The Unbelieving Disciple

Intro:

Read

Foundry - Didn’t believe that God knew what He was doing

Who:

So What:

Thomas

He was a twin

Brave - spoke up when others didnt

14:

Doubt is questioning what you believe. Unbelief is a determined refusal to believe

Three Things That Caused Thomas’ Disbelieve/Doubt

Quote:

“Jesus' willingness to accommodate Thomas' unbelief is a reminder that God can handle our doubt. And that the rationalist doesn't need to see, touch, or run a lab test in order to believe in the resurrected Christ. Jesus told him, “You believe because you have seen me. Blessed are those who believe without seeing me” () This is not a plea to accept what goes against reason, but it is an invitation to discover a faith that goes beyond it. The example of Thomas is for the stubborn skeptic in us all.” ― David D. Flowers

Confusion Caused Thomas to Disbelieve/Doubt

vs 9 “They still did not understand from Scripture that Jesus had to rise from the dead”

Fear Caused Thomas to Disbelieve/Doubt

John

Most of Jesus’ followers fled after his arrest, and only the “disciple whom he loved” is mentioned as being nearby. (Jn 19:26)

Lack of Community Leads to Doubt

Absence Caused Thomas to Disbelieve/Doubt

John 20:24

vs 24 “Now Thomas (also known as Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came”

Now Thomas (also known as Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came

Thomas’ disbelief was met face to face with the Resurrected Messiah.

The New International Version. (2011). (). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.”

All of the evidence that Thomas asked for, Jesus provided.

Lack of Understanding Leads to Doubt

Thomas’ Disbelief/Doubt Leads to Worship

Fear Caused Thomas to Disbelieve/Doubt

I believe that God uses situations to bring true glory to Himself and nudge us into a relationship with him.

This can be seen in Thomas’ reaction to Christ Jesus standing in front of him, proving that the Resurrection took place.

vs 28 “My Lord and my God!”

John

, ;

It doesn’t seem like Thomas went and investigated Jesus’ body, but instead exclaimed in worship, “MY LORD AND MY GOD!”

Confusion Caused Thomas to Disbelieve/Doubt

Doubt Has The Ability To Lead To Unadulterated Faith

John 20:27-29

vs 9 “ They still did not understand from Scripture that Jesus had to rise from the dead”

They still did not understand from Scripture that Jesus had to rise from the dead

Jesus simply answers by saying “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

Thomas’ new found faith led him to eventually go to India to proclaim the Gospel

Where it is believed he died by being stabbed by a spear

The New International Version. (2011). (). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.

So What:

This account of Thomas refusing to believe Jesus rose from the dead is a great example of God’s patience, unfailing love.

How many of us have ever doubted something we believed or went as far as Thomas and refused to believe something that others believe by faith?

For how many of us has this been true of our faith?

Quote:

“Jesus' willingness to accommodate Thomas' unbelief is a reminder that God can handle our doubt. And that the rationalist doesn't need to see, touch, or run a lab test in order to believe in the resurrected Christ. Jesus told him, “You believe because you have seen me. Blessed are those who believe without seeing me” () This is not a plea to accept what goes against reason, but it is an invitation to discover a faith that goes beyond it. The example of Thomas is for the stubborn skeptic in us all.” ― David D. Flowers

Dig Deeper:

Suggested Listening:

Lay It All Down - Will Reagan, United Pursuit

Questions (You Are Faithful) - Matt Redman

The Unbelieving Disciple

Welcome: