Introduction
In John chapter 20, we find the narrative of the first Easter, centered on Mary Magdalene and the other women who discovered the stone rolled away from Jesus' tomb. They have an encounter with the risen Lord, and Mary is commissioned to share the good news with the disciples. Meanwhile, the disciples, still grappling with the shocking reality of Christ's resurrection, gather in an upper room. Among them, Thomas is absent at this pivotal moment, which sets the stage for a significant revelation about faith and belief.
Main Points
In Reflecting On Thomas S Experience
In reflecting on Thomas's experience, we see that he was not present when the other disciples first encountered the risen Christ. A week later, upon hearing their claim of Jesus' resurrection, Thomas expresses his skepticism: he refuses to believe without tangible proof of Christ's wounds.
- This narrative highlights a common human experience, doubt.
- Throughout history, skepticism accompanies the journey of faith.
- The disciples themselves struggled to process the resurrection, much like many of us might today.
- Jesus, however, does not rebuke Thomas, but rather invites him closer, offering a personal encounter.
This Mirrors The Gentle Way Jesus
This mirrors the gentle way Jesus meets us in our own doubts and uncertainties, reminding us that belief can coexist with skepticism. In His graciousness, Jesus responds to Thomas’s disbelief by inviting him to touch His wounds.
- "Do not be unbelieving, but believing," He urges.
- This profound moment serves as a powerful reminder for us to actively engage with our faith.
- Jesus desires to meet us at our point of need, urging us not to remain in doubt but to embrace belief.
- For those of us who already hold faith, this is a call to deepen our trust in the transformative power of the resurrection.
By Believing In And Reflecting On
By believing in and reflecting on the truth of Christ's victory over death, we are invited into a fuller experience of life in His name. Following His encounter with Thomas, Jesus makes a profound declaration: "Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." This highlights a unique blessing reserved for generations who come after, those who live by faith rather than sight. Our faith does not depend on physical encounters; instead, we are urged to focus on the reality of what Jesus accomplished for us. This blessing connects us with believers throughout history who have leaned on the promises of God without physical proof. We find comfort in knowing that our faith is valid and blessed, inviting us into the narrative of the Church through the ages. The Gospel of John itself serves as a testimony aimed at inciting belief: ".that you may have life in His name." The resurrection is not just an event; it signifies the abundant life each believer can experience.
As We Gather In Worship Lifting
As we gather in worship, lifting our praises, we participate in a communal celebration of this life, encompassing diverse voices and languages united in Christ’s victory. It is a poignant reminder that our lives reflect the promise of hope given through the resurrection, a transformative reality, indwelling the believer. Jesus teaches that true glory comes only after death; this notion resonates deeply in our everyday experiences. Any relationship with depth often requires sacrifices, a theme that echoes through moments of marriage, parenthood, and our commitment to Christ. When we engage in loving relationships or take up our cross, we encounter the necessity of letting go of our desires for true, glorified life. We echo the words of Jesus, who reminds us that in dying to ourselves, we find new life.
Whether It S In Our Struggles
Whether it's in our struggles or our daily sacrifices, God calls us to a higher purpose and promise, leading us to true life and fullness. Real-life stories of transformation serve as powerful reminders of God’s work in our midst. I share with you a story from a brother in our church who once lived a tumultuous life characterized by violence and addiction. After encountering the grace of God in prison, he experienced a radical conversion that transformed not only his own life but also those around him. His life reflects the promise that God can bring hope and healing to anyone, emphasizing that regardless of past circumstances, Jesus can turn our tragedies into testimonies of His grace and love. This illustrates the overarching truth that faith leads to transformation, hope, and new beginnings.
Conclusion
As we reflect on this narrative of Christ's resurrection and the call to belief, we see that our faith does not simply follow a linear path of understanding; rather, it is enriched through our struggles and victories in belief. Just as Jesus met Thomas in his doubt, He meets us, inviting us to embrace the fullness of life offered through Him. As we seek to embody the resurrection power in our lives, let us grow in faith, reflect His glory, and perceive the beauty of the new life that arises from the ashes of our past. The promise remains: in Christ, we are made new, and in His resurrection, we find our hope.