We have looked at Jesus's gentleness in two earlier studies:
In this third Bible study we'll see how God gives us each "the extra" we need.
Passage/person: John 20:19-31 / Doubting Thomas
Memory scripture: 2 Peter 1:3, "His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness."
Key thought: Thomas needed extra help believing. Jesus gave it to him.
Points to discuss:
- What is the difference between faith and commitment? How are they similar?
- How does that apply to Thomas? How does that apply to us?
- What are some ways God has given you extra help to believe? Thinking back to the first class, were they earthquakes, whispers, or something in between?
- Where was Thomas when everyone else saw Jesus? What lesson can we learn?
- Who are some of the people you've been sharing with the class about? How did the conversations go?
- How do we apply the memory scripture to our lives?
- Since the strength we need to stay faithful comes from God, and He has given us everything we need, does that help you to know that you can stay faithful, no matter what happens?
Application:
- Who is someone not in this discussion you will share with about this lesson?
- Who is someone in this discussion you will fellowship with at least once this week and talk about these things?
Thoughts from Bill
One of my favorite lessons is on "Doubting Thomas." He isn't called "Sarcastic Thomas," or "Pessimist Thomas." 2000 years later he is called "Doubting Thomas." Why?
Because he "missed a midweek"!
Everyone else was there, not Thomas. Where was he? We don't know. You never know what you'll miss if you decide something else is more important than being with God's family.
The other super-encouraging part of the story is that Jesus came back. I really think Jesus came back especially for Thomas. It's one of the points of the series: We each need extra help believing and putting our faith into action in some area of our lives. Just like Jesus gave Thomas the extra help he needed, Jesus gives each of us the extra help we need, and expects us to "stop doubting and believe" (and take action based on the help Jesus has given us).