WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:11.040 Well, if you've ever bought anything from the internet, or updated your computer software as I was doing the other day, you will have seen these but probably ignored them. 00:00:11.039 --> 00:00:22.500 If you have ever signed a contract for anything, you will have been shown these, and you may have glanced at them at your bank or wherever, but generally just signed your name and ignored them. 00:00:23.199 --> 00:00:32.759 If you've entered into any competition from the back of a cereal packet or wherever, you may have glanced at these, but most probably you ignored them. 00:00:33.500 --> 00:00:34.140 What are they? 00:00:35.560 --> 00:00:37.500 They are the terms and conditions. 00:00:37.500 --> 00:00:46.320 I don't know about you, but I tend to tick that box on my computer without even thinking, yeah, just download the software, Mr. Apple, I need it, just get it down here, get on with it. 00:00:46.780 --> 00:00:48.340 I just assume I'm going to agree with them. 00:00:48.960 --> 00:00:50.240 Do you, or are you a bit more picky? 00:00:51.340 --> 00:00:56.500 And let me ask you this question, who gets to set the terms and conditions? 00:00:58.100 --> 00:01:00.039 Who gets to set the terms and conditions? 00:01:01.039 --> 00:01:06.799 When I updated my wife's iPad software, it was Apple who set the terms and conditions. 00:01:07.500 --> 00:01:13.739 When I just now went to get some photos printed at Boots, Boots set the terms and conditions. 00:01:14.180 --> 00:01:17.739 If you go to your bank, you don't like the terms and conditions, they're not going to change them. 00:01:17.799 --> 00:01:19.180 They'll say, okay, go find another bank. 00:01:20.739 --> 00:01:28.620 So the one in the position of power, the one who is the service provider, if you like, is the one who is able to set the terms and conditions. 00:01:28.620 --> 00:01:43.900 And yet, and yet, I think most of us probably have, if not written down, at least mentally in our minds, a series of what we could call terms and conditions by which we expect other people will interact with us. 00:01:43.900 --> 00:01:57.260 So, I will lend my neighbour my latter, providing he doesn't keep parking his car in the wrong place, providing he doesn't complain about my garden being too messy. 00:01:57.260 --> 00:02:09.560 I will help my colleague at work, providing they leave me in peace the rest of the time, or providing they're being good to me as well. 00:02:09.840 --> 00:02:16.200 I will give money to that charity person, providing they promise they will never contact me again. 00:02:16.199 --> 00:02:20.119 So we all have these little terms and conditions, don't we? 00:02:21.159 --> 00:02:26.819 And as we read John chapter 20, we see Thomas had some terms and conditions. 00:02:27.859 --> 00:02:29.299 But actually, so does the Lord Jesus. 00:02:30.539 --> 00:02:33.639 And the question for us is, do we have terms and conditions? 00:02:34.299 --> 00:02:37.500 But even before we jump into the passage, well, let's look at terms and conditions, verse 24. 00:02:38.239 --> 00:02:42.659 Now Thomas, one of the twelve, called the twin, was not with them when Jesus came. 00:02:42.659 --> 00:02:46.259 So the other disciples told him, we've seen the Lord. 00:02:46.780 --> 00:02:58.259 But he said to them, unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand in his side, I will never believe. 00:03:00.019 --> 00:03:01.599 That's Thomas' terms and conditions. 00:03:02.359 --> 00:03:05.819 But before we actually look at those in more detail, I want us to notice one thing just in passing. 00:03:07.180 --> 00:03:11.079 Why is it Thomas had missed out on meeting the risen Lord Jesus? 00:03:12.659 --> 00:03:13.659 How had he missed this? 00:03:14.180 --> 00:03:18.699 Earlier in the chapter, we read about Mary running to the tomb that first Easter morning to look for him. 00:03:19.039 --> 00:03:22.280 We read about Peter and John running to the tomb to look for Jesus. 00:03:22.719 --> 00:03:25.539 We then read about Jesus meeting with all the other disciples that evening. 00:03:26.199 --> 00:03:27.780 But Thomas wasn't there. 00:03:30.199 --> 00:03:31.079 Thomas wasn't there. 00:03:31.120 --> 00:03:32.639 We don't know why Thomas wasn't there. 00:03:33.120 --> 00:03:37.900 Maybe he had some other pressing things to do that night, which kept him from being with God's people. 00:03:39.400 --> 00:03:41.139 Maybe that was part of his terms and conditions. 00:03:41.139 --> 00:03:46.419 And this Jesus seems to have died, I'm going to go away somewhere else and go on my business. 00:03:46.579 --> 00:03:47.279 We don't know. 00:03:48.299 --> 00:03:57.099 But he missed out because he was not with the rest of the Lord's people on what became the Lord's day, the first day of the week. 00:03:58.259 --> 00:04:03.439 Now that's not the main point of this passage, but I want to throw it in because I think John doesn't put this detail in accidentally. 