24 Now Thomas, one of the twelve, called the Twin, 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 in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe.”
26 Eight days later, his disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Although 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, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, 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 believed.”
Discussion Questions:
1. On Sunday Wayne mentioned how, for some unknown reason, Thomas was not with the other disciples when Jesus appeared bodily the first time. How does isolation from the body of Christ lead us to doubt and disbelief like we see in verses 24-25?
2. Should we, like Thomas, make demands of Jesus to show himself to us to prove himself?
3. How did Jesus respond to Thomas' doubts and unbelief? (Vs 26-27)
4. Do we respond as people of peace to those around us who are struggling to see and believe in the real Jesus? If not, how can we?