Unless I See

Small Groups

Fellowship — Snacks or a Meal (10 minutes with snacks; longer, obviously, if there is a meal).

Gathering Time (5-10 minutes). In pairs or small groups, consider a time when you doubted what you had been told,  seen, felt, or experienced. Reflect briefly on how doubt, especially self-doubt, undermines confidence.

Group Dialogue (Approximately 30 minutes). Read  John 20:19-31.

• Thomas asked to have what the other disciples had already received—a tangible experience of the resurrected Christ. And why not? Imagine yourself in Thomas’s place. What would you have wanted? How would you have asked for what you want? How would you feel if you were reproached for “doubting”?
   
•  After having appeared, separately, to all the remaining disciples, who confirmed him, yet again, as “my Lord and my God,” Jesus asked if Thomas (and probably the others) believed only because they had seen him. He then added a blessing to those who believe in the strength of testimony (which is all we have now). What testimony is the most compelling for you in your own beliefs? What sort of testimony can you offer to others?
   
• It is not unusual, when “witnessing” to do something (teach, explain, pray, share scripture). The Preaching Notes (4/12/2026) suggest that perhaps “being is believing. Maybe we come closer to believing when we are being like Christ.” How are you conscious (or not) of the kind of witness your life and behavior make? If a new or faltering Christian observed you for a day, would he or she be strengthened or further shaken in faith? What does this observation tell you?
   
• When Jesus appeared, it was not simply to show up or show off or show assurance. He gave the disciples the gift of the Holy Spirit with the instruction to address and forgive sin. This is HUGE! What does it mean for daily life to “receive the Holy Spirit”? As a present-day disciple, do you have any sense of responsibility to exhibit the power of the Holy Spirit to others? To address and forgive sin? How do (or can) you do this? Are you willing?

Prayer (10 minutes). Share prayer requests and respond appropriately.

Sending Forth (2 minutes). End with the following prayer, a similar prayer, or the Lord’s Prayer:

Gracious God, we often doubt and always need assurance of your peace and love. We give you thanks for the many gifts we have received from you, especially the gift of the Holy Spirit, which empowers us to go into the world with godly power and faithful wisdom. Abide with us; direct us; transform us to be your disciples in loving community. Amen.