When the Gospel of John uses the word “believing,” it is always as a verb (98 times). That cannot be a coincidence. For John, believing is an action, and it drives every other action in our lives. When we go astray, there is often something we are believing wrongly about God. For this reason, what you believe is the most important thing that you do in your life.

Thomas had been loyal to Jesus before the cross, saying to the other disciples when Jesus was going back to Judea: “Let us also go, that we may die with him.” But Thomas was not with the other disciples when the risen Jesus showed up to them in a locked room. When he heard the report, he refused to believe that Jesus was risen until he saw the evidence for himself. Jesus pursues Thomas, and John uses Thomas’ story to set up the purpose for the entire Gospel of John: “Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” (John 20:30-31)

A biblical definition of “believing in Jesus”: To trust in and rely on Jesus with the implication that actions based on that trust follow.

Take-Home Message: Believe in Jesus and you will have life.

Believe in Jesus, the One who pursues the unbelieving. (24-28)

• Thomas’ Journey
• Loyal Thomas (Jn. 11:7-8,16)
• Searching Thomas (Jn. 14:3-5)
• Unbelieving Thomas (Jn. 20:25)
• Believing Thomas (Jn. 20:28)

Believe in Jesus, the One who blesses the believing. (29)

Believe in Jesus, the One who invites the unsatisfied. (30-31)

• The Life that Jesus Offers Me

• His life is of the Spirit.
• His life is light.
• His life is eternal.
• His life escapes judgment.
• His life is secure.
• His life is unending satisfaction.
• His life is abundant.
• His life involves sacrifice.
• His life is the only life.

Message: Jesus and Thomas

Scripture: John 20:24-31

Simple. Authentic. Jesus.

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