WEBVTT

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 As we begin, let me just remind you, as I did on Friday night, that the four biblical

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 gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, are not merely biographies of Jesus.

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 They do provide biographical sketches of the life of Jesus that are helpful to us, but

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 that's really not their main purpose or intention.

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 They are also historical documents.

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 They are reliable, credible historical documents, even by the estimation of those who do not

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 believe the message of the gospels, they are regarded as historically accurate and factual.

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 But these books are not primarily history.

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 These books are very evangelistic in their nature.

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 John's purpose in writing this was not just to give you a sketch of who Jesus was, nor

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 was it just to merely record the historical events of his life.

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 It was to present certain facts about the person and the work of Christ so that he might persuade

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 the reader that Jesus is indeed the Messiah and the Son of God.

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 And everything in these four books pushes forward to the most significant proofs of Jesus' identity

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 and purpose, which is his death on the cross and his subsequent resurrection from the dead

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 three days later.

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 And as we come to this particular study today and as we think about the resurrection throughout

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 the day, it becomes immediately apparent to us that the resurrection of Jesus is crucial

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 to the Christian gospel.

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 I mean, it's absolutely crucial.

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 And we could point to many different ways.

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 Let me give you just a few, just to remind you of how crucial this is to our faith as a whole.

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 First, the resurrection verifies Jesus' divine identity.

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 Jesus came saying, I am the Father and one.

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 People were claiming that perhaps this man is a deified figure.

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 Maybe this man is God.

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 Jesus is making those claims himself.

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 And the Bible repeatedly asserts this deity, this divinity of Christ, and his resurrection

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 is the ultimate validation of those claims.

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 Without the resurrection of Christ, we cannot say that Jesus is divine.

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 We see this in Acts chapter 2, Peter's first sermon after the resurrection.

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 In verse 24, he says, God raised him up, speaking of Jesus, God raised him up, loosing the pangs

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 of death because it was not possible for him to be held by it.

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 It wasn't possible for him to remain dead.

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 Why was it not possible for him to remain dead?

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 Well, partly because he's not just a man.

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 He is also truly God.

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 He could not be held by death.

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 Therefore, the resurrection of Christ verifies the claims of Jesus that he is divine.

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 Hebrews chapter 1 echoes this.

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 Many places do, but maybe I'll show you Hebrews 1.3.

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 He is the radiance of the glory of God.

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 He is the exact imprint of God's nature.

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 And he upholds the universe by the word of his power.

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 And here's part and parcel of what goes along with this thought of Jesus's divinity.

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 That after making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the majesty on high.

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 Jesus's work as Messiah gives credibility and validity to his claims

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 as being the son of God.

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 So the resurrection is crucial to that.

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 If Jesus doesn't raise from the dead, we have no reason to believe that Jesus is anything other than a good man,

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 which is what many people claim.

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 The resurrection changes that, though.

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 Secondly, the resurrection shows that God the Father accepted Jesus's sacrifice for our sins on the cross.

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 It was a sinless sacrifice that was necessary.

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 We see that pictured in the Old Testament sacrifices when they would bring the lambs and the goats and the bulls.

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 They had to be without blemish and without spot.

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 Why?

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 Because God is holy and he demands perfection for one.

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 But they were pointing forward to a greater sacrifice, the sacrifice of Christ,

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 which meant that in order for our salvation to be won and for sins to be forgiven,

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 his sacrifice must be won that is without spot and without blemish.

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 It would take a sinless man to die for the sins of men.

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 And if Jesus had not risen from the dead, it would mean that Jesus himself was a sinner,

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 that his death paid for his own sins.

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 But Jesus had no sins for which he had to pay.

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 Therefore, his death was an atonement for our sins.

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 And the resurrection is what proves this to us.

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 It's echoed for us in Romans chapter 4.

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 Therefore, righteousness will be counted to us who believe in him,

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 who raised from the dead Jesus our Lord,

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 who was delivered up for our trespasses.

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 And then this last phrase is so important.

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 He was raised for our justification.

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 Our justification and righteousness before God hinges on Jesus' resurrection from the dead.

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 Because if Jesus had not risen, then he was a sinner.

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 And there was no way that his atonement would be sufficient for us.

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 But the Father raises him from the dead,

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 saying and declaring,

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 I have received this sacrifice.

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 It has appeased my wrath for sinners.

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 Thirdly, the resurrection proves Christ's power over life and death.

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 Jesus claims over and over in the Gospels

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 to have the power to give us eternal life.

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 Those claims would be absolutely meaningless

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 if he himself was powerless against death.

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 We think of very simply, John 3.16,

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 God so loved the world that he gave his only son

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 that whoever believes in him should not perish,

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 should not die, but have eternal life.

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 That's a promise given to those of us who believe specifically

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 in the person and the work of Christ.

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 Jesus said himself,

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 I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.

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 Well, those claims mean nothing

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 if Jesus himself does not have power over death.

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 If he does not have power of life and over death,

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 then he is a liar.

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 He's a lunatic, as C.S. Lewis said.

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 He's either a liar or he's a lunatic or he's the Lord.

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 And if Jesus doesn't raise from the dead,

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 he cannot be a good man.

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 He cannot be a moral teacher.

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 He cannot be a good example.

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 He can only be a liar and a wild man.

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 The resurrection is crucial.

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 Fourthly, without the resurrection,

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 the Christian faith would be in vain

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 and we would remain lost in our sins.

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 Paul tells us this explicitly in 1 Corinthians 15.

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 If Christ had not been raised,

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 your faith is futile.

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 You are still in your sins.

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 Those who have fallen asleep

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 or those who have died believing Christ

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 have also perished.

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 If in Christ we have hope in this life only,

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 we are of all people most to be pitied.

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 The resurrection is absolutely crucial

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 to the Christian gospel.

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 If you remove the resurrection of Jesus,

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 you effectively dismantle the entire Christian faith.

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 It's completely destroyed.

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 There's nothing left.

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 Everything Christians believe

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 ultimately hinges upon the reality

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 that Jesus of Nazareth rose from the dead.

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 Even our conviction that the Bible

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 is the inerrant word of God

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 hinges first on the resurrection of Jesus from the dead.

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 So it's no surprise then

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 that skeptics through the centuries

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 have taken the Christian message

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 and they have targeted the credibility

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 specifically of Jesus' resurrection.

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 Because if you can discredit it,

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 you can completely dismantle Christianity.

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 And if you can dismantle Christianity,

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 you can discredit the word of God.

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 And if you can discredit the word of God,

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 then you can say,

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 I am my own God.

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 I choose my own way.

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 There is no one for which I am accountable to.

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 So they target the resurrection.

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 They have to.

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 Because if the resurrection is not true,

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 then all of this is a waste.

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 All sorts of theories have been developed

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 through the centuries

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 in attempts to rationalize

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 the resurrection of Christ away.

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 We could go into all of those things.

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 We won't do it now for sake of time.

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 But all kinds of things have been presented.

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 Still, none of those theories

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 are ultimately compelling.

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 They're just not.

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 There is just too much evidence

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 that they have to overcome

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 showing that natural reason

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 does not ultimately have the final word.

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 It's not ultimately,

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 does it make sense to our human minds

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 that something like this would happen?

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 It just doesn't work.

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 There's too much evidence to the contrary

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 that these theories have to overcome.

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 And not a single theory

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 going against the resurrection of Christ

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 has come even close

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 to being compelling

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 to dismiss all of the evidence

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 that's available to us.

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 But our text

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 presents for us this morning

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 a different kind of skeptic.

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 What we're dealing with here in John 20

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 is not the skeptic

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 that we've just thought about.

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 The skeptic who is trying

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 to do away with Christianity

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 and trying to disprove it

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 that is utterly hardened

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 and rebellious

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 toward everything that Christ is

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 and everything that Christ has done.

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 That's not the kind of skeptic

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 that we find here.

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 Thomas wasn't trying to outright deny

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 or disprove the resurrection

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 in the way that,

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 for example,

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 the Jewish leaders were in Matthew 28

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 who upon hearing of Christ's resurrection

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 literally made up a lie

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 and told the Roman soldiers,

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 said just tell them

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 that the disciples came

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 and stole the body away

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 or whatever.

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 He's been stolen.

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 Even they, in that moment,

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 they're trying to do something

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 completely different.

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 That's not what Thomas is doing here.

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 Thomas, like all of the disciples,

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 would have been devastated

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 by the surrounding events

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 of Jesus' crucifixion.

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 He wanted the resurrection to be true.

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 He's not trying to deny it

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 or disprove it outrightly

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 in an antagonism against Christ.

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 And yet, he still struggled

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 with an unbelieving heart.

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 We might call Thomas

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 a Christian skeptic.

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 Friendly toward Jesus,

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 identifying in some sense

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 with the Christian community,

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 but still remaining lost

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 in unbelief.

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 I think there's many Thomases

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 that fill churches

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 every single Sunday.

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 They're friendly toward Jesus.

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 In some sense,

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 they identify with the Christian community,

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 but ultimately,

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 they are lost in unbelief.

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 And there may be a few here this morning

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 that fit that description quite well.

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 The resurrection demands something of us

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 that most people are unwilling to supply.

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 Total faith.

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 That's what it demands.

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 And the issue of belief

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 is at the very heart of this passage.

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 And my goal this morning

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 is to allow the text of Scripture

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 to call you to the same belief

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 that the risen Christ

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 called Thomas to possess here.

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 The three things I want to point out to you

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 as we work our way through the narrative.

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 First, I want you to see

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 an unbelieving heart.

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 An unbelieving heart.

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 Verse 24.

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 Now Thomas was one of the twelve

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 called the twin.

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 He was not with them when Jesus came.

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 So the disciples told him,

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 we have seen the Lord.

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 But he said to them,

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 unless I see in his hands

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 the mark of the nails,

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 place my finger into the mark of the nails

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 and place my hand into his side,

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 I will never believe.

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 That's a strong statement.

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 I will never believe

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 unless my conditions are met,

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 Thomas says.

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 Let's think for just a minute

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 about this man Thomas in the Bible.

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 There's not a lot that the Gospels tell us

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 outside of the general list

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 that are given of the disciples.

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 And one other occasion in John chapter 21,

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 we see that Thomas is just with Peter

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 and some of the others as they're fishing.

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 And Galilee.

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 Other than that,

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 there's only two places

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 in the Gospels

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 where we find any kind of detail

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 at all about Thomas.

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 Both of them are found

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 in John's Gospel.

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 And I just want to look at them quickly

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 to give maybe a little bit

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 of a character sketch of this man.

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 In fact, just turn with me first

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 to John chapter 11.

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 You're already in chapter 20.

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 Just turn a couple of pages back

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 to John chapter 11.

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 You remember the disciples

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 had been around the area of Jerusalem

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 and it had become very clear

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 that the Jews were trying to arrest

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 and murder Jesus.

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 They left the vicinity of Jerusalem

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 and they were serving.

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 Jesus was teaching

00:14:26.000 --> 00:14:27.919
 and was doing things in another place.

00:14:27.919 --> 00:14:29.959
 Well, while they were away,

00:14:30.799 --> 00:14:32.519
 Lazarus, Jesus' friend,

00:14:32.679 --> 00:14:34.139
 brother of Martha and Mary,

00:14:34.279 --> 00:14:34.679
 died.

00:14:35.360 --> 00:14:36.559
 Word was sent to Jesus

00:14:36.559 --> 00:14:37.639
 that he was near death

00:14:37.639 --> 00:14:38.479
 and that he had died.

00:14:39.099 --> 00:14:40.419
 And then Jesus decided

00:14:40.419 --> 00:14:41.579
 to remain in that area

00:14:41.579 --> 00:14:42.579
 for a couple of days.

