Believe the Word of Life

John 20:24-31
[24] Now Thomas, one of the twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. [25] So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe.”

[26] Eight days later, his disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Although 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 see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.” [28] Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” [29] Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

[30] Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; [31] but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.   Why is Jesus’ resurrection meant to give us joy? How do we sometimes lose sight of this joy in our daily lives, and how do we get it back?
2.   In what ways do we tend to separate the crucifixion and resurrection? How should they be held together in our minds?
3.   How would you describe Thomas’ mindset? What does this encounter show us about Christ’s character and way of relating to us?
4.   What is the result of Jesus’ appearance to Thomas? What does this tell us about God’s ultimate purposes in our lives?
5.   How does this passage so clearly uphold Christ’s full humanity and deity?
6.   What does it mean to believe in Jesus? How does this passage show us that this belief is rich with content?

References: 1 Corinthians 5:7; 1 Peter 1:3; 1 Corinthians 15:3-5; John 11:16; 14:5; Luke 22:31-32; John 17:11; Romans 10:17; 1 Peter 1:8-9; 2 Corinthians 5:7.