24 Now Thomas (also known as Didymus[a]), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. 25 So 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.”
26 A 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!” 27 Then 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.”
28 Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!”
29 Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”
The Purpose of John’s Gospel
30 Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. 31 But these are written that you may believe[b] that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.
Personal Reflection and Discussion
- What are some stories that you have heard in your lifetime you just could not believe but you had to see for yourself? If you were Thomas, where would the surprise of Jesus being alive rank on your list?
- What were the causes of Thomas’ distrust?
- Why do you suppose Jesus waited a week to reveal himself to Thomas? What does this say about Jesus’ timing?
- Compare v25 with v27. What did Jesus know? He hears our every word and responds to them accordingly! Jesus had appeared in a locked room, as if that wasn’t enough to prove a point! What point did he drive home with these specific words?
- Thomas could have declared “my friend and my teacher” or “my love and my Savior” or “the way and the truth,” but he says “my Lord and my God!” What does “LORD” mean? What does “God” mean? What did Thomas’ declaration specifically mean?
- What does the word “blessed” mean? How are we blessed?
- Who is doing the doing?
Prayer
Jesus, you didn’t end with dying on the cross. You didn’t end with raising from the dead. You didn’t end with making your presence known amongst family and friends. You continue to make your presence known today. Thank you for continuing to speak to us through your Word. Your Word is the truth, the governing power behind all things! Thank you for knowing our intricate understanding of our doubts, allow your peace to dissolve them every time. Help us to give Your peace to others for the same results! Help us to see the “holes in your side” through the blessings you continually give sinners like us! Help us to boldly exclaim, “My Lord and My God!”
Greek Word of the Day
English Word: blessed | Transliterated Word: Makarios
A prolonged form of the poetical, makar; supremely blest; by extension fortunate, well off:– blessed, fortunate, x happier
Spoken in the Beatitudes of those receiving God’s favor, regardless of what their circumstances may be.
Family Engagement Activity
Put Sharpie marker dots on your hands and feet as a family, allowing you all to reflect upon His sacrifice throughout the day (and maybe the next couple of days), that God came to give us peace in the fact that we are forgiven and sin HAS been defeated!
Going Activities To Consider
Put Sharpie marker dots on your hands and feet as a family, allowing you all to reflect upon His sacrifice throughout the day (and maybe the next couple of days), that God came to give us peace in the fact that we are forgiven and sin HAS been defeated!