91 00:13:42.215 --> 00:13:44.304 There's a million reasons to trust you. 92 00:13:44.405 --> 00:13:46.425 We just sang that together as a congregation, 93 00:13:48.425 --> 00:13:51.765 but it doesn't take much for us to doubt. 94 00:13:53.675 --> 00:13:57.315 Has that been your experience? It certainly has been mine over the years. 95 00:13:58.175 --> 00:14:01.035 We can sing songs together in what, when we do that, 96 00:14:01.315 --> 00:14:04.315 actually it's a wonderful time for us to solidify our faith together. 97 00:14:04.695 --> 00:14:08.155 But when we walk out of here, sometimes Monday through Saturday, 98 00:14:10.195 --> 00:14:14.045 we struggle when things go wrong, 99 00:14:14.225 --> 00:14:15.605 we begin to doubt. 100 00:14:16.475 --> 00:14:20.765 It's easy for us to begin to forget God's truth. 101 00:14:21.425 --> 00:14:25.685 The songs that we sing, the things that we believe in the messes of life. 102 00:14:26.975 --> 00:14:30.085 Maybe that's not your experience, but as I talk with people, 103 00:14:30.086 --> 00:14:31.645 that's most people's experience. 104 00:14:33.305 --> 00:14:36.485 And this is the last week of walking with ghosts. 105 00:14:36.486 --> 00:14:40.045 And we are going to be talking about doubt and we're also going to be talking 106 00:14:40.046 --> 00:14:41.485 about disbelief. 107 00:14:42.445 --> 00:14:45.225 And I'd like you to turn in your Bibles if you have them with you to John 108 00:14:45.255 --> 00:14:49.825 chapter 20. John chapter 20 gives us three vignettes. 109 00:14:51.025 --> 00:14:54.885 One occurs on Easter Sunday morning, the very first Easter. 110 00:14:55.755 --> 00:15:00.485 Then one occurs that evening in the very first Sunday evening church 111 00:15:00.486 --> 00:15:04.845 service. And then one occurs the following Sunday night. 112 00:15:06.345 --> 00:15:11.285 And it's in each one of these vignettes that we see both our human 113 00:15:11.765 --> 00:15:14.925 response to uncertain times. 114 00:15:16.555 --> 00:15:18.335 And then Jesus' response to us, 115 00:15:19.685 --> 00:15:23.625 and hopefully it'll be encouraging to you as it's been encouraging to me as, uh, 116 00:15:23.735 --> 00:15:27.185 I've looked through this this week. So John chapter 20, 117 00:15:27.685 --> 00:15:31.345 it begins with Mary of Magdala, Mary Magdalene. 118 00:15:31.605 --> 00:15:33.385 She was given that name because uh, 119 00:15:33.386 --> 00:15:35.585 there were so many Marys in the New Testament, uh, 120 00:15:35.865 --> 00:15:39.945 and that were following Jesus. She was became Mary of Magdala or Mary Magdalene. 121 00:15:40.045 --> 00:15:42.905 She comes to the tomb on Sunday morning. 122 00:15:43.125 --> 00:15:47.425 Of course Jesus had buried Friday afternoon. And uh, 123 00:15:48.445 --> 00:15:51.665 now she comes and she comes probably to show respect. 124 00:15:52.205 --> 00:15:54.345 And she shows up to the tomb and what does she see? 125 00:15:55.305 --> 00:15:57.785 The stone that had sealed the tomb is rolled away. 126 00:15:59.865 --> 00:16:04.405 And she immediately turns and she runs to get two of her favorite disciples, 127 00:16:04.615 --> 00:16:08.845 Peter and John. So she goes to the respective home. She says, Hey, listen guys, 128 00:16:09.445 --> 00:16:13.485 I was there. The stone has been rolled away. 129 00:16:13.555 --> 00:16:16.925 They have taken him and I don't know where they've laid him. 130 00:16:19.145 --> 00:16:22.005 So like any one of us we wanna see for ourselves. 131 00:16:22.105 --> 00:16:26.925 So they take off John and Peter running to see the empty 132 00:16:26.995 --> 00:16:30.775 tomb. John says, stoops and looks. 133 00:16:31.395 --> 00:16:34.015 And he sees nobody. 134 00:16:36.225 --> 00:16:39.855 Peter being the impetuous person he is, he goes right into the tomb. 135 00:16:41.425 --> 00:16:45.285 He doesn't just stop to look in. He, he's going right in. He's investigating. 136 00:16:45.305 --> 00:16:46.845 He goes in and what does he find? 137 00:16:48.105 --> 00:16:50.525 He finds the linen clothes just lying there. 138 00:16:51.265 --> 00:16:53.605 He finds the face cloth that was over. 139 00:16:53.615 --> 00:16:56.365 Jesus wrapped up neatly and placed aside. 140 00:16:58.055 --> 00:16:59.155 So he tells John, 141 00:16:59.265 --> 00:17:03.115 John comes in and John looks and it says, 142 00:17:03.275 --> 00:17:06.435 and John saw and believed, 143 00:17:07.675 --> 00:17:11.615 but Luke 24 tells us that Peter went away 144 00:17:12.125 --> 00:17:17.015 wondering. So what did John believe 145 00:17:18.675 --> 00:17:20.734 and why was Peter wondering, 146 00:17:22.045 --> 00:17:26.425 and why did Mary assume that somebody had taken the body of Jesus? 