00:04:03.439 --> 00:04:08.900 If we are not with the Lord's people, we will miss out. 00:04:10.099 --> 00:04:12.300 If we are not with the Lord's people, we will miss out. 00:04:12.520 --> 00:04:13.439 That was true of Thomas. 00:04:13.759 --> 00:04:14.659 It can be true of us. 00:04:15.079 --> 00:04:17.439 People often say, I'm struggling with my faith. 00:04:17.819 --> 00:04:21.680 I think one man who came to me once saying, I'm really struggling with these doubts. 00:04:22.480 --> 00:04:24.420 And as we got into the conversation, I realised why. 00:04:24.420 --> 00:04:28.520 Yes, it was partly colleagues at work who believed different things. 00:04:29.120 --> 00:04:31.980 But it was mainly, he was not regularly at church. 00:04:33.240 --> 00:04:35.140 He was not regularly with the Lord's people. 00:04:36.120 --> 00:04:37.520 So that was Thomas' problem, if you like. 00:04:37.560 --> 00:04:39.360 But look at Thomas' terms and conditions. 00:04:40.980 --> 00:04:42.259 Well, do you see his attitude? 00:04:43.759 --> 00:04:45.740 It might sound, to some people it might sound reasonable. 00:04:45.819 --> 00:04:46.480 I want to see proof. 00:04:46.520 --> 00:04:49.300 I want to see evidence that Jesus has really been raised from the dead. 00:04:49.300 --> 00:04:53.259 But actually, is it really reasonable of Thomas? 00:04:54.600 --> 00:04:55.819 Is it really reasonable? 00:04:56.240 --> 00:04:57.660 Who sets the terms and conditions? 00:04:59.900 --> 00:05:02.160 The service provider, the one in power. 00:05:03.660 --> 00:05:06.519 Apple, or Microsoft, or your bank, or whoever it is. 00:05:07.379 --> 00:05:09.879 So what's Thomas doing setting terms and conditions? 00:05:11.340 --> 00:05:13.439 He's saying, actually, Jesus needs to serve me. 00:05:14.379 --> 00:05:15.980 Jesus needs to fit in with my agenda. 00:05:16.620 --> 00:05:18.000 Jesus needs to do what I want. 00:05:18.000 --> 00:05:20.759 I have a neighbour of mine, a couple of doors down, 00:05:21.120 --> 00:05:22.759 who I was reading the Bible with for a while. 00:05:23.459 --> 00:05:28.540 And this guy, Paul, had this, to me, very odd idea of God. 00:05:29.600 --> 00:05:31.500 He kept on talking about God needing to prove himself. 00:05:32.579 --> 00:05:35.959 He kept on talking as if God was a politician trying to secure your vote. 00:05:36.199 --> 00:05:38.339 Or if God is a salesman, he's got a sales target, 00:05:38.519 --> 00:05:41.660 and is desperate for believers, desperate for people to buy in, 00:05:41.959 --> 00:05:43.699 so that he can reach his end-of-month target. 00:05:43.699 --> 00:05:49.479 It's like he pictured God as being like Zach Goldsmith or Sadiq Khan, 00:05:49.740 --> 00:05:52.519 trying desperately to win our votes for the mayoral election. 00:05:53.099 --> 00:05:54.680 And at this point, I should refer you to the website, 00:05:54.819 --> 00:05:56.879 so you can see all the other candidates whose names I haven't mentioned, 00:05:57.219 --> 00:05:58.159 in the interest of neutrality. 00:05:58.160 --> 00:06:01.900 But God is not like that. 00:06:03.060 --> 00:06:07.880 And earlier on in this Gospel, Jesus has criticised that kind of idea. 00:06:08.439 --> 00:06:11.600 So John chapter 4, verse 48, speaking to an official in Capernaum, 00:06:12.020 --> 00:06:12.760 Jesus said to him, 00:06:13.080 --> 00:06:16.140 Unless you see signs and wonders, you will not believe. 00:06:17.100 --> 00:06:18.360 In other words, you want me to perform, 00:06:18.480 --> 00:06:20.420 you want me to meet your terms and conditions. 00:06:20.420 --> 00:06:26.680 I wonder how many times, even those who profess to be Christians, 00:06:27.379 --> 00:06:30.120 actually set terms and conditions for God. 00:06:31.160 --> 00:06:32.300 I'm sure we don't write them down, 00:06:32.400 --> 00:06:34.879 I'm sure we don't even necessarily consciously think about it. 00:06:35.680 --> 00:06:36.960 But perhaps in our own hearts, we think, 00:06:37.060 --> 00:06:42.939 well, okay, I will get more committed to a local church when it's easier, 00:06:43.020 --> 00:06:43.980 when the kids are older. 00:06:45.259 --> 00:06:47.759 Or I'll get more committed to serving in the church 00:06:47.759 --> 00:06:50.200 when work isn't quite so frantic. 00:06:50.420 --> 00:06:56.780 Or I'll give more money when I've got enough myself, 00:06:56.920 --> 00:06:57.960 when I get a pay rise. 00:06:58.500 --> 00:06:59.640 And if you're working in the public sector, 00:06:59.720 --> 00:07:00.960 that's probably about 20 years' time. 00:07:02.480 --> 00:07:02.879 Sadly. 