Sunday School Lesson
June 6
Lesson 1 (KJV)
FREED FROM WORRY
DEVOTIONAL READING: Ezekiel 34: 11–16
BACKGROUND SCRIPTURE: Matthew 6: 19–34
MATTHEW 6: 25–34
25 Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?
26 Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?
27 Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?
28 And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:
29 And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.
30 Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?
31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?
32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.
33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.
KEY VERSES
Your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.—Matthew 6: 32b–33
CONFIDENT HOPE
Unit 1: Jesus Teaches About Faith
LESSONS 1–5
LESSON AIMS
After participating in this lesson, each learner will be able to:
1. Identify the nature of God’s faithful care.
2. Compare and contrast the concepts of “being worried” and “being concerned.”
3. Write a prayer that hands over worries to God.
HOW TO SAY IT
Galilee Gal-uh-lee.
Gentiles Jen-tiles.
omniscientent ahm-nish-unt.
Solomon Sol-o-mun.
Introduction
A. What, Me Worry?
From its appearance in 1952 until it stopped monthly publication in 2019, Mad magazine poked fun at politics, television, movies, and everyday American life. Its irreverent theme was that the powerful and influential were continually phony and corrupt. In the pages of Mad, everything was falling apart.
On the cover of nearly every Mad magazine from 1954 until 2019 was a cartoon image of a gap-toothed, grinning boy who looked like he cared for nothing except making mischief. Christened Alfred E. Neuman, his motto was “What, me worry?” Mad was saying that the world might be unraveling, but those who read Mad’s cheeky parodies could adopt the cover boy’s devil-may-care indifference.
Worry is a universal human experience. Our brains constantly provoke us to evaluate our circumstances and identify threats to our well-being. Threats are many, but even when they are minor, we exaggerate them or imagine threats that do not exist. We leave ourselves with restlessness, sleeplessness, loss of appetite, short tempers, and feelings of hopelessness. We would like to have Alfred E. Neuman’s carefree outlook, but we cannot pull it off.
Jesus addresses our deep capacity to worry in today’s text. He tells us not to worry, but He does so differently from others. And His conclusions are cause for great faith in God.
B. Lesson Context
Today’s text is near the middle of Jesus’ discourse known as the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5–7). Containing some of the best known of Jesus’ teachings, the sermon answers the question raised by Jesus’ announcement of the coming of God’s kingdom (4: 17): What is life like under God’s rule?
Jesus’ answers touch on the most sensitive areas of human experience. God will bless the weak and lowly (Matthew 5: 3–6), those who reflect God’s character (5: 7–9), and those who suffer in the name of Jesus (5: 10–12). God’s people will be ambassadors of His redeeming truth (5: 13–16), fulfilling God’s will with lives that are righteous inside and out (5: 17–30). Their integrity and love will reflect God’s own, extending even to those who wish them ill (5: 31–48). They will be godly not simply on the outside, where others can see, but also inside, where God alone sees (6: 1–8, 14–24). God’s people will let Him judge others, as they pursue His righteousness and give help to others in that pursuit (7: 1–6).
Repeatedly in the sermon, Jesus addressed the problem of worry. Subjects under God’s rule are to pray for God’s will to be done in all the earth, dependent on Him to supply the resources, grace, and strength that they need daily (Matthew 6: 9–13). They live in confidence that God is a kind, generous Father who gladly gives His children what they need to thrive (7: 7–12).
Our text is preceded by statements that contrast the trust of a citizen in God’s kingdom with the life of someone who lacks that trust. If God cannot be trusted to provide for us, we must provide for ourselves by accumulating and hoarding possessions. But we know those will fail us in the end. Only storing “treasures in heaven” works in the long run. This happens as we put our confidence in God’s reliable promise to provide (Matthew 6: 19–21).
I. More Than Birds
(MATTHEW 6: 25–27)
A. Freedom from Worry (v. 25)
25. Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?
The focus of worry is first on survival. For the vast majority of people in Jesus’ day, food was grown on one’s own land, water drawn from wells daily, and clothing (raiment) sewn by hand. Those tasks required an enormous share of one’s time, energy, and resources. Most people did not have disposable income. They used all they had to meet their most basic needs.
