A Life Changing Difference
John 20:24-29 English Standard Version
24 Now Thomas, one of the twelve, called the Twin,[a] was not with them when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe.”
26 Eight days later, his disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” 27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.” 28 Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” 29 Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”
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Small Group Study
The Path Before Us: A Life Changing Difference
John 20:24-29
August 2, 2026
NewDay Mission Statement: NewDay reaches out to children, youth, adults, and families so they can experience the life-changing difference that comes from knowing and following Jesus.
What is different about those that follow Jesus? We are looking at Thomas’ response to Jesus’ death and resurrection and the impact it had on his life.
Verses 24, 25 Thomas was unconvinced of The Resurrection of Jesus.
What evidence was given Thomas for the Resurrection?
What would make Thomas not believe the testimony of his friends?
Do you see evidence of skepticism of Biblical miracles in the world today?
Are you skeptical of Biblical miracles (Jonah/Noah/Casting out Demons/Healings/etc.)?
Are you skeptical of miracle testimonies today?
What are the benefits/hindrances of skepticism?
Verse 26 What purpose did it serve for Jesus to appear miraculously behind a locked door? (For Thomas, The disciples, For readers of this text)
Verse 27 Jesus meets Thomas’ demands for a “hands on” experience.
How does this inform us of God’s ability/history of meeting our needs/demands?
Does God say “no” to our demands? If so, discuss Biblical evidence of this and the circumstances. (2 Corinthians 12:7-10 is one example)
What is Jesus’ directive to Thomas after presenting him with the Resurrection evidence? How does this inform our sharing of God’s tgruth?
Verse 28 Thomas responds affirmatively to Jesus.
What was changed about Thomas’ understanding of Jesus? (i.e. what does My Lord and My God teach us of who Jesus is?)
Verse 29 is a direct reference to future followers of Jesus (us!).
What purpose did/does it serve for a follower of Jesus to hear these words?
What motivation/warning might it have provided Thomas?
Extra Credit In the Kingdom of Heaven (as time allows)
2 Peter 2:3-10 Describes a life that has been changed by the power of The Resurrection.
Verses 3 and 4 repeat the phrase “God…has given us.”
Paul writes this to Peter from prison and is emphasizing what aspect of life in Christ?
Describe what God gives and the consequence of those gifts in us.
Verses 5-7 list the responsibilities we have being given these gifts. Paul lists a progression of obedience.
What is each value foundational to the next value? (faith leads to goodness to knowledge to self-control to perseverance to godliness to mutual affection to love)
How/when is this order not applicable?
Pray for the needs among the group and for the power of the Holy Spirit to equip each person for the plans God has for them.