Questions for Group Discussions:

Text: John 20:19-20
Theme: Hidden Messages

Open the Scriptures

1. Read John 20:19–29.

When you think about Jesus and Thomas, what stands out to you about how Jesus handles Thomas’s doubts? What does this show us about faith and doubt in our own lives?

2. Look at verses 19–21.

Why do you think Jesus says, “Peace be with you” when the disciples are locked away in fear? What does that kind of peace mean for us today when we’re anxious or afraid?

3. Think about John 20:22.

When Jesus breathes on the disciples and says, “Receive the Holy Spirit,” how do you see that connecting back to how God breathed life into Adam in Genesis? What do you think John is showing us?

4. Focus on John 20:27.

Jesus invites Thomas to touch his wounds — what does that tell you about vulnerability and closeness with Jesus? How does real belief involve that kind of trust?

Open your Lives

1. Thomas wrestled with doubt — have you?

Can you think of a time when you struggled to believe? How do you see Jesus meeting you in your doubts like he did with Thomas?

2. Jesus shows up with peace, not force.

How can we show that same kind of peaceful presence to people who believe differently than we do?

3. Sharing our wounds matters.

Can you think of a time when being honest about your own hurt helped bring healing — either for you or someone else? Is there anyone you might need to forgive or seek forgiveness from?

4. Living out peace in real life.

What’s one way you could bring Jesus’s peace into a stressful or chaotic situation this week — at home, at work, or with friends?