PERSONAL BIBLE STUDY GUIDE
BIBLE CHARACTERS
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THOMAS
“a disciple who wanted to be sure”
INTRODUCTION:
Often referred to as “doubting Thomas”
--Seems to be unfair; The way I read the account of Jesus’ death, resurrection and appearances, I find “doubting Peter”, “doubting John”, “doubting James”, etc.
(Luke 24:11, 36-48) (Mark 16:11, 13-14)
Independent historical accounts say that Thomas was about 29 yrs old when he decided to follow Jesus…He was married with four children.
The name “Didymus” (go) (John 20:24)…means “twin”. (toma) Aramaic
1. He had a twin brother or sister
2. He was Jesus’ twin because like Jesus, Thomas was a carpenter and craftsman.
3. It was just another name for Thomas that had no significance.
LISTING OF DISCIPLES:
(Matthew 10; Mark 3; Luke 6; Acts 1)
Thomas is always in the second group of four with Philip; Bartholomew and Matthew
DEATH: Martyrdom in India…run through with a spear and decapitated.
Died: December 21, 72 AD
Possible went to China
Patron saint of India
Patron saint of the Blind
Patron saint of Craftsmen and Architects
NOTE: John is the only gospel author who records anything said by Thomas.
John is the only gospel author who refers to Thomas as Didymus.
JOHN 11:1-17
vs. 1-- Who is reported sick to the point of death?
Who are his two sisters?
Where do they live?
(Two miles from Jerusalem)
Vs. 2-- Have we heard of these folks before?
Vs. 3-- Who sent word regarding the sickness of Lazarus?
Vs. 4-- According to Jesus, would the “end result” of Lazarus’ illness result in his death?
What did Jesus say was the purpose of Lazarus’ illness?
Vs. 5-- Since Jesus loves all of us…what is the significance of this verse?
Vs. 6-- Upon hearing the news of Lazarus’ illness, what unusual behavior did Jesus display?
Vs. 7-- What did Jesus propose on the third day after the news arrived?
Vs. 8-- What was the disciples’ concern?
Can you see how Jesus’ behavior may have confused the disciples?
He delayed…maybe he’s not sure what to do?
Vs. 9-10-- Somewhat of a confusing argument…but He is the light of the world…as long as it is light, it is safe to go to Judea…as long as I am with you…you are safe!
Vs. 11-- Jesus refers to his temporary death as _____________
Vs. 12-13-- Did this statement continue to confuse the disciples?
Vs. 14- Jesus had to spell it out…what did he declare to his disciples?
Vs. 15-- Jesus makes reference to the fact that he is glad about what?
NOTE: Again, the logic should be that if it is dangerous to go to Judea, and Lazarus is already dead…why are we risking our lives?
Vs. 16-- What statement is made by Thomas?
Let us also ______, that we may ________ with him.
Is this sarcasm, or bitterness that Jesus is putting all their lives at risk?
or
Is this a genuine statement of loyalty and support for Jesus’ decision?
Vs. 17-- By the time they got there…how long had Lazarus been dead?
NOTE: If they had left right away…Lazarus still would have been dead by the time they got there!
JOHN 14:1-6
Jesus is telling the disciples about His soon departure…He’s trying to comfort them so they will not be so fearful and faithless.
Vs. 1-- Jesus appeal to his disciples is that they would ___________ him in the same way they believe God.
Vs. 2-- How does Jesus describe his father’s house?
NOTICE: Jesus says something a little odd… “if there was no place in my Father’s house…I would tell you that too”
What is Jesus going to be doing once he leaves this earth?
Vs. 3-- Besides preparing a place, what else does he promise?
His plan for us is that where he is, there we will be ________.
Vs. 4-- Jesus says….You __________ where I’m going!
You ___________ how to get there!
Vs. 5-- What is Thomas’ reaction to Jesus’ statements?
NOTE: Is this a statement of doubt? or Is this a statement saying…I really want to know…I don’t want to guess about this matter?
NOTICE ALSO: He says “we” … No doubt he is speaking for more disciples than just himself… I think some of them were really glad Thomas asked the question.
Aren’t you really glad he asked the question?
Vs. 6-- I am the _________, the _________, and the ___________: no man
____________ unto the _____________, but by _________.
NOTE: Philip in verse 8 and Judas (not Iscariot) in verse 22 also contribute questions on matters Jesus felt the disciples should already know!
JOHN 20:19-29
NOTE: Worth mentioning that in verse 18...Mary Magdalene shares that she has seen the Lord … other gospel passages state that the disciples did not believe her report. (Luke 24:11, 36-48; Mark 16:11, 13-14)
Vs. 19--These events happen on Resurrection Sunday…
Vs. 19-- Where were the disciples and other followers of Jesus assembled?
Why?
How did Jesus get into the room?
Vs. 20-- What evidence did he show that he was the “risen” Christ?
Vs. 21-- He instructs them that now they have a job to do!
Vs. 22-- What happened when Jesus “breathed” on them?
Why wasn’t it like the events of Pentecost?
Vs. 23-- Your message needs to be received in the same manner as my message…
If they believe me…their sins are forgiven….
If they believe you…their sins are forgiven…
Vs. 24-- Who was not present?
Where was he?
NOTE: This is so not fair… Jesus knew Thomas could handle it…Imagine if Jesus had appeared to everyone and Peter wasn’t present :}
Maybe Jesus couldn’t find a time when everyone was together…? (unlikely)
Vs. 25-- The Greek text indicates that they told him over and over again…
What was Thomas’ declaration to get them “off his back”?
Vs. 26-- All the events of resurrection Sunday are repeated how many days later?
Vs. 27-- Was Jesus aware of Thomas’ challenge?
Do you see the OMNISCIENCE of Jesus?
Jesus doesn’t call him a doubter….he calls him _______________
Vs. 28-- How do we know Thomas wasn’t faithless?
Did Thomas reach his hand into Jesus’ side?
Vs. 29-- How does Jesus reference future believers that will accept the word of the disciples that Jesus is risen?
NOTE: What if it was you…would you believe the word of “friends”, if somehow you were “left out” of the experience. I think in his heart of hearts, he believed them…but he so desperately want to see for himself…
TO BE SURE
JOHN 21:1-4
Vs. 1-3-- Knowing not what to do… still reeling from his denial….Peter decides to do what?
Where do they go?
List the disciples that accompany Peter:
Vs. 3-- How successful was Thomas, the Carpenter and the other “fishermen”?
NOTE: Thomas is again called “Didymus”…
I believe it was a compliment of sorts!
Possibly Jesus confided some special truth or secret teaching to Thomas…
John is the beloved disciple…I think…not just by Jesus!
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