Here are some questions based on last Sunday’s sermon text (John 20:24-31), in case they’re helpful to you for personal growth or group discussion…
- [25] Thomas refuses to believe the other disciples’ eyewitness report about Jesus, and comes up with an absurd demand for evidence in order to continue disbelieving. Have you ever recognized that kind of suppression of truth in yourself? In others you know?
- [27-28] Jesus does much more than simply meet Thomas where he is and accommodate himself to Thomas’ incredible demands. He also exposes Thomas’ unbelief while offering himself to Thomas in total intimacy. This elicited the perfectly appropriate response from Thomas: “My Lord and my God!” Has Jesus opening his life to you elicited this response?
- [30-31] John wants his readers to “believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God.” This points to the unique identity of Jesus, the unique relationship that he has with God. Can you describe, biblically, what it means that Jesus is “the Christ, the Son of God”? Does his being “the [biblical] Christ, the Son of God” special significance for you? Or do you maintain your own ideas about who Jesus is, who he should be?
- John’s goal for his readers’ faith in Christ is “that by believing you may have life in [Jesus’] name.” Believing (trusting, having faith) in Jesus is more than intellectually acknowledging ideas about him—it’s depending on him for your life with God. How can you depend on Jesus for your life with God when you are faced with the guilt of your sin? When you’re suffering? When you’re being attacked? When things are going well? What are some times in life when you’re not sure how to believe and have life with God in Jesus’ name? What should you do about times like that?
- Think of people you know who haven’t yet trusted Jesus for life with God. (It’s a good idea to make a list and pray for them regularly.) Have you recommended John’s Gospel to them? Have you offered to read and discuss it together with them? Why would you do this? Why would you not do this?