2020 Vision: I Can See Clearly Now (The Remix) Lesson 7: The Doubting Thomas Affair

by | Feb 24, 2021 | 2020 Vision: I Can See Clearly Now (The Remix), Bible Studies

A Labor Of Love Bible Study Prepared by Pastor C. E. Hawthorne
Scripture Text: John 20:29

INTRODUCTION

Thomas was one of the 12 disciples.  Like all the other disciples, he had problems believing that Jesus had actually risen from the dead.  There was one encounter where Jesus appeared to the disciples, but Thomas was not present.  He refused to believe that Jesus was alive until he could see him with his own eyes and touch him with his own fingers.

Well, Jesus was much obliged. He showed up at another meeting with the disciples and gave Thomas the opportunity to see and touch him for himself.  All Thomas could say was, “My Lord and my God.”  In John 20:29, Jesus said to him, “Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.”

Someone has said that, “Seeing is believing.”  But Jesus gives a different definition of faith.  He says in so many words that “believing is seeing.”  Thomas believed because he had seen Jesus alive with his own two eyes after he had risen from the dead.  But Jesus let him know that the people who are really blessed are those who have believed and not seen [that is seen with their own two physical eyes].  

Yes, we understand that hindsight, or seeing things after the fact, is always 2020.  The challenge the Lord has given the entire body of Christ is, “Can you see clearly before the fact?  Can you see clearly when raindrops keep falling on your head?  Can you see clearly when you can’t see obstacles in your way?  In other words, can you step out on faith when there are no visible pathways, walkways or stairways to step out on?

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

  1. When eyewitnesses informed the disciples of Jesus that he was no longer dead but alive, they did not believe at first (Mark 16:9-14).  Why do you think this was the case?
  2. Read 14:22-33.  On this occasion Jesus said the disciples were of little faith.  Why?  Was it because they didn’t Jesus believe was who he said he was?  Compare Mt. 14:26, 27, 33.
  3. Paul was on a ship that wrecked.  How did he and all others aboard make it safely?  See Acts 27:14-44.
  4. Do personal tragic occurrences indicate that you lack faith (1Pet. 1:7; 4:12; Jas. 1:3)? Explain your answer.
  5. How was Moses able to lead the children of Israel from Egypt to Canaan, or the portals of the Promise Land, without a map, GPS, etc. (Heb. 11:27)?  What can we learn from this today (Prov. 3:5-6)?