00:07:04.500 --> 00:07:06.900 You see, we can set these terms and conditions for God, can't we? 00:07:08.600 --> 00:07:10.620 And people who are not believers do it as well. 00:07:11.120 --> 00:07:11.900 So Bertrand Russell, 00:07:11.900 --> 00:07:15.680 the very famous British historian and philosopher, 00:07:16.319 --> 00:07:18.080 was asked once what he would say 00:07:18.080 --> 00:07:19.980 if he found himself standing before God 00:07:19.980 --> 00:07:20.879 on judgment day. 00:07:21.560 --> 00:07:22.080 And God said, 00:07:22.180 --> 00:07:23.400 why didn't you believe in me? 00:07:24.120 --> 00:07:24.960 Russell replied, 00:07:25.640 --> 00:07:26.300 I would say, 00:07:26.480 --> 00:07:27.920 not enough evidence, God. 00:07:28.160 --> 00:07:29.460 Not enough evidence. 00:07:31.500 --> 00:07:32.060 And in fact, 00:07:32.620 --> 00:07:34.060 John says earlier on in this gospel, 00:07:34.620 --> 00:07:36.740 the reason people don't come to the light, 00:07:36.840 --> 00:07:38.180 the reason people don't believe, 00:07:39.020 --> 00:07:40.439 is not because of lack of evidence. 00:07:40.439 --> 00:07:42.399 It's because they prefer the darkness. 00:07:43.120 --> 00:07:44.560 They prefer to live lives their own way. 00:07:44.620 --> 00:07:46.040 There's no intellectual reason 00:07:46.040 --> 00:07:47.319 not to believe in God. 00:07:47.699 --> 00:07:49.420 There are only moral reasons. 00:07:50.759 --> 00:07:51.759 But you see the problem here, 00:07:52.160 --> 00:07:52.860 the problem for Thomas, 00:07:53.000 --> 00:07:53.819 the problem for Bertrand Russell, 00:07:53.939 --> 00:07:54.980 the problem for many of us possibly, 00:07:55.639 --> 00:07:59.800 is trying to assert terms and conditions on God. 00:08:01.100 --> 00:08:02.120 Well, that's Thomas' problem. 00:08:02.220 --> 00:08:02.579 Let's look, 00:08:03.120 --> 00:08:04.100 as the story unfolds, 00:08:04.139 --> 00:08:05.540 at Jesus' powerful presence. 00:08:06.339 --> 00:08:07.040 Verse 26, 00:08:07.040 --> 00:08:07.900 eight days later, 00:08:08.580 --> 00:08:09.540 the doors are locked. 00:08:10.240 --> 00:08:10.980 Presumably the disciples 00:08:10.980 --> 00:08:12.319 are still afraid of the Jews. 00:08:12.879 --> 00:08:14.080 This time Thomas is there. 00:08:14.840 --> 00:08:16.600 Jesus came and stood among them 00:08:16.600 --> 00:08:17.360 and said, 00:08:17.879 --> 00:08:19.060 peace be with you. 00:08:19.920 --> 00:08:21.040 So we're back on a Sunday again, 00:08:21.100 --> 00:08:22.640 the way the Jews count days. 00:08:23.420 --> 00:08:24.540 Sunday, the Lord's Day. 00:08:24.640 --> 00:08:26.160 Thomas this time is with the Lord's people. 00:08:27.740 --> 00:08:29.020 And even locked doors 00:08:29.020 --> 00:08:31.300 cannot keep the physical body 00:08:31.300 --> 00:08:32.560 of the Lord Jesus away. 00:08:32.700 --> 00:08:33.740 There are no barriers 00:08:33.740 --> 00:08:35.100 he cannot cross. 00:08:37.039 --> 00:08:37.459 And Jesus, 00:08:37.599 --> 00:08:39.259 he knows exactly what Thomas had said. 00:08:39.319 --> 00:08:40.019 He knows exactly 00:08:40.019 --> 00:08:41.879 what Thomas' terms and conditions are. 00:08:41.919 --> 00:08:42.779 Look at verse 27. 00:08:44.779 --> 00:08:45.779 Jesus said to Thomas, 00:08:45.980 --> 00:08:47.079 put your finger in here. 00:08:47.879 --> 00:08:48.799 See my hands. 00:08:49.399 --> 00:08:50.199 Put out your hand 00:08:50.199 --> 00:08:51.519 and place it in my side. 00:08:53.079 --> 00:08:53.299 Thomas, 00:08:53.360 --> 00:08:54.480 I know what you said in private. 00:08:55.419 --> 00:08:57.120 I know what your terms and conditions are. 00:08:57.199 --> 00:08:57.279 Well, 00:08:57.919 --> 00:08:58.399 try me. 00:08:59.120 --> 00:09:00.299 See if I meet them. 00:09:02.000 --> 00:09:03.379 I don't know if you've ever had that feeling, 00:09:03.500 --> 00:09:04.039 that experience, 00:09:04.139 --> 00:09:04.559 of somebody, 00:09:04.860 --> 00:09:06.299 you saying something about somebody, 00:09:06.299 --> 00:09:07.719 that you suddenly realise 00:09:07.719 --> 00:09:08.799 they've heard you say it. 00:09:10.539 --> 00:09:11.939 I had this terrible moment at school once 00:09:11.939 --> 00:09:13.179 where I'd just been letting off 00:09:13.179 --> 00:09:14.439 to friends around the lunch table 00:09:14.439 --> 00:09:16.439 about my terrible teacher 00:09:16.439 --> 00:09:17.319 and how all the work 00:09:17.319 --> 00:09:18.319 he was forcing me to do. 00:09:18.659 --> 00:09:19.599 At which point I heard, 00:09:20.039 --> 00:09:22.139 felt a hand rest on my shoulder. 00:09:24.519 --> 00:09:24.939 I said, 00:09:25.000 --> 00:09:25.339 Stuart, 00:09:26.000 --> 00:09:26.979 you don't know, 00:09:27.019 --> 00:09:28.059 you always call me Cashman. 00:09:28.379 --> 00:09:29.000 So he's very poised. 00:09:29.139 --> 00:09:29.279 He says, 00:09:29.339 --> 00:09:29.740 Stuart, 00:09:30.459 --> 00:09:32.439 you don't have to do that. 00:09:33.039 --> 00:09:33.779 It's your choice. 00:09:33.859 --> 00:09:34.639 It's there to help you. 00:09:34.639 --> 00:09:37.319 I felt about this small. 00:09:38.319 --> 00:09:40.319 How do you think Thomas feels at this point? 00:09:41.279 --> 00:09:43.019 As he stands in front of the man 00:09:43.019 --> 00:09:44.139 he thought was dead 00:09:44.139 --> 00:09:45.580 and Jesus says, 00:09:46.100 --> 00:09:46.279 come on, 00:09:46.279 --> 00:09:47.019 put your fingers here. 00:09:47.860 --> 00:09:48.919 Put your hand in this wound. 