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Disciple: Thomas

 {Disciples} THOMAS_ 

Leaving doubt behind 

 
Thomas had a scientific mind. Those of us who live in the modern world are conditioned to think that way because of our education and culture. 
Thomas was just wired that way. He was more skeptical than most people, more demanding of proof. Before he accepted the word of others, he wanted to see for himself. That’s why he has famously (if not unfairly) called “doubting Thomas” all these centuries. He could believe – but only after the facts were in... 

 
[Group discussion starter] Are you mostly trusting or mostly skeptical of what you hear or read? Give an example of how you normally respond to new information. 

 
Thomas is mentioned only by name in the first three Gospels. We get all the Biblical information we have about him from the Gospel of John. The best-known story about Thomas happens just after Jesus’ resurrection. 

 
[Read John 20:19-29] 

 

What about Jesus’ appearance to the disciples demonstrates that something supernatural was going on? 
 

 
What does Jesus do to demonstrate that he is not a hallucination or dream, and why is that significant? 
 

 

[Activity] Jesus bestowed several gifts on his disciples. Explain what each one would have meant to these men who had seen their world crushed but now saw Jesus alive. 

 
* Peace (verse 21) 

* A commission (verse 21) 

* Empowerment (verse 22) 

* Authority to proclaim forgiveness (verse 23) 

Why do you think Thomas responded like he did to the news of Jesus’ appearance? 

 

 
How long did Jesus wait before he appeared to Thomas? 
What insight does that give you about how to approach a skeptic or even a Christian who is struggling with doubt? 
 

 

 
What does Jesus do to help Thomas with his doubt? 

 

 
In verse 28, what is significant about Thomas’ response to Jesus? 

 

 
What is significant about Jesus’ willingness to receive Thomas’ tribute? 

 

 
On what evidence do you rely for your belief that Jesus rose from the dead? 

 

 
Three times Jesus blesses his disciples with peace (verses 19, 21, 26). 
Where could you use Jesus’ peace in your life right now? 

 

 
How do you think that Thomas changed after his encounter with Jesus?  

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