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Primary Scripture: John 20:24–29

Supporting Scripture: James 1:5; Mark 9:24; Psalm 13:1–2

Big Idea: Honest questions can lead to a deeper faith

This week in student ministry, we created space for one of the most real parts of faith: doubt. We helped students understand that asking honest questions doesn’t weaken their faith—it can actually deepen it.

Students looked at the story of Thomas in John 20:24–29. Even after walking closely with Jesus, Thomas struggled to believe the resurrection without seeing proof for himself. Instead of rejecting him, Jesus met Thomas right in his doubt and invited him to see and believe. Thomas responded with one of the most powerful declarations in Scripture: “My Lord and my God!”

This moment showed students something important—Jesus is not intimidated by doubt. He doesn’t shame questions; He meets them with truth and grace.

We also explored how doubt is not the opposite of faith—indifference is. Looking at passages like Psalm 13:1–2, students saw that even people like David openly wrestled with God. In Mark 9:24, we see a powerful prayer: “I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!” This reminded students that faith and doubt can exist at the same time—and God is present in both.

In James 1:5, students were encouraged with the truth that God gives wisdom generously and “will not rebuke you for asking.” This helped reinforce that questions are not something to hide, but something to bring into the light.

We highlighted three important principles for students:

Doubt is not the opposite of faith – Questions often mean their faith matters and is growing.

Jesus meets us in our doubt – God invites honesty and responds with grace, not shame.

Wrestling leads to personal faith – A faith that is explored becomes a faith that is owned.

Students were also encouraged to take three important steps:

Name your doubts – Be honest about questions instead of ignoring them.

Bring questions to God and others – Talk with God and trusted people about what they’re wrestling with.

Keep showing up – Like Thomas, staying connected positions them to encounter Jesus.

Ways you can support your student at home:

Ask: What questions about faith have you been thinking about lately?

Discuss: Why do you think people sometimes feel afraid to admit doubt?

Share: Talk about a time you wrestled with your faith and how God met you in it.

Encourage spiritual growth: Consider reading John 20:24–29 together and discussing what it shows about Jesus’ response to doubt.

Our prayer is that students would feel safe to ask honest questions, grow in a faith that is real and personal, and experience that Jesus meets them right where they are—even in uncertainty. Thank you for partnering with us as we help students build a faith that is authentic, thoughtful, and lasting.