00:14:43.079 --> 00:14:44.559
 And then he tells the disciples

00:14:44.559 --> 00:14:48.919
 in verse 7

00:14:48.919 --> 00:14:51.339
 that he wants to go back to Bethany,

00:14:51.439 --> 00:14:52.740
 which is just outside of Jerusalem.

00:14:52.740 --> 00:14:54.860
 And the response of the disciples

00:14:54.860 --> 00:14:55.639
 in verse 8

00:14:55.639 --> 00:14:57.180
 is, are you crazy?

00:14:57.539 --> 00:14:57.940
 Essentially.

00:14:58.700 --> 00:15:00.180
 They're trying to kill us there.

00:15:00.759 --> 00:15:02.200
 Why would we go back?

00:15:02.860 --> 00:15:03.820
 And Jesus goes through

00:15:03.820 --> 00:15:05.039
 and he explains exactly

00:15:05.039 --> 00:15:05.960
 what's happening

00:15:05.960 --> 00:15:07.860
 and why he's going to go back.

00:15:08.139 --> 00:15:09.620
 And then it's during this discussion

00:15:09.620 --> 00:15:11.279
 about going back toward Jerusalem

00:15:11.279 --> 00:15:12.620
 that John records

00:15:12.620 --> 00:15:14.120
 a brief statement from Thomas.

00:15:14.299 --> 00:15:15.779
 It's in verse 16.

00:15:16.580 --> 00:15:18.460
 So Thomas, called the twin,

00:15:18.879 --> 00:15:20.620
 said to his fellow disciples,

00:15:20.620 --> 00:15:23.000
 let us also go

00:15:23.000 --> 00:15:25.159
 that we may die with him.

00:15:25.879 --> 00:15:27.019
 Let us also go

00:15:27.019 --> 00:15:28.039
 that we may die with him.

00:15:28.159 --> 00:15:28.759
 Now let me tell you

00:15:28.759 --> 00:15:29.440
 what this isn't.

00:15:29.860 --> 00:15:32.679
 This is not an exhilarating

00:15:32.679 --> 00:15:34.159
 battle cry from Thomas.

00:15:35.000 --> 00:15:36.779
 You know, there are those,

00:15:36.779 --> 00:15:39.519
 you know, there are those crazy people

00:15:39.519 --> 00:15:40.560
 who just love war.

00:15:40.759 --> 00:15:41.340
 Like they're just,

00:15:41.480 --> 00:15:42.700
 they get themselves

00:15:42.700 --> 00:15:43.879
 all worked up over it

00:15:43.879 --> 00:15:44.779
 and they're ready to go.

00:15:45.159 --> 00:15:46.299
 That is not Thomas.

00:15:46.580 --> 00:15:47.759
 That's not any of these disciples

00:15:47.759 --> 00:15:49.419
 except perhaps Simon the Zealot.

00:15:49.419 --> 00:15:50.759
 Peter shows some aggression

00:15:50.759 --> 00:15:51.819
 in a couple of instances.

00:15:52.139 --> 00:15:53.099
 That's not what Thomas

00:15:53.099 --> 00:15:53.919
 is saying here.

00:15:54.539 --> 00:15:55.699
 He's not trying to

00:15:55.699 --> 00:15:57.919
 muster up some kind of courage.

00:15:58.539 --> 00:16:01.039
 This is a combination of Thomas

00:16:01.039 --> 00:16:03.659
 and his tendency to battle

00:16:03.659 --> 00:16:05.439
 with faith and doubt

00:16:05.439 --> 00:16:06.679
 all at the same time.

00:16:07.860 --> 00:16:09.719
 Spurgeon says this about this text.

00:16:10.479 --> 00:16:11.860
 It's a singular mixture

00:16:11.860 --> 00:16:13.799
 of faith and unbelief.

00:16:15.059 --> 00:16:17.240
 Thomas so believes his master

00:16:17.240 --> 00:16:19.560
 that he's willing to die with him.

00:16:20.680 --> 00:16:22.879
 He so doubts his master

00:16:22.879 --> 00:16:24.980
 that although the Savior

00:16:24.980 --> 00:16:26.500
 had plainly told him

00:16:26.500 --> 00:16:27.740
 that he was immortal

00:16:27.740 --> 00:16:29.100
 till his work was done,

00:16:30.399 --> 00:16:31.419
 Thomas is afraid

00:16:31.419 --> 00:16:32.460
 that his master

00:16:32.460 --> 00:16:33.980
 and all of them

00:16:33.980 --> 00:16:35.519
 will be put to death.

00:16:36.779 --> 00:16:37.879
 Thomas loves Jesus.

00:16:38.720 --> 00:16:40.320
 He wants to be with Jesus.

00:16:41.360 --> 00:16:42.720
 He maybe will even

00:16:42.720 --> 00:16:44.779
 commit to dying with Jesus

00:16:44.779 --> 00:16:45.620
 as a friend

00:16:45.620 --> 00:16:47.279
 but he does not fully

00:16:47.279 --> 00:16:49.000
 believe Jesus' words.

00:16:50.519 --> 00:16:50.980
 He says,

00:16:51.339 --> 00:16:52.039
 well, we might as well

00:16:52.039 --> 00:16:53.559
 go with him

00:16:53.559 --> 00:16:55.000
 and all die

00:16:55.000 --> 00:16:56.120
 in the process of it.

00:16:56.379 --> 00:16:57.459
 It tells us a little bit

00:16:57.459 --> 00:16:58.100
 about this man,

00:16:58.159 --> 00:16:58.559
 doesn't it?

00:16:58.699 --> 00:17:00.159
 This mixture of faith and doubt.

00:17:00.819 --> 00:17:01.980
 The next one is in

00:17:01.980 --> 00:17:03.100
 John chapter 14.

00:17:03.179 --> 00:17:04.000
 Just flip there quickly.

00:17:05.200 --> 00:17:06.259
 John chapter 14.

00:17:06.259 --> 00:17:07.259
 John chapter 14.

00:17:07.259 --> 00:17:08.259
 John chapter 14.

00:17:08.259 --> 00:17:08.720
 This is

00:17:08.720 --> 00:17:12.740
 the night of Jesus' arrest.

00:17:12.900 --> 00:17:14.000
 This is in the upper room

00:17:14.000 --> 00:17:16.420
 at the Last Supper.

00:17:18.839 --> 00:17:20.319
 John records part

00:17:20.319 --> 00:17:22.099
 of Jesus' final words

00:17:22.099 --> 00:17:22.940
 to the disciples

00:17:22.940 --> 00:17:24.400
 on the night of his arrest here

00:17:24.400 --> 00:17:26.460
 and he was preparing them

00:17:26.460 --> 00:17:27.720
 for his approaching death.

00:17:28.359 --> 00:17:29.940
 He was comforting them

00:17:29.940 --> 00:17:31.559
 with the promise of heaven

00:17:31.559 --> 00:17:33.440
 for all who believe in him.

00:17:33.579 --> 00:17:34.519
 And I want you to notice

00:17:34.519 --> 00:17:36.099
 in verse 4.

00:17:37.180 --> 00:17:37.740
 Jesus says,

00:17:37.819 --> 00:17:38.139
 I'm leaving

00:17:38.139 --> 00:17:38.700
 and he says,

00:17:38.879 --> 00:17:40.299
 and you know the way

00:17:40.299 --> 00:17:42.279
 to where I am going.

00:17:42.720 --> 00:17:44.680
 Where is it that Jesus is going?

00:17:45.299 --> 00:17:46.559
 He's going to the Father.

00:17:47.220 --> 00:17:48.359
 It's a picture of heaven

00:17:48.359 --> 00:17:49.839
 but he's going to the Father.

00:17:49.960 --> 00:17:50.579
 That's the point

00:17:50.579 --> 00:17:51.379
 of the statement

00:17:51.379 --> 00:17:51.960
 that he's making.

00:17:52.180 --> 00:17:53.180
 And he tells the disciples,

00:17:53.579 --> 00:17:54.819
 you know the way there.

00:17:55.160 --> 00:17:56.660
 You know the way to God.

00:17:56.920 --> 00:17:58.180
 And look what Thomas says.

00:17:59.119 --> 00:17:59.480
 Lord,

00:17:59.900 --> 00:18:00.879
 we don't know

00:18:00.879 --> 00:18:01.539
 where you're going.

00:18:02.839 --> 00:18:04.319
 How can we know the way?

00:18:05.259 --> 00:18:06.079
 And that produces

00:18:06.079 --> 00:18:07.559
 this amazing statement

00:18:07.559 --> 00:18:08.160
 from Jesus.

00:18:08.759 --> 00:18:09.839
 I am the way

00:18:09.839 --> 00:18:11.339
 and the truth

00:18:11.339 --> 00:18:11.819
 and the life.

00:18:11.980 --> 00:18:13.359
 No one comes to the Father

00:18:13.359 --> 00:18:14.480
 except by me.

00:18:14.819 --> 00:18:15.740
 Now I want you to notice

00:18:15.740 --> 00:18:16.519
 the emphasis

00:18:16.519 --> 00:18:18.220
 of Thomas' statement.

00:18:19.460 --> 00:18:20.480
 He does not ask

00:18:20.480 --> 00:18:22.299
 how they are to know the way.

00:18:22.400 --> 00:18:23.339
 That's not what he's asking.

00:18:23.500 --> 00:18:24.859
 As if he needs to gain

00:18:24.859 --> 00:18:26.000
 some type of information

00:18:26.000 --> 00:18:27.119
 to be more pliable

00:18:27.119 --> 00:18:27.700
 to the things

00:18:27.700 --> 00:18:28.940
 that Jesus is saying.

00:18:29.019 --> 00:18:29.819
 That's not what he's saying.

00:18:30.339 --> 00:18:31.220
 Giving what he thought

00:18:31.220 --> 00:18:32.160
 to be a mystery

00:18:32.160 --> 00:18:33.440
 in Jesus' words.

00:18:33.440 --> 00:18:35.759
 He asked how they

00:18:35.759 --> 00:18:36.920
 could possibly know.

00:18:37.700 --> 00:18:38.120
 Lord,

00:18:38.180 --> 00:18:38.640
 we don't know

00:18:38.640 --> 00:18:39.180
 where you're going.

00:18:39.380 --> 00:18:40.519
 How could we possibly

00:18:40.519 --> 00:18:41.140
 know the way?

00:18:41.519 --> 00:18:42.980
 This is another moment

00:18:42.980 --> 00:18:43.820
 of skepticism

00:18:43.820 --> 00:18:45.000
 and pessimism.

00:18:45.120 --> 00:18:46.120
 There's a sense

00:18:46.120 --> 00:18:46.799
 even in which

00:18:46.799 --> 00:18:47.759
 Thomas was pushing

00:18:47.759 --> 00:18:48.840
 against Jesus'

00:18:49.160 --> 00:18:50.820
 assertion

00:18:50.820 --> 00:18:51.779
 that they knew

00:18:51.779 --> 00:18:52.660
 the way to God.

00:18:52.880 --> 00:18:53.100
 He says,

00:18:53.180 --> 00:18:54.380
 how could we possibly know?

00:18:56.880 --> 00:18:57.559
 And this helps us

00:18:57.559 --> 00:18:58.580
 understand a little bit

00:18:58.580 --> 00:18:59.500
 Thomas' tendency

00:18:59.500 --> 00:19:00.539
 toward pessimism

00:19:00.539 --> 00:19:01.619
 and skepticism.

00:19:01.880 --> 00:19:03.140
 So when the other disciples

00:19:03.140 --> 00:19:04.119
 declared to him

00:19:04.119 --> 00:19:06.259
 back in John chapter 20

00:19:06.259 --> 00:19:07.980
 that they had seen

00:19:07.980 --> 00:19:08.740
 the risen Lord,

00:19:09.140 --> 00:19:10.960
 it's not entirely surprising

00:19:10.960 --> 00:19:11.700
 that Thomas,

00:19:12.099 --> 00:19:13.240
 having been absent

00:19:13.240 --> 00:19:14.380
 on that occasion,

00:19:15.559 --> 00:19:16.720
 faced another troubling

00:19:16.720 --> 00:19:18.539
 battle of unbelief.

