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Small Group Guide:
Open with prayer.
Go around and give everyone a chance to share about how the past week has been. What’s one highlight? What’s one lowlight?
If your small group has talked about it before, feel free to use this time to hold people accountable to what they’ve asked to be held accountable for previously, and go through the “missional” part of this discussion guide.
Jesus Appears to the Disciples
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,[a] 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.”
Jesus and Thomas
24 Now Thomas, one of the twelve, called the Twin,[b] 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.”
The Purpose of This Book
30 Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; 31 but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.
Today, we’re looking at a part of God’s Word that talks about what happened after Jesus died on the cross, and rose from the grave 3 days later. Jesus appears to His disciples and teaches them about the new life that He has for them. By taking a look at this part of God’s Word, we learn that:
Jesus pursues us, and offers us a life that is:
- Peaceful
John 20:19, Phil. 4:6, 1 Pet. 5:6-7, Matt. 6:25-33, Ps. 55:22
- Purposeful
Eph. 2:10, 2 Tim. 3:16-17, 2 Cor. 9:8, Col. 1:9-10, Matt. 28:19-20
- Blessed
Gen. 1:28, Jer. 17:7, Ps. 1:1-3, 32:2, 37:3-5, James 1:12-13
In order to accept this life, we must repent of our sins, accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior, and allow Him to completely transform us.
Reflecting on God’s Word
Getting Started
– Take some time to read over John 20:19-31 and pray.
– Have you ever read or heard about this before? What stood out to you as we were talking about it?
– What do you think Christians most commonly get wrong about the life God wants them to be experiencing?
– As you heard this passage of God’s Word being taught, what misconceptions came to mind that you’ve struggled with previously when it comes to understanding what life in Christ looks like?
Diving In
Read John 20:19-20 again. What stands out when you read over these couple of verses?
– Does Jesus’ greeting to the disciples surprise you? Why or why not?
– How does Jesus’ greeting to His disciples give us insight into His love and care that He has for us?
– Have you ever struggled with thinking that God doesn’t like you, or that you have to win over God’s affection? Where does that come from?
Read John 20:21-23 again. Clearly Jesus has a purpose for these disciples to fulfill. How clear are you on the purpose(s) that God has you here for?
-Do you have, or have you ever had, anything specific that you feel God called you to? If so, what is it?
-How do you think it would change your life if you had a more clear understanding of God’s purpose for your life?
– Spend some time in prayer about God’s purpose for your life, either asking Him to clarify it for you, or asking Him for help to better accomplish the purpose(s) that He has for you. Write down anything you feel like God is leading you towards, and be sure to share it with a mature, Godly Christian around you.
Read John 20:24-28 again. How does Jesus’ interaction with Thomas help you in your faith?
– How well can you relate to Thomas in this passage of Scripture?
– Have you ever dealt with doubt in your life? If so, how?
– How can you help those around you dealing with doubt?
Read John 20:29-31 again. The life that God wants for us comes out of repenting of our sins, believing that Jesus Christ is our Lord and Savior. Out of this life, we are blessed, as verse 29 makes clear. What do many Christians get wrong about God’s blessing?
– Where are you in your relationship with Christ, and what has He been putting on your heart as your next step with Him in order to grow in your relationship with Him?
– How can you help those around you in their relationship with Christ?
Applying the Scripture
What are your biggest takeaways from this passage of God’s Word?
– What practical step(s) do you need to implement in your life to apply what God has taught you in this passage of Scripture?
– How would applying this affect your life and your relationship with the Lord?
– Who can you ask to keep you accountable to applying this to your life?
Prayer Time:
Pray for each other in your small group to be faithful take the step(s) that you shared above. Pray for each other and the interactions that they have with those who don’t know Jesus. Pray that God would soften the people’s hearts to what He has for them. Pray that God would give everyone opportunities to share the Gospel.
Staying Missional:
Share spiritual/missional conversations you’ve had where you live, work, and play:
Who did you have a conversation with that took a spiritual/missional turn this week?
What questions did you ask to discover where God is at work in their life, even if they are not aware?
How were you able to share your story of life change or how you have experienced Jesus?
How can you be intentional this week with people where you live, work, and play to have spiritual/missional conversations if the opportunity arises?
Who in your life do you think could be discipleable or open to spiritual/missional conversations?
What’s next?
Discuss the next step for your small group. When will we gather again and what purpose will it fulfill?