147 00:17:27.075 --> 00:17:30.015 Those are good questions. 148 00:17:31.035 --> 00:17:35.175 And this passage tells us the story 149 00:17:35.835 --> 00:17:37.535 of how they found out what took, 150 00:17:37.765 --> 00:17:41.175 took place and and what Jesus has to do with it and why he, 151 00:17:41.355 --> 00:17:43.135 he sets it up the way he sets it up. 152 00:17:43.755 --> 00:17:46.055 And I think it's instructive for us because each one of us, 153 00:17:47.175 --> 00:17:50.900 well we have expressed or or hopefully all of us have expressed faith in Jesus. 154 00:17:51.515 --> 00:17:55.685 Each one of us still struggle from time to time to remember 155 00:17:56.215 --> 00:18:00.535 God's truth, to trust him no matter the cost or circumstances. 156 00:18:01.925 --> 00:18:06.665 And so this is what we find in John chapter 20. So again, if you're not there, 157 00:18:06.725 --> 00:18:11.625 please turn there this be on the side screen. So they come, 158 00:18:11.655 --> 00:18:15.305 they, they see the empty tomb, they're checking it out. And uh, 159 00:18:16.095 --> 00:18:18.345 they're wondering what in the world's going on? 160 00:18:19.185 --> 00:18:22.705 Verse nine of chapter 20 says this, for as yet, 161 00:18:23.695 --> 00:18:28.675 they did not understand the scriptures that he must rise again 162 00:18:28.825 --> 00:18:29.658 from the dead. 163 00:18:32.975 --> 00:18:34.155 But hadn't Jesus told them, 164 00:18:36.835 --> 00:18:39.695 was this the first news about his death and resurrection? 165 00:18:40.885 --> 00:18:44.615 Why were they so uncertain? Well, let's look at a few passages. 166 00:18:44.616 --> 00:18:46.575 Matthew chapter 16, verse 21 says this, 167 00:18:46.925 --> 00:18:51.734 from that time Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem, 168 00:18:51.955 --> 00:18:56.175 suffer many things from the elders and the chief priests and the scribes and be 169 00:18:56.176 --> 00:18:59.615 killed and be raised up on the third day. That's pretty specific. 170 00:18:59.994 --> 00:19:04.744 And he told them that. But that wasn't the only time he tells 'em again, 171 00:19:05.075 --> 00:19:05.908 Jesus said to them, 172 00:19:06.265 --> 00:19:09.865 the son of man is going to be delivered in the hands of men and they will kill 173 00:19:09.866 --> 00:19:12.185 him and he'll be raised up on the third day. 174 00:19:12.845 --> 00:19:17.435 And they were deeply grieved. They did understand 175 00:19:19.244 --> 00:19:20.415 they had heard this before. 176 00:19:22.205 --> 00:19:25.215 They felt the pit in their stomach when he talked about his death. 177 00:19:29.265 --> 00:19:33.305 He tells 'em one more time, Matthew 17, Jesus said to them, 178 00:19:33.325 --> 00:19:36.425 the son of man is going to be delivered into the hands of men. 179 00:19:36.426 --> 00:19:40.935 Well they saw that. They just experienced that on Friday afternoon 180 00:19:43.244 --> 00:19:44.077 it will kill him. 181 00:19:47.155 --> 00:19:51.355 The chief priest as scribes condemn him death will hand him over to the Gentiles 182 00:19:51.356 --> 00:19:53.234 to mock and squi and crucify him on the third day. 183 00:19:53.535 --> 00:19:58.395 And he will be raised up three specific times. 184 00:19:58.785 --> 00:20:01.555 They grieved. They had emotion over what he said. 185 00:20:01.695 --> 00:20:04.675 And yet here it seems like they have no idea 186 00:20:07.865 --> 00:20:10.075 that he was gonna raise from the dead. 187 00:20:14.325 --> 00:20:18.375 Now, before we judge, I think we can identify 188 00:20:20.025 --> 00:20:24.755 when the emotional bolt of electricity hits you or a family member 189 00:20:25.815 --> 00:20:27.675 at the sound of the word cancer 190 00:20:30.555 --> 00:20:35.535 or when a child is struggling tremendously with mental anguish and 191 00:20:35.536 --> 00:20:36.369 depression. 192 00:20:38.845 --> 00:20:43.175 When your marriage is falter, faltering, when your relationships go sour, 193 00:20:43.176 --> 00:20:45.855 when your your finances go south, 194 00:20:46.795 --> 00:20:50.725 we understand what it's like to forget. 195 00:20:52.555 --> 00:20:56.775 And when we forget God's truth, just like Mary, 196 00:20:57.525 --> 00:21:02.325 just like Peter, we doubt, 197 00:21:04.555 --> 00:21:08.515 we become uncertain. Our faith gets shaky. 198 00:21:13.155 --> 00:21:15.305 Maybe that's where you are tonight. 199 00:21:17.255 --> 00:21:21.885 Maybe you have felt that emotional bolt of electricity 200 00:21:22.285 --> 00:21:23.925 recently. You've heard bad news, 201 00:21:24.035 --> 00:21:26.925 something bad is going on and you are struggling. 