The Gospel of John
The Resurrection and Our Doubts Scripture: Read through John 20:19-31 as a group. Introduction: John 20 is “part one” of a 2-chapter climactic end to John’s account of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The resurrection of Jesus has been a hotbed of debate since it was first announced by the original followers of Christ. While a post-Enlightenment, scientific, and rational audience like ours may have problems accepting the reality of a resurrection from the dead, this portion of John’s story shows us that even Jesus’ closest friends held personal doubts as to the possibility and actuality of Jesus coming back to life after 3-days in the tomb.
Reflection: Take personal inventory of your life, heart, and spiritual journey. Use these prompts / questions as a way to prepare for group discussions – or – for personal times of prayer. 1. What questions do you have about the physical and actual resurrection of Jesus? Are your questions similar to those of Thomas? 2. Are you like Thomas, filled with questions and doubts? If yes, that’s ok! Take a moment to think about what’s driving those doubts. Where do they come from? Discuss: 1. What about the sermon stood out or impacted you the most? Do you have any follow up questions about the sermon?
In the preceding chapters, John works hard to first establish the certainty of Jesus’ death (see John 19:31-37). This is important for many reasons, none less significant than the fact that if Jesus never truly died then he never truly resurrected. Relying on various eye-witnesses, John even records the account of a Roman soldier who attested to the actual death of Jesus on the cross (John 19:33). His body is taken down from the cross, dressed and prepared for burial by Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus, and is laid to rest for three days in a new tomb.
2. Every time Jesus appears to his disciples in verses 19-31, he begins with an announcement of peace. Amidst the disciples’ fear, questions, doubt, and concern, why is Jesus’ emphasis on peace so important?
This is where we’re introduced to the theme of doubt through the character of Thomas, one of the Twelve. It seems that Jesus has appeared to many of the disciples and yet Thomas always finds himself absent when the special guest arrives! While others are adamant that Jesus is back, alive, and resurrected from the grave, Thomas is just as resolute that he will not believe their story about Jesus is true until he “sees and touches” the mark of the nails in Jesus’ hands and side. Whether Thomas is a doubter by nature or he’s simply too fragile to get his hopes up after the trauma of seeing his friend crucified, we’re not told. What we do find is that Jesus allows Thomas time to wrestle with his doubts and questions. It’s over a week later that Jesus appears to Thomas and invites him to see and touch his hands and side. Jesus is sensitive with Thomas. He doesn’t chastise him for his questions. He invites him into relationship. Jesus pronounces a message of “peace” to his friend. And he welcomes Thomas to touch him.
4. Christians across the ages have emphasized the real, physical, bodily resurrection of Jesus. He wasn’t a disembodied spirit. Each gospel writer presents the post-resurrection Jesus as real as you and me. What are the implications of this for life now as well as the life to come?
Interestingly, Thomas is not recorded as having touched Jesus’ hands or side. When he’s given the opportunity, it seems as if his doubts were eroded in the presence of Jesus. Instead of perpetual disbelief, what results is worship. When confronted with the risen Jesus, Thomas responds with, “My Lord and my God!” While you and I may not have access to the physical Jesus after his resurrection, we’re still invited to place our faith in Him. We believe, like Thomas, because of the reality of the resurrection. Questions may persist. But worship will rise up amongst the doubt.
3. Why didn’t Thomas sense the need to touch the hands and side of Jesus? Is there something else going on in Thomas? Could it be that he wasn’t simply waiting for “more evidence” to believe?
Apply: If you have questions about Christianity, our upcoming course called Christianity Explored may be the perfect place for you to safely express and investigate your concerns. Or you may possibly have a friend with questions about the Christian faith. This would be a wonderful venue to consider inviting them to attend. You’re welcomed and encouraged to attend with them! The 6-week class begins Sunday, April 23, 12:30 – 2:30pm, at Redeemer. You can find out more and sign up at redeemersd.org/christianityexplored. Or email
[email protected] for additional information.