Jesus was reorienting their focus away from worry and toward trust. For the person who knows the true God and believes that He now rules the world, the perspective is different. There is more to life than food and clothing.
B. Provision for the Weak (v. 26)
26. Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?
In Jesus’ day as now, the fowls of the air (birds) are of little value and very vulnerable. But in God’s design, they are fed not by their industry but by the Father. They gather whatever food God provides for them in the natural ecosystem. Jesus used this imagery to argue from the lesser to the greater: if God provides for birds, how much more will He care for people created in His image?
Jesus was not encouraging people to stop growing food. He assumed, rather, that sowing, harvesting, and storing are what people ought to do. After all, God created humans to work in the garden (Genesis 2: 15), and He commanded Israel to work (Exodus 20: 9; compare 2 Thessalonians 3: 10). The idea, rather, is one of trust as a hallmark of faith: because God feeds the birds, how much more are we to trust Him!
BIRD WATCHING
What would our world be without birds? How silent the earth would be without the tweets, chirps, honks, quacks, hoots, and whistles that fill the air with musical serenades!
Think of the wonder of a bird’s nest. Birds use whatever materials are available—sticks, grass, moss, mud, and their own saliva—to build places of protection from bad weather and dangerous predators. And what would our lives be if birds had not inspired us to develop the power of flight? Tiny hummingbirds can hover or fly forward, backward, upward, sideways, and upside down—all with their wings averaging 53 flaps per second. Eagles soar by catching thermals like sailplanes. Feathers adorn wings that are strong but lightweight, flexible but sturdy.
The heavenly Father endowed birds with amazing abilities, and He provides for them daily. As you ponder how much He cares for them, do you trust the Father to care for you?—D. F.
C. The Futility of Worry (v. 27)
27. Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?
To the comparison with birds, Jesus adds the observation that worry can add nothing to life. Taking thought, the stressful anticipation of terrible things that might happen in the future, accomplishes nothing lasting. The word translated stature can refer either to height or length of life. The expression one cubit normally is a measure of physical length, about 18 inches, the distance from an adult’s elbow to fingertip. However, the context is not about height but survival. If we understand the reference to be to length of life instead of physical stature, then the “cubit” probably represents a span of time.
What Do You Think?
How would you respond to a real worrywart who says, “I’m not worried—I’m concerned”?
Digging Deeper
If you were to ask the worrywart to rephrase “can add one ____” in verse 27 with a word that personalizes the verse to him or her, what might that word reveal?
II. More Than Flowers
(MATTHEW 6: 28–30)
A. Provision for the Helpless (vv. 28–29)
28. And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin.
Raiment (clothing) is a necessity for humans. For Jesus’ audience, clothing was difficult to come by (compare Matthew 6: 25, above). Nothing was automated; there were no textile mills. Rather, sheep had to be raised and shorn personally. Flax had to be grown and harvested. Fibers had to be spun into thread. Threads had to be woven into cloth on manual looms. Cloth had to be cut and sewn into garments.
All these processes were done by hand, requiring much time and energy. In the end, only the wealthy owned much more than a single garment per person (compare Judges 14: 12). Being without adequate clothing left a person without protection from natural phenomena and signaled a low status as society saw things (compare 1 Corinthians 4: 11).
Jesus contrasted this situation with that of common wildflowers. These plants did no work, and certainly did nothing that compared with the tedious handcraft by which Jesus’ audience clothed themselves. Flowers were quite ordinary in Galilee, as they are today. Even so, God made them beautiful.
29. And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.
Solomon was the wealthiest king on earth when he ruled over Israel (1 Kings 10: 14–29). When people the world over came to Solomon to hear his wise teaching, they regularly brought rich gifts for him, including “garments, and armour” (10: 25). Surely the king with the most splendid palace also had the most beautiful clothing!
But the sight of the wealthiest king’s clothing could not rival the sight of a meadow in full bloom. God’s care for common flowers surpasses how any person can dress himself or herself.
B. Provision for Small Faith (v. 30)
30. Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?
Again Jesus argued from the lesser to the greater. The grass of the field lasts only for a season. Then, even the most beautiful blooms dry up and are used in fires for cooking. If God gave splendid clothing to the common plants, how much more would He do so for His people? Jesus’ audience could see that God cared for the plants. They should see the same for themselves.