202 00:21:30.405 --> 00:21:34.525 Well there's some instruction here for us. 203 00:21:35.225 --> 00:21:37.825 But before we get there, this is what happens. 204 00:21:39.105 --> 00:21:42.455 Peter and John returned home. They saw what they had to see. 205 00:21:42.805 --> 00:21:46.855 They left Mary having run and got them has now come back to the tomb. 206 00:21:48.665 --> 00:21:52.305 And she's there weeping. She's weeping. 207 00:21:52.555 --> 00:21:57.385 Verse 13, she looks into the tomb, 208 00:21:58.265 --> 00:22:02.225 what she sees in the tomb, not the linen wrappings. She sees two angels. 209 00:22:03.555 --> 00:22:07.675 Can you imagine that? Okay, this is no ordinary situation now. 210 00:22:11.975 --> 00:22:16.395 And they say, why are you weeping? Well, 211 00:22:16.396 --> 00:22:20.615 her response is the same. They have taken away, my Lord, 212 00:22:20.895 --> 00:22:23.095 I do not know where they have laid 'em. So 213 00:22:25.515 --> 00:22:29.605 then she turns because she heard some noise and she sees a gardener 214 00:22:30.385 --> 00:22:33.805 or someone she thinks is a gardener. It actually turns out to be Jesus himself. 215 00:22:33.806 --> 00:22:37.165 But she doesn't recognize him. And we know after his resurrection, 216 00:22:38.185 --> 00:22:41.484 the people did not recognize him until he opened their eyes to recognize him. 217 00:22:43.955 --> 00:22:47.975 And so she basically assumes the gardener would know what happened to Jesus' 218 00:22:48.135 --> 00:22:52.935 body. So she says, uh, if you have taken him away, tell me sir, 219 00:22:53.145 --> 00:22:55.575 where you have laid him and I'll take him away from you. 220 00:22:56.895 --> 00:23:00.195 So this is the third time she has said the same thing to Peter and John to the 221 00:23:00.196 --> 00:23:05.075 angels. Now to Jesus, they have taken him away. I don't know where he is. 222 00:23:05.275 --> 00:23:08.875 I want his body. I want to take care of him. Mary's clear on one thing, 223 00:23:09.455 --> 00:23:13.345 her Lord is dead. He's gone. 224 00:23:17.565 --> 00:23:20.385 The rec resurrection of the Lord is not in her mind, 225 00:23:23.595 --> 00:23:28.515 but Jesus does something beautiful here. And this anytime Jesus speaks, 226 00:23:28.575 --> 00:23:32.555 of course, especially in a context like this, we have to lean in. 227 00:23:33.885 --> 00:23:36.205 'cause not only did he ask her, why are you weeping, 228 00:23:37.095 --> 00:23:40.315 but he says something very simply, very beautifully. 229 00:23:43.595 --> 00:23:48.585 He said, Mary, see that verse 16, 230 00:23:50.984 --> 00:23:51.817 Mary, 231 00:23:54.525 --> 00:23:57.185 in the midst of her emotion 232 00:23:59.225 --> 00:24:03.655 being distraught, not only over her lord's death but now can't find 233 00:24:05.355 --> 00:24:09.915 his body, he simply says Mary, 234 00:24:12.575 --> 00:24:17.185 immediately she says, 235 00:24:17.775 --> 00:24:18.608 teacher, 236 00:24:21.915 --> 00:24:24.994 I recall John chapter 10, three and four, 237 00:24:25.445 --> 00:24:28.665 Jesus is speaking and he says this, 238 00:24:29.325 --> 00:24:33.445 and the sheep hear his voice and he calls 239 00:24:34.385 --> 00:24:36.685 his own sheep by name. 240 00:24:38.175 --> 00:24:42.345 And the sheep follow him because they know his voice isn't that beautiful 241 00:24:44.215 --> 00:24:45.048 Mary. 242 00:24:47.605 --> 00:24:50.375 And immediately it's the teacher. 243 00:24:59.115 --> 00:25:01.455 You see, Mary's lack of understanding, 244 00:25:01.515 --> 00:25:05.975 her uncertainty did not change the fact that Jesus had risen from the dead. 245 00:25:07.994 --> 00:25:08.895 Nor do our doubts. 246 00:25:09.635 --> 00:25:14.455 Our doubts or our lack of faith does not change truth. What is true? 247 00:25:15.435 --> 00:25:16.895 Her uncertainty, 248 00:25:17.195 --> 00:25:21.615 her distraughtness did not change the reality of Jesus being 249 00:25:21.865 --> 00:25:26.705 alive. But she didn't see it until he says, 250 00:25:27.695 --> 00:25:28.528 Mary, 251 00:25:33.405 --> 00:25:36.225 are you struggling with whether or not the Lord is present in your life 252 00:25:37.845 --> 00:25:40.994 struggling with whether he's for you, he's on your side. 253 00:25:41.025 --> 00:25:42.234 He's your good shepherd, 254 00:25:46.244 --> 00:25:51.125 then know the same Jesus who called out to Mary by name is the 255 00:25:51.126 --> 00:25:53.925 same one that wants to call out to you in 256 00:25:55.535 --> 00:25:57.505 your time of anxiousness and uncertainty. 