"Victory Over Skepticism" (John 20:19-31)

First Sunday of Easter, April 19, 2020

Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.

Readings:

First Lesson: Acts 10:34a, 36, 39-43.

Second Lesson: 1 Peter 1:3-9

Sermon: John 20:19-31

Thomas was not there when Jesus appeared to the Disciples on Easter and said unless I see and touch I will not believe, so was nicknamed Doubting Thomas. He was honest, though, about his questions; Jesus waited, maybe to let him and the others think through why they believe before he reappeared to them, including Thomas. Jesus met all of Thomas’ conditions (to see and touch him) the next week in the way that Thomas needed to put aside his doubts and skepticism. Thomas’ left his conditions aside and fell at Jesus feet and said a great confession of faith, “my Lord and my God!”

Our faith can be honest like Thomas; you can have legitimate questions, yet along with those questions, your faith can be brought to see the Lord Jesus, to see that he still comes to you to stand with you during these challenges.

Prayer:

God of all grace, we thank you for the gist of eternal life in your Son. By the resurrection of Jesus from the dead and by the faithful testimony of the apostles, you have assured us that our faith stands on a sure and solid foundation.

Amen

Pastor Frank Rose