00:19:19.019 --> 00:19:20.980
 It's his continual struggle,

00:19:21.140 --> 00:19:21.559
 it seems.

00:19:22.880 --> 00:19:24.480
 And the issue for Thomas

00:19:24.480 --> 00:19:25.980
 and for us

00:19:25.980 --> 00:19:28.079
 is not a lack

00:19:28.079 --> 00:19:29.000
 of evidence.

00:19:30.319 --> 00:19:31.620
 The issue for Thomas

00:19:31.620 --> 00:19:32.819
 is a stubborn,

00:19:33.779 --> 00:19:35.099
 unbelieving heart.

00:19:36.839 --> 00:19:37.599
 Now I want you to consider

00:19:37.599 --> 00:19:38.420
 for just a moment

00:19:38.420 --> 00:19:39.259
 the credibility

00:19:39.259 --> 00:19:40.259
 of the evidence

00:19:40.259 --> 00:19:41.339
 that Thomas had

00:19:41.339 --> 00:19:42.740
 in John chapter 20.

00:19:43.360 --> 00:19:43.799
 First,

00:19:44.200 --> 00:19:44.640
 the scriptures

00:19:44.640 --> 00:19:45.660
 had foretold

00:19:45.660 --> 00:19:47.120
 that Jesus would rise

00:19:47.120 --> 00:19:47.819
 from the dead.

00:19:48.740 --> 00:19:49.759
 All of the ultimate,

00:19:50.180 --> 00:19:50.940
 the Old Testament

00:19:50.940 --> 00:19:51.900
 pointed to the death

00:19:51.900 --> 00:19:52.400
 and resurrection

00:19:52.400 --> 00:19:52.940
 of the Messiah.

00:19:53.220 --> 00:19:54.460
 Think about Isaiah.

00:19:54.480 --> 00:19:55.539
 53 first

00:19:55.539 --> 00:19:56.220
 in verse 10.

00:19:56.920 --> 00:19:57.759
 When his soul

00:19:57.759 --> 00:19:58.400
 has made

00:19:58.400 --> 00:20:00.039
 an offering for guilt,

00:20:00.660 --> 00:20:01.700
 he shall see

00:20:01.700 --> 00:20:02.680
 his offspring.

00:20:03.319 --> 00:20:04.120
 He will see

00:20:04.120 --> 00:20:04.720
 his offspring

00:20:04.720 --> 00:20:06.779
 after he's been

00:20:06.779 --> 00:20:07.640
 put to death,

00:20:08.019 --> 00:20:08.900
 meaning that

00:20:08.900 --> 00:20:09.620
 he will not

00:20:09.620 --> 00:20:10.460
 remain dead.

00:20:10.599 --> 00:20:11.799
 There will be life

00:20:11.799 --> 00:20:13.079
 after this death.

00:20:13.360 --> 00:20:14.220
 He shall

00:20:14.220 --> 00:20:15.980
 prolong his days.

00:20:16.259 --> 00:20:17.120
 The will of the Lord

00:20:17.120 --> 00:20:18.519
 shall prosper

00:20:18.519 --> 00:20:19.319
 in his hand.

00:20:19.440 --> 00:20:20.380
 That's beyond

00:20:20.380 --> 00:20:21.380
 becoming

00:20:21.380 --> 00:20:22.839
 a guilt offering

00:20:22.839 --> 00:20:23.960
 for the sins of man.

00:20:24.480 --> 00:20:25.440
 How about

00:20:25.440 --> 00:20:26.259
 Psalm 16?

00:20:26.940 --> 00:20:27.700
 This is what

00:20:27.700 --> 00:20:28.460
 Peter quoted

00:20:28.460 --> 00:20:29.860
 in Acts chapter 2.

00:20:30.579 --> 00:20:31.000
 He looked at

00:20:31.000 --> 00:20:31.660
 David's words

00:20:31.660 --> 00:20:32.180
 and he said,

00:20:32.380 --> 00:20:33.000
 for you will not

00:20:33.000 --> 00:20:34.420
 abandon my soul

00:20:34.420 --> 00:20:35.400
 to Sheol

00:20:35.400 --> 00:20:36.500
 or to death

00:20:36.500 --> 00:20:37.440
 or let your

00:20:37.440 --> 00:20:38.319
 holy one

00:20:38.319 --> 00:20:39.460
 see corruption.

00:20:40.920 --> 00:20:41.860
 Peter is saying

00:20:41.860 --> 00:20:42.680
 David wasn't

00:20:42.680 --> 00:20:43.819
 talking about himself

00:20:43.819 --> 00:20:44.720
 and the reason

00:20:44.720 --> 00:20:45.480
 we know he wasn't

00:20:45.480 --> 00:20:46.460
 talking about himself

00:20:46.460 --> 00:20:47.759
 is because his tomb

00:20:47.759 --> 00:20:48.779
 is right over there

00:20:48.779 --> 00:20:49.579
 and if you go

00:20:49.579 --> 00:20:50.259
 open it up,

00:20:50.339 --> 00:20:50.779
 you'll see

00:20:50.779 --> 00:20:52.059
 David's bones

00:20:52.059 --> 00:20:52.980
 are still there.

00:20:53.759 --> 00:20:55.099
 He's still dead.

00:20:55.639 --> 00:20:56.200
 He wasn't

00:20:56.200 --> 00:20:57.099
 talking about David.

00:20:57.339 --> 00:20:58.139
 He was talking

00:20:58.139 --> 00:20:59.539
 about Jesus.

00:21:00.079 --> 00:21:00.240
 Now,

00:21:00.359 --> 00:21:01.659
 why would you think

00:21:01.659 --> 00:21:02.659
 that Peter

00:21:02.659 --> 00:21:04.559
 would go to Psalm 16

00:21:04.559 --> 00:21:06.139
 and use that

00:21:06.139 --> 00:21:06.779
 as a proof

00:21:06.779 --> 00:21:07.399
 for the resurrection

00:21:07.399 --> 00:21:08.159
 of Christ?

00:21:08.740 --> 00:21:10.359
 Because as we just read

00:21:10.359 --> 00:21:11.720
 in Luke 24,

00:21:12.359 --> 00:21:13.359
 Jesus himself

00:21:13.359 --> 00:21:14.419
 sat down with Peter

00:21:14.419 --> 00:21:15.259
 and with all

00:21:15.259 --> 00:21:16.139
 the other disciples

00:21:16.139 --> 00:21:17.940
 and opened their minds

00:21:17.940 --> 00:21:18.460
 to understand

00:21:18.460 --> 00:21:19.759
 all that the Scripture

00:21:19.759 --> 00:21:21.039
 said concerning him

00:21:21.039 --> 00:21:21.960
 and no doubt

00:21:21.960 --> 00:21:22.680
 in that setting,

00:21:23.119 --> 00:21:24.279
 Jesus had opened up

00:21:24.279 --> 00:21:25.160
 to Psalm 16

00:21:25.160 --> 00:21:25.640
 and said,

00:21:25.759 --> 00:21:25.960
 look,

00:21:26.259 --> 00:21:27.420
 David's still dead,

00:21:27.539 --> 00:21:27.799
 men.

00:21:28.220 --> 00:21:29.680
 This is about me.

00:21:31.599 --> 00:21:32.640
 Matthew 12,

00:21:32.779 --> 00:21:34.079
 Jesus himself says

00:21:34.079 --> 00:21:35.460
 that Jonah

00:21:35.460 --> 00:21:36.559
 was a sign

00:21:36.559 --> 00:21:37.400
 for the resurrection.

00:21:38.059 --> 00:21:38.759
 But he answered them,

00:21:38.839 --> 00:21:39.839
 an evil and adulterous

00:21:39.839 --> 00:21:40.640
 generation

00:21:40.640 --> 00:21:41.660
 seeks for a sign,

00:21:41.799 --> 00:21:42.819
 but no sign

00:21:42.819 --> 00:21:43.819
 will be given to it

00:21:43.819 --> 00:21:45.759
 except the sign

00:21:45.759 --> 00:21:46.940
 of the prophet Jonah.

00:21:47.480 --> 00:21:48.839
 For just as Jonah

00:21:48.839 --> 00:21:49.759
 was three days

00:21:49.759 --> 00:21:50.500
 and three nights

00:21:50.500 --> 00:21:51.059
 in the belly

00:21:51.059 --> 00:21:52.019
 of the great fish,

00:21:52.519 --> 00:21:54.500
 so will the Son of Man

00:21:54.500 --> 00:21:55.819
 be three days

00:21:55.819 --> 00:21:56.539
 and three nights

00:21:56.539 --> 00:21:57.159
 in the heart

00:21:57.159 --> 00:21:57.639
 of the earth.

00:21:59.039 --> 00:22:00.139
 The Old Testament

00:22:00.139 --> 00:22:01.579
 had prophesied this

00:22:01.579 --> 00:22:02.459
 and had pointed

00:22:02.459 --> 00:22:03.599
 towards this moment.

00:22:03.720 --> 00:22:04.619
 That was evidence

00:22:04.619 --> 00:22:05.559
 that Thomas had.

00:22:05.980 --> 00:22:06.459
 Secondly,

00:22:08.259 --> 00:22:09.740
 Jesus plainly

00:22:09.740 --> 00:22:11.159
 told his disciples

00:22:11.159 --> 00:22:11.980
 this was going

00:22:11.980 --> 00:22:12.619
 to happen.

00:22:14.199 --> 00:22:15.419
 Mark chapter 10,

00:22:15.699 --> 00:22:16.319
 Jesus says,

00:22:16.399 --> 00:22:16.559
 see,

00:22:16.720 --> 00:22:17.659
 we are going up

00:22:17.660 --> 00:22:18.300
 to Jerusalem

00:22:18.300 --> 00:22:19.540
 and the Son of Man

00:22:19.540 --> 00:22:20.240
 will be delivered

00:22:20.240 --> 00:22:21.480
 over to the chief priest

00:22:21.480 --> 00:22:22.220
 and the scribes.

00:22:22.560 --> 00:22:23.580
 They will condemn him

00:22:23.580 --> 00:22:24.080
 to death,

00:22:24.540 --> 00:22:25.120
 deliver him

00:22:25.120 --> 00:22:25.960
 to the Gentiles,

00:22:26.340 --> 00:22:26.980
 they'll mock him

00:22:26.980 --> 00:22:27.759
 and spit on him

00:22:27.759 --> 00:22:28.460
 and flog him

00:22:28.460 --> 00:22:29.040
 and kill him

00:22:29.040 --> 00:22:31.540
 and after three days

00:22:31.540 --> 00:22:34.180
 he will rise.

00:22:35.460 --> 00:22:37.160
 That's the third time

00:22:37.160 --> 00:22:38.120
 Mark records

00:22:38.120 --> 00:22:40.220
 Jesus telling Thomas,

00:22:40.440 --> 00:22:41.660
 I'm going to die

00:22:41.660 --> 00:22:43.519
 and then I'm going to rise.

00:22:43.860 --> 00:22:44.660
 The evidence

00:22:44.660 --> 00:22:45.540
 was there for him.

00:22:45.539 --> 00:22:46.879
 Third,

00:22:47.460 --> 00:22:49.879
 look at the credible witnesses

00:22:49.879 --> 00:22:50.680
 that declared

00:22:50.680 --> 00:22:51.819
 this news to him.

00:22:52.940 --> 00:22:54.259
 These were not people

00:22:54.259 --> 00:22:55.299
 just off the street.

00:22:56.399 --> 00:22:58.240
 These were not people

00:22:58.240 --> 00:22:59.579
 Thomas didn't trust.

