Youth Sermon: Hope for the Doubter

Doubt and Hope

Today, we're going to be talking about how even if you're tired, broken, feeling like an underdog, or even if you're doubting, there's hope for you.

You know, doubt is like this balloon I have here. It starts small, but as we feed it with our fears and uncertainties, it gets bigger and bigger until it's all we can see. Just like the disciples after Jesus was crucified. They were crushed and couldn't believe that Jesus could come back to life. Thomas, one of the disciples, was the biggest doubter. He said he wouldn't believe unless he saw Jesus with his own eyes and touched his scars.

Today, we're going to be talking about how even if you're tired, broken, feeling like an underdog, or even if you're doubting, there's hope for you.

Jesus Understands Our Doubts

We all have doubts sometimes, right? It's normal, especially when life gets rough. But here's the cool part: Jesus isn't scared of our doubts. He gets it. He doesn't make us feel bad for doubting. Instead, he invites us to check things out for ourselves. Just like Thomas, we can find hope when we see the scars on Jesus' hands and side. Jesus wants to show us that he's real and we can trust him.

Church and Doubts

Church should be a place where it's okay to have doubts. We should be able to ask questions and share our struggles without feeling judged. We should be there for each other, showing kindness and understanding. When we do that, we're being like Jesus to those who doubt, giving them a safe place to figure things out.

Trust the Source

Our doubts can't stand up when we trust the source. Thomas saw Jesus himself, and that turned his doubt into faith. We have evidence too, in the Bible and in the stories of others. When we look to Jesus as the source of our hope, our doubts can't hold up. Even when our faith is shaky, knowing Jesus helps us keep going.

Jesus Offers Hope

So, remember, Jesus is here with us, offering hope to everyone. When we come together in his name, he's with us. Let's believe for those in our lives who are struggling to find hope. And always remember, where Jesus is, there's hope.

Prayer

Let's pray: Jesus, thank you for being with us, even in our doubts. Help us to trust you more and to be a source of hope for others. Amen.

Small Group Breakout Questions

1. Can you share a time when you doubted something about your faith?

2. How did you overcome this doubt?

3. How can we support each other when we have doubts?

4. What evidence helps you believe in Jesus?

5. How can we create a safe space for people to express their doubts in our youth group?

Get the Full Youth Group Plan

• Icebreaker: Scars of Hope
• Group Activity: Touch the Scars
• Youth Challenge: Embrace Your Doubts