00:09:51.019 --> 00:09:51.899 It's actually humbling, 00:09:52.000 --> 00:09:52.319 isn't it? 00:09:53.919 --> 00:09:55.360 But I wonder if you notice something else 00:09:55.360 --> 00:09:56.720 about Jesus' powerful presence. 00:09:58.120 --> 00:10:00.299 He does not come to lecture Thomas. 00:10:01.220 --> 00:10:01.939 He does not say, 00:10:01.940 --> 00:10:02.180 Thomas, 00:10:02.260 --> 00:10:03.200 you've had your chance. 00:10:03.320 --> 00:10:04.760 You were with me for three years. 00:10:04.960 --> 00:10:06.420 I explained everything to you. 00:10:06.880 --> 00:10:07.940 These guys have told you 00:10:07.940 --> 00:10:08.260 I'm alive 00:10:08.260 --> 00:10:08.820 and you didn't believe 00:10:08.820 --> 00:10:09.240 tough luck, 00:10:09.320 --> 00:10:09.700 game over. 00:10:10.780 --> 00:10:11.420 He doesn't say that, 00:10:11.460 --> 00:10:11.720 does he? 00:10:14.300 --> 00:10:14.660 Rather, 00:10:14.740 --> 00:10:15.660 he is gracious 00:10:15.660 --> 00:10:17.480 and still comes 00:10:17.480 --> 00:10:17.720 and says, 00:10:17.860 --> 00:10:18.780 peace be with you, 00:10:19.520 --> 00:10:20.760 even you who doubt it. 00:10:20.880 --> 00:10:21.080 Thomas, 00:10:21.160 --> 00:10:21.780 you didn't believe? 00:10:22.000 --> 00:10:22.320 Come on, 00:10:22.400 --> 00:10:22.840 believe. 00:10:23.420 --> 00:10:24.520 Have this peace 00:10:24.520 --> 00:10:25.860 that only I can offer. 00:10:27.300 --> 00:10:27.940 And you see what the 00:10:27.940 --> 00:10:28.940 effect 00:10:28.940 --> 00:10:30.320 of Jesus' presence 00:10:30.320 --> 00:10:31.360 on Thomas is? 00:10:32.260 --> 00:10:33.080 Verse 28. 00:10:33.880 --> 00:10:34.900 Thomas answered him, 00:10:35.300 --> 00:10:36.060 my Lord 00:10:36.060 --> 00:10:37.160 and my God. 00:10:37.860 --> 00:10:38.880 See the change there 00:10:38.880 --> 00:10:41.100 from being pretty grumpy, 00:10:42.280 --> 00:10:43.600 from being pessimistic. 00:10:43.720 --> 00:10:44.460 If you read through 00:10:44.460 --> 00:10:45.400 the rest of John's Gospel, 00:10:45.540 --> 00:10:46.560 Thomas isn't just a doubter. 00:10:46.980 --> 00:10:47.600 In chapter 11, 00:10:47.680 --> 00:10:48.820 as Jesus is going to Jerusalem, 00:10:49.240 --> 00:10:49.500 Thomas says, 00:10:49.560 --> 00:10:49.660 okay, 00:10:49.720 --> 00:10:50.220 let's go, 00:10:50.300 --> 00:10:51.100 we'll go with him and die. 00:10:51.900 --> 00:10:52.400 Cheery bloke, 00:10:52.480 --> 00:10:52.660 Thomas, 00:10:52.720 --> 00:10:53.060 isn't he? 00:10:53.460 --> 00:10:54.180 Chapter 14, 00:10:54.260 --> 00:10:54.740 when Jesus says, 00:10:54.760 --> 00:10:55.460 you know where I'm going, 00:10:55.560 --> 00:10:55.840 Thomas says, 00:10:55.860 --> 00:10:56.000 no, 00:10:56.040 --> 00:10:56.660 I don't know where you're going, 00:10:56.720 --> 00:10:57.260 what's going on? 00:10:57.259 --> 00:11:00.200 Kind of grumpy, 00:11:00.340 --> 00:11:00.899 pessimistic, 00:11:01.720 --> 00:11:03.240 possibly scared man. 00:11:04.340 --> 00:11:05.360 Yet now he falls 00:11:05.360 --> 00:11:05.819 at the feet 00:11:05.819 --> 00:11:06.679 of the Lord Jesus. 00:11:07.179 --> 00:11:07.600 Humbled, 00:11:08.080 --> 00:11:09.279 confronted by the truth, 00:11:09.980 --> 00:11:10.639 and above all, 00:11:10.819 --> 00:11:11.319 liberated. 00:11:12.200 --> 00:11:13.200 Peace be with you, 00:11:13.299 --> 00:11:13.980 my Lord 00:11:13.980 --> 00:11:15.240 and my God. 00:11:16.000 --> 00:11:16.379 See here, 00:11:16.419 --> 00:11:17.879 Thomas finally confesses 00:11:17.879 --> 00:11:19.500 what John has been making clear 00:11:19.500 --> 00:11:20.279 all through this 00:11:20.279 --> 00:11:21.899 account of Jesus' life. 00:11:22.360 --> 00:11:23.179 Jesus is 00:11:23.179 --> 00:11:24.860 100% God. 00:11:25.559 --> 00:11:26.720 He is fully divine. 00:11:28.200 --> 00:11:29.419 He's not so 50% God 00:11:29.419 --> 00:11:30.460 and 50% man. 00:11:30.740 --> 00:11:32.179 He's not some creation 00:11:32.179 --> 00:11:33.039 of gods. 00:11:33.639 --> 00:11:35.139 He is 100% God. 00:11:35.379 --> 00:11:36.120 Right at the start, 00:11:36.220 --> 00:11:36.720 chapter 1, 00:11:36.799 --> 00:11:37.279 verse 1, 00:11:37.580 --> 00:11:39.080 John had nailed that. 00:11:39.840 --> 00:11:40.500 In the beginning 00:11:40.500 --> 00:11:41.480 was the Word 00:11:41.480 --> 00:11:42.299 and the Word 00:11:42.299 --> 00:11:43.240 was God 00:11:43.240 --> 00:11:45.120 and the Word 00:11:45.120 --> 00:11:45.720 is with God. 00:11:47.840 --> 00:11:48.659 This Jesus 00:11:48.659 --> 00:11:49.659 is God. 00:11:51.240 --> 00:11:51.740 And Thomas now 00:11:51.740 --> 00:11:52.580 sees this for himself. 00:11:52.720 --> 00:11:53.819 Death could not hold it. 00:11:55.179 --> 00:11:55.700 And do you notice 00:11:55.700 --> 00:11:56.399 Jesus' response 00:11:56.399 --> 00:11:57.259 to Thomas at this point. 