00:23:00.500 --> 00:23:01.059
 These were Thomas'

00:23:01.259 --> 00:23:02.240
 closest friends.

00:23:03.220 --> 00:23:05.059
 People he trusted thoroughly

00:23:05.059 --> 00:23:07.440
 and they came to him

00:23:07.440 --> 00:23:07.720
 and they said,

00:23:07.819 --> 00:23:08.980
 we've seen the Lord

00:23:08.980 --> 00:23:10.519
 and he says,

00:23:10.579 --> 00:23:11.859
 I don't believe it.

00:23:11.859 --> 00:23:14.299
 I won't believe it,

00:23:14.479 --> 00:23:14.939
 he says.

00:23:15.139 --> 00:23:16.299
 The issue is not

00:23:16.299 --> 00:23:17.079
 the evidence.

00:23:17.919 --> 00:23:19.319
 The evidence was there

00:23:19.319 --> 00:23:19.740
 for him.

00:23:20.039 --> 00:23:21.500
 The issue is a stubborn,

00:23:22.079 --> 00:23:23.359
 unbelieving heart.

00:23:24.719 --> 00:23:26.219
 1 Corinthians 15 again,

00:23:26.359 --> 00:23:27.199
 Paul helps us here,

00:23:27.240 --> 00:23:27.599
 doesn't he?

00:23:28.259 --> 00:23:29.959
 Jesus appeared to Cephas,

00:23:30.059 --> 00:23:30.579
 that's Peter.

00:23:31.000 --> 00:23:32.059
 He appeared to the twelve.

00:23:32.599 --> 00:23:33.519
 He appeared to more than

00:23:33.519 --> 00:23:35.359
 500 brothers at one time,

00:23:35.439 --> 00:23:36.919
 most of whom are still alive.

00:23:37.139 --> 00:23:37.759
 In other words,

00:23:37.859 --> 00:23:38.419
 Paul says,

00:23:38.779 --> 00:23:39.559
 go to the people

00:23:39.559 --> 00:23:40.319
 that saw him

00:23:40.319 --> 00:23:41.119
 and ask,

00:23:41.240 --> 00:23:42.179
 they will verify

00:23:42.179 --> 00:23:43.139
 what they saw.

00:23:44.159 --> 00:23:45.119
 He appeared to James,

00:23:45.200 --> 00:23:46.159
 he appeared to the apostles,

00:23:46.319 --> 00:23:47.000
 last of all,

00:23:47.500 --> 00:23:49.539
 he appeared also to me.

00:23:49.819 --> 00:23:50.720
 The issue wasn't

00:23:50.720 --> 00:23:51.559
 lack of evidence,

00:23:51.919 --> 00:23:52.659
 the issue was

00:23:52.659 --> 00:23:53.879
 an unbelieving heart

00:23:53.879 --> 00:23:55.700
 refusing to trust

00:23:55.700 --> 00:23:56.379
 the evidence

00:23:56.379 --> 00:23:58.720
 that was provided.

00:24:00.799 --> 00:24:03.339
 Thomas tried to set

00:24:03.339 --> 00:24:05.279
 his own terms for faith,

00:24:07.019 --> 00:24:07.399
 declaring,

00:24:07.599 --> 00:24:08.899
 I will never believe

00:24:08.900 --> 00:24:10.960
 until my conditions

00:24:10.960 --> 00:24:12.320
 are met.

00:24:14.360 --> 00:24:15.259
 And maybe you're

00:24:15.259 --> 00:24:16.500
 in a similar situation

00:24:16.500 --> 00:24:17.400
 to that this morning.

00:24:19.040 --> 00:24:20.720
 The issue isn't evidence.

00:24:21.100 --> 00:24:21.720
 The issue is

00:24:21.720 --> 00:24:23.019
 you just don't want

00:24:23.019 --> 00:24:23.580
 to believe.

00:24:24.000 --> 00:24:24.800
 And unless God

00:24:24.800 --> 00:24:25.780
 meets your demands,

00:24:25.860 --> 00:24:26.780
 whatever they may be,

00:24:27.780 --> 00:24:29.060
 you refuse

00:24:29.060 --> 00:24:31.120
 because of the hardness

00:24:31.120 --> 00:24:31.820
 of your heart.

00:24:33.440 --> 00:24:33.840
 You may say,

00:24:33.920 --> 00:24:34.780
 unless Jesus appears

00:24:34.780 --> 00:24:35.259
 to me himself,

00:24:35.320 --> 00:24:36.160
 I'm not going to believe it.

00:24:36.160 --> 00:24:37.940
 Unless I finally get

00:24:37.940 --> 00:24:38.980
 a satisfying answer

00:24:38.980 --> 00:24:39.600
 for the problem

00:24:39.600 --> 00:24:40.380
 of evil in the world,

00:24:40.440 --> 00:24:41.700
 I'm just not going

00:24:41.700 --> 00:24:42.240
 to believe.

00:24:42.580 --> 00:24:43.480
 Unless people start

00:24:43.480 --> 00:24:44.560
 being nicer to me,

00:24:44.700 --> 00:24:45.700
 I'm not going to believe.

00:24:46.000 --> 00:24:47.140
 Unless all of this stuff

00:24:47.140 --> 00:24:47.720
 works out,

00:24:47.779 --> 00:24:48.660
 the things I've been praying

00:24:48.660 --> 00:24:48.840
 for,

00:24:48.900 --> 00:24:50.000
 all of these prayers

00:24:50.000 --> 00:24:50.820
 that I've been asking

00:24:50.820 --> 00:24:51.860
 that have gone unanswered,

00:24:51.900 --> 00:24:53.180
 unless they are answered,

00:24:53.340 --> 00:24:54.460
 I will not believe.

00:24:54.660 --> 00:24:55.480
 And you try to set

00:24:55.480 --> 00:24:56.700
 your own terms for faith.

00:24:57.100 --> 00:24:57.880
 It doesn't work.

00:24:57.880 --> 00:25:01.040
 More than enough

00:25:01.040 --> 00:25:01.920
 credible evidence

00:25:01.920 --> 00:25:02.840
 has been provided.

00:25:04.400 --> 00:25:05.240
 You've decided

00:25:05.240 --> 00:25:06.220
 to set your own,

00:25:06.580 --> 00:25:08.060
 maybe even intentionally

00:25:08.060 --> 00:25:09.080
 impossible,

00:25:09.800 --> 00:25:10.640
 terms for faith.

00:25:12.280 --> 00:25:13.320
 And perhaps you do think,

00:25:13.440 --> 00:25:14.620
 if Jesus were just

00:25:14.620 --> 00:25:15.280
 to appear to me,

00:25:15.320 --> 00:25:15.800
 if he would just

00:25:15.800 --> 00:25:16.600
 make it easy

00:25:16.600 --> 00:25:17.800
 and just come

00:25:17.800 --> 00:25:18.520
 and just kind of

00:25:18.520 --> 00:25:19.560
 do in this room

00:25:19.560 --> 00:25:20.020
 this morning

00:25:20.020 --> 00:25:20.540
 what he did

00:25:20.540 --> 00:25:21.380
 for those disciples

00:25:21.380 --> 00:25:22.140
 in whatever room

00:25:22.140 --> 00:25:23.300
 it was that they were

00:25:23.300 --> 00:25:24.260
 in on that day,

00:25:24.600 --> 00:25:26.320
 then finally I would believe.

00:25:26.440 --> 00:25:27.360
 But no, you wouldn't.

00:25:27.879 --> 00:25:28.899
 Because the problem

00:25:28.899 --> 00:25:29.919
 isn't evidence.

00:25:30.259 --> 00:25:31.819
 The problem is your heart.

00:25:32.759 --> 00:25:33.579
 You have a hard heart.

00:25:34.379 --> 00:25:35.639
 Stubborn, unbelieving heart.

00:25:36.019 --> 00:25:37.119
 And here's why I know it.

00:25:37.339 --> 00:25:39.159
 Because Jesus himself said it.

00:25:40.079 --> 00:25:41.339
 In Luke chapter 16,

00:25:41.599 --> 00:25:42.519
 telling the parable

00:25:42.519 --> 00:25:43.759
 of the rich man and Lazarus.

00:25:43.899 --> 00:25:44.619
 He gets to the end

00:25:44.619 --> 00:25:45.039
 and remember,

00:25:45.339 --> 00:25:46.479
 the rich man is crying out

00:25:46.479 --> 00:25:47.419
 to Abraham and he says,

00:25:47.539 --> 00:25:48.299
 if you will just send

00:25:48.299 --> 00:25:49.379
 somebody from heaven

00:25:49.379 --> 00:25:50.699
 to go to my brothers

00:25:50.699 --> 00:25:51.699
 who are still living,

00:25:52.039 --> 00:25:53.079
 somebody from the dead,

00:25:53.279 --> 00:25:54.059
 then they'll repent

00:25:54.059 --> 00:25:54.679
 and believe.

00:25:55.059 --> 00:25:55.899
 And Abraham says,

00:25:55.979 --> 00:25:56.659
 no they won't.

00:25:57.359 --> 00:25:58.679
 They have Moses

00:25:58.679 --> 00:25:59.719
 and the prophets.

00:25:59.899 --> 00:26:00.719
 They have the scriptures.

00:26:01.159 --> 00:26:02.419
 And if they will not receive

00:26:02.419 --> 00:26:03.019
 the testimony

00:26:03.019 --> 00:26:03.779
 of the scriptures,

00:26:04.000 --> 00:26:04.959
 even if somebody

00:26:04.959 --> 00:26:06.199
 raises from the dead,

00:26:06.339 --> 00:26:07.699
 they will not believe.

00:26:08.419 --> 00:26:09.240
 And you sit here

00:26:09.240 --> 00:26:09.779
 and you think,

00:26:09.879 --> 00:26:10.979
 if Jesus would just appear,

00:26:11.139 --> 00:26:12.279
 I would finally believe.

00:26:12.479 --> 00:26:13.319
 No, you wouldn't.

00:26:13.459 --> 00:26:14.259
 Because the issue

00:26:14.259 --> 00:26:15.219
 is not the evidence.

00:26:15.439 --> 00:26:16.359
 The issue for you

00:26:16.359 --> 00:26:17.199
 is your heart.

00:26:17.399 --> 00:26:18.479
 And if he were to appear,

00:26:18.759 --> 00:26:20.179
 you'd find some kind of way,

00:26:20.299 --> 00:26:21.719
 unless he touches your heart,

00:26:21.959 --> 00:26:23.019
 you'd find some kind of way

00:26:23.019 --> 00:26:23.779
 to dismiss it.

00:26:23.779 --> 00:26:24.720
 Well, I must need

00:26:24.720 --> 00:26:25.920
 to take my medicine today.

00:26:26.099 --> 00:26:26.960
 Well, I must be

00:26:26.960 --> 00:26:28.420
 hallucinating again today.

00:26:28.599 --> 00:26:29.899
 That can't possibly

00:26:29.899 --> 00:26:30.740
 be what it is.

00:26:31.000 --> 00:26:31.920
 Pastor Jared's pulling

00:26:31.920 --> 00:26:32.440
 one of those

00:26:32.440 --> 00:26:33.559
 faith healer tricks on me.

00:26:33.980 --> 00:26:35.599
 No, it's not the evidence.

00:26:36.000 --> 00:26:36.779
 It's your heart.

00:26:37.940 --> 00:26:39.059
 So we see an unbelieving heart.

00:26:39.440 --> 00:26:39.759
 Secondly,

00:26:40.700 --> 00:26:42.440
 we see encountering

00:26:42.440 --> 00:26:43.639
 the risen Lord.

00:26:45.420 --> 00:26:46.579
 Encountering the risen Lord.