In Matthew Jesus used the phrase ye of little faith to rebuke His disciples when they failed to trust Him while in danger or need (compare Matthew 8: 26 [see lesson 2]; 14: 31 [see lesson 4]; 16: 8). In every instance, Jesus provided what His “little faith” followers needed.
Jesus commended great faith on occasion (Matthew 8: 10; 15: 28). But faith as small as a mustard seed can accomplish great things (17: 20). Even so, faith that doesn’t grow is a stagnant faith (compare 2 Thessalonians 1: 3).
III. Trusting God
(MATTHEW 6: 31–34)
A. Questions Worry Asks (v. 31)
31. Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?
With the word therefore, Jesus began to shift from what not to do to what to do. Another context in which Jesus instructs to take no thought is Matthew 10: 19 and its parallels in Mark 13: 11 and Luke 12: 11. The idea is not one of ignoring common-sense planning (see Luke 14: 28–32; Romans 15: 24; etc.). Rather, what Jesus condemned was undue anxiety (compare Matthew 13: 22; Luke 8: 14; 21: 34; Philippians 4: 6).
What Do You Think?
How do you keep from using Jesus’ imperative as an excuse not to do sound planning?
Digging Deeper
How does Luke 14: 28–33 help you frame your answer to this question?
B. Worry and Ignorance (v. 32)
32. (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.
Gentiles refers to those not of the Jewish faith. A common trait among Gentiles was their worship of false gods (example: Deuteronomy 7: 1–6). The Gentiles had God’s general revelation through nature (Romans 1: 18–20), but had not received God’s special revelation of His inspired Word (compare Acts 17: 22–23). Those who fret over life’s necessities are behaving as if they had not received God’s Word—like Gentiles do.
The heavenly Father is all-knowing (omniscient). He recognizes every human need (compare Matthew 5: 45). He is ready and able to meet human needs. To fret is to indicate lack of faith regarding God’s character and power.
What Do You Think?
What are some right and wrong ways to counsel someone who seems overcome with worry?
Digging Deeper
What could be consequences of quoting today’s text and/ or Romans 8: 28 in this process?
C. Replacing Worry with Faith (vv. 33–34)
33. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
In contrast to the one who worries unduly is the person who seeks first the kingdom of God. Jesus’ followers want above all for God’s will to be done everywhere as He reigns (Matthew 6: 10). We are to be focused not on providing for ourselves as did Demas (2 Timothy 4: 9), but on serving, obeying, and sharing God. The parable in Luke 12: 15–21 stands as an additional warning in this regard.
To seek God’s kingdom goes hand in hand with seeking his righteousness. The two cannot be separated (compare Matthew 5: 6, 10, 20; Romans 14: 17; Hebrews 1: 8). What Jesus expresses here is the active pursuit of righteousness, which complements His earlier statements. For those in the kingdom of God, nothing matters as much as having God’s righteousness—His right way—prevailing in the world.
To seek God’s kingdom and righteousness before our basic needs appears to make us more vulnerable. But in fact, the opposite is true. Because God reigns in His kingdom, He is able to grant His people exactly what they need, when they need it.
No less than Jesus himself promises that those who seek first the kingdom will receive all these things—namely the basic needs of life. God’s provision is more reliable than anything we could plan and accumulate for ourselves. By yielding first attention to matters of God’s kingdom, we as Christians acknowledge that we do not hold ultimate power over our survival. God does! And God promises that He provides for His people under His rule.
We cannot stress enough that this promise has to do with God’s meeting our needs, not our wants. Many have distorted this text and others like it to suggest that if people pursue God’s kingdom vigorously enough, then God will grant material abundance, whatever we ask for. That obviously ignores the emphasis of this passage (compare James 4: 3).
Jesus speaks entirely of foundational needs. The whole emphasis of His teaching in this section is on trust in God and submission to His will. Those who do so realize that they are not in a position to specify the precise amount of material goods that they require. Rather, they trust God to give them what they need in the right amount. They express faith not by demanding more, but by believing that what God supplies is sufficient.
It is also important to note that Jesus’ teaching does not imply that people do nothing for their own support. We seek the kingdom first, but we continue to obey God’s purpose for humanity as expressed in creation: to do useful work in the world (example: 2 Thessalonians 3: 12).
