John 20:24-29 (NIV) – “Now Thomas (also known as Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, ‘We have seen the Lord!’ But he said to them, ‘Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.’
A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you!” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.’
Thomas said to him, ‘My Lord and my God!’
Then Jesus told him, ‘Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.’”
Where would Thomas be without his brothers, the other disciples who shared with him, “we have seen the Lord!”? It wasn’t enough for Thomas at that moment, but his own encounter was awaiting him. In our small groups, may our time of teaching, time of sharing, time of encouragement lead to salvation encounters for each person.
I always looked forward to going over this passage and this chapter in the “Dive In” study we go through in many of our church’s small groups because it was on the topic of community. Here is an excerpt from the chapter’s study: “Our faith is lived out together and this new life with God is most realized, most powerful, and most transforming as we become a community that continually celebrates and responds to God and his story for our lives. The Holy Spirit brings us together, reminding us over and over again of all that Jesus has said, all that he has done, and all that he has promised. In these moments together the Holy Spirit removes the umbrellas of doubt in our lives, whether through a direct touch of hope and healing, or through our love as we come alongside helping, encouraging, and praying for each other” (Dive In, Agapé Churches).
Response: Let’s worship with this song “Glorious Day” remembering our own moments when Jesus called us out by name. Let’s also pray for those in our small groups by name for encounter moments with Jesus this week.
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-AK