00:26:46.839 --> 00:26:47.559
 Verse 26,

00:26:48.559 --> 00:26:49.559
 eight days later,

00:26:50.200 --> 00:26:52.039
 his disciples were inside again,

00:26:52.039 --> 00:26:53.440
 and Thomas was with them.

00:26:54.440 --> 00:26:55.859
 Although the doors were locked,

00:26:56.039 --> 00:26:57.139
 Jesus came and stood

00:26:57.139 --> 00:26:58.059
 among them and said,

00:26:58.500 --> 00:26:59.500
 peace be with you.

00:27:00.539 --> 00:27:01.879
 And he said to Thomas,

00:27:02.180 --> 00:27:03.960
 put your finger here.

00:27:05.139 --> 00:27:06.000
 See my hands.

00:27:07.779 --> 00:27:08.639
 Put out your hand.

00:27:09.539 --> 00:27:10.680
 Place it in my side.

00:27:12.159 --> 00:27:13.519
 Do not disbelieve,

00:27:14.359 --> 00:27:15.859
 but believe.

00:27:17.379 --> 00:27:18.799
 And here's what I love about this.

00:27:19.899 --> 00:27:21.819
 It's another glowing example

00:27:21.819 --> 00:27:23.859
 of God's patience

00:27:23.859 --> 00:27:26.079
 and grace towards us.

00:27:28.679 --> 00:27:29.899
 Despite his doubt,

00:27:31.639 --> 00:27:33.000
 Jesus graciously,

00:27:33.419 --> 00:27:33.740
 mind you,

00:27:33.939 --> 00:27:35.099
 very graciously,

00:27:36.099 --> 00:27:37.359
 confronts Thomas,

00:27:37.779 --> 00:27:38.559
 meeting him

00:27:38.559 --> 00:27:40.119
 at his weakest moment.

00:27:41.519 --> 00:27:43.179
 He comes to where he is.

00:27:45.079 --> 00:27:46.639
 And there's three simple things

00:27:46.639 --> 00:27:47.480
 that I want to point out

00:27:47.480 --> 00:27:48.399
 to you about this.

00:27:48.400 --> 00:27:49.900
 The first thing is this.

00:27:50.660 --> 00:27:52.640
 Jesus came to Thomas.

00:27:53.660 --> 00:27:55.300
 Jesus came to Thomas.

00:27:57.200 --> 00:27:58.380
 There's so many people

00:27:58.380 --> 00:27:59.780
 that think for Jesus

00:27:59.780 --> 00:28:01.160
 to be willing to save them,

00:28:01.640 --> 00:28:03.280
 that they have to make themselves

00:28:03.280 --> 00:28:04.940
 savable first.

00:28:06.480 --> 00:28:07.920
 They burden themselves

00:28:07.920 --> 00:28:09.540
 with all of this religious practice

00:28:09.540 --> 00:28:10.460
 and the pursuits

00:28:10.460 --> 00:28:11.940
 of self-righteousness,

00:28:12.040 --> 00:28:13.780
 hoping that it will be enough

00:28:13.780 --> 00:28:15.560
 for God to grant them salvation.

00:28:15.559 --> 00:28:15.700
 salvation.

00:28:16.700 --> 00:28:18.500
 And if that's you this morning,

00:28:18.599 --> 00:28:20.220
 you've totally missed the point.

00:28:20.839 --> 00:28:22.299
 You've totally missed everything

00:28:22.299 --> 00:28:23.440
 that's happening here

00:28:23.440 --> 00:28:23.980
 in the Scriptures.

00:28:25.579 --> 00:28:26.960
 The Scriptures teach us

00:28:26.960 --> 00:28:28.139
 that salvation comes

00:28:28.139 --> 00:28:30.000
 by God's grace alone.

00:28:30.980 --> 00:28:32.539
 And Thomas' encounter

00:28:32.539 --> 00:28:34.899
 is just one of many illustrations

00:28:34.899 --> 00:28:36.099
 of this in the Bible.

00:28:37.559 --> 00:28:39.379
 Jesus didn't wait for Thomas

00:28:39.380 --> 00:28:41.060
 to get his act together

00:28:41.060 --> 00:28:42.260
 before he was willing

00:28:42.260 --> 00:28:42.860
 to appear.

00:28:43.700 --> 00:28:44.020
 No.

00:28:45.240 --> 00:28:47.740
 He graciously pursued Thomas

00:28:47.740 --> 00:28:49.200
 in his sin

00:28:49.200 --> 00:28:50.600
 and doubt.

00:28:51.120 --> 00:28:52.620
 Jesus came to him

00:28:52.620 --> 00:28:53.440
 graciously,

00:28:53.880 --> 00:28:54.520
 mercifully,

00:28:55.040 --> 00:28:55.880
 lovingly,

00:28:56.040 --> 00:28:57.120
 appears to Thomas

00:28:57.120 --> 00:28:57.680
 in this moment.

00:28:57.880 --> 00:28:58.520
 It reminded me,

00:28:58.600 --> 00:28:59.440
 thinking of this this week,

00:28:59.900 --> 00:29:01.260
 some of you may remember

00:29:01.260 --> 00:29:01.740
 this song.

00:29:01.840 --> 00:29:02.380
 It was an old

00:29:02.380 --> 00:29:03.420
 Squire Parsons song.

00:29:03.500 --> 00:29:05.020
 I remember my dad singing

00:29:05.020 --> 00:29:05.980
 when I was growing up.

00:29:06.680 --> 00:29:07.640
 He came to me.

00:29:07.940 --> 00:29:08.720
 Do you know that song?

00:29:08.720 --> 00:29:10.200
 He came to me.

00:29:10.400 --> 00:29:11.519
 He came to me.

00:29:11.640 --> 00:29:13.279
 When I could not come

00:29:13.279 --> 00:29:15.120
 to where he was,

00:29:15.259 --> 00:29:16.220
 he came to me.

00:29:16.660 --> 00:29:17.400
 That's exactly

00:29:17.400 --> 00:29:18.299
 the point of the Bible.

00:29:18.600 --> 00:29:19.539
 We could never come

00:29:19.539 --> 00:29:20.279
 to where he is.

00:29:20.519 --> 00:29:21.940
 You will never be good enough

00:29:21.940 --> 00:29:23.600
 for what God's law demands.

00:29:23.860 --> 00:29:25.839
 So God graciously comes to us

00:29:25.839 --> 00:29:27.360
 in the person of Jesus Christ.

00:29:27.500 --> 00:29:28.960
 And we see it all over again

00:29:28.960 --> 00:29:29.740
 right here with Thomas.

00:29:30.100 --> 00:29:31.420
 Jesus coming to him.

00:29:32.759 --> 00:29:33.299
 Secondly,

00:29:34.039 --> 00:29:35.600
 Jesus announced his peace.

00:29:36.620 --> 00:29:37.759
 He announced his peace.

00:29:38.720 --> 00:29:40.579
 Shalom is the common greeting

00:29:40.579 --> 00:29:42.460
 of peace among Jews.

00:29:43.279 --> 00:29:45.660
 But the peace that Jesus announced

00:29:45.660 --> 00:29:47.360
 was more than a simple greeting.

00:29:48.980 --> 00:29:51.420
 In spite of his refusal

00:29:51.420 --> 00:29:52.740
 to believe the reports,

00:29:52.940 --> 00:29:54.079
 Jesus did not appear

00:29:54.079 --> 00:29:55.720
 to Thomas in anger.

00:29:56.660 --> 00:29:57.700
 He appeared to him

00:29:57.700 --> 00:29:59.779
 with a comforting peace.

00:30:00.759 --> 00:30:02.700
 And this peace that he announces

00:30:02.700 --> 00:30:03.860
 to Thomas and the others

00:30:03.860 --> 00:30:05.539
 was the peace with God

00:30:05.539 --> 00:30:07.740
 that he had just won for them

00:30:07.740 --> 00:30:09.180
 on the cross.

00:30:10.579 --> 00:30:11.420
 In other words,

00:30:11.480 --> 00:30:12.879
 when Jesus appears to Thomas

00:30:12.879 --> 00:30:13.399
 and he says,

00:30:13.519 --> 00:30:14.339
 peace be with you,

00:30:14.539 --> 00:30:15.599
 he is announcing

00:30:15.599 --> 00:30:17.319
 that he was God's messenger

00:30:17.319 --> 00:30:17.980
 of peace

00:30:17.980 --> 00:30:20.460
 for the very sin of unbelief

00:30:20.460 --> 00:30:22.799
 that Thomas was living in

00:30:22.799 --> 00:30:23.759
 at that moment.

00:30:23.759 --> 00:30:26.660
 I have brought peace to you,

00:30:27.660 --> 00:30:27.960
 Thomas.

00:30:29.420 --> 00:30:30.440
 To be sure,

00:30:31.920 --> 00:30:32.299
 judgment,

00:30:33.480 --> 00:30:34.359
 God's wrath

00:30:34.359 --> 00:30:36.579
 awaits all unbelievers

00:30:36.579 --> 00:30:37.700
 at the end of this life.

00:30:37.819 --> 00:30:38.720
 But right now,

00:30:38.819 --> 00:30:40.259
 it is not a message of judgment

00:30:40.259 --> 00:30:41.759
 that Jesus comes and brings.

00:30:42.559 --> 00:30:43.379
 Right now,

00:30:43.440 --> 00:30:44.740
 it's a message of peace,

00:30:45.379 --> 00:30:46.299
 his peace,

00:30:46.819 --> 00:30:48.500
 won through the cross.

00:30:49.160 --> 00:30:49.799
 And it's one

00:30:49.799 --> 00:30:50.960
 that he brings to you today.

00:30:51.200 --> 00:30:52.259
 We see this all over

00:30:52.259 --> 00:30:52.920
 the New Testament.

00:30:53.240 --> 00:30:53.859
 Romans 5,

00:30:54.119 --> 00:30:55.500
 therefore being justified

00:30:55.500 --> 00:30:57.099
 by faith,

00:30:57.400 --> 00:30:59.140
 we have peace with God

00:30:59.140 --> 00:31:00.720
 through our Lord,

00:31:01.500 --> 00:31:02.400
 Jesus Christ.

00:31:03.319 --> 00:31:04.579
 So Jesus comes to Thomas.

00:31:05.319 --> 00:31:06.720
 When he comes to Thomas,

00:31:06.880 --> 00:31:08.559
 he doesn't say condemned.

00:31:08.980 --> 00:31:10.059
 When he comes to Thomas,

00:31:10.160 --> 00:31:11.680
 he says peace.

00:31:11.680 --> 00:31:13.200
 And then notice thirdly,

00:31:13.539 --> 00:31:15.619
 Jesus calls him to faith.

00:31:16.619 --> 00:31:18.099
 He calls him to faith.

00:31:19.460 --> 00:31:21.839
 Do not disbelieve, Thomas.

00:31:23.079 --> 00:31:24.180
 But believe.

00:31:26.440 --> 00:31:27.940
 Now I love that

00:31:27.940 --> 00:31:29.779
 Jesus hasn't appeared

00:31:29.779 --> 00:31:31.160
 to the disciples

00:31:31.160 --> 00:31:32.700
 since that night

00:31:32.700 --> 00:31:33.440
 a week before.

00:31:34.279 --> 00:31:35.519
 At least it doesn't appear

00:31:35.519 --> 00:31:36.319
 that way in the scriptures.

00:31:37.779 --> 00:31:39.180
 Thomas has not yet seen Jesus.

00:31:40.519 --> 00:31:42.180
 Jesus wasn't there physically.

00:31:42.460 --> 00:31:43.519
 Wasn't there physically

00:31:43.519 --> 00:31:45.339
 when Thomas tells the disciples,

00:31:45.859 --> 00:31:47.380
 unless I put my fingers

00:31:47.380 --> 00:31:48.240
 in his wounds,

00:31:48.240 --> 00:31:49.460
 I will not believe.