00:11:58.759 --> 00:11:59.659 He doesn't say, 00:11:59.720 --> 00:11:59.799 no, 00:11:59.840 --> 00:12:00.319 get off your feet, 00:12:00.399 --> 00:12:00.500 man, 00:12:00.539 --> 00:12:02.079 I'm just a man like you. 00:12:03.980 --> 00:12:04.779 Every other time 00:12:04.779 --> 00:12:05.259 in the Bible 00:12:05.259 --> 00:12:07.360 where someone bows down 00:12:07.360 --> 00:12:09.299 to worship as God, 00:12:09.600 --> 00:12:10.799 either a human being, 00:12:11.419 --> 00:12:12.139 Acts 14, 00:12:12.419 --> 00:12:13.419 or an angel, 00:12:13.899 --> 00:12:14.659 Revelation 1, 00:12:15.659 --> 00:12:17.100 the human or the angel 00:12:17.100 --> 00:12:17.279 says, 00:12:17.340 --> 00:12:17.579 no, no, 00:12:17.620 --> 00:12:18.360 don't worship me, 00:12:18.439 --> 00:12:19.459 I'm just a creature. 00:12:20.179 --> 00:12:21.000 Worship the Creator. 00:12:21.000 --> 00:12:23.580 Jesus does not do that. 00:12:24.279 --> 00:12:25.480 He is Lord. 00:12:25.639 --> 00:12:26.600 He is God. 00:12:26.820 --> 00:12:28.019 So he accepts that 00:12:28.019 --> 00:12:28.799 from Thomas 00:12:28.799 --> 00:12:30.500 as the right response 00:12:30.500 --> 00:12:31.720 to the risen Christ. 00:12:33.240 --> 00:12:34.259 But also when you see 00:12:34.259 --> 00:12:35.039 this is personal. 00:12:36.679 --> 00:12:37.480 My Lord, 00:12:37.639 --> 00:12:38.340 Thomas says, 00:12:39.340 --> 00:12:39.980 my Lord, 00:12:40.100 --> 00:12:40.960 I was setting 00:12:40.960 --> 00:12:41.919 the terms and conditions. 00:12:42.539 --> 00:12:43.080 I was saying 00:12:43.080 --> 00:12:44.059 you have to do this for me. 00:12:44.379 --> 00:12:45.580 Now I surrender. 00:12:46.039 --> 00:12:47.200 You are God. 00:12:47.360 --> 00:12:48.379 You are my Lord. 00:12:48.379 --> 00:12:49.679 You set the terms 00:12:49.679 --> 00:12:50.879 and conditions of my life. 00:12:51.559 --> 00:12:52.960 I will not do it any longer. 00:12:54.580 --> 00:12:54.919 I wonder, 00:12:55.059 --> 00:12:56.399 can you say that? 00:12:57.759 --> 00:12:59.200 Can you say that Jesus 00:12:59.200 --> 00:13:00.779 is your Lord 00:13:00.779 --> 00:13:01.720 and your God? 00:13:02.620 --> 00:13:03.659 The one who you'll 00:13:03.659 --> 00:13:04.439 surrender to. 00:13:06.559 --> 00:13:07.939 No matter what comes. 00:13:08.600 --> 00:13:09.379 No matter what life 00:13:09.379 --> 00:13:10.840 throws at you. 00:13:12.120 --> 00:13:13.139 Whatever the distresses 00:13:13.139 --> 00:13:13.799 and sadnesses. 00:13:13.860 --> 00:13:14.519 Would you trust 00:13:14.519 --> 00:13:15.820 the Saviour 00:13:15.820 --> 00:13:18.360 who has been to the cross 00:13:18.379 --> 00:13:19.259 who will forever 00:13:19.259 --> 00:13:20.240 bear the marks 00:13:20.240 --> 00:13:21.059 of that suffering. 00:13:22.059 --> 00:13:23.120 Will you trust him 00:13:23.120 --> 00:13:24.559 as the Lord and God? 00:13:24.980 --> 00:13:25.679 Thomas did. 00:13:26.259 --> 00:13:27.340 Faced with that reality. 00:13:30.179 --> 00:13:31.820 And Jesus gave him mercy. 00:13:33.960 --> 00:13:34.620 C.S. Lewis, 00:13:35.200 --> 00:13:36.100 many of you will know 00:13:36.100 --> 00:13:36.500 the author of 00:13:36.500 --> 00:13:37.259 the Narnia Chronicles 00:13:37.259 --> 00:13:38.340 and a great scholar 00:13:38.340 --> 00:13:38.759 at Oxford 00:13:38.759 --> 00:13:39.200 and eventually 00:13:39.200 --> 00:13:40.080 a professor at Cambridge, 00:13:40.519 --> 00:13:42.100 wrote about his own experience 00:13:42.100 --> 00:13:44.600 of reaching the conclusion 00:13:44.600 --> 00:13:46.059 that Jesus is Lord and God. 00:13:46.580 --> 00:13:47.139 He writes this, 00:13:47.139 --> 00:13:48.059 you can picture me alone 00:13:48.059 --> 00:13:48.500 in that room 00:13:48.500 --> 00:13:49.399 in Magdalene College 00:13:49.399 --> 00:13:50.840 night after night 00:13:50.840 --> 00:13:52.620 feeling whenever my mind 00:13:52.620 --> 00:13:53.720 lifted even for a second 00:13:53.720 --> 00:13:54.439 from my work 00:13:54.439 --> 00:13:55.559 the steady 00:13:55.559 --> 00:13:57.199 unrelenting approach 00:13:57.199 --> 00:13:57.679 of him 00:13:57.679 --> 00:13:59.080 whom I so earnestly 00:13:59.080 --> 00:14:01.000 desired not to meet. 00:14:02.419 --> 00:14:04.039 That which I greatly feared 00:14:04.039 --> 00:14:05.519 had at last come upon me. 00:14:06.220 --> 00:14:07.159 In the Trinity term, 00:14:07.199 --> 00:14:08.019 that's the summer term 00:14:08.019 --> 00:14:09.879 of 1929, 00:14:10.399 --> 00:14:11.340 I gave in 00:14:11.340 --> 00:14:12.559 and admitted 00:14:12.559 --> 00:14:13.379 that God 00:14:13.379 --> 00:14:14.079 was God 00:14:14.079 --> 00:14:15.099 and knelt 00:14:15.099 --> 00:14:15.819 and prayed 00:14:15.819 --> 00:14:17.579 perhaps that night 00:14:17.579 --> 00:14:18.539 the most dejected 00:14:18.539 --> 00:14:19.139 and reluctant 00:14:19.139 --> 00:14:20.379 convert in all England. 