Without Any Doubt
4/15/07
Read John 20:19-30
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%2020:19-30;&version=31;
Have you ever faced doubts when you hear something for the first time that sounds too good to be true? Maybe you find it difficult to believe until you know all the facts or see the evidence for yourself. We live in a society where we cannot always believe everything we hear. But I have great news for you and you will not want to miss out. I guarantee you that this story is absolutely true and it can change your life no matter what your circumstances may be!
The disciples did not understand all the events that had taken place. As this passage begins, they are gathered together with the doors locked, afraid of the Jews. Jesus suddenly stands before them, which is evidence alone that He is alive. Since Jesus is fully God and man, He is not bound by space and can go through closed doors. He greets them by saying, “Peace be with you!” Then immediately He shows them His hands and side, further proof that He is alive. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord. Jesus repeats the same greeting to them. He goes on to say that as the Father sent Him, so He was sending them. Then He breathed on them to receive the Holy Spirit and instructed them about forgiving others of their sins.
Now Thomas was not there when Jesus appeared to the rest of the disciples, but they told him they had seen the Lord. But Thomas said unless he saw for himself and put his fingers in His hands and side, he would not believe it. So a week later, Jesus appeared again to them. He specifically told Thomas to look at his hands and put his fingers in the nail holes and touch His side. Jesus went on to say “stop doubting and believe.” Thomas responded and said, “My Lord and my God.” Then Jesus said to Thomas, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." The last verse says that Jesus did many other miraculous signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not recorded in this book.
In closing, I want to leave you with a few thoughts. While we don’t have the privilege today to personally see Jesus, we have the undeniable evidence in the Bible, God’s written word to us. I have chosen to accept His word as complete truth and I have placed my faith and trust in Him alone for my salvation. One day I will stand before Jesus and see Him face to face. What a glorious day that will be! I would encourage you today that if you do not have that great hope and joy in your life, to simply open up your heart to Jesus. He loves you just the way you are. You don’t need to know all the answers, just come to Him in simple faith. Acknowledge that you are a sinner and then accept His sacrifice on the cross as payment for your sins, realizing only He can save you. It is not the words you say, but God looks at what is in your heart. Don’t miss out on the blessings God has in store for you! Until next week, may all Christians rejoice in His resurrection everyday and always remember that God loves you.