00:31:49.720 --> 00:31:51.839
 But notice that the first thing

00:31:51.839 --> 00:31:53.359
 Jesus says after he announces

00:31:53.359 --> 00:31:54.759
 his peace is he says,

00:31:54.839 --> 00:31:57.000
 Thomas, put your finger here.

00:31:58.000 --> 00:31:59.339
 Put your finger here.

00:32:00.799 --> 00:32:01.900
 Faith is necessary.

00:32:02.400 --> 00:32:03.700
 But God does not bring us,

00:32:04.200 --> 00:32:05.420
 he does not demand of us

00:32:05.420 --> 00:32:06.240
 a blind faith.

00:32:06.319 --> 00:32:07.819
 He gives us verifiable

00:32:07.819 --> 00:32:09.779
 evidence for that faith.

00:32:09.859 --> 00:32:10.940
 And he reaches out his hand

00:32:10.940 --> 00:32:11.279
 and he says,

00:32:11.279 --> 00:32:11.879
 put your finger here.

00:32:11.879 --> 00:32:12.200
 Put your finger here.

00:32:12.619 --> 00:32:14.000
 Put your hand here.

00:32:14.319 --> 00:32:14.980
 See me.

00:32:15.379 --> 00:32:16.980
 Touch me, Thomas.

00:32:17.579 --> 00:32:19.660
 Don't disbelieve.

00:32:20.799 --> 00:32:21.279
 Believe.

00:32:22.500 --> 00:32:23.680
 And after showing Thomas

00:32:23.680 --> 00:32:24.299
 his wounds,

00:32:25.139 --> 00:32:26.039
 he calls him

00:32:26.039 --> 00:32:27.899
 to stop doubting,

00:32:28.399 --> 00:32:29.940
 to believe.

00:32:29.940 --> 00:32:32.059
 You see,

00:32:32.120 --> 00:32:32.900
 the only way

00:32:32.900 --> 00:32:34.480
 to receive the peace

00:32:34.480 --> 00:32:35.860
 won by Christ

00:32:35.860 --> 00:32:36.580
 on the cross

00:32:36.580 --> 00:32:38.259
 is by believing

00:32:38.259 --> 00:32:40.059
 in who he is

00:32:40.059 --> 00:32:41.559
 and what he has done.

00:32:43.500 --> 00:32:44.680
 And genuine faith

00:32:44.680 --> 00:32:45.840
 does not preclude

00:32:45.840 --> 00:32:47.480
 sincere investigation.

00:32:48.480 --> 00:32:49.680
 But true faith

00:32:49.680 --> 00:32:50.580
 is ultimately

00:32:50.580 --> 00:32:51.340
 at the heart

00:32:51.340 --> 00:32:52.580
 of the gospel message.

00:32:52.579 --> 00:32:55.939
 And saving faith

00:32:55.939 --> 00:32:57.099
 is more than just

00:32:57.099 --> 00:32:57.779
 assenting

00:32:57.779 --> 00:32:59.359
 to historical facts.

00:33:00.099 --> 00:33:01.960
 It is to turn from sin

00:33:01.960 --> 00:33:03.599
 and to turn from self

00:33:03.599 --> 00:33:05.119
 and to turn from doubt

00:33:05.119 --> 00:33:06.679
 to trust wholly

00:33:06.679 --> 00:33:08.359
 in the person of Christ

00:33:08.359 --> 00:33:09.159
 alone

00:33:09.159 --> 00:33:11.319
 for eternal life.

00:33:11.960 --> 00:33:14.079
 And it is to this kind of faith

00:33:14.079 --> 00:33:15.799
 that Jesus calls Thomas.

00:33:16.079 --> 00:33:17.539
 And it's to this kind of faith

00:33:17.539 --> 00:33:18.399
 that he calls

00:33:18.399 --> 00:33:19.699
 each and every one of us

00:33:19.699 --> 00:33:21.759
 stop disbelieving

00:33:21.759 --> 00:33:23.339
 and believe.

00:33:25.599 --> 00:33:27.279
 Remember John 11, 25?

00:33:27.559 --> 00:33:28.220
 This is again

00:33:28.220 --> 00:33:29.339
 in the whole scene

00:33:29.339 --> 00:33:31.000
 with raising Lazarus

00:33:31.000 --> 00:33:31.519
 from the dead.

00:33:31.599 --> 00:33:32.619
 But before he does it,

00:33:32.879 --> 00:33:34.619
 he's talking to Lazarus' sister.

00:33:35.640 --> 00:33:36.460
 And he tells her,

00:33:36.640 --> 00:33:37.819
 I am the resurrection

00:33:37.819 --> 00:33:39.200
 and the life.

00:33:40.160 --> 00:33:41.740
 Whoever believes in me,

00:33:41.960 --> 00:33:42.920
 though he die,

00:33:43.200 --> 00:33:44.379
 yet shall he live.

00:33:44.599 --> 00:33:45.920
 And everyone who lives

00:33:45.920 --> 00:33:47.200
 and believes in me

00:33:47.200 --> 00:33:49.099
 shall never die.

00:33:49.319 --> 00:33:50.000
 And then notice

00:33:50.000 --> 00:33:51.019
 what he says to her.

00:33:51.019 --> 00:33:53.240
 Do you believe this?

00:33:54.359 --> 00:33:55.839
 Will you believe?

00:33:57.579 --> 00:33:58.960
 And Jesus does that

00:33:58.960 --> 00:33:59.440
 with Thomas.

00:33:59.639 --> 00:34:00.039
 He says,

00:34:00.259 --> 00:34:00.879
 look at my hands

00:34:00.879 --> 00:34:01.759
 and look at my sight.

00:34:01.879 --> 00:34:02.319
 See me.

00:34:02.579 --> 00:34:03.220
 Listen to me.

00:34:03.480 --> 00:34:04.119
 Hear me.

00:34:04.519 --> 00:34:05.680
 Will you believe?

00:34:05.680 --> 00:34:09.559
 And it's unfortunate

00:34:09.559 --> 00:34:12.099
 that Thomas has gained

00:34:12.099 --> 00:34:13.220
 this popular nickname,

00:34:13.360 --> 00:34:14.200
 Doubting Thomas.

00:34:14.840 --> 00:34:16.260
 I say it's unfortunate

00:34:16.260 --> 00:34:18.139
 because not one

00:34:18.139 --> 00:34:19.579
 of Jesus' followers

00:34:19.579 --> 00:34:20.800
 immediately believed

00:34:20.800 --> 00:34:21.840
 the news of his resurrection.

00:34:22.180 --> 00:34:23.579
 Not a single one of them.

00:34:24.720 --> 00:34:25.480
 When the women

00:34:25.480 --> 00:34:26.539
 saw the empty tomb

00:34:26.539 --> 00:34:27.280
 and the angels

00:34:27.280 --> 00:34:28.059
 said to them,

00:34:28.300 --> 00:34:28.940
 he has risen,

00:34:29.019 --> 00:34:29.559
 he's not here.

00:34:29.700 --> 00:34:30.539
 They didn't believe

00:34:30.539 --> 00:34:31.039
 the angels

00:34:31.039 --> 00:34:32.480
 until Jesus appeared to them.

00:34:33.360 --> 00:34:34.000
 And then they go

00:34:34.000 --> 00:34:34.840
 and tell the disciples

00:34:34.840 --> 00:34:35.820
 and the disciples run,

00:34:35.900 --> 00:34:36.860
 at least Peter and John do.

00:34:37.019 --> 00:34:37.880
 They run to the tomb

00:34:37.880 --> 00:34:38.639
 and they see the tomb

00:34:38.639 --> 00:34:38.940
 is empty,

00:34:39.039 --> 00:34:39.760
 but they don't believe

00:34:39.760 --> 00:34:40.139
 the ladies.

00:34:40.240 --> 00:34:40.679
 They go home,

00:34:40.760 --> 00:34:41.219
 they're amazed

00:34:41.219 --> 00:34:42.019
 at the circumstance,

00:34:42.340 --> 00:34:43.500
 but they do not believe

00:34:43.500 --> 00:34:44.079
 the message

00:34:44.079 --> 00:34:46.199
 until the risen Lord

00:34:46.199 --> 00:34:47.099
 appears to them.

00:34:47.820 --> 00:34:48.639
 And then we get here

00:34:48.639 --> 00:34:49.159
 to Thomas

00:34:49.159 --> 00:34:50.440
 and we see this dramatic

00:34:50.440 --> 00:34:51.960
 refusal to believe

00:34:51.960 --> 00:34:52.860
 until his conditions

00:34:52.860 --> 00:34:53.420
 are met

00:34:53.420 --> 00:34:54.619
 and we give him

00:34:54.619 --> 00:34:55.039
 this name,

00:34:55.099 --> 00:34:55.659
 Doubting Thomas,

00:34:55.659 --> 00:34:56.460
 but he's no different

00:34:56.460 --> 00:34:57.480
 than any of the others.

00:34:57.820 --> 00:34:58.579
 He's no different

00:34:58.579 --> 00:34:59.559
 than any of us.

00:34:59.559 --> 00:35:05.039
 And I want you to notice

00:35:05.039 --> 00:35:05.900
 that the scripture

00:35:05.900 --> 00:35:07.420
 never says

00:35:07.420 --> 00:35:09.900
 that Thomas actually

00:35:09.900 --> 00:35:10.639
 went so far

00:35:10.639 --> 00:35:12.059
 as to touch Jesus' wounds.

00:35:12.299 --> 00:35:12.820
 He doesn't say

00:35:12.820 --> 00:35:13.480
 he did that.

00:35:14.219 --> 00:35:14.739
 He doesn't say

00:35:14.739 --> 00:35:15.639
 he actually touched him.

00:35:17.699 --> 00:35:18.500
 I don't think

00:35:18.500 --> 00:35:19.119
 he had to

00:35:19.119 --> 00:35:22.699
 because an encounter

00:35:22.699 --> 00:35:23.719
 with the risen Lord

00:35:23.719 --> 00:35:24.659
 is all that it took.

00:35:26.059 --> 00:35:27.000
 Coming to him,

00:35:28.179 --> 00:35:29.279
 announcing his peace,

00:35:29.559 --> 00:35:30.699
 and saying,

00:35:31.199 --> 00:35:31.659
 believe,

00:35:33.019 --> 00:35:34.119
 calling him to faith.

00:35:36.820 --> 00:35:38.440
 A personal encounter

00:35:38.440 --> 00:35:39.539
 with the risen Christ

00:35:39.539 --> 00:35:41.079
 is necessary

00:35:41.079 --> 00:35:42.639
 for saving faith.

00:35:43.619 --> 00:35:44.579
 It's necessary.

00:35:46.659 --> 00:35:47.960
 But that doesn't mean

00:35:47.960 --> 00:35:49.299
 we must physically see

00:35:49.299 --> 00:35:50.179
 and touch Jesus

00:35:50.179 --> 00:35:50.960
 to believe.

00:35:52.460 --> 00:35:53.179
 Jesus said

00:35:53.179 --> 00:35:54.380
 that our stubborn hearts

00:35:54.380 --> 00:35:55.519
 are moved to faith

00:35:55.519 --> 00:35:56.860
 through the work

00:35:56.860 --> 00:35:57.799
 of his spirit.

00:35:57.800 --> 00:36:00.120
 John chapter 16.

00:36:00.440 --> 00:36:00.920
 When the spirit

00:36:00.920 --> 00:36:01.760
 of truth comes,

00:36:02.100 --> 00:36:03.160
 he will guide you

00:36:03.160 --> 00:36:04.300
 into all truth.

00:36:05.019 --> 00:36:06.080
 He will not speak

00:36:06.080 --> 00:36:06.920
 on his own authority,

00:36:07.060 --> 00:36:07.960
 but whatever he hears,

00:36:08.019 --> 00:36:08.560
 he will speak.

