BIG IDEA
This Easter week, we are talking about a topic that may be unexpected. We are talking about our doubts. You see, doubts are a natural part of life. We have doubts about our abilities to complete a task, we have doubts that what someone told us is exactly the truth, and more. We even may have doubts when it comes to faith. If that is you, you are in good company because today we are talking about a man in the Bible who was known for his doubts. Many people today still refer to him as “doubting Thomas.” As we study, we will see that Jesus can handle the doubts that we bring to Him and that He truly is who He said He is.
BREAK THE ICE
On a scale of 1 to 10, 10 being incredible and 1 being a total letdown, how was your Easter?
SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS
Bible Study Questions
1. What are common doubts that people have today regarding faith?
WATCH SERMON RECAP
2. Read John 20:24-25. What did Thomas need to believe that Jesus was alive?
John 20:24-25
24 One of the twelve disciples, Thomas (nicknamed the Twin), was not with the others when Jesus came. 25 They told him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he replied, “I won’t believe it unless I see the nail wounds in his hands, put my fingers into them, and place my hand into the wound in his side.”
3. Read John 20:26-29. What stands out to you about Jesus’ response to Thomas’s doubts?
John 20:26-29
26 Eight days later the disciples were together again, and this time Thomas was with them. The doors were locked; but suddenly, as before, Jesus was standing among them. “Peace be with you,” he said. 27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and look at my hands. Put your hand into the wound in my side. Don’t be faithless any longer. Believe!” 28 “My Lord and my God!” Thomas exclaimed. 29 Then Jesus told him, “You believe because you have seen me. Blessed are those who believe without seeing me.”
4. Look back at verse 29. In this verse, who was Jesus talking about when He said, “Blessed are those who believe without seeing me”? What is significant about this statement?
Application
1. What practical ways have you worked to deal with doubts?
2. How does Jesus’ response to Thomas’s doubt give you insight into how Jesus responds to your doubts?
3. What are some doubts you are currently carrying? How can we as a group help you to resolve them?
MOVING FORWARD
When Jesus told Thomas, “You believe because you have seen me. Blessed are those who believe without seeing me”, we are included in that group of people. As His people, we get to spread His message of hope to the world. One way to help you share the good news of Christ with the people around you is the Bridge Diagram. As a group, spend a few minutes reviewing the Bridge Diagram together. Get together in groups of 2 and practice sharing it. After you practice sharing it, think of one person you can share it with this week so that they, too, can hear the good news about Jesus.
Going Deeper
Thomas is not the only person who experienced doubts in Scripture regarding their faith. Several people in Scripture had questions about God and their faith. Let’s take some time now to look at some of these people who also had questions and doubts and see how God responded to their doubts
Moses:
· Read Exodus 3:1-4:17. Read this passage of Scripture individually since it is longer.
1. What did God call Moses to do in these verses?
2. How did Moses respond to God’s call?
3. Look at Exodus 4:10. What specifically did Moses doubt?
4. How did God respond to Moses’ doubts? (See Exodus 4:17).
Sarah:
· Genesis 18:1-15 and Genesis 21:1-7.
1. What promise did Sarah receive in these verses?
2. What did Sarah doubt about God in these verses?
3. How did God respond to Sarah’s doubts? (See Genesis 21:1-7.)
Job:
· Read Job 7:11-31 (verses that take place after Job faced many losses) and Job 38:1-7 (God’s response to Job).
1. What did Job doubt based on these verses in Job 7:11-31?
2. Summarize God’s response to Job in Job 38:1-7.
John the Baptist
· Read Matthew 11:1-11.
1. Describe John the Baptist’s circumstances in these verses.
2. What doubts does John the Baptist express in these verses?
3. How did Jesus respond to John the Baptist’s doubts?
Moses doubted God’s ability to use Him. Sarah doubted God’s ability to keep His promises and perform a miracle in her life. Job doubted God’s goodness despite his circumstances. Finally, John the Baptist doubted whether or not Jesus was who He said He was in light of his present trial. Which of these do you relate to the most? How does God’s response to these 4 people give you hope in the middle of your doubt? Share both the person you relate to the most and how God’s response to each of them gives you hope with your group. After everyone has shared, pray together, thanking God that He can handle our doubts and is greater than any of them.
MONTHLY MEMORY VERSE (Available for download on Sagebrush App)
Colossians 3:15 And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.
©2024 Sagebrush Church
