NASHVILLE (BP) — This weekly Bible study appears in Baptist Press in a partnership with Lifeway Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention. Through its Leadership and Adult Publishing team, Lifeway publishes Sunday School curricula and additional resources for all age groups.
This week’s Bible study is adapted from the Explore the Bible curriculum.
Bible Passages: John 20:19-29
Discussion Questions:
- What’s the most unbelievable thing you have ever seen?
- What kind of evidence might people demand prior to believing in Jesus?
- How does Jesus’ resurrection impact your spiritual walk? How does it impact your witness?
Food for thought:
Throughout his Gospel, John drew connections between seeing and believing. John the Baptist had seen and testified that Jesus was the Son of God (John 1:33-34). When Jesus turned water into wine, the disciples believed because of what they saw (John 2:11). After receiving his sight, a formerly blind man professed his belief in Jesus (John 9:38). After seeing Jesus raise Lazarus, many Jews believed in Him (John 11:45). This theme reached its peak when Jesus showed His scars after the resurrection.
In John 20:19-29, John wrote that the disciples locked themselves in a room for fear of the Jews. Jesus joined them, calmed their hearts, and showed His hands and sides. The disciples rejoiced! Jesus then commissioned them, breathing the Holy Spirit on them. John noted, however, that Thomas was not present for this encounter.
When the other disciples told Thomas they had seen Jesus, Thomas declared he would not believe until he saw Jesus too. A week later in a closed room, Jesus appeared again and directed Thomas to touch the wounds on His hands and side. Thomas declared his belief: “My Lord and my God!” (v. 28).
Thomas’ words were a testimony about his personal relationship with Jesus. Jesus, though, looked beyond that moment to a time when no tangible evidence would be available to prove His resurrection. He proclaimed those who do not see and yet believe are blessed. This declaration of Jesus applies to those who, even centuries later, would come to believe without seeing. This blessing is for believers today!
Explore the Bible
Explore the Bible is an ongoing Bible study curriculum that helps groups dig into the key truths of each Bible book, while keeping the group on pace to study through the Bible books in a systematic way. More information can be found at Lifeway.com/ExploreTheBible.