00:14:21.439 --> 00:14:23.059 I did not then see 00:14:23.059 --> 00:14:23.659 what is now 00:14:23.659 --> 00:14:24.439 the most shining 00:14:24.439 --> 00:14:25.679 and obvious thing 00:14:25.679 --> 00:14:28.199 the divine humility 00:14:28.199 --> 00:14:29.399 which will accept 00:14:29.399 --> 00:14:29.939 a convert 00:14:29.939 --> 00:14:31.119 on such terms. 00:14:32.859 --> 00:14:33.699 We see that humility 00:14:33.699 --> 00:14:34.199 in Jesus, 00:14:34.339 --> 00:14:34.679 don't we? 00:14:35.479 --> 00:14:36.599 Accepting Thomas 00:14:36.600 --> 00:14:38.800 in some senses 00:14:38.800 --> 00:14:39.560 on his terms. 00:14:40.920 --> 00:14:41.820 And in his grace 00:14:41.820 --> 00:14:43.560 he will break through 00:14:43.560 --> 00:14:45.159 some of our resistance 00:14:45.159 --> 00:14:46.879 to bring that peace 00:14:46.879 --> 00:14:47.440 he promised. 00:14:48.399 --> 00:14:49.139 But look at the promise 00:14:49.139 --> 00:14:50.120 Jesus makes here as well, 00:14:50.180 --> 00:14:50.700 verse 29. 00:14:51.519 --> 00:14:52.080 Because you and I 00:14:52.080 --> 00:14:53.019 are not like Thomas, 00:14:53.080 --> 00:14:53.980 we haven't seen Jesus. 00:14:54.639 --> 00:14:55.399 What's the promise? 00:14:55.519 --> 00:14:56.120 Verse 29. 00:14:57.080 --> 00:14:57.720 Jesus said to him, 00:14:57.740 --> 00:14:58.259 if you believe 00:14:58.259 --> 00:14:59.340 because you see me, 00:15:00.060 --> 00:15:01.220 blessed are those 00:15:01.220 --> 00:15:02.220 who have not seen 00:15:02.220 --> 00:15:03.899 and yet have believed. 00:15:04.899 --> 00:15:05.779 If you're a Christian 00:15:05.779 --> 00:15:06.300 here today, 00:15:06.299 --> 00:15:07.199 you are blessed, 00:15:07.319 --> 00:15:08.519 you're approved by God, 00:15:08.599 --> 00:15:10.019 you're delighted in by God, 00:15:10.719 --> 00:15:11.879 you are loved 00:15:11.879 --> 00:15:14.120 because you've believed 00:15:14.120 --> 00:15:14.799 in his son. 00:15:16.179 --> 00:15:17.219 You are objectively 00:15:17.219 --> 00:15:18.379 in God's family, 00:15:18.519 --> 00:15:20.000 objectively on God's side, 00:15:20.139 --> 00:15:20.579 blessed 00:15:20.579 --> 00:15:22.059 because you have believed 00:15:22.059 --> 00:15:22.799 without seeing. 00:15:24.699 --> 00:15:25.719 We see Thomas' problem. 00:15:26.559 --> 00:15:26.959 We see Jesus' 00:15:27.099 --> 00:15:27.939 powerful presence. 00:15:28.799 --> 00:15:29.000 Finally, 00:15:29.039 --> 00:15:30.179 let's look at John's purpose, 00:15:30.299 --> 00:15:31.299 verses 30 and 31. 00:15:32.740 --> 00:15:34.379 Now Jesus did many other signs 00:15:34.379 --> 00:15:35.419 of the presence of his disciples 00:15:35.419 --> 00:15:36.639 which are not written 00:15:36.639 --> 00:15:37.240 in this book. 00:15:37.879 --> 00:15:39.099 But these are written 00:15:39.099 --> 00:15:41.199 so that you may believe 00:15:41.199 --> 00:15:43.039 that Jesus is the Christ, 00:15:43.379 --> 00:15:44.199 the Son of God, 00:15:44.779 --> 00:15:45.519 and that by believing 00:15:45.519 --> 00:15:46.620 you may have life 00:15:46.620 --> 00:15:47.399 in his name. 00:15:48.319 --> 00:15:49.259 Hear what John's saying? 00:15:49.259 --> 00:15:50.700 I could have written 00:15:50.700 --> 00:15:52.019 lots and lots and lots more. 00:15:52.840 --> 00:15:53.080 In fact, 00:15:53.120 --> 00:15:53.700 you're in my office, 00:15:53.819 --> 00:15:55.580 you see the piles of notes 00:15:55.580 --> 00:15:56.519 I'd taken of the stuff 00:15:56.519 --> 00:15:57.340 that wasn't going to make 00:15:57.340 --> 00:15:57.980 the final cut. 00:15:58.220 --> 00:16:00.080 But this is in the final cut 00:16:00.080 --> 00:16:01.700 and it's here for a reason. 00:16:02.379 --> 00:16:03.740 I'm writing with an agenda 00:16:03.740 --> 00:16:04.939 and I'm actually 00:16:04.939 --> 00:16:06.340 absolutely clear about it. 00:16:07.039 --> 00:16:08.179 My agenda is 00:16:08.179 --> 00:16:09.460 that you may believe 00:16:09.460 --> 00:16:11.399 that Jesus is the Christ, 00:16:11.500 --> 00:16:12.279 the Son of God. 00:16:13.080 --> 00:16:13.799 So for that reason, 00:16:13.899 --> 00:16:14.100 Mark, 00:16:14.200 --> 00:16:14.879 John has recorded 00:16:14.879 --> 00:16:16.319 seven signs, 00:16:16.439 --> 00:16:16.779 signs, 00:16:16.779 --> 00:16:18.339 miracles which are 00:16:18.339 --> 00:16:19.379 signposts to Jesus' 00:16:19.559 --> 00:16:20.279 true identity. 00:16:21.179 --> 00:16:22.220 Turning water into wine 00:16:22.220 --> 00:16:22.659 in Canaan, 00:16:22.799 --> 00:16:23.959 raising the official son 00:16:23.959 --> 00:16:25.159 in chapter 4, 00:16:25.519 --> 00:16:26.439 healing the lame man 00:16:26.439 --> 00:16:26.959 by the pool 00:16:26.959 --> 00:16:27.839 in chapter 5, 00:16:28.339 --> 00:16:29.360 feeding the 5,000 00:16:29.360 --> 00:16:30.299 in chapter 6, 00:16:30.860 --> 00:16:32.019 walking on the water 00:16:32.019 --> 00:16:32.959 in chapter 6, 00:16:33.620 --> 00:16:34.220 healing the man 00:16:34.220 --> 00:16:34.799 born blind 00:16:34.799 --> 00:16:35.559 in chapter 9, 00:16:36.279 --> 00:16:37.079 raising Lazarus 00:16:37.079 --> 00:16:37.860 in chapter 11. 