Believe… And Live!

John 20:24–29

Just before this account, Jesus has been betrayed, endured a sham trial, and publicly executed. He definitely died – he ‘laid down his life’, as he promised he would…

24Now Thomas (also known as Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. 25So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!”
But he said to them, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.” 26A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” 27Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.” 28Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!” 29Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

From last time, we might be left thinking:

This sounds too good to be true. Can I really believe everything that Jesus said?

1

What do you make of Thomas’s initial reaction?

2

What is Jesus’ challenge to Thomas? How does Thomas’ perspective change?

3

Do you believe Jesus rose back to life? Why/why not?

Food for thought

How will we respond to Jesus’ words to Thomas: ‘Stop doubting, and believe!’