1. A Great Challenge John 20:24-28 “Doubting” Thomas The Other Disciples “Behold My Hands” “My Lord and My God”

2. “Doubting” Thomas  Thomas is no different than the other disciples or even us!  Jesus reveals Himself to others!  Thomas’ belief and ours is only at Jesus’ leading!  Thomas was not lacking in courage, loyalty, or devotion – John 11:16; 14:5. A Great Challenge John 20:24-28

3. John 11:16 (NASB) 16 Therefore Thomas, who is called Didymus, said to his fellow disciples, “Let us also go, so that we may die with Him.” John 14:5 (NASB) 5 Thomas *said to Him, “Lord, we do not know where You are going, how do we know the way?”

4. “Doubting” Thomas  So, why do we doubt?  Fear  Despondency  Lack of understanding of God’s sovereignty  Lack of understanding of Scripture  Lack of understanding of His love  God seems too far off A Great Challenge John 20:24-28

5. “Doubting” Thomas  Is doubting good or bad?  If doubt leads to questions, questions lead to answers, and answers are accepted, then doubt has done good work and strengthened faith.  But when doubt becomes stubbornness and stubbornness becomes a lifestyle, then doubt harms faith.  Let your doubts deepen your faith and trust in God as you search Scripture for answers. A Great Challenge John 20:24-28

6. The Other Disciples  Salvation is from God alone, and He does all the work! But … We have a responsibility to testify to the truth.  They sought out Thomas to tell him what they had experienced.  They did this in a gentle and noncondemning way.  They continued to proclaim the truth. A Great Challenge John 20:24-28

7. “Behold My Hands”  The disciples could not change Thomas’ mind.  We cannot change peoples’ minds either.  But, God will provide whatever is necessary if we ask for the truth in an honest fashion.  Jesus was ready to provide the proof, but, for Thomas, Jesus’ presence was enough. A Great Challenge John 20:24-28

8. “Behold My Hands”  The greatest proof of all is the presence of Christ and His wounds of great love that purchased our freedom from sin.  Charles Haddon Spurgeon, “The Evidence of Our Lord’s Wounds,” Metropolitan Tabernacle Pulpit, vol. 34 (London: Banner of Truth Trust, 1970), 719. A Great Challenge John 20:24-28

9. “My Lord and My God”  Thomas makes the greatest confession of Christ made in Scripture.  This confession is:  Personal – “My”  Specific – “Lord” – Master, Sovereign, Jehovah  New – “God” – John 1:1 A Great Challenge John 20:24-28

10. Application Are you willing to honestly seek God in your doubting? Do you pray that God will turn those doubts into a faith-full belief? Will you allow God to take your doubts, your questions, your unbelief and turn them into trust and assurance through His wounds? A Great Challenge John 20:24-28