257 00:25:59.695 --> 00:26:01.984 He's the same Lord. The risen Lord, 258 00:26:04.335 --> 00:26:06.795 you're one of a sheep. So he calls you by name 259 00:26:09.275 --> 00:26:12.015 and he wants your uncertainty and your lack of clarity 260 00:26:13.555 --> 00:26:16.975 to be matched with his truth, 261 00:26:18.135 --> 00:26:20.075 his voice, his word. 262 00:26:20.205 --> 00:26:23.755 Jesus doesn't want us to walk around unaware of his presence, 263 00:26:23.756 --> 00:26:26.315 unaware of his goodness, unaware of his kindness towards us. 264 00:26:27.565 --> 00:26:31.225 But notice something about Mary. What was Mary doing? 265 00:26:32.625 --> 00:26:37.515 Mary was searching. Mary was looking. 266 00:26:38.215 --> 00:26:41.475 Now she was not looking for the resurrected Lord. We know that clearly. 267 00:26:42.875 --> 00:26:43.708 But she was looking, 268 00:26:46.755 --> 00:26:51.115 I think of the Lord's words to his people Israel in Jeremiah 269 00:26:51.116 --> 00:26:55.625 29 13, where he says, if you seek me, 270 00:26:57.035 --> 00:27:01.095 you'll find me If you seek me with all of your heart, 271 00:27:06.185 --> 00:27:10.125 our search is the act of faith that is met by the voice of God. 272 00:27:13.015 --> 00:27:14.115 And this is what Mary found. 273 00:27:16.265 --> 00:27:18.885 She was looking for a dead teacher 274 00:27:21.484 --> 00:27:24.345 who she heard from was her risen Lord. 275 00:27:27.095 --> 00:27:28.555 And everything was good again. 276 00:27:34.325 --> 00:27:38.555 Well, the scriptures go on to tell us that he told Mary, 277 00:27:38.695 --> 00:27:42.705 now go back and tell the rest of the disciples. Tell 'em I'm alive. 278 00:27:43.215 --> 00:27:45.025 Tell 'em we've talked. Tell 'em what you've seen. 279 00:27:46.135 --> 00:27:50.905 And so she goes and she finds the disciples meeting 280 00:27:51.005 --> 00:27:54.585 in a room that is closed. It seems by the use of the word, 281 00:27:54.865 --> 00:27:56.905 it's probably locked because it says for fear of the Jews, 282 00:27:57.145 --> 00:28:00.145 they were afraid of the temple police that had arrested Jesus. 283 00:28:01.295 --> 00:28:04.275 And they're fearful because it was just a couple days ago that they did. 284 00:28:04.335 --> 00:28:09.155 And if they find that these people still love Jesus are 285 00:28:09.156 --> 00:28:13.075 still his followers, they might get arrested too. So out of fear, 286 00:28:15.415 --> 00:28:17.234 not uncertainty, now fear, 287 00:28:18.075 --> 00:28:20.605 they're gathered together in a locked room. 288 00:28:23.175 --> 00:28:26.585 Mary is telling them all that she has experienced 289 00:28:29.105 --> 00:28:30.315 when she saw her Lord. 290 00:28:31.805 --> 00:28:35.785 Now Luke tells us that when Mary explained these things 291 00:28:36.825 --> 00:28:39.565 to them, they said it was to them nonsense, 292 00:28:40.235 --> 00:28:44.605 idle talk and they didn't believe. But John doesn't really deal with that here. 293 00:28:47.095 --> 00:28:50.955 He goes on and he just deals with the fact that Jesus 294 00:28:51.985 --> 00:28:56.295 appears in their midst. Can you imagine that you're fearful, 295 00:28:58.265 --> 00:29:00.175 maybe you are tonight and 296 00:29:04.595 --> 00:29:07.885 Jesus just appears through locked doors. 297 00:29:09.885 --> 00:29:11.905 You know John's probably thinking, you know what? 298 00:29:11.906 --> 00:29:15.345 When I looked into that grave and I saw those grave clothes laying there, 299 00:29:16.085 --> 00:29:19.685 Jesus just came right through those. You know, 300 00:29:19.686 --> 00:29:22.765 when he called Lazarus out of the tomb, Lazarus had to be unwrapped. 301 00:29:23.385 --> 00:29:26.485 Not so with Jesus. He just came up out of those clothes and they just lay there. 302 00:29:27.965 --> 00:29:31.215 Took the time to fold his faith cloth and put it aside. 303 00:29:32.115 --> 00:29:36.655 Now he just goes right through walls, doors he just appears. 304 00:29:38.615 --> 00:29:41.205 And what does he say to them in the midst of their fear? 305 00:29:43.535 --> 00:29:46.325 Peace be with you. 306 00:29:48.075 --> 00:29:50.895 Verse 19. Peace be with you. 307 00:29:53.425 --> 00:29:57.525 And then what does he do out of grace? He says, look at my hands. 308 00:30:00.205 --> 00:30:01.195 Check out my side. 309 00:30:05.005 --> 00:30:08.875 I'm the one that crucified. I'm alive, just like I said. 310 00:30:11.455 --> 00:30:14.675 And it says they rejoice. No, I mean that's an understatement. What'd you say? 311 00:30:15.855 --> 00:30:20.685 And you're in that room. It's electric. You're ecstatic, 312 00:30:20.905 --> 00:30:23.205 you're rejoicing, you're high fiving, 313 00:30:23.345 --> 00:30:27.465 you're hugging because he who is dead is now alive 314 00:30:29.215 --> 00:30:31.315 and now things begin to click in their minds. 