Bible Reading John 20:19-29 (ESV) 19 On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.”
20 When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord.
21 Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.”
22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit.
23 If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld.”
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.”
Observation Questions - What physical evidence does Jesus offer the disciples (and later Thomas) to confirm his resurrection? How do they respond?
- How does Jesus address the disciples’ fear when he first appears to them? What does he give them alongside his words of peace?
- The sermon mentions the story of Bud and Temple Abernathy’s journey as a modern analogy. What made their story “inconceivable,” and how does it connect to the resurrection? [42:29]
- What transformation does Peter undergo after encountering the risen Christ, according to the sermon? [49:15]
Interpretation Questions - Why do you think Jesus chose to keep his wounds visible after his resurrection? What might this reveal about how God meets us in our doubts or pain?
- Thomas’ doubt is often criticized, but the sermon suggests doubt can be a doorway to deeper faith. How does Jesus’ response to Thomas challenge common attitudes toward doubt in faith communities?
- The sermon claims resurrection “redefines what is possible.” How does Peter’s transformation (from fearful denial to bold preaching) illustrate this redefinition? [49:15]
- The Abernathy boys’ journey is called a “corrective lens” for our imagination. How might stories like theirs help us approach God’s work in the world differently? [42:29]
Application Questions - Jesus met Thomas in his doubt by offering his wounds as proof. When have you needed tangible reminders of God’s presence in your life? What practices (e.g., prayer, community, Scripture) help you “touch” Christ’s nearness now?
- The sermon says doubt is “not a defect to hide, but the door through which deeper faith can come.” Where do you feel hesitant to voice your doubts or questions about faith? How could you create space to bring those doubts to God or others?
- Peter’s encounter with Jesus turned his fear into courage. What area of your life (relationships, work, fears) needs to be reshaped by trusting Christ’s resurrection power rather than relying on your own understanding?
- The Abernathy boys’ story forced people to rethink what was possible. What “inconceivable” situation in your life or the world needs you to trust God’s ability to renew what seems finished? How might you pray or act differently in light of that? [42:29]
- Jesus’ first words to the disciples were “Peace be with you,” not condemnation for their fear. How can you extend Christ-like peace to someone in your life who feels trapped by fear, failure, or uncertainty?
