VBS General Session - Day 6

Synopsis

STORY TIME

John 20:24-29

After Jesus rose from the dead, he went to meet his disciples. But Thomas, who’s also known as Didymus wasn’t there when Jesus came. And afterwards the other disciples told him that they had seen Jesus. Thomas refused to believe saying unless he puts his fingers inside the holes in Jesus’ hands and put his hand into Jesus’ pierced side, he would not believe.

After 8 days, when the disciples were again gathered in one room, Jesus came and stood in their midst. He then called out to Thomas to come and reach his finger and feel his pierced hands. He also told him to put his hand into his side.

Then Jesus said “ DO NOT BE UNBELIEVING BUT BELIEVING”

Then Jesus says to Thomas, blessed are those who haven't

CHARACTERISTICS OF THOMAS

Deep commitment to Jesus

Ref – John 11:6-16

When Jesus decided to go to Judea to bring Lazarus back to life, Thomas offered to go with him so that in case Jesus’ life is in danger, he also should die with him. Such is his love and commitment to Jesus. Pessimistic yet unafraid to voice his feelings.

Thomas wasn’t hesitant in asking questions

Ref - John 14:1-7

When Jesus talked about going to the father, all the disciples got confused but it was Thomas who asked him directly that since he did not know where Jesus was going how could he know the way to that place. His question prompted Jesus to reveal one of his greatest identity. 

Thomas reasoned before believing

Ref – John 20:24-29

Thomas did not believe until he himself experienced it first hand. Once he was presented with proofs, he easily believed. He is more of Thinking Thomas rather than Doubting Thomas. He was willing to ask and get answers rather than struggle with deep doubts or issues of faith. Thomas throughout the gospels did not get swayed by circumstances rather he was sincere, open and looking for proof to believe in anything.

CHARACTERISTICS OF GOD

God answers our questions

God is kind, patient and understanding toward us. Every time Thomas had a question or a doubt Jesus, without judging him answered his doubts. God welcomes his children gladly and also reprimands us like he did to Thomas when he told him that since he saw hes belived, but blessed are those who believe without seeing.

Jesus rose physically

When Jesus rose from the dead he was fully human and fully God. Fully human because he felt hungry, his hands and sides could be touched by Thomas. Fully God, because without opening the door he could enter and be in the midst of his disciples. The resurrection of Jesus Christ was unique because it was both literal as well as physical.

God’s Revelation

- Jesus said – I am the way, the truth and the life. The only way to eternal life and to God is through his son Jesus Christ

- Thomas called him “My Lord and my God”.  After the resurrection of Jesus, Thomas fully realized that this Lord Jesus, his master was actually God

- Jesus isn't limited to space and time. He is present with us at all times, at all places. When Thomas doubted Jesus’ resurrection in front of all the disciples, Jesus wasn't present physically there but still he knew and so that next time he appeared to the disciples he called Thomas to put his finger and test for himself.

Application in our  lives

Whatever is your doubt or question – take it to God in prayer. Our God is a prayer answering God, He answers us each time we  come to him.

There is no guilt in asking questions to God. Infact we just read in Jeremiah 33:3, that he himself calls us to ask and receive all the knowledge about things we do not know.

Hebrews 1:1. But God does not demand a blind unthinking faith. Rather he welcomes a

sincere and authentic seeker and turns them into people of great faith.

God wants us to seek his face and his kingdom and then he himself starts teaching us all about his kingdom.  Matthew 7:7

Doubt is just a passing phase, having a doubt isn't wrong, searching for answers and then doing accordingly is what God calls us to do.

Connecting with the theme

Thomas doubted but did it with God. He took his doubts to Jesus and got his answers. The trail of Thomas’ faith led him to victory because his doubt was satisfied and he could now whole-heartedly submit to God the father as well as God the son.

Thomas asked questions to Jesus and he got his answers from him. Jesus rewards our seeking. He acknowledges and answers.