315 00:30:33.175 --> 00:30:37.075 All that he had said to them, a lot of what they had forgot is coming back. 316 00:30:38.765 --> 00:30:40.135 Hope is being restored. 317 00:30:41.655 --> 00:30:44.795 Joy is feeling their fearful hearts once again. 318 00:30:46.845 --> 00:30:51.495 He is with them and he has defeated death. Now, 319 00:30:51.765 --> 00:30:54.975 that was Easter Sunday evening 320 00:30:56.845 --> 00:31:00.825 and the test goes on to say that, that something happened that uh, 321 00:31:02.215 --> 00:31:06.385 shouldn't have happened. Thomas wasn't there, verse 24. But Thomas, 322 00:31:06.525 --> 00:31:10.465 one of the 12 called Diddys, which is just a word for twin. He was a twin, 323 00:31:11.125 --> 00:31:14.635 was not with them. When Jesus came, that would be my luck. 324 00:31:15.985 --> 00:31:18.515 When Jesus shows up, I wouldn't be there. 325 00:31:21.325 --> 00:31:25.315 But what goes on to say is this his best friends, 326 00:31:26.755 --> 00:31:29.855 the people he has walked with with Jesus for three years, 327 00:31:31.265 --> 00:31:34.495 spend a week from that first Easter Sunday night 328 00:31:36.025 --> 00:31:39.845 to the next Sunday night, a full eight days. 329 00:31:40.235 --> 00:31:41.245 They're telling him 330 00:31:43.665 --> 00:31:48.295 this is what Jesus has done. He's alive. 331 00:31:49.075 --> 00:31:50.895 We saw the nail prince in his hands. 332 00:31:51.965 --> 00:31:55.385 We saw the spear scar in his side. 333 00:31:59.225 --> 00:32:00.245 Thomas, believe him. 334 00:32:04.245 --> 00:32:06.855 No verse 25. 335 00:32:09.315 --> 00:32:14.255 Unless this is Thomas, I actually don't believe Thomas was a doubter. 336 00:32:16.335 --> 00:32:21.045 I think he was a disbeliever. You see, 337 00:32:21.046 --> 00:32:24.805 doubt is is a a place of suspension 338 00:32:25.915 --> 00:32:30.765 between faith and lack of it. You're just not sure. 339 00:32:30.766 --> 00:32:35.285 You're uncertain Where Mary was, where Peter was, where these disciples were. 340 00:32:35.505 --> 00:32:40.445 But not Thomas, he wasn't. He was on the side of doubt. 341 00:32:42.315 --> 00:32:47.095 He was on the side of cold hard disbelief. Listen to his words, verse 25. 342 00:32:47.555 --> 00:32:50.375 Unless I see his hands, 343 00:32:51.075 --> 00:32:55.735 the imprint of the nails and listen to what he does and put my 344 00:32:56.115 --> 00:33:00.855 finger into the place of the nails and put my hand 345 00:33:01.285 --> 00:33:04.735 into his side, I will not be leave. 346 00:33:06.585 --> 00:33:09.365 That's not doubt he had made up his mind. 347 00:33:12.175 --> 00:33:13.515 Can you imagine that? That's kind of gross. 348 00:33:18.185 --> 00:33:20.005 As soon as Jesus came into the presence of, 349 00:33:20.465 --> 00:33:22.645 of the disciples who said peace be with you, 350 00:33:24.055 --> 00:33:28.185 they didn't care about seeing his hands in his side. They were rejoicing. 351 00:33:30.885 --> 00:33:34.465 But Thomas, I don't believe you guys at all. 352 00:33:35.475 --> 00:33:36.815 You're a bunch of gullible people 353 00:33:39.425 --> 00:33:41.015 until I not only see, 354 00:33:41.865 --> 00:33:46.045 but I take his hand in my hand and I put my finger in that nail scar until I 355 00:33:46.195 --> 00:33:49.325 lift up his garment and I put my hand inside that scar. 356 00:33:49.485 --> 00:33:54.155 I will not believe recalcitrant, he's just, he's obstinate. 357 00:33:59.955 --> 00:34:02.575 So his issue was not doubt, it was disbelief. 358 00:34:04.195 --> 00:34:07.985 Jesus graciously called Mary by name Mary, 359 00:34:08.844 --> 00:34:12.885 he graciously showed up to the disciples and said, 360 00:34:12.886 --> 00:34:15.245 peace be with you. So what's he gonna do with this guy? 361 00:34:16.785 --> 00:34:19.895 What's he gonna say to this guy? I mean 362 00:34:22.975 --> 00:34:27.695 shows no faith, no interest other than his conditions being met. 363 00:34:31.255 --> 00:34:35.905 What's he say? Verse 26, peace be with you. Thomas, 364 00:34:37.505 --> 00:34:41.815 reach here. Take your finger. 365 00:34:43.055 --> 00:34:47.085 Go ahead, put it in my scars. 366 00:34:49.315 --> 00:34:52.895 See my side. Go ahead. Put your, put your hand in where you wanted to. 367 00:34:54.985 --> 00:34:56.565 Thomas is now fully aware 368 00:35:02.055 --> 00:35:04.665 that Jesus has known all along what he was thinking. 369 00:35:08.725 --> 00:35:10.864 How would you feel in a circumstance like that? 370 00:35:14.205 --> 00:35:18.145 What was Thomas's response? Yeah, let me, give me your hand. I wanna check. 