00:36:08.780 --> 00:36:09.539
 And he will declare

00:36:09.539 --> 00:36:10.519
 to you the things

00:36:10.519 --> 00:36:11.200
 that are to come.

00:36:11.640 --> 00:36:14.860
 He will glorify me.

00:36:15.860 --> 00:36:16.640
 For he will take

00:36:16.640 --> 00:36:17.260
 what is mine

00:36:17.260 --> 00:36:17.980
 and declare it to you.

00:36:18.000 --> 00:36:18.460
 In other words,

00:36:18.580 --> 00:36:19.380
 what the spirit's

00:36:19.380 --> 00:36:19.900
 going to do

00:36:19.900 --> 00:36:20.960
 is he's going to say

00:36:20.960 --> 00:36:22.280
 everything that relates

00:36:22.280 --> 00:36:22.700
 to me.

00:36:22.800 --> 00:36:23.720
 He's going to glorify

00:36:23.720 --> 00:36:24.820
 my death and resurrection.

00:36:24.820 --> 00:36:26.019
 He's going to open

00:36:26.019 --> 00:36:27.360
 your hearts to believe.

00:36:28.180 --> 00:36:28.880
 And what you need

00:36:28.880 --> 00:36:29.380
 this morning

00:36:29.380 --> 00:36:30.320
 is not for Jesus

00:36:30.320 --> 00:36:31.420
 to appear before you.

00:36:31.559 --> 00:36:32.280
 What you need

00:36:32.280 --> 00:36:33.140
 is for his spirit

00:36:33.140 --> 00:36:34.780
 to move within you

00:36:34.780 --> 00:36:36.900
 because an encounter

00:36:36.900 --> 00:36:37.920
 with the risen Christ

00:36:37.920 --> 00:36:38.559
 through the work

00:36:38.559 --> 00:36:39.019
 of the spirit

00:36:39.019 --> 00:36:40.460
 is essential

00:36:40.460 --> 00:36:41.539
 for saving faith.

00:36:42.280 --> 00:36:43.480
 If you don't have it,

00:36:43.920 --> 00:36:45.019
 you will not be saved.

00:36:45.100 --> 00:36:45.980
 You cannot be saved

00:36:45.980 --> 00:36:47.019
 because you will not believe.

00:36:49.100 --> 00:36:49.580
 So,

00:36:50.059 --> 00:36:51.080
 we see an unbelieving heart.

00:36:51.200 --> 00:36:52.000
 We see encountering

00:36:52.000 --> 00:36:52.800
 the risen Christ.

00:36:52.800 --> 00:36:54.080
 Thirdly and finally,

00:36:54.560 --> 00:36:55.519
 we see responding

00:36:55.519 --> 00:36:56.940
 in faith.

00:36:58.240 --> 00:36:59.000
 Responding in faith.

00:36:59.100 --> 00:36:59.660
 Verse 28,

00:37:00.140 --> 00:37:01.060
 Thomas answered him,

00:37:01.900 --> 00:37:03.500
 my Lord and my God.

00:37:05.260 --> 00:37:06.640
 And Jesus said to him,

00:37:07.720 --> 00:37:08.840
 have you believed

00:37:08.840 --> 00:37:10.100
 because you have seen me?

00:37:10.700 --> 00:37:11.220
 And he's not saying

00:37:11.220 --> 00:37:12.000
 that's a bad thing.

00:37:12.320 --> 00:37:13.240
 He's just acknowledging

00:37:13.240 --> 00:37:14.060
 that's the reality

00:37:14.060 --> 00:37:14.840
 of what has happened.

00:37:15.620 --> 00:37:16.440
 Have you believed

00:37:16.440 --> 00:37:17.460
 because you've seen me?

00:37:18.440 --> 00:37:19.480
 Blessed are those

00:37:19.480 --> 00:37:20.660
 who have not seen

00:37:20.659 --> 00:37:23.019
 and yet have believed.

00:37:23.460 --> 00:37:24.139
 Blessed are those

00:37:24.139 --> 00:37:25.079
 who have not seen me

00:37:25.079 --> 00:37:25.819
 yet they believe me.

00:37:26.179 --> 00:37:26.819
 Blessed are those

00:37:26.819 --> 00:37:27.440
 who do not have

00:37:27.440 --> 00:37:29.659
 all of their questions answered

00:37:29.659 --> 00:37:30.779
 and yet they believe.

00:37:31.219 --> 00:37:32.079
 Blessed are those

00:37:32.079 --> 00:37:32.960
 who are still wondering

00:37:32.960 --> 00:37:33.879
 and still struggling

00:37:33.879 --> 00:37:34.859
 with hurt and doubt

00:37:34.859 --> 00:37:35.639
 and all the things

00:37:35.639 --> 00:37:37.179
 yet they believe.

00:37:37.759 --> 00:37:39.039
 Blessed they are.

00:37:39.619 --> 00:37:40.480
 And this is the only

00:37:40.480 --> 00:37:41.699
 appropriate response

00:37:41.699 --> 00:37:42.759
 to an encounter

00:37:42.759 --> 00:37:43.599
 with the risen Lord.

00:37:44.980 --> 00:37:46.579
 Notice Thomas' affirmation

00:37:46.579 --> 00:37:47.399
 is twofold.

00:37:47.400 --> 00:37:48.780
 He says,

00:37:49.039 --> 00:37:49.579
 my Lord,

00:37:50.539 --> 00:37:52.180
 showing he was now

00:37:52.180 --> 00:37:53.760
 wholly committing

00:37:53.760 --> 00:37:54.780
 his life to follow

00:37:54.780 --> 00:37:55.740
 and obey Jesus.

00:37:56.260 --> 00:37:57.000
 My Lord,

00:37:58.059 --> 00:37:59.059
 my God.

00:38:01.139 --> 00:38:02.220
 Proclaiming that Jesus

00:38:02.220 --> 00:38:03.240
 would forever be

00:38:03.240 --> 00:38:04.160
 the object of his

00:38:04.160 --> 00:38:06.139
 affection and worship.

00:38:07.780 --> 00:38:08.780
 Loved ones,

00:38:10.000 --> 00:38:12.820
 this is true saving faith.

00:38:12.820 --> 00:38:16.280
 It does not merely

00:38:16.280 --> 00:38:18.340
 agree to a set of facts.

00:38:18.340 --> 00:38:20.320
 It is taking those truths

00:38:20.320 --> 00:38:21.860
 and casting yourself

00:38:21.860 --> 00:38:23.519
 wholly on Christ

00:38:23.519 --> 00:38:24.559
 as Lord

00:38:24.559 --> 00:38:25.680
 and Savior

00:38:25.680 --> 00:38:26.800
 and God

00:38:26.800 --> 00:38:28.519
 turning away from all else

00:38:28.519 --> 00:38:28.940
 and saying,

00:38:29.200 --> 00:38:29.800
 my Lord,

00:38:30.500 --> 00:38:31.700
 my God,

00:38:32.320 --> 00:38:33.640
 I will follow you.

00:38:33.900 --> 00:38:35.300
 I will obey you.

00:38:35.840 --> 00:38:36.760
 I will love you.

00:38:37.440 --> 00:38:39.340
 I will worship you.

00:38:39.740 --> 00:38:41.400
 That is true saving faith.

00:38:41.400 --> 00:38:44.519
 Now notice Jesus' reply.

00:38:46.460 --> 00:38:47.940
 It was necessary

00:38:47.940 --> 00:38:49.760
 for all the apostles

00:38:49.760 --> 00:38:51.619
 to have a physical encounter

00:38:51.619 --> 00:38:52.160
 with Jesus

00:38:52.160 --> 00:38:53.059
 after his resurrection.

00:38:53.280 --> 00:38:54.340
 That was actually something

00:38:54.340 --> 00:38:55.300
 that must have happened.

00:38:56.300 --> 00:38:57.440
 He had specifically

00:38:57.440 --> 00:38:58.139
 chosen them

00:38:58.139 --> 00:38:59.039
 to be his witnesses,

00:38:59.559 --> 00:39:00.800
 particularly witnesses

00:39:00.800 --> 00:39:01.980
 of his life

00:39:01.980 --> 00:39:02.500
 and his death

00:39:02.500 --> 00:39:03.340
 and his resurrection.

00:39:03.700 --> 00:39:04.660
 But that would be

00:39:04.660 --> 00:39:06.039
 impossible for them to be

00:39:06.039 --> 00:39:07.139
 if they had not

00:39:07.139 --> 00:39:08.220
 actually witnessed it.

00:39:08.720 --> 00:39:09.740
 At some point,

00:39:09.880 --> 00:39:10.960
 Jesus was going to appear

00:39:10.960 --> 00:39:11.519
 physically

00:39:11.519 --> 00:39:12.619
 to Thomas

00:39:12.619 --> 00:39:13.539
 because that's why

00:39:13.539 --> 00:39:14.599
 he had chosen Thomas.

00:39:14.699 --> 00:39:15.460
 He had chosen him

00:39:15.460 --> 00:39:16.639
 for that purpose

00:39:16.639 --> 00:39:17.579
 and you can read about that

00:39:17.579 --> 00:39:18.780
 further in Acts chapter 1.

00:39:20.340 --> 00:39:21.820
 But Jesus also says here

00:39:21.820 --> 00:39:22.980
 in verse 29

00:39:22.980 --> 00:39:26.960
 that all who believe

00:39:26.960 --> 00:39:28.300
 without seeing him

00:39:28.300 --> 00:39:30.480
 as a result

00:39:30.480 --> 00:39:31.740
 of the apostles' witness

00:39:31.740 --> 00:39:33.139
 that we read even now

00:39:33.139 --> 00:39:35.980
 that they would be blessed.

00:39:37.199 --> 00:39:38.460
 And blessed in this case

00:39:38.460 --> 00:39:40.199
 is not simply a word

00:39:40.199 --> 00:39:40.840
 for happiness.

00:39:41.519 --> 00:39:42.400
 That's not what he means.

00:39:43.340 --> 00:39:44.539
 It means that all

00:39:44.539 --> 00:39:46.119
 who believe in Christ

00:39:46.119 --> 00:39:47.099
 will receive

00:39:47.099 --> 00:39:48.840
 the eternal blessing

00:39:48.840 --> 00:39:49.780
 of God

00:39:49.780 --> 00:39:51.440
 in forgiveness of sin

00:39:51.440 --> 00:39:53.760
 and peace with him.

00:39:54.840 --> 00:39:55.880
 That's the blessing.

00:39:56.840 --> 00:39:58.139
 And it does not come

00:39:58.139 --> 00:39:59.139
 through your best effort.

00:39:59.840 --> 00:40:01.559
 It comes through your faith.

00:40:02.280 --> 00:40:03.139
 Faith in what?

00:40:03.139 --> 00:40:05.019
 Faith in Christ

00:40:05.019 --> 00:40:06.699
 according to the witness

00:40:06.699 --> 00:40:07.519
 of the apostles

00:40:07.519 --> 00:40:09.460
 in the word of God.

00:40:11.119 --> 00:40:12.119
 That's the faith.

00:40:13.719 --> 00:40:14.940
 Peter wrote about it.

00:40:15.279 --> 00:40:16.039
 1 Peter 1

00:40:16.039 --> 00:40:17.960
 Though you have not seen him

00:40:17.960 --> 00:40:19.400
 you love him.

00:40:20.259 --> 00:40:21.980
 Though you do not now see him

00:40:21.980 --> 00:40:23.139
 you believe in him

00:40:23.139 --> 00:40:24.880
 and rejoice with joy

00:40:24.880 --> 00:40:26.019
 that is inexpressible

00:40:26.019 --> 00:40:26.860
 and filled with glory

00:40:26.860 --> 00:40:28.579
 obtaining the outcome

00:40:28.579 --> 00:40:29.400
 of your faith

00:40:29.400 --> 00:40:30.960
 which is the salvation

00:40:30.960 --> 00:40:32.420
 of your souls

00:40:32.420 --> 00:40:33.900
 without having ever seen

00:40:33.900 --> 00:40:34.779
 the physical Christ.

