Look Back
How did you pray a prayer of suffering to God, surrendering pain that you cannot explain. What result did you experience?
Look Up
Read Mark 9:14-17 / Mark 9:14 describes a situation Jesus and three of His disciples found when they joined Jesus’ other disciples. What was happening and why?
- How did the crowd respond to Jesus and why? How did Jesus respond to the crowd in verse 16? What does this say about Jesus how we should handle the doubts and questions we have?
Read Mark 9:19-24 / Mark 9:19 can cause debates between followers of Jesus today and raises more questions than answers. What does Jesus’ final statement in this verse say about Jesus? Why is this significant and what does this mean for people today?
- How did the father approach Jesus with his request in verse 22? What was his attitude toward Jesus and how did Jesus respond to his doubt?
- How easy is it for you to accept that “all things are possible for one who believes”? What helps or hinders you from accepting this?
Read John 20:24-29
- What specifically was Thomas doubting and why? How did Jesus respond to his doubts and why is it significant that Jesus came to Thomas while he was doubting?
- How does John 20:29 help you understand Jesus’ emotional words in Mark 9:19? What helps you overcome doubts about something you cannot see?
Overall (Discovery Bible Study)
- What do these scriptures say about God?
- What do they say about people?
- How will I apply this to my life?
Look Ahead
What doubts do you have that you’re afraid to admit? Who is God inviting into that space with you?
Notes
The Bible includes many examples of people who doubted the Father(God) and Jesus. In these two situations, Jesus met people in the middle of their doubts, with the goal of growing their faith that even things that appear impossible can be possible through belief in Him. Today, Jesus doesn’t push doubters away. Instead, Jesus meets us in our doubts, He encourages us to honestly embrace the doubt and take it to Him. Our faith grows best in community with other followers of Jesus – in safe relationships, not silent struggles in isolation. We don’t need certainty to take the next step – we just need courage to not walk alone and believe in him.
