24 But Thomas (called “Twin”), one of the Twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples were telling him, “We’ve seen the Lord!”

But he said to them, “If I don’t see the mark of the nails in his hands, put my finger into the mark of the nails, and put my hand into his side, I will never believe.”

26 A week later his disciples were indoors again, and Thomas was with them. Even though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.”

27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and look at my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Don’t be faithless, but believe.”

28 Thomas responded to him, “My Lord and my God!”

29 Jesus said, “Because you have seen me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe.” – John 20:24-29 CSB

Discussion Guide:

Examining the Text:
1. Read through the passage in two different translations.
2. As you heard the Scripture, what stood out to you?
3. Are there any questions that you have about the text?
4. Are there other portions of Scripture this passage brings to mind?

Sermon Review and Application:
1. If you put yourself in Thomas’ shoes, how are you feeling in the moment you hear Jesus has been crucified and is now alive?
2. Do you relate to the statement that ‘doubt can imprison you’? Have you ever experienced that for yourself?
3. What do you wish you could believe about God that is difficult to accept?
4. Jesus does not offer the evidence that Thomas requires; Jesus encourages him to use the evidence Thomas says he needs and use it to believe. Have you found yourself in a similar situation? What has it looked like for you to choose faith in the midst of doubting?

To prepare for next week: Meditate upon John 21:1-20