371 00:35:20.565 --> 00:35:23.835 Pull your garment aside. I wanna see the side. No, 372 00:35:24.265 --> 00:35:28.395 what Thomas does is he goes from an obstinate skeptic 373 00:35:29.525 --> 00:35:32.705 to giving us the most credible confession of faith in Jesus Christ in the 374 00:35:32.825 --> 00:35:37.485 scriptures. My Lord and my God, 375 00:35:42.025 --> 00:35:44.445 the circumstances were all the same for each one of these. Weren't they? 376 00:35:46.515 --> 00:35:49.175 The person they had followed for three years, 377 00:35:50.965 --> 00:35:53.175 they saw die on a cross. 378 00:35:57.905 --> 00:35:58.738 He was buried. 379 00:36:01.205 --> 00:36:05.265 None of them really understood that he was gonna rise again. 380 00:36:07.855 --> 00:36:12.005 John is clear to point that out, I think for our sake. 381 00:36:14.765 --> 00:36:19.155 'cause we understand what it is like to forget to not remember God's 382 00:36:19.275 --> 00:36:24.195 promises. To not remember God's truth in the midst of our fear, 383 00:36:24.255 --> 00:36:27.594 in the midst of our anxieties, in the midst of our doubts and uncertainties, 384 00:36:30.175 --> 00:36:34.665 and even in the midst of disbelief. Like Thomas, 385 00:36:37.165 --> 00:36:38.855 this reveals so much about our Lord. 386 00:36:39.795 --> 00:36:44.635 And that's what really John wants to get across. God is infinite, 387 00:36:45.925 --> 00:36:48.105 we are finite, we're frail. 388 00:36:49.065 --> 00:36:53.535 And he has infinite patience for us. 389 00:36:56.385 --> 00:36:59.935 He never said, what is wrong with you people? 390 00:37:01.585 --> 00:37:06.465 Why can't you remember now He doesn't say that in other passages of the Bible, 391 00:37:06.466 --> 00:37:09.145 right? But not in this case, in these tender moments. 392 00:37:12.435 --> 00:37:16.755 But he does say this verse 29, because you have seen me. You believe 393 00:37:18.505 --> 00:37:23.205 all of 'em saw him. Mary saw him. All the disciples saw him. Thomas saw him. 394 00:37:26.675 --> 00:37:31.215 But blessed or happy are those 395 00:37:31.755 --> 00:37:34.855 who not seeing are believing. 396 00:37:36.594 --> 00:37:41.295 You know who that is? You, me, 397 00:37:43.175 --> 00:37:48.075 everyone since Jesus left this earth are those who 398 00:37:48.076 --> 00:37:51.275 do not see physical Jesus with physical eyes. 399 00:38:00.215 --> 00:38:04.205 Would you put yourself more in the uncertain struggle with remembering God's 400 00:38:04.206 --> 00:38:06.605 promises? Or would you put yourself in the place of, 401 00:38:06.844 --> 00:38:11.275 I don't believe my conditions for faith have not been met? 402 00:38:14.085 --> 00:38:14.985 You know the beauty is 403 00:38:16.535 --> 00:38:19.315 if you are a believer and you just struggle with uncertainty, 404 00:38:19.375 --> 00:38:23.915 you struggle in the times of of distress to remember God's promises. 405 00:38:24.695 --> 00:38:27.955 Or if you are a disbeliever, God comes to you the same way 406 00:38:30.065 --> 00:38:32.695 with grace and with patience. 407 00:38:35.025 --> 00:38:39.065 For those of us who are our believers, he says Mary 408 00:38:43.075 --> 00:38:46.305 Gary, and search your name there 409 00:38:48.855 --> 00:38:50.175 to those who just believe. He says, 410 00:38:53.605 --> 00:38:56.795 stop unbelieving and believe. 411 00:39:00.905 --> 00:39:03.955 John goes on to write really the purpose of his, 412 00:39:05.415 --> 00:39:09.864 his whole gospel. He says, these things have been written. 413 00:39:10.795 --> 00:39:11.665 Verse 31, 414 00:39:12.795 --> 00:39:17.015 so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the son of God, 415 00:39:17.016 --> 00:39:20.295 and that by believing you may have life in his name. What does God want for you? 416 00:39:20.685 --> 00:39:24.495 What does he want for every human being walking this planet? 417 00:39:26.094 --> 00:39:28.114 He wants them to experience life. 418 00:39:30.445 --> 00:39:33.545 He described it earlier in John as abundant life. 419 00:39:34.965 --> 00:39:38.045 That's what he wants. So in our distresses, 420 00:39:38.205 --> 00:39:40.965 in our anxieties and our uncertainties and our doubts and our disbeliefs, 421 00:39:41.145 --> 00:39:45.805 he comes to us because he wants us to experience all that he has for us. 422 00:39:52.565 --> 00:39:54.985 But it requires on our part, 423 00:39:57.635 --> 00:40:00.055 a listening ear, a searching heart, 424 00:40:04.205 --> 00:40:07.844 a heart that's ready to trust when we see him face to face in pages of 425 00:40:08.045 --> 00:40:12.495 scripture, you know, uh, 426 00:40:12.565 --> 00:40:14.975 Paul writes Romans chapter 10, 427 00:40:16.035 --> 00:40:20.094 he says that if you confess with your mouth Jesus' Lord, 428 00:40:21.295 --> 00:40:24.315 and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 429 00:40:24.425 --> 00:40:27.555 This is what we're talking about here in John chapter 20, especially for, 430 00:40:27.775 --> 00:40:30.545 for Thomas, for with the heart, 431 00:40:32.405 --> 00:40:34.745 not with eyes, but with the heart. 