The issue is not whether or not to work, but in how we approach our work (compare 2 Thessalonians 3: 8; 1 Timothy 1: 8; 2 Timothy 2: 21; 4: 5). Pursuing God’s kingdom frees us from anxiety as we work because we trust God, not to test Him. We see our work not as the means of providing for ourselves, but as God’s provision for our needs. Further, we are to see our work as a way of serving God and pursuing God’s right way.
Jesus demonstrated personally what it means to seek God’s kingdom first. The kingdom came through Jesus’ willing death for the sake of those who deserved only death. Though like anyone He did not want to die, Jesus committed himself to the kingdom plan (Matthew 26: 42). At first, His death appeared to be the most terrible end to His story. But just as Jesus had promised, He rose to life again (16: 21; 28: 5–7). Jesus now lives a triumphant, never-ending life for God’s triumphant, never-ending kingdom.
THE PRIORITY PRINCIPLE
If you want to make your own soup from scratch, be careful when you add ingredients. As a novice soup-maker, I dumped all the ingredients into the pot at the same time. After an hour of simmering, some items remained undercooked, while others were limp and overdone.
Eventually I learned to start with the firmer items (potatoes, dried beans) and add the softer items (onions, celery, and seasoning) later in the process. A rule we could call “the priority principle” helped improve my soups: Decide what takes priority and add that before anything else.
This principle applies in the spiritual realm as well: God’s kingdom and His righteousness come first. If we try to get every little thing in our lives in order before pursuing God’s kingdom and righteousness, we will end up with a life that resembles my early soup. Are your priorities in order?—D. F.
34a. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself.
Jesus’ closing remarks remind us again that God is in control of the future over which we have much less, if any, power. To take … no thought means to have no worry, to not fret. Jesus does not exclude prudent planning or saving (see again Luke 14: 28–32 and Romans 15: 24). Rather, His words remind us that our planning and saving ought not be motivated by fear. Instead, it is directed by trust in God and for His will.
The expression the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself is ironic but clear: “The future,” an inanimate entity, obviously does not worry. People, however, are more than capable of worrying! We worry not only about tomorrow, but also about months and years into the future! The God who is sovereign over the future promises to care for His people. Even if the worst happens, God’s people can be confident that He will provide for us, both in this life and in the life to come.
What Do You Think?
Considering Luke 11: 24–26, what are some thoughts to you can use to help you push worry away permanently?
Digging Deeper
Get specific! Don’t answer the above with a vague generality such as “prayer” or “more faith.”
34b. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.
Why worry about tomorrow when there are sufficient problems today? For the follower of Jesus, the focus is not to be on the uncertain future, but on the concrete present. To worry about tomorrow could be classified as poor stewardship if it results in today’s problems going unaddressed. Jesus calls His people to be obedient in “the now,” not anxious about “the later.”
Conclusion
A. With Us to the End
Few passages of the Bible challenge us relentlessly throughout life as much as does this one. Do you see all the ways it makes us think about our lives? Trusting God for the future, seeking His kingdom constantly as the first priority, makes us ponder how we use our time, where we place our efforts, how we relate to the people around us, and how we feel inside.
Jesus gives His followers a great responsibility in this passage. But we are missing the point if we feel burdened by that responsibility. When we listen carefully, we realize that Jesus is not making our lives harder with these words. Rather, He is making our lives easier. We are free from the burden of worry when we submit to God.
Clearly, worry does not keep us alive and well. Only God’s provision can sustain us through the trials of life. And certainly only God can give us a life that triumphs over death. God’s provision is powerful. He provides exactly what His people need. Trusting in God’s provision is the antidote to worry. Do you worry but rename it something like “concern” to pretend you are not violating Jesus’ command?
What Do You Think?
Which part of today’s lesson will you have the most problem applying to your life?
Digging Deeper
Who can and will you confide in to help you through this struggle?
B. Prayer
God our Father, give us confidence in Your provision so that our worries are silenced! As You do, may we respond with trust so that our hearts will pursue Your rule. Grant us strength in the Holy Spirit to pursue Your righteousness as subjects in Your kingdom. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen!
