus *came, the doors having been shut, and stood in their midst and said, “Peace be with you.” 27 Then He *said to Thomas, “Reach here with your finger, and see My hands; and reach here your hand and put it into My side; and do not be unbelieving, but believing.” 28 Thomas answered and said to Him, “My Lord and my God!” 29 Jesus *said to him, “Because you have seen Me, have you believed? Blessed are they who did not see, and yet believed.”
JOHN 14:5 (NASB)
5 Thomas *said to Him, “Lord, we do not know where You are going, how do we know the way?”
JOHN 11:16 (NASB)
16 Therefore Thomas, who is called Didymus, said to his fellow disciples, “Let us also go, so that we may die with Him.”
UNDERSTANDING
What is something you were known for when you were in jr. high or high school (i.e. a nickname you had, an award you won, a superlative you were known by, a favorite
pastime, or something you did that people who knew you then might still remember)?
Is what you were known for when you were younger an accurate representation of who
you were as a person? Is it an accurate representation of who you are now? Explain.
What might cause a sincere and committed follower of Christ to become cynical about other people’s faith?
Do you ever experience that kind of spiritual cynicism or negativity in your own life (i.e. others worship with a passion you do not feel or others have joy when all you can think about is how bad things are)? Explain.
Thomas wasn’t hiding with the other disciples when Jesus came (v. 24). We don’t know where he was, but considering his grief over Jesus’ death, what might have been some reasons he wasn’t with them?
How do Thomas’ words here help you understand why people who know about Jesus might despair and doubt His power today?
Within the context of the Christian community, how are you most likely to handle it when circumstances lead you to have spiritual doubt: keep it to yourself, honestly express your inner struggle, ask others to pray for you, hope it comes up in discussion so someone else will voice what you’re feeling, other? Explain.
Would you characterize Thomas’ response here as spiritually healthy or unhealthy? Why?
Read John 6:44. How do Thomas’ doubt and Jesus’ words impact your understanding and practice of disciple-making?
A week had passed and the disciples were in another locked room. Why did Jesus appear again to the disciples?
Looking past his initial response in the previous verses, what clues are there that Thomas did hold onto some measure of faith and belief?
How do you see Jesus’ love for Thomas and the other disciples here? What gentle rebuke did Jesus give Thomas?
What does this encounter teach you about how Jesus responds to your doubts?
If your answer was based on this encounter between Thomas and Jesus, how would you
answer the question, “Is it OK to doubt?” Explain.
What are some ways Jesus “shows up” in your seasons of doubt, loves you, and gently
rebukes you today (Ex. He speaks to us as we study His Word. He speaks to us through Christian community.)?
Where, other than on the risen Christ, do you wrongly tend to set your hope?
From the end of verse 29, what promise is there for you when you let go of doubt and
disbelief and believe that Jesus is Lord, having died on the cross for your sins and risen from the grave, victorious over sin and death? What kind of blessing is promised for those who do not see but still believe?
APPLICATION
Is there something in your life that is causing you to doubt Jesus’ power right now? Explain.
How does Thomas’ story encourage or challenge you? What are some practical ways you can draw near to Jesus for help in overcoming your cynicism and doubts?
Based on today’s study, how would you encourage someone who is experiencing a season
of spiritual disappointment and doubt?
WANT TO DIVE DEEPER?
Joining a group is a great way to know people and strengthen your relationship with Jesus Christ. Take a look at available groups to get plugged in to and find the group that is right for you.
GIVING
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