John 10:22-38, John 20:19-29
( For study : bring colored pencils/paper. Have everyone draw a picture of 'faith' and explain it)
Before reading the verses, answer these questions:
What does "faith" mean to you?
Does this description fit your definition of faith, "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." (Hebrew 11:1)
In what people, objects, and/or events do you have faith?
Read John 10:22-38:
"I have called you gods" v34 - Psalm 82:6
stoning v33 - Deut 13:9
Christ = Messiah v24 - Dan 9:25-26
A group of Jews have gathered around Jesus, asking him to clarify whether or not he is the Christ (Messiah: main title of central figure of expectation by Jews).
According to Jesus, why haven't they believed his verbal testimony (vv25-30)
What other evidence does Jesus provide to support his verbal testimony? (34-38)
What kind of belief does Jesus ask of people?
Read John 20:19-29:
upper room v19 - Acts 1:13
After his crucifixion the disciples were gathered in a home of a fellow believer.
What evidence of Jesus' resurrection was given to his disciples? (vv19-23)
How did Thomas respond to the other disciples' claims of having seen Jesus? (24-25) Do you think his response was a reasonable one? Why or why not?
What did Jesus do in response to Thomas' doubts? (26-29) Did Jesus think Thomas' response had been a reasonable one? (He responded to it, so it was within His will. But, His response wasn't immediate. It took a week.)
What kind of faith does Jesus expect people to have?
Do you empathize with Thomas' stubbornness/resistance to believing in the resurrection of Jesus? How so?
What kind of faith does Jesus expect of people? Is this an irrational faith? An unjustified faith? A faith based on evidence? A faith based on reason?
What do you think it would take to convince you of Jesus' claims?