C. Thought to Remember
“Worry … empties today of its strength.”—Corrie ten Boom (1892–1983)
KID’S CORNER
From Doubting Thomas to Worshiping Thomas
Sunday, June 6, 2021
John 20:26-31
John 20:26-31
(John 20:26) After eight days His disciples were again inside, and Thomas with them. Jesus *came, the doors having been shut, and stood in their midst and said, “Peace be with you.”
Though Thomas came to be known as “Doubting Thomas,” as one of Jesus’ eleven disciples (Judas had hanged himself), he only asked for eyewitness proof that Jesus had risen from the dead, for all the other disciples had received eyewitness proof from Jesus. Thomas was not to be left out. The Gospel of John tells us more about Thomas than any of the other gospels. Like the other three gospel writers, each writer selected from many events in Jesus’ life as the Holy Spirit led them to select. Remember, when Jesus went back to Bethany to raise Lazarus from the dead Thomas showed his courage. In John 11:16, John wrote, “Thomas, who was called the Twin, said to his fellow disciples, ‘Let us also go, that we may die with him.’” As with all Jesus’ true disciples, Thomas was willing to follow Jesus to the end. Thomas was not afraid to ask Jesus questions when he did not understand what He said, and so can we. When Thomas did not understand where Jesus was going and how to know the way for them to go there too, John wrote in John 14:5, “Thomas said to him, ‘Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?’” In John 14:6, Jesus kindly answered his question, “Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’” Jesus is the way to the Father for us too. Never to be left out again, Thomas determined to stay close to the other disciples; so, he was present when Jesus appeared to them again in the house where Jesus kindly consented to give Thomas the visible proof that he requested—just as He had given the other disciples. Finally, when Jesus appeared to them again by the Sea of Tiberias, we read that Thomas was there too. In John 21:2, John wrote, “Gathered there together were Simon Peter, Thomas called the Twin, Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of his disciples.”
A week after Jesus had first appeared to His disciples, where they were again hidden behind the closed doors of a house, Jesus appeared again. Thomas had made certain that he would be present with the other disciples on the next Sunday night in case Jesus did appear again. When Jesus once again appeared among them, again His first words were, “Peace be with you.” Prior to these two appearances in the Upper Room where Jesus gave them His peace, Jesus had spoken to them twice about His peace and peace in this world. First, in John 14:27, Jesus promised them: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.” Second, in John 16:33, Jesus promised them: “I have said this to you, so that in me you may have peace. In the world you face persecution. But take courage; I have conquered the world.” When He appeared to them, Jesus fulfilled His promises to them, and His peace remained with them even when they suffered persecution. Jesus has given these promises of peace to all who choose to become His disciples by placing their trust in Him and following Him as their Lord and Savior. In every situation in which we find ourselves, Jesus will give us peace; so, we do not need to have troubled hearts or be afraid. The world’s peace is temporary. Jesus’ peace is everlasting and will go with us from this world into eternity. As Christians who entrust our lives to Jesus Christ, we find our peace in Jesus, with Jesus, and from Jesus. No matter what happens in the world or to us in the world, as believers in Jesus, He is our Lord and Savior, and He will remain with and within us. Our peace comes from His abiding presence. Christians will face persecution and other troubles in the world, but Christians can face everything with courage knowing that Jesus Christ has conquered the world and our death in the world is not the end of our lives. As believers in Jesus, we have received His gifts of love, peace, and eternal life.
(John 20:27) Then He *said to Thomas, “Reach here with your finger, and see My hands; and reach here your hand and put it into My side; and do not be unbelieving, but believing.”
