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Call to worship: Isaiah 25:1-9

Text: John 20:24-31

Sermon Outline:

1. Thomas' lack of faith in the risen Jesus, 20:24-25. 3 aspects:
   • His absence from the gathered assembly, 20:24
   • His obstinance towards the apostles' testimony, 20:25a
   • His defiance flatly stated against the truth, 20:25b
2. The risen Jesus' surplus of grace towards disbelieving Thomas, 20:26-29. 6 aspects:
   • His appearing, 20:26
   • His greeting, 20:26
   • His granting, 20:27
   • His exhorting, 20:27
   • His receiving, 20:28
   • His blessing, 20:/29

Prepare

Questions to Consider:

1. In 20:19-23, Jesus' disciples had gathered on the first day of the week. What day would that be? What amazing sights and sounds had they just heard? Why do we meet for corporate worship today?
2. In 20:24, we're told that Thomas was the only disciple (apostle) who was absent from that gathering on the first Easter Sunday. We're not told why. Care to venture a guess based on his response in 20:25?
3. In 20:25, the apostles' share their eyewitness testimony with Thomas. Does he receive it? Do we ever demand more from God than what He's seen sufficient for our faith? What does Thomas have no doubt about? What does Thomas doubt? What does he demand as the basis for faith in the risen Lord?
4. In 20:26-29, Jesus appears in their gathering again and specifically to alleviate Thomas' disbelief. How does He greet them? What does He grant Thomas to do? What's His exhortation for Thomas? What does He receive from Thomas? What blessing does He speak for those like us have believed without seeing? Why are particularly blessed?
5. In 20:30-31, John gives the purpose of his Gospel, but it's obviously closely related to this account of His post-resurrection appearance. What's the purpose of this text at the end of the day? How does the resurrection scatter disbelief? Run back through the various aspects of His interaction with Thomas. How does it establish peace, for instance? How does it enable the kind of care He shows to Thomas? What does it have as one of it's goals? What does it reveal about Jesus' Person? How's that to change our lives?