Series: Through The Eyes Of Jesus [#3]
LETDOWN SUNDAY THROUGH THE EYES OF JESUS
John 20:24-31
Introduction:
While I am not trying to anger anyone, the week after Easter is handled like it’s a letdown. There is so much hype around Easter that after it is over, it seems like most people don’t care about what Jesus did. Jesus was still on this Earth a week after His resurrection. Jesus’ victory continues after Easter.
John 20:24-31 (NIV)
“Now Thomas (called Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, "We have seen the Lord!" But he said to them, "Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe it." A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you!" Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe." Thomas said to him, "My Lord and my God!" Then Jesus told him, "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." Jesus did many other miraculous signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.”
Jesus saw…
1. Someone who was depressed.
One of the 1st things we do when we are down and depressed is we seclude ourselves from others. When Jesus showed up on that resurrection day, where was Thomas? We don’t know where he was; but we know where he wasn’t. One of the most important parts of being a part of a local congregation is to have fellowship with others. We need each other, especially when we are down.
Jesus saw…
2. Someone who had doubt.
Although the other disciples told Thomas that they had seen Jesus, Thomas didn’t believe. Thomas was so filled with anger, disappointment, and hurt that he wasn’t going to just believe. What he needed to do in order to move forward was to remove his doubt.
When you have doubt, you will not be able to move forward. Doubt creates fear, lack of trust, anger, etc… You must remove the doubt from your life. How do you do that? Jesus said, “Stop doubting and believe."
Jesus saw…
3. Someone who required proof.
Thomas said that he needed proof and that is what Jesus gave him. Now, none of us have that luxury, or do we? Have you ever asked God for a sign? Have you ever asked God for direction?
Yes, we are saved by our faith in Jesus Christ; but sometimes we seem to forget that same Jesus Christ can give us spiritual victory every day.
Jesus saw…
4. Someone who needed to renew their faith.
Once Thomas had his proof, he said, "My Lord and my God!" We all have moments when we just need to say, "My Lord and my God” and start over. Thank God, that He gives us “do overs”. In Baptist terms, we call this rededicating our lives to Jesus. I wonder if much of that is happening anymore. Yes, it is a personal decision; but sometimes God leads us to make that decision public.
Jesus saw…
5. Someone who recognized how much Jesus loved them.
After all, that’s what the Christian life is about- Serving the person who loves us more than anything else. Don’t let life’s challenges to cause you to forget how much Jesus loves you.