Jesus told Thomas that He knew exactly what Thomas had requested. Jesus did not reprimand Thomas for not believing what he had been told by Mary Magdalene, the other ten disciples, and whoever else was in the house when Jesus had appeared the week before, even though Thomas had been given enough good evidence to believe the others’ testimony. When we have doubts, Jesus does not reprimand us when we go to Him with questions or honest inquiry. Jesus and the Holy Spirit will help us come to faith and increase our faith through the truths we read in the Bible. In Thomas’ case, Jesus told Thomas to do exactly what Thomas said he would need to do before he would believe. Everyone who saw Jesus after He rose from the dead could see or touch His hands and side and know that the Person they saw with their own eyes was the exact same Jesus they had known for three years and the exact same Jesus they knew had been crucified and buried. When Jesus rose from the dead, He remained a real human being with a body that remained human, and He was glorified so He could appear and disappear in locked rooms or leave a sealed tomb. In His resurrected, glorified human body, Jesus would eventually ascend into heaven and sit at the right hand of God the Father, where He still sits today until He comes again as He promised. To encourage all believers in Jesus and explain some heavenly realities, the writer of the Letter to the Hebrews wrote in Hebrews 12:1-2, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God.” We have no good reasons to doubt the truth about Jesus and many reasons to believe all the Bible teaches about Jesus.
(John 20:28) Thomas answered and said to Him, “My Lord and my God!”
Jesus’ appearance removed all doubts in Thomas’ mind, and he responded with appropriate praise and worship of Jesus. Jesus never corrected anyone who worshiped Him, for He was not an angel who would rightly refuse our worship. Jesus is the Word of God made flesh that dwelt among us, and He is worthy of our worship (see John 1:14). When Jesus spoke of how people should honor Him, He said in John 5:22-23, “The Father judges no one but has given all judgment to the Son, so that all may honor the Son just as they honor the Father. Anyone who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent him.” Jesus said that everyone was to honor Him, the Son of God, exactly as they honor God the Father. If someone refuses to honor Jesus the same as they honor God the Father; then they do not honor God the Father who sent Jesus into the world that the world might be saved through Him (see John 3:16-17). Thomas honored Jesus as all true believers in Jesus do. Thomas honored Jesus just as Jesus honored the Father. Thomas addressed Jesus as his Lord and his God. In Psalms 145:1, David praised God saying, “I will extol you, my God and King, and bless your name forever and ever.” In this sense, Thomas praised Jesus, saying, “My Lord and my God!” When on trial before Pilate, in John 18:36, Jesus said, “My kingdom is not from this world. If my kingdom were from this world, my followers would be fighting to keep me from being handed over to the Jews. But as it is, my kingdom is not from here.” Thomas recognized and declared that Jesus was his Lord, his King, and his God. In Jesus, Thomas saw “the salvation of God,” and he exclaimed, “My Lord and my God.” So do all who know Jesus Christ as their King, Lord, God, and Savior.
(John 20:29) Jesus *said to him, “Because you have seen Me, have you believed? Blessed are they who did not see, and yet believed.”
Jesus affirmed that Thomas believed because he had seen Him risen from the dead. Jesus also knew that millions more would believe in Him without having seen Him in any way. In 1 Corinthians 15:1-8, Paul wrote about those who saw the risen Christ and the good news Jesus brought into the world: “Now I would remind you, brothers and sisters, of the good news that I proclaimed to you, which you in turn received, in which also you stand, through which also you are being saved, if you hold firmly to the message that I proclaimed to you—unless you have come to believe in vain. For I handed on to you as of first importance what I in turn had received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the scriptures, and that he was buried, and that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers and sisters at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have died. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me.” [For further explanation of 1 Corinthians 15:1-8, see the International Bible Lessons Commentary on 1 Corinthians 15:1-11, 20-22.] Those who saw Jesus after He arose accepted Him as their Lord and God, and we have many good reasons to believe the same about Jesus. Jesus has brought blessings (everlasting happiness and more) to those who have never seen Him and yet have come to believe in Him. Since the time of the Apostle Paul, those who believe in Him have not seen Him. They believe in Jesus because they hear the truth of the Bible, believe the truth of the Bible, and come to saving faith in Jesus, who gives them forgiveness of sin, the Holy Spirit, and eternal life. Whenever anyone comes to trust in Jesus Christ as their Lord, as their God, and as their Savior, the Holy Spirit has been working in their lives as they have listened to the truth and believed.
(John 20:30) Therefore many other signs Jesus also performed in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book;
Under the influence of the Holy Spirit, John selected the signs that he recorded in his gospel. He added some new information, events, teachings, and explanations of signs that were not included in Matthew, Mark, and Luke. He omitted some events, teachings, and signs that he believed (with the guidance of the Holy Spirit) did not need to be repeated or elaborated. He did not try to write an exhaustive biography, and neither did the other gospel writers. For example, the gospels teach little about Jesus between His birth and the beginning of His ministry after His baptism by John the Baptist. The gospels only teach the essentials of Jesus’ life in the world as the Holy Spirit led the writers; therefore, the Bible does not answer all our questions, but the Bible does teach what is true about God and reality.