00:16:38.939 --> 00:16:39.939 All these are written 00:16:39.939 --> 00:16:41.220 so we can see 00:16:41.220 --> 00:16:42.519 who Jesus truly is. 00:16:42.939 --> 00:16:43.559 They're all signs 00:16:43.559 --> 00:16:44.740 that he is the Christ, 00:16:44.740 --> 00:16:46.120 that is God's 00:16:46.120 --> 00:16:47.299 long-promised king, 00:16:47.720 --> 00:16:48.320 the one who God 00:16:48.320 --> 00:16:49.340 promised to come 00:16:49.340 --> 00:16:50.519 and put the world 00:16:50.519 --> 00:16:51.180 right again 00:16:51.180 --> 00:16:52.399 and establish 00:16:52.399 --> 00:16:53.460 his right rule 00:16:53.460 --> 00:16:54.759 over a world 00:16:54.759 --> 00:16:55.659 that was in rebellion 00:16:55.659 --> 00:16:56.919 and following 00:16:56.919 --> 00:16:58.200 the devil's ways. 00:16:59.480 --> 00:17:00.120 But not only is he 00:17:00.120 --> 00:17:00.960 God's promised king, 00:17:01.019 --> 00:17:02.200 he is the Son of God, 00:17:02.980 --> 00:17:03.759 the one who came 00:17:03.759 --> 00:17:04.400 from the Father, 00:17:04.500 --> 00:17:05.500 the one who fully 00:17:05.500 --> 00:17:06.960 reveals God to us, 00:17:07.740 --> 00:17:08.480 the one who shows us 00:17:08.480 --> 00:17:09.460 what God is like, 00:17:09.539 --> 00:17:10.460 there's nothing 00:17:10.460 --> 00:17:11.519 un-Christ-like 00:17:11.519 --> 00:17:12.259 about God. 00:17:12.940 --> 00:17:13.720 Jesus shows us 00:17:13.720 --> 00:17:14.039 fully. 00:17:15.599 --> 00:17:16.420 Not only was he 00:17:16.420 --> 00:17:17.220 with the Father 00:17:17.220 --> 00:17:17.799 in the beginning, 00:17:18.819 --> 00:17:19.220 not only did he 00:17:19.220 --> 00:17:20.019 come from the Father, 00:17:20.079 --> 00:17:20.799 but with the Father 00:17:20.799 --> 00:17:21.700 he sends the Spirit 00:17:21.700 --> 00:17:22.120 as well. 00:17:22.259 --> 00:17:22.359 He says, 00:17:22.660 --> 00:17:23.740 the God of the Bible 00:17:23.740 --> 00:17:26.359 is a trinity, 00:17:26.539 --> 00:17:27.720 three persons in one. 00:17:29.359 --> 00:17:30.079 That is why Jesus 00:17:30.079 --> 00:17:30.940 can be God 00:17:30.940 --> 00:17:32.039 and the Son of God. 00:17:32.940 --> 00:17:34.059 God is three in one, 00:17:34.200 --> 00:17:35.259 Father, Son and Spirit. 00:17:35.700 --> 00:17:36.420 This is the God 00:17:36.420 --> 00:17:36.880 of the Bible, 00:17:37.000 --> 00:17:37.599 this is the God 00:17:37.599 --> 00:17:38.640 John wants us 00:17:38.640 --> 00:17:39.180 to believe in. 00:17:39.579 --> 00:17:40.059 And do you see 00:17:40.059 --> 00:17:40.500 what the terms 00:17:40.500 --> 00:17:41.420 and conditions are here? 00:17:41.420 --> 00:17:43.840 If you believe, 00:17:43.960 --> 00:17:44.759 if you submit 00:17:44.759 --> 00:17:45.880 to Jesus 00:17:45.880 --> 00:17:47.480 as God's forever king, 00:17:48.480 --> 00:17:49.440 what do we get? 00:17:50.920 --> 00:17:52.539 Life in his name. 00:17:54.200 --> 00:17:55.080 Real life. 00:17:55.340 --> 00:17:55.920 What is life 00:17:55.920 --> 00:17:56.539 actually about? 00:17:57.279 --> 00:17:57.980 Some people think 00:17:57.980 --> 00:17:58.840 it's about experiences, 00:17:58.960 --> 00:17:59.200 don't they? 00:17:59.240 --> 00:17:59.720 Some people travel 00:17:59.720 --> 00:18:00.140 the world 00:18:00.140 --> 00:18:00.960 searching for something. 00:18:02.200 --> 00:18:03.259 I think of my wife's 00:18:03.259 --> 00:18:03.500 cousin, 00:18:03.600 --> 00:18:04.480 she's constantly 00:18:04.480 --> 00:18:05.460 travelling everywhere. 00:18:05.460 --> 00:18:08.299 like she's in search 00:18:08.299 --> 00:18:08.759 of something. 00:18:09.519 --> 00:18:10.160 Some people think 00:18:10.160 --> 00:18:10.980 life is all about 00:18:10.980 --> 00:18:12.059 having possessions, 00:18:13.100 --> 00:18:14.640 having the right lifestyle, 00:18:15.840 --> 00:18:18.440 having the right education. 00:18:19.519 --> 00:18:20.519 Jesus says life 00:18:20.519 --> 00:18:21.360 is worth much more 00:18:21.360 --> 00:18:21.799 than that. 00:18:22.440 --> 00:18:22.799 Life, 00:18:22.880 --> 00:18:23.279 as we look through 00:18:23.279 --> 00:18:23.960 John's Gospel, 00:18:24.079 --> 00:18:25.019 life is about 00:18:25.019 --> 00:18:26.100 forgiveness of sins 00:18:26.100 --> 00:18:27.700 rather than condemnation, 00:18:28.180 --> 00:18:29.059 about being loved 00:18:29.059 --> 00:18:30.180 by the living God, 00:18:30.440 --> 00:18:31.519 the God who made us. 00:18:32.200 --> 00:18:32.940 Life is about 00:18:32.940 --> 00:18:33.740 having light 00:18:33.740 --> 00:18:35.740 instead of darkness. 