00:40:38.980 --> 00:40:40.019
 Has this ever been

00:40:40.019 --> 00:40:41.119
 your response to Christ?

00:40:41.119 --> 00:40:46.739
 My guess

00:40:46.739 --> 00:40:48.179
 in getting to know

00:40:48.179 --> 00:40:48.659
 all the people

00:40:48.659 --> 00:40:49.480
 that are in this room

00:40:49.480 --> 00:40:50.079
 at this point

00:40:50.079 --> 00:40:51.460
 my guess is that

00:40:51.460 --> 00:40:52.099
 this is not your

00:40:52.099 --> 00:40:53.139
 first Easter service.

00:40:54.839 --> 00:40:55.559
 You've probably been

00:40:55.559 --> 00:40:56.000
 to many

00:40:56.000 --> 00:40:57.599
 maybe dozens.

00:40:59.219 --> 00:41:00.359
 You've heard the stories

00:41:00.359 --> 00:41:01.319
 you've read the chapters

00:41:01.319 --> 00:41:02.339
 maybe you read them again

00:41:02.339 --> 00:41:02.779
 this morning

00:41:02.779 --> 00:41:03.900
 in your personal devotions

00:41:03.900 --> 00:41:04.799
 you're willing to assent

00:41:04.799 --> 00:41:06.000
 to the historical facts

00:41:06.000 --> 00:41:07.500
 because you can't find

00:41:07.500 --> 00:41:08.400
 a way to disprove them

00:41:08.400 --> 00:41:08.719
 at least

00:41:08.719 --> 00:41:09.519
 so you might as well

00:41:09.519 --> 00:41:10.119
 agree that

00:41:10.119 --> 00:41:11.099
 okay this must have

00:41:11.099 --> 00:41:11.519
 happened

00:41:11.519 --> 00:41:13.179
 but has this ever been

00:41:13.179 --> 00:41:13.880
 your response

00:41:13.880 --> 00:41:14.679
 to those things?

00:41:15.339 --> 00:41:16.039
 My Lord

00:41:16.039 --> 00:41:18.119
 my God

00:41:18.119 --> 00:41:21.199
 it's one thing

00:41:21.199 --> 00:41:21.839
 to be friendly

00:41:21.839 --> 00:41:22.579
 toward Christ

00:41:22.579 --> 00:41:23.360
 and Christianity

00:41:23.360 --> 00:41:25.639
 but salvation

00:41:25.639 --> 00:41:26.819
 belongs only

00:41:26.819 --> 00:41:28.900
 to those who trust him

00:41:28.900 --> 00:41:29.900
 as Lord

00:41:29.900 --> 00:41:31.159
 and God

00:41:31.159 --> 00:41:33.319
 it is not enough

00:41:33.319 --> 00:41:34.099
 to be a friend

00:41:34.099 --> 00:41:34.599
 of Christians

00:41:34.599 --> 00:41:36.599
 you must be

00:41:36.599 --> 00:41:37.119
 a Christian

00:41:37.119 --> 00:41:39.400
 and you cannot

00:41:39.400 --> 00:41:40.319
 be a Christian

00:41:40.320 --> 00:41:41.980
 without faith

00:41:41.980 --> 00:41:42.640
 in his gospel

00:41:42.640 --> 00:41:44.100
 you can't

00:41:44.100 --> 00:41:46.660
 let's finish

00:41:46.660 --> 00:41:47.100
 with verses

00:41:47.100 --> 00:41:48.100
 30 and 31

00:41:48.100 --> 00:41:51.160
 John says

00:41:51.160 --> 00:41:51.580
 now Jesus

00:41:51.580 --> 00:41:52.600
 did many other signs

00:41:52.600 --> 00:41:53.160
 in the presence

00:41:53.160 --> 00:41:53.900
 of the disciples

00:41:53.900 --> 00:41:54.660
 which are not

00:41:54.660 --> 00:41:55.920
 written in this book

00:41:55.920 --> 00:41:58.400
 but these are written

00:41:58.400 --> 00:42:00.640
 so that you may believe

00:42:00.640 --> 00:42:01.840
 that Jesus

00:42:01.840 --> 00:42:02.720
 is the Christ

00:42:02.720 --> 00:42:03.820
 the Son of God

00:42:03.820 --> 00:42:05.640
 and that by believing

00:42:05.639 --> 00:42:07.960
 you may have life

00:42:07.960 --> 00:42:09.279
 in his name

00:42:09.279 --> 00:42:12.599
 it's through the Holy Spirit

00:42:12.599 --> 00:42:13.059
 of God

00:42:13.059 --> 00:42:13.539
 that Jesus

00:42:13.539 --> 00:42:14.460
 comes to us

00:42:14.460 --> 00:42:15.739
 and announces his peace

00:42:15.739 --> 00:42:16.779
 and calls us to faith

00:42:16.779 --> 00:42:19.279
 but it is the written

00:42:19.279 --> 00:42:20.199
 word of God

00:42:20.199 --> 00:42:21.339
 that the Spirit

00:42:21.339 --> 00:42:21.799
 uses

00:42:21.799 --> 00:42:22.839
 to draw us

00:42:22.839 --> 00:42:23.440
 to faith

00:42:23.440 --> 00:42:25.379
 and to give us life

00:42:25.380 --> 00:42:28.900
 in all of the evidence

00:42:28.900 --> 00:42:29.880
 supporting Jesus

00:42:29.880 --> 00:42:30.780
 his resurrection

00:42:30.780 --> 00:42:32.559
 of all of it

00:42:32.559 --> 00:42:35.440
 nothing is as powerful

00:42:35.440 --> 00:42:36.660
 and as necessary

00:42:36.660 --> 00:42:38.099
 as the testimony

00:42:38.099 --> 00:42:38.760
 of God

00:42:38.760 --> 00:42:39.940
 in the Bible

00:42:39.940 --> 00:42:42.519
 more than any other

00:42:42.519 --> 00:42:43.519
 historical figure

00:42:43.519 --> 00:42:44.960
 or historical document

00:42:44.960 --> 00:42:46.220
 you can read all about

00:42:46.220 --> 00:42:46.940
 Josephus'

00:42:47.200 --> 00:42:49.119
 estimations of Christians

00:42:49.119 --> 00:42:49.980
 and what they believed

00:42:49.980 --> 00:42:50.960
 and what his thoughts were

00:42:50.960 --> 00:42:51.880
 on the apostles

00:42:51.880 --> 00:42:52.760
 on the apostles

00:42:52.760 --> 00:42:53.500
 and on their faith

00:42:53.500 --> 00:42:54.980
 none of that compares

00:42:54.980 --> 00:42:56.159
 to the power

00:42:56.159 --> 00:42:57.460
 of the written word

00:42:57.460 --> 00:42:58.019
 of God

00:42:58.019 --> 00:43:00.599
 it is our highest authority

00:43:00.599 --> 00:43:02.659
 it is our most

00:43:02.659 --> 00:43:03.539
 preeminent

00:43:03.539 --> 00:43:05.019
 evidence

00:43:05.019 --> 00:43:06.739
 because it comes

00:43:06.739 --> 00:43:07.900
 directly from him

00:43:07.900 --> 00:43:10.440
 Romans 10 17

00:43:10.440 --> 00:43:12.559
 so faith comes

00:43:12.559 --> 00:43:13.500
 by hearing

00:43:13.500 --> 00:43:15.260
 hearing comes

00:43:15.260 --> 00:43:15.960
 through the word

00:43:15.960 --> 00:43:16.559
 of Christ

00:43:16.559 --> 00:43:17.599
 the Bible

00:43:17.599 --> 00:43:18.860
 the scriptures

00:43:18.860 --> 00:43:21.579
 God used John

00:43:21.579 --> 00:43:22.599
 to write these things

00:43:22.599 --> 00:43:23.940
 so that we would believe

00:43:23.940 --> 00:43:26.039
 that Jesus is the Messiah

00:43:26.039 --> 00:43:26.960
 and the Son of God

00:43:26.960 --> 00:43:28.480
 and that by believing

00:43:28.480 --> 00:43:29.759
 we would receive

00:43:29.759 --> 00:43:30.500
 eternal life

00:43:30.500 --> 00:43:31.179
 through him

00:43:31.179 --> 00:43:33.739
 because the resurrection

00:43:33.739 --> 00:43:35.319
 is the very pinnacle

00:43:35.319 --> 00:43:36.519
 of the case

00:43:36.519 --> 00:43:37.139
 for Christ

00:43:37.139 --> 00:43:39.279
 without the resurrection

00:43:39.279 --> 00:43:41.219
 there is no Christianity

00:43:41.219 --> 00:43:42.420
 it doesn't exist

00:43:42.420 --> 00:43:44.960
 and without believing

00:43:44.960 --> 00:43:45.599
 in the resurrection

00:43:45.599 --> 00:43:48.339
 you cannot be a Christian

00:43:48.339 --> 00:43:51.860
 Romans 10 verse 9

00:43:51.860 --> 00:43:53.900
 if you confess

00:43:53.900 --> 00:43:54.780
 with your mouth

00:43:54.780 --> 00:43:55.900
 that Jesus

00:43:55.900 --> 00:43:56.519
 is Lord

00:43:56.519 --> 00:43:58.039
 and believe

00:43:58.039 --> 00:43:58.740
 in your heart

00:43:58.740 --> 00:44:00.320
 that God

00:44:00.320 --> 00:44:01.180
 raised him

00:44:01.180 --> 00:44:01.760
 from the dead

00:44:01.760 --> 00:44:03.920
 you will be saved

00:44:03.920 --> 00:44:05.620
 nothing more

00:44:05.620 --> 00:44:06.920
 nothing less

00:44:06.920 --> 00:44:09.160
 without the resurrection

00:44:09.160 --> 00:44:10.599
 there is no Christian faith

00:44:10.599 --> 00:44:11.920
 and without believing

00:44:11.920 --> 00:44:12.680
 in the resurrection

00:44:12.680 --> 00:44:14.360
 you cannot be

00:44:14.360 --> 00:44:15.000
 a Christian

00:44:15.000 --> 00:44:19.039
 and my curiosity

00:44:19.039 --> 00:44:19.699
 this morning

00:44:19.699 --> 00:44:21.199
 is to think of

00:44:21.199 --> 00:44:22.440
 how many of us

00:44:22.440 --> 00:44:23.199
 are the Thomas

00:44:23.199 --> 00:44:24.760
 from verse 25

00:44:24.760 --> 00:44:27.699
 you're saying

00:44:27.699 --> 00:44:28.239
 unless

00:44:28.239 --> 00:44:29.579
 these demands

00:44:29.579 --> 00:44:30.019
 are met

00:44:30.019 --> 00:44:31.079
 I will not believe

00:44:31.079 --> 00:44:33.500
 and what I want

00:44:33.500 --> 00:44:33.960
 to call you

00:44:33.960 --> 00:44:34.460
 to become

00:44:34.460 --> 00:44:36.019
 is the Thomas

00:44:36.019 --> 00:44:37.000
 of verse 28

00:44:37.000 --> 00:44:38.739
 my Lord

00:44:38.739 --> 00:44:39.380
 and my God

00:44:39.380 --> 00:44:41.199
 and in the words

00:44:41.199 --> 00:44:41.719
 of Jesus

00:44:41.719 --> 00:44:42.559
 say to you

00:44:42.559 --> 00:44:45.039
 do not disbelieve

00:44:45.039 --> 00:44:47.340
 but believe

00:44:47.340 --> 00:44:49.340
 asNINGNINGNING

00:44:49.340 --> 00:45:03.320
 as

00:45:03.320 --> 00:45:03.320


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