(John 20:31) but these have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name.
John told the readers of his gospel the reasons he had selected the signs and teachings that he did. As the Holy Spirit inspired him, John wrote to fulfill the purpose that Jesus had given Him. In John 20:21, Jesus had told John and all His disciples, “As the Father has sent me, so I send you” into the world. The Father sent Jesus so people could learn the truth, so they could believe the truth about Jesus as the Messiah that God had promised (through the prophets) to send, and so believers could receive the gifts of eternal life and the Holy Spirit from Jesus. John wrote and shared the purpose of God the Father and Jesus in John 3:16-17, “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.” John wrote his gospel to fulfill the Great Commission of Jesus that Matthew recorded in Matthew 28:18-20, “And Jesus came and said to them, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.’” John would not live forever, so he wrote for the eternal benefit of all who would read his gospel account, and millions of people still read his works. Today, believers translate the Bible into many languages and give away Bibles as a means of fulfilling the Great Commission, just as John did when he wrote his books and letters to help many believe in Jesus Christ and receive His blessings.
From Doubting Thomas to Worshiping Thomas
Sunday, June 6, 2021
John 20:26-31
Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed (John 20:29—KJV). Jesus *said to him, “Because you have seen Me, have you believed? Blessed are they who did not see, and yet believed” (John 20:29—NASB). Jesus said to Thomas, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe” (John 20:21-22—NRSV). Thomas received the nickname “Doubting Thomas,” because he doubted the other disciples when they told him that they had seen the Lord Jesus after He had risen from the grave. However, we could just as well give Thomas the honorable title “Courageous Thomas,” for when he learned that Jesus was going back to Bethany because Lazarus had died, he told the other disciples, “Let us also go, that we may die with him.” Thomas loved Jesus and Jesus meant so much to him that he declared his willingness to follow Jesus to the end. Perhaps we would understand Thomas better if we remembered that he could be called “Mystified Thomas,” for when Jesus told His disciples that He was going away to prepare a place for them in His Father’s house and they knew the way, Thomas blurted out, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” And with patient love Jesus answered, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” So, when Jesus died on the cross it broke Thomas’ heart. We can almost hear his anguished cry, “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands, and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe.” After Thomas saw Jesus the next Sunday, Thomas earned the name “Worshiping Thomas,” for He praised Jesus, saying, “My Lord and my God.” Since then, after learning the truth about Jesus, many believe and receive His blessings.
Thinking Further
From Doubting Thomas to Worshiping Thomas
Sunday, June 6, 2021
John 20:26-31
Name ________________________________________
1. What reasons might Jesus have had for waiting until the next
Sunday before He appeared to Thomas and the other disciples
again?
2. Compare these greetings in John 20:26, 1 Timothy 1:2, 2
Timothy 1:2, 2 John 1:3, and Jude 1:2. What do these greetings
mean to you personally?
3. Why did Jesus appear and speak to Thomas? Did Jesus
achieve His purpose when He saw Thomas? How do you know?
4. Why do you believe in Jesus or not believe in Jesus?
5. How and why did John write the Gospel of John?
Discussion and Thinking Further
1. What reasons might Jesus have had for waiting until the next Sunday before He appeared to Thomas and the other disciples again?
Jesus did everything according to His perfect timing, which was always totally unexpected. Jesus was not a spirit that could be called up at will by someone in some type of séance, which was forbidden by God in the Old Testament. Contrary to the will of God, King Saul tried to call up Samuel from the grave and it cost him his life. The disciples knew not to try to call up Jesus. The appearances of Jesus were not appearances of a ghost following efforts made by His disciples to see Him again. Waiting a week gave Thomas the opportunity to pray and think about what he had heard from those who were eyewitnesses of Jesus’ appearance to them. They probably repeated what had happened several times, but Thomas still would not believe. He had to be absolutely convinced by personally seeing Jesus as a real person before he would believe. Because Jesus appeared to Thomas as he did, we have more good reasons to believe in Jesus
2. Compare these greetings in John 20:26, 1 Timothy 1:2, 2 Timothy 1:2, 2 John 1:3, and Jude 1:2. What do these greetings mean to you personally?
