Church School SumUp
Theme: “I’ll See It When I Believe It!”

This week’s Church School SumUp explores the faith journey of Thomas, a devoted disciple who honestly expressed his questions and needed a personal encounter with Jesus. The lesson invites viewers to consider why people sometimes struggle to believe what they have not witnessed directly and how faithful testimony can help introduce others to Christ.

Weekly Lesson: Thomas, The Honest Doubter

This lesson focuses on Thomas’ willingness to speak honestly, his desire to understand Jesus more clearly, and the transformation that occurred when the risen Christ met him in his uncertainty. Although Thomas is often remembered primarily for his doubt, the Scriptures also reveal his loyalty, courage, curiosity, and continued presence among the disciples.

Through worship, scripture, discussion, reflection, and small-group engagement, viewers are reminded that honest questions do not have to separate us from Jesus. Christ meets us in our uncertainty, reveals Himself through grace, and commissions us to share what we have experienced with others.

Scripture Focus: John 11:14–16; John 14:5–8; John 20:24–29; John 21:1–2

The Scripture focus presents Thomas as more than a doubter. In John 11, he courageously expresses his willingness to follow Jesus even when the journey appears dangerous. In John 14, Thomas openly admits that he does not understand where Jesus is going, creating an opportunity for Jesus to explain that He is the way, the truth, and the life.

In John 20, Thomas struggles to accept the disciples’ testimony that Jesus has risen because he was not present when Christ first appeared to them. Rather than rejecting Thomas, Jesus returns and meets him personally. Thomas responds with one of the clearest declarations of faith in the Gospel: an acknowledgment of Jesus as both Lord and God.

The lesson’s discussion theme, “Sending Right Messages,” challenges believers to consider how their words, conduct, and personal testimonies communicate the Gospel. Thomas’ story reminds us that people may need patience, truth, compassion, and credible witnesses as they move toward belief. Our responsibility is not to shame people for their questions, but to faithfully share what we know about Christ.

The small-group discussion, “Spreading The News,” encourages participants to explore why people may hesitate to believe what they have not personally witnessed, what makes another person’s testimony trustworthy, and the ways Jesus continues to reveal Himself today. These reflections help believers understand that testimony can become a bridge between someone’s uncertainty and a life-changing encounter with Jesus.

Hymnology: “Amazing Grace”

This week’s closing hymn, “Amazing Grace,” was written by John Newton and first published in 1779. The hymn grew from Newton’s reflections on his troubled past, spiritual conversion, and experience of God’s mercy. The familiar tune, “New Britain,” was later associated with the lyrics through William Walker’s 1835 publication.

Newton eventually became an Anglican priest and later supported efforts to abolish the British slave trade. His hymn remains a powerful testimony that God’s grace can confront sin, relieve fear, transform lives, and lead people into a deeper understanding of faith.

“Amazing Grace” connects beautifully with Thomas’ story because both remind us that belief is made possible through God’s patient and revealing grace. Thomas moved from uncertainty to confession when he encountered the risen Christ. In the same way, our testimonies can help others recognize the grace that has changed us and believe that Jesus can transform them too.

Key Takeaway

God has commissioned us to share the Gospel with others so that our testimony about Him can become someone else’s introduction to Him.

Application Prompt

What has Jesus done in your life that someone else needs to hear? Write a brief testimony describing what happened, how God revealed Himself, and what you learned. Ask God to give you an opportunity to share it with someone who may be searching, questioning, or waiting for a reason to believe.