Jesus refuses to condemn those who doubt (John 20:24–29)
- 1. In the passage of John 20:24–29, we encounter a profound moment where Jesus gently addresses the doubts of Thomas, one of His closest disciples. After the resurrection, Thomas, who was not present when Jesus first appeared to the other disciples, expressed his skepticism about the miraculous event, insisting that he would not believe until he could see and touch the wounds of Christ himself. This moment of doubt resonates with many believers and non-believers alike, reflecting a universal struggle with faith and the need for tangible evidence. When Jesus later appears to Thomas, instead of rebuking him for his lack of faith or condemning him for his doubts, He offers Thomas the very proof he sought, inviting him to touch His wounds and believe. This act of compassion and understanding highlights Jesus' willingness to meet people in their moment of need, rather than judging them for their struggles. He reassures Thomas with the words, 'Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe,' suggesting that faith, while challenged by doubt, is a journey that can lead to a deeper understanding and relationship with the divine. This passage teaches us that doubt is not the enemy of faith; instead, it can be a pathway to a more profound and resilient belief, as Jesus affirms that He welcomes all, even those who waver in their faith.
What did Thomas ask to see before he would believe in the resurrection?
A) The empty tomb
B) The wounds in Jesus' hands and side
C) Jesus' face
D) The Last Supper
- 2. What phrase indicates Thomas's doubt?
A) Seeing is not believing
B) I don't care to see
C) I believe without seeing
D) Unless I see... I will not believe
- 3. How did Thomas respond after seeing Jesus?
A) You are alive!
B) My Lord and my God!
C) I knew it all along!
D) I have seen a miracle!
- 4. What aspect of faith does Jesus highlight in His response to Thomas?
A) Doubt leads to condemnation
B) Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed
C) Only the strong will see me
D) Faith must be seen to be real
- 5. In which book of the Bible is this account found?
A) John
B) Luke
C) Mark
D) Matthew
- 6. What does the encounter between Jesus and Thomas teach about doubt?
A) Doubt is unforgivable
B) Faith can only come from certainty
C) It is understood by Jesus
D) It leads to punishment
- 7. What is a key theme in John 20:24–29?
A) The importance of faith
B) Condemnation of unbelief
C) Resurrection as an event
D) The power of miracles
- 8. Who did Jesus show His wounds to?
A) Peter
B) Mary Magdalene
C) Thomas
D) All disciples
- 9. What does Thomas’ declaration signify?
A) His desire for power
B) His wish for miracles
C) Recognition of Jesus as divine
D) His fear of the Romans
- 10. What does Thomas’ story reassure believers about?
A) That faith should not be tested
B) That questioning is part of faith
C) That certainty is a requirement
D) That doubts lead to loss
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