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The Resurrection changes everything – week 3
April 19th Thomas
Reading: John 20 v. 19-31
Ice-breaker
When we speak of a “legacy” it is usually about a gift left behind by someone who has died and is no longer present. The gift might be an item of personal property, or it could even be that person’s character to serve as a model and example for others.
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What do you think Jesus’ legacy was to us?
The spiritual resources to enable us to fulfil our calling to be his disciples. Because of this legacy we can look to the risen Lord Jesus Christ for spiritual resources to serve him.
Please read John 20 verses 19-31
Godly Confidence
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Why do you think the disciples were huddled together behind locked doors (19)?
They were fearful that the Jewish leaders, having got rid of Jesus, would now go about arresting his closest followers.
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“Peace be with you (19b). See also John 14.27. Have there been any circumstances in your life when you have felt fearful? What does it mean to know Christ’s peace?
Look briefly at Acts 4:1-3, 5-12 to see the amazing difference knowing the “peace of Christ” made to the disciples. Because of his legacy, we can look to Jesus to supply us with all the godly confidence we need to live victorious Christian lives (cf 2 Timothy 1:7)
Spiritual Authority
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Having spoken words of peace, Jesus gave his disciples a divine commission (21b). Jesus came to be the “Light of the world” and he now gives the same commission to his Church. What do you think it means to be “sent by Jesus”? Are all Christians “sent” or is this something just for a select few?
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What does Jesus offer to enable us to do his work (21b-23)?
Perhaps you could ask members of the group to think of any examples in their own lives when they have felt the presence of the Holy Spirit at work in their lives.
Divine Assurance
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Our attention now turns to Thomas as we look at how his life was changed/transformed by his encounter with the risen Christ. He insisted on a personal encounter with Christ, and this was granted.
Do you think such a personal encounter would deepen your faith (29)
Thomas is only mentioned 8 times in the New Testament, and on 4 of those occasions it is only in a list of the 12 disciples. So what do we know about him?
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One of the 12 disciples chosen by Jesus
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The word we translate as “Thomas” actually means TWIN. He is also called “Didymus” which also means TWIN – though we have no idea as to who his twin was.
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Early Christian tradition says he went to Iran or India, and that he was martyred in India in 72AD
It is very easy to stereotype people and that makes it easier to deal with them – we know how they will react. So with Thomas – doubting Thomas – and as a result before we even encounter him we know what we think of him, how to react to him and what he will be like. Is this a fair picture of Thomas? When else does he appear in John’s Gospel?
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In John 11 Jesus is on his way to raise Lazarus from the dead. The disciples urge Jesus not to go because an attempt has already been made to stone him (8). It is Thomas who declares … (16)
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In John 14 Jesus is talking about “his Father’s house” in which there are many mansions/rooms. Jesus tells his disciples that he is going to prepare a place for them and that they know the way. It is Thomas who bursts out … (5)
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And now in John 20 Thomas refuses to believe until he has seen the risen Christ with his own eyes.
“If we remove the stereotype from Thomas and encounter him as he truly is, then we discover not someone who believes too little (as the epithet ‘doubting Thomas’ suggests) but someone who believes passionately, deeply and with the whole of their being.” (Paula Gooder)
Based on these three passages, would you agree with this statement?
In chapter 11 whereas the other disciples are wanting Jesus to return to Judea, Thomas is prepared to go with Jesus to Jerusalem, even if it means death. He is the courageous one.
In chapter 14 he is so concerned about being with Jesus that he is frustrated when he does not know where Jesus is going. He simply wanted more information.
In chapter 20 he wants to see Jesus for himself and when he does he is the first to acknowledge who Jesus is: MY LORD AND MY GOD.
“Thomas only appears doubting because it matters so much to him; once he has worked out what it means, he is the clearest, most fervent believer of all. It is high time for Thomas to be allowed to throw off his stereotype and become the passionate, believing Thomas he really was.” (Paula Gooder)
Is it always wrong to have doubts about our faith?
Jesus welcomed Thomas’ skepticism and challenged his doubts with direct evidence of his resurrection. Doubts can lead to a deeper, richer faith (29). This is not the same thing as asking for “blind faith”.
How might we support and encourage Christians who are going through periods of doubt?
Prayers
It is highly likely that by the time these notes are read we will still be in lock-down. Keep up to date with Coronavirus developments and look out for what is being said by our local and national church leaders – use this advice to pray for yourself/family/homegroup/church/community/nation and the wider world.
Think and pray for those you know who might be going through a period of doubt at this time.
Make sure you are keeping in touch with members of your house group so that you are able to pray in a meaningful way for them.
Malcolm Raby
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Malcolm Raby, 23/03/2020
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