(John 20:26) A week later his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” (1 Timothy 1:2) To Timothy, my loyal child in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. (1 Timothy 1:2) To Timothy, my loyal child in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. (2 John 1:3) Grace, mercy, and peace will be with us from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Father’s Son, in truth and love. (Jude 1:2) May mercy, peace, and love be yours in abundance. You might receive a variety of good responses from those in your class.
3. Why did Jesus appear and speak to Thomas? Did Jesus achieve His purpose when He saw Thomas? How do you know?
Jesus appeared to Thomas so he would not doubt but believe in Him. Then, Thomas could be a faithful witness for Jesus Christ even as the other disciples became good and faithful witnesses of Jesus’ life, teachings, and resurrection from the dead. Yes. Thomas saw Jesus and then said, “My Lord and My God,” and Jesus commended Thomas. Jesus accepted and praised Thomas’ worship of Him as his Lord and God.
4. Why do you believe in Jesus or not believe in Jesus?
The Bible tells me so and He lives within my heart.
5. How and why did John write the Gospel of John?
How? With the help and inspiration of the Holy Spirit, John made selections from among many signs He saw Jesus do. In John 20:30, John explained, “Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book.” 3 Why? With the help of the Holy Spirit, John knew that many would believe in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior after they read what he wrote. In John 20:31 John explained, “But these are written so that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name.” The Holy Spirit superintended John’s writing so he could write the infallible truth, and He superintends John’s readers as He opens the truth of God’s Word written to them.
Word Search
From Doubting Thomas to Worshiping Thomas
Sunday, June 6, 2021
John 20:26-31
Name ________________________________________
E J F I Y P L M Z Y C Z S D V
X D R O L I E O K B R U O P K
G E T F U C J U L X J W N X U
W V X N A T E E T D S D N A H
F E S E Z D S R S O R L Y B M
D I P I X S U H L W C A R E Y
Q L S K E N S N K Y P U S X R
P E A D M I K V L G V S T E D
G B M S K C P S I D I P G B M
H D O A L I F E L A G N H R D
J O H Y G T B Z H K I O E A B
E U T B R Y K E J F X A D R T
S B O V H V Q D N U C Y J C Z
U T R W C U W I E H I W E Y Q
S V Y I B K J S N T U V T C J
Thomas
Jesus
Peace
Finger
Hands
Reach
Side
Doubt
Believe
Lord
God
Blessed
Messiah
Son
Life
True and False Test
From Doubting Thomas to Worshiping Thomas
Sunday, June 6, 2021
John 20:26-31
Name _____________________________________
Circle the True or False answers. Correct the False statements by restating them.
1. Jesus waited until the last possible moment before appearing to Thomas, because He hoped that Thomas would believe in Him without His needing to appear to him. True or False
2. Because Jesus was upset with Thomas’ refusal to believe in Him, He waited until Thomas was fearful of Him before He said to Thomas, “Peace be with you.” True or False
3. Jesus told Thomas to look at His hands and side, but not to touch Him. True or False
4. Jesus told Thomas, “Do not doubt but believe,” but Thomas told Jesus, “I am a natural born doubter, so I cannot believe in You.” True or False
5. Thomas said to Jesus, “My Lord and my God!” True or False
6. Jesus said to Thomas, “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.” True or False
7. Thomas had his feelings hurt and pouted when Jesus said that those who believed in Him without seeing Him were blessed. True or False
8. John recorded all the signs that Jesus did in His book, and that is why it is so long. True or False
9. John wrote his book so his readers may come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God. True or False
10. John said that the result of believing in Jesus was having life in His name. True or False
True and False Test Answers
- False
- False
- False
- False
- True
- True
- False
- False
- True
- True
Prayer
God our Father, give us confidence in Your provision so that our worries are silenced! As You do, may we respond with trust so that our hearts will pursue Your rule. Grant us strength in the Holy Spirit to pursue Your righteousness as subjects in Your kingdom. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen!