WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:15.800 Amen. Thank you all. That's such a great tune. 00:00:17.080 --> 00:00:24.039 And it's perfect to set up the passage we get to talk about today where we get to hear from Doubting Thomas. 00:00:25.640 --> 00:00:28.160 ! He eventually says, my Lord and my God. 00:00:28.160 --> 00:00:35.100 He notices the God of wonders beyond our galaxy, the Holy One. 00:00:37.280 --> 00:00:38.519 Can I pray for us? 00:00:40.060 --> 00:00:44.140 God of wonders beyond our galaxy, we give you praise. 00:00:44.539 --> 00:00:50.060 You are holy. Would you speak through your spirit right now? 00:00:50.539 --> 00:00:53.340 By your word I pray in Christ's name. Amen. 00:00:53.340 --> 00:00:53.519 Amen. 00:00:53.520 --> 00:00:53.580 Amen. 00:00:55.960 --> 00:01:02.160 So, I read this article recently that someone sent to me kind of as a joke. 00:01:02.159 --> 00:01:04.439 And it was pretty out there. 00:01:05.219 --> 00:01:13.420 So, there's a scientist who claims that the Great Pyramid of Giza is actually Mount Zion from the Bible. 00:01:13.420 --> 00:01:21.540 And that the Ark of the Covenant and even Jesus' bones are kept behind a chamber in there. 00:01:22.340 --> 00:01:28.680 And basically saying, right, if that's true, the resurrection never happened, right? 00:01:28.820 --> 00:01:29.980 If we have Jesus' bones. 00:01:29.980 --> 00:01:36.780 And, I mean, it works really hard to make the case in the article. 00:01:37.079 --> 00:01:39.760 And at first, at first I laughed, honestly. 00:01:40.260 --> 00:01:47.340 And I thought to myself, honest first thoughts, well, if that's true, then who, the bigger question is who's been answering my prayers? 00:01:48.500 --> 00:01:49.859 Because they're getting answered. 00:01:49.859 --> 00:01:52.179 So, I need to know more about that. 00:01:53.079 --> 00:01:59.079 But then just for a moment, when I thought about it, just for like a split little millisecond, I felt it. 00:02:00.519 --> 00:02:01.359 What if? 00:02:02.859 --> 00:02:05.579 What if Jesus really didn't raise from the dead? 00:02:06.819 --> 00:02:07.120 Right? 00:02:07.120 --> 00:02:09.980 That doubt didn't last long. 00:02:10.800 --> 00:02:11.580 But it was there. 00:02:12.039 --> 00:02:14.000 This little tiny whisper of doubt. 00:02:14.659 --> 00:02:21.680 It's that small voice that just sneaks in through the back door of your soul sometimes and says, what if this isn't true? 00:02:23.920 --> 00:02:24.200 Okay? 00:02:24.460 --> 00:02:27.040 Doubt is something that you may have dealt with. 00:02:28.060 --> 00:02:33.780 Doubt is defined as a feeling of uncertainty. 00:02:34.280 --> 00:02:35.719 A lack of conviction. 00:02:35.719 --> 00:02:37.500 Sometimes it can be serious. 00:02:37.840 --> 00:02:39.639 Sometimes it can be silly. 00:02:40.340 --> 00:02:41.400 I'll give you an example. 00:02:42.699 --> 00:02:50.819 Pretty much by the time I leave my house and get to the stop sign, I doubt whether or not I close the garage door about four to five times a week. 00:02:51.740 --> 00:02:58.259 And so, I've installed a camera so that when I get to the stop sign, I will literally look at it like, you did not forget to do that. 00:03:00.680 --> 00:03:03.539 Maybe it's whether or not you wash your hair. 00:03:03.539 --> 00:03:05.639 Maybe it's not a problem. 00:03:05.639 --> 00:03:11.199 Someone told me, one of our elders, well, if you move the shampoo, it actually will help you remember you did wash your hair. 00:03:12.939 --> 00:03:19.979 Me, sometimes throughout the day, I might be like, did I put on deodorant this morning? 00:03:19.979 --> 00:03:21.259 I think I did. 00:03:21.899 --> 00:03:23.939 But I doubt whether or not I did. 00:03:24.579 --> 00:03:29.780 But doubt doesn't always really pop into our lives in these predictable ways. 00:03:29.899 --> 00:03:31.639 Sometimes it will just sit with you too. 00:03:32.259 --> 00:03:33.539 Like at a stoplight. 00:03:33.539 --> 00:03:36.459 Or in the middle of a work day. 00:03:37.179 --> 00:03:38.340 Or a school day. 00:03:38.699 --> 00:03:40.379 Or while you're folding laundry. 00:03:40.599 --> 00:03:41.919 Or maybe you're going to take a test. 00:03:42.000 --> 00:03:43.519 You're listening to a teacher teach. 00:03:43.899 --> 00:03:45.819 Am I doing any of this right? 00:03:47.500 --> 00:03:49.019 God, are you here? 00:03:49.159 --> 00:03:50.000 Are you close? 00:03:51.060 --> 00:03:51.759 Do you care? 00:03:51.759 --> 00:03:58.000 I remember feeling that kind of doubt before I went on a mission trip to Havana, Cuba. 00:03:59.060 --> 00:04:01.079 Our church had gone many times before. 00:04:01.179 --> 00:04:02.840 This was when I was serving in Washington, D.C. 00:04:02.840 --> 00:04:03.819 I was a young lad. 00:04:04.959 --> 00:04:08.560 There were over a thousand people that had become Christians on these trips. 00:04:09.399 --> 00:04:11.519 The Lord is really doing a movement in Cuba. 00:04:11.719 --> 00:04:16.159 And I just knew in my gut that I was going to be the guy that messed it all up. 00:04:16.879 --> 00:04:19.899 And I told myself, you're going to mess this up. 00:04:19.899 --> 00:04:21.699 I doubt it. 00:04:22.939 --> 00:04:26.039 This will be the one where nothing happens because you're on that trip. 00:04:26.859 --> 00:04:27.919 And you know what actually happened? 00:04:29.319 --> 00:04:30.579 I'll tell you in a little bit. 00:04:30.739 --> 00:04:36.620 But first let's read one of the most famous stories of doubt ever written. 00:04:38.259 --> 00:04:40.259 It's from the book of John, chapter 20. 00:04:41.019 --> 00:04:42.959 Let's read it all together for starters. 00:04:43.620 --> 00:04:44.599 Well, you don't have to read it out loud. 00:04:44.699 --> 00:04:44.979 I'll read it. 00:04:45.139 --> 00:04:45.539 Read along. 00:04:45.540 --> 00:05:15.540 00:05:15.540 --> 00:05:29.180 Now Thomas, one of the twelve, called the twin, was not with them when Jesus came. 00:05:29.879 --> 00:05:31.580 So the other disciples told him, 00:05:31.579 --> 00:05:47.959 Eight days later, his disciples were inside again. 00:05:48.740 --> 00:05:49.719 And Thomas was with them. 00:05:49.720 --> 00:05:55.660 Although the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, Peace be with you. 00:05:56.360 --> 00:06:00.400 And then he said to Thomas, Put your finger here and see my hands. 00:06:00.900 --> 00:06:03.580 And put out your hand and place it in my side. 00:06:04.420 --> 00:06:06.820 Do not disbelieve, but believe. 00:06:07.780 --> 00:06:10.900 Thomas answered him, My Lord and my God. 00:06:10.899 --> 00:06:15.819 And Jesus said to him, Have you believed because you have seen me? 00:06:17.039 --> 00:06:21.560 Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed. 00:06:22.699 --> 00:06:25.039 This is an amazing passage. 00:06:25.939 --> 00:06:30.099 But just for starters, can you just imagine how Thomas must have felt? 00:06:31.500 --> 00:06:32.399 Think about it. 00:06:33.239 --> 00:06:36.479 He wasn't there and he heard about it. 00:06:36.480 --> 00:06:44.140 He was the worst day. 00:06:45.800 --> 00:06:48.200 Imagine you're someone like me. 00:06:48.759 --> 00:06:53.280 And you were invited to the staff lunch in the conference room at the church with Will. 00:06:53.379 --> 00:06:54.400 And you can work with him. 00:06:55.060 --> 00:06:55.819 You know that, right? 00:06:55.900 --> 00:06:57.420 We have jobs available to work with Will. 00:06:58.020 --> 00:07:01.900 So I can't make church lunch that day. 00:07:01.900 --> 00:07:02.620 Staff lunch. 00:07:03.120 --> 00:07:04.180 For whatever reason. 00:07:04.680 --> 00:07:08.040 And so when I get back, I say, Hey, how was lunch today? 00:07:08.680 --> 00:07:15.500 And somebody says, Oh, by the way, while you were out, the resurrected Jesus showed up. 00:07:15.879 --> 00:07:17.819 He just came right through the locked doors. 00:07:17.920 --> 00:07:19.500 He didn't have an entry card or anything. 00:07:19.500 --