Small Group Resources

April 5 - 11

Happy Easter

He Has Risen!!!

Ice Breaker if Needed

How has your faith grown since last Easter?

Discussion Questions

1. Take an inventory of what you put faith in during the past 24 hours. What was a reasonable decision or action to put your faith into? How did you use evidence? What required a leap of faith or even just a tiptoe of faith? What does it mean to have “reasonable faith”? Why does it feel like faith and reason are at odds? 

2. Read John 20:24-25. What, and who, was Thomas doubting? As he doubted, what was he putting his faith in? Why do you think he doubted? How have you nurtured and held onto your Thomas tendencies? 

3. Where is doubt of God rooted? Think about times in your life when you doubted. Was there an event, a loss, hurt, or misunderstanding that worked as a catalyst for your doubt? What might that indicate about doubt? Or, if you leaned on your intellect or questions, where were you placing your faith? What is the wisdom and warning behind leaning on our own understanding? 

4. Read John 20:26-29. Why was Thomas still with the other disciples if he was doubting? How does proximity to faithful people and the Word matter when you are in a season of doubt? What miracle do you notice in verse 26? Why wasn’t that enough? What did Jesus tell everyone in the room? What did He reserve for Thomas? How can we continually respond like Thomas without having seen Jesus in the flesh? 

5. Why is our belief in the Resurrection not unreasonable? While some might think it is simply an implausible lie, others might think it is too good to be true. Where do you find yourself now? In the past? Why is “too good to be true” just as far away from truth as denying the Resurrection, even though it feels “nicer”? Have you considered what it really means to believe in the Resurrection? Read Romans 6:4-11. What does Paul state as fact? 

6. Faith is taking the step to turn around and walk back to God, even in the midst of doubt. Faith is the moment we reach for Him. Here is a “too good to be true” to sink into and embrace: 

• All who look to Jesus in faith have their sins forgiven. Why does this feel “too good”? Take a moment to thank God for His forgiveness and marvel at what Jesus did for YOU on the cross. 

• All who look to Jesus in faith are literally being transformed. Why does this feel “too good”? How are you being transformed and renewed daily? Ask God to show you the fruit of your transformation.