John 20 (NRSV)
24 But Thomas (who was called the Twin), one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe.”
26 A week later his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” 27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe.” 28 Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” 29 Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.”
Here are some questions for reflection:
1. Thomas was told about Jesus’ resurrection by the disciples, people we would assume he should be able to trust, but he still insisted on seeing for himself. Is this similar to the way we operate in faith (or lack thereof)? How do we seek this reassurance when we doubt or question? Is there anyone you would believe if they told you a friend was back after having been killed?
2. Jesus invites Thomas to touch his wounds. Why do you think Jesus chose to make his scars visible and tangible? What can we do to offer that kind of honesty, vulnerability, and intentionality in our relationships? How might it speak into the importance of testimony in discipleship?
3. In many church teachings, John 20:29 (Blessed are those who do not see and yet believe) is often used to criticize Thomas for his doubt, implying that belief without questioning is the “ideal” form of faith. However, does this passage really cast a negative light on Thomas, or is Jesus making a deeper statement about the nature of faith, trust, and the process of belief? How might this challenge the tendency to shame doubt instead of seeing it as a necessary part of spiritual growth?
4. Jesus returned to Thomas, meeting him exactly where he was and providing exactly what he needed with grace and patience. What would it look like to have a faith community that mirrors Jesus’ openness to the broken, doubting, and hurting?
If you’d like to dig a little deeper, consider the following:
1. How does the entire life of Jesus resemble showing up so that Thomas would have his tangible proof?
2. Thomas was there for the resurrection of Lazarus, he knew from first hand experience it was possible, yet he still doubted. How does starting with a little doubt help build greater faith in a believer like you or I?
3. Pastor Jess talked about community, to which parts of the greater (inclusive) community beyond the disciples was Jesus possibly referring to in the second half of verse 29 as He said “those who have not seen and yet have come to believe”?
4. Time after time Jesus used parables to teach, but in this moment He opted to make a direct and forthright demonstration for His followers. How does this fit with this new era of discipleship and how will the spread of His message have to be different going forward?
5. If Thomas had not been brave enough to openly admit his doubt and struggle, how might the opportunity for Jesus to show patience, understanding, and personal care have been missed? What does this teach us about the importance of being honest about our struggles and doubts in your own faith journey, and how does this reflect the role of Jesus as a good shepherd?
6. Jesus’ return to Thomas is an act of reconciliation, not exclusion. How do we internally practice reconciliation in the face of brokenness, especially within communities that have been marginalized or doubted? What responsibility do those “in the room” (like the other disciples) have to include and support others processing who are not?