432 00:40:35.145 --> 00:40:38.585 A person believes resulting in righteousness and with the mouth he confesses 433 00:40:38.586 --> 00:40:43.255 resulting in this salvation, whoever believes in him will not be disappointed. 434 00:40:44.745 --> 00:40:49.685 So faith belief comes from hearing and hearing by 435 00:40:49.705 --> 00:40:52.085 the word of Christ. We don't see anymore 436 00:40:54.555 --> 00:40:57.475 not with physical eyes. We hear 437 00:40:59.165 --> 00:41:03.485 and we read the doubter and the disbeliever, the uncertain, 438 00:41:03.505 --> 00:41:07.525 the unconvinced. We all need the same thing. We need to be in the word of God. 439 00:41:07.526 --> 00:41:11.125 We need to hear from the word of God. It is his voice to us, his sheep. 440 00:41:11.126 --> 00:41:15.005 And for those who are not yet his sheep, it's his voice to call them to believe. 441 00:41:15.006 --> 00:41:17.364 That's the message. Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you'll be saved. 442 00:41:17.385 --> 00:41:19.364 So if you're a believer tonight 443 00:41:21.975 --> 00:41:24.195 and you're struggling, and even if you're not, 444 00:41:25.825 --> 00:41:29.625 his voice is found in his word. It's a precious treasure to us. 445 00:41:32.145 --> 00:41:35.555 It's something that we must must search for, is Mary search for her lord's body, 446 00:41:36.415 --> 00:41:39.195 for in searching we will find 'cause. 447 00:41:39.196 --> 00:41:42.555 He wants to be known by us and he wants us to know him. 448 00:41:44.755 --> 00:41:49.425 I'm believing take all of your questions, all of your conditions, 449 00:41:49.565 --> 00:41:53.635 all your demands, and with intellectual integrity. 450 00:41:54.614 --> 00:41:55.515 Go to the scriptures 451 00:41:57.135 --> 00:41:59.795 and search for him and you'll find him. 452 00:42:02.265 --> 00:42:06.925 But none of us should expect to find him in our uncertainty or in our disbelief 453 00:42:08.225 --> 00:42:09.445 if we don't listen to him. 454 00:42:14.295 --> 00:42:16.795 I'm gonna stand and I'm gonna pray now, but um, 455 00:42:19.455 --> 00:42:21.875 you know, some of you're struggling right now and for good reason. 456 00:42:24.665 --> 00:42:28.435 Some of you are walking the valley of the shadow of death and you have forgotten 457 00:42:28.436 --> 00:42:33.395 that God is the good shepherd that leads you to quiet waters and green 458 00:42:33.396 --> 00:42:36.075 pastures and that he's with you 459 00:42:38.295 --> 00:42:41.675 and his goodness and mercy will surely follow you all of your days. 460 00:42:41.676 --> 00:42:45.995 You've forgotten that. I encourage you to get back into God's word, 461 00:42:49.695 --> 00:42:51.955 be part of a one of our small groups, 462 00:42:52.055 --> 00:42:56.114 or get together with friends and begin sharing what's going on in your life and, 463 00:42:56.415 --> 00:42:59.035 and get together to, for the purpose of searching, 464 00:42:59.425 --> 00:43:02.755 listening for God's voice to you. 465 00:43:06.215 --> 00:43:10.915 If you're an believer and this has challenged you to believe or challenged you 466 00:43:10.916 --> 00:43:12.075 to even search more, 467 00:43:13.975 --> 00:43:16.655 I encourage you to find one of us and talk to us. 468 00:43:16.895 --> 00:43:20.375 'cause we'd love to chat with you about that. Help answer any questions, 469 00:43:20.376 --> 00:43:24.335 point you to the right resources that help explain God's truth even more. 470 00:43:25.035 --> 00:43:29.335 But don't leave uncertain and don't leave just disbelieving. 471 00:43:31.005 --> 00:43:35.015 Take care of it. Listen for his still small voice. 472 00:43:36.105 --> 00:43:38.614 Let's pray. Father, 473 00:43:38.675 --> 00:43:42.815 we are grateful to you for your grace to us in Jesus, thank you for John 20. 474 00:43:42.816 --> 00:43:43.855 Thank you for all your word. 475 00:43:43.856 --> 00:43:48.495 But John 20 is written so that we might believe and in believing have 476 00:43:48.605 --> 00:43:51.535 life. And sometimes in that life there are uncertainties, 477 00:43:51.536 --> 00:43:56.135 there are ups and downs and all arounds, and we lose sight, we lose perspective. 478 00:43:56.755 --> 00:44:00.175 So Lord, I pray that each one of us would encourage one another 479 00:44:03.475 --> 00:44:06.855 to listen to your voice. 480 00:44:08.315 --> 00:44:10.415 For those who are not yet believers in this room, 481 00:44:11.415 --> 00:44:16.335 I pray that you might work in their heart to allow them to take all their 482 00:44:16.336 --> 00:44:19.055 demands, all their conditions that have not yet been met, 483 00:44:19.075 --> 00:44:22.215 to lay 'em before you and to search for you and find you 484 00:44:23.775 --> 00:44:25.655 'cause they search with you, with all their heart. 485 00:44:27.745 --> 00:44:28.855 Thank you for your word. 486 00:44:29.105 --> 00:44:32.565 Thank you for the fact that it's truth and that truth sets us free. 487 00:44:33.585 --> 00:44:34.725 Jesus' name, amen. 488 00:44:44.245 --> 00:44:45.078 Lets stand. 489 00:44:46.245 --> 00:44:47.205 Respond to what we just. 490 00:44:48.405 --> 00:44:49.238 Heard. 491 00:45:11.085 --> 00:45:14.364 You're here working in 492 00:45:29.725 --> 00:45:30.558 promise. 493 00:46:03.525 --> 00:46:04.358 And 494 00:46:52.565 --> 00:46:53.398 miracle 495 00:46:59.805 --> 00:47:00.638 is 496 00:47:06.725 --> 00:47:07.558 miracle. 497 00:47:19.765 --> 00:47:23.925 When I don't, when I don't. 498 00:47:29.805 --> 00:47:34.525 You never stop. Never stop working. Even when I don't, 499 00:47:37.005 --> 00:47:40.885 even when I don't, you stop. 500 00:47:43.605 --> 00:47:44.844 You never stop you. 501 00:47:48.005 --> 00:47:52.125 When I don't even when I don't 502 00:47:54.645 --> 00:47:58.565 never stop, you never stop working. You never stop, 503 00:47:59.844 --> 00:48:02.405 stop. I don't 504 00:48:04.965 --> 00:48:09.205 even when I don't never stop, 505 00:48:09.844 --> 00:48:12.725 you never stop working. You never stop 506 00:48:17.325 --> 00:48:18.158 miracle. 507 00:48:24.485 --> 00:48:29.125 That is who you, you're. 508 00:48:30.045 --> 00:48:33.285 We make miracle promise 509 00:48:35.445 --> 00:48:38.445 the darkness that 510 00:48:40.844 --> 00:48:42.844 safe. That is who, 511 00:48:45.645 --> 00:48:50.245 that who, that who you, 512 00:48:52.685 --> 00:48:56.725 that who, 513 00:49:00.205 --> 00:49:04.045 who you who, 514 00:49:07.485 --> 00:49:10.725 who you come church sing way. 515 00:50:00.405 --> 00:50:02.045 Take than 516 00:50:06.205 --> 00:50:07.038 and 517 00:50:28.405 --> 00:50:31.805 call me and take deeper 518 00:50:48.645 --> 00:50:49.478 my 519 00:50:53.085 --> 00:50:54.005 walk upon 520 00:50:56.885 --> 00:50:59.405 wherever you would call me 521 00:51:01.085 --> 00:51:02.205 and take me deep 522 00:51:07.645 --> 00:51:12.645 and be stronger in the presence 523 00:51:24.355 --> 00:51:25.245 upon the 524 00:51:27.685 --> 00:51:32.364 wherever you would call me and take 525 00:51:43.364 --> 00:51:44.197 presence 526 00:52:18.815 --> 00:52:20.535 I call upon 527 00:52:25.935 --> 00:52:29.535 and keep my eyes above the ways 528 00:52:31.245 --> 00:52:35.695 when oceans rise my soul, rest, and your 529 00:52:38.415 --> 00:52:39.855 for I am. 530 00:53:00.355 --> 00:53:03.875 We make miracle promise, 531 00:53:05.755 --> 00:53:10.315 light in the darkness. That is who 532 00:53:14.195 --> 00:53:17.475 and say miracle. 533 00:53:25.405 --> 00:53:26.238 That is who. 534 00:53:27.045 --> 00:53:27.525 You're. 535 00:53:27.525 --> 00:53:30.525 Come on, speak to your soul. You're 536 00:53:37.165 --> 00:53:37.998 in 537 00:53:48.485 --> 00:53:49.318 miracle. 538 00:54:07.215 --> 00:54:10.445 Let's take a moment and pray together. Father, thank you for this time together. 539 00:54:11.055 --> 00:54:12.685 Thank you for your grace and mercy. 540 00:54:12.695 --> 00:54:14.805 Thank you for the message that was shared today. 541 00:54:16.495 --> 00:54:21.445 Thank you for how the word reaches into our heart and transforms our lives. 542 00:54:24.545 --> 00:54:28.285 Father, we pray that you, um, by your power, by your spirit, 543 00:54:28.645 --> 00:54:33.605 would do a work in our hearts and allow us to walk in 544 00:54:33.606 --> 00:54:35.965 the truth and the hope that is shared from your word. 545 00:54:38.225 --> 00:54:41.325 We need to be much more than just hearers of the word. We need to live it out. 546 00:54:44.005 --> 00:54:45.565 Empower us, father God, to do exactly that. 547 00:54:46.575 --> 00:54:49.485 We'll be very careful to give you glory, honor and praise 548 00:54:51.665 --> 00:54:53.085 for you deserve it and you alone. 549 00:54:56.245 --> 00:54:58.765 In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.