00:18:36.620 --> 00:18:37.539 The light of knowing 00:18:37.539 --> 00:18:38.120 the truth 00:18:38.120 --> 00:18:39.000 that comes from God 00:18:39.000 --> 00:18:40.140 instead of the darkness 00:18:40.140 --> 00:18:41.079 of stumbling around 00:18:41.079 --> 00:18:42.120 with our own ideas, 00:18:42.620 --> 00:18:44.640 with our own morality 00:18:44.640 --> 00:18:45.920 and where it leads to. 00:18:47.079 --> 00:18:47.440 Ultimately, 00:18:47.640 --> 00:18:47.980 life, 00:18:48.120 --> 00:18:48.680 Jesus says, 00:18:48.779 --> 00:18:49.680 John chapter 17, 00:18:49.759 --> 00:18:50.319 verse 3, 00:18:50.740 --> 00:18:52.079 this is eternal life, 00:18:52.740 --> 00:18:53.680 the Emmanuel God 00:18:53.680 --> 00:18:55.960 and Jesus Christ 00:18:55.960 --> 00:18:56.599 whom he sent. 00:18:57.519 --> 00:18:58.859 This is what we are wired for, 00:18:58.940 --> 00:19:00.180 this is what we are created for. 00:19:00.440 --> 00:19:01.420 This is life. 00:19:02.299 --> 00:19:03.259 And there is only one way 00:19:03.259 --> 00:19:03.720 to get it. 00:19:04.619 --> 00:19:05.740 There is only one way 00:19:05.740 --> 00:19:06.319 to get it. 00:19:08.299 --> 00:19:09.420 That is by believing 00:19:09.420 --> 00:19:10.759 in his name, 00:19:10.879 --> 00:19:12.339 believing in this Jesus 00:19:12.339 --> 00:19:13.819 who came to die. 00:19:15.140 --> 00:19:15.420 And you see, 00:19:15.460 --> 00:19:16.079 he is the provider, 00:19:16.180 --> 00:19:16.480 isn't he? 00:19:17.099 --> 00:19:17.640 He is the one 00:19:17.640 --> 00:19:18.519 who provides life. 00:19:19.099 --> 00:19:19.980 So he can set 00:19:19.980 --> 00:19:20.859 the terms and conditions. 00:19:23.299 --> 00:19:24.119 He can say, 00:19:24.200 --> 00:19:25.240 you must tick this box, 00:19:25.400 --> 00:19:26.180 believe in me, 00:19:26.319 --> 00:19:27.019 submit to me 00:19:27.019 --> 00:19:27.660 as your Lord 00:19:27.660 --> 00:19:28.420 and your God 00:19:28.420 --> 00:19:29.299 as Thomas has done. 00:19:29.879 --> 00:19:30.599 That is the way 00:19:30.599 --> 00:19:31.279 to have life. 00:19:31.279 --> 00:19:32.680 It is not good enough 00:19:32.680 --> 00:19:33.599 to believe generally 00:19:33.599 --> 00:19:34.660 there is a God 00:19:34.660 --> 00:19:35.180 out there. 00:19:36.680 --> 00:19:37.619 That is insufficient. 00:19:39.000 --> 00:19:39.759 James later on 00:19:39.759 --> 00:19:40.220 in the New Testament 00:19:40.220 --> 00:19:40.639 tells us 00:19:40.639 --> 00:19:41.279 even the demons 00:19:41.279 --> 00:19:41.899 believe that 00:19:41.899 --> 00:19:42.420 and shudder. 00:19:43.299 --> 00:19:43.980 It is not enough 00:19:43.980 --> 00:19:44.720 to believe that Jesus 00:19:44.720 --> 00:19:46.119 was just a prophet 00:19:46.119 --> 00:19:47.019 sent from God. 00:19:48.339 --> 00:19:49.460 Islam teaches that. 00:19:50.220 --> 00:19:50.799 It is not enough 00:19:50.799 --> 00:19:51.460 to believe that Jesus 00:19:51.460 --> 00:19:52.519 was just a manifestation 00:19:52.519 --> 00:19:53.279 of God. 00:19:54.000 --> 00:19:54.559 Many Hindus 00:19:54.559 --> 00:19:55.059 or Sikhs 00:19:55.059 --> 00:19:56.639 will take that idea. 00:19:56.640 --> 00:19:58.660 it is not enough 00:19:58.660 --> 00:19:59.500 to believe that Jesus 00:19:59.500 --> 00:20:01.040 was just the Son of God 00:20:01.040 --> 00:20:02.160 but not actually God. 00:20:03.000 --> 00:20:03.940 Because that is not 00:20:03.940 --> 00:20:05.180 his name. 00:20:05.580 --> 00:20:06.180 That is not what 00:20:06.180 --> 00:20:06.920 John is telling us 00:20:06.920 --> 00:20:07.740 we need to believe in. 00:20:09.520 --> 00:20:10.200 Rather we must 00:20:10.200 --> 00:20:11.280 fall down with Thomas 00:20:11.280 --> 00:20:11.900 and say, 00:20:12.400 --> 00:20:13.100 my Lord 00:20:13.100 --> 00:20:14.280 and my God. 00:20:16.120 --> 00:20:16.360 You see, 00:20:16.440 --> 00:20:16.900 to cite what 00:20:16.900 --> 00:20:17.620 Burkham and Russell 00:20:17.620 --> 00:20:18.120 said, 00:20:18.920 --> 00:20:19.660 there is plenty 00:20:19.660 --> 00:20:20.220 of evidence. 00:20:21.240 --> 00:20:21.900 It is not lack 00:20:21.900 --> 00:20:22.320 of evidence 00:20:22.320 --> 00:20:22.980 that keeps anyone 00:20:22.980 --> 00:20:23.420 away. 00:20:23.420 --> 00:20:26.300 so that we prefer 00:20:26.300 --> 00:20:26.820 the darkness 00:20:26.820 --> 00:20:27.519 to the light. 00:20:28.840 --> 00:20:29.580 We want to trust 00:20:29.580 --> 00:20:30.120 in ourselves 00:20:30.120 --> 00:20:30.900 or something else 00:20:30.900 --> 00:20:32.220 and not in the Jesus 00:20:32.220 --> 00:20:33.200 who has stepped 00:20:33.200 --> 00:20:34.039 into history 00:20:34.039 --> 00:20:35.420 to reveal God 00:20:35.420 --> 00:20:35.980 to us 00:20:35.980 --> 00:20:37.220 and to rescue us 00:20:37.220 --> 00:20:37.880 for God. 00:20:39.019 --> 00:20:39.539 So the question 00:20:39.539 --> 00:20:40.019 as we close 00:20:40.019 --> 00:20:40.580 really is 00:20:40.580 --> 00:20:42.300 do we trust? 00:20:42.740 --> 00:20:43.480 Do we believe 00:20:43.480 --> 00:20:44.120 in his name? 00:20:45.140 --> 00:20:45.900 Or do we still 00:20:45.900 --> 00:20:47.019 have terms and conditions 00:20:47.019 --> 00:20:47.940 that we want 00:20:47.940 --> 00:20:48.779 Jesus to meet? 00:20:50.160 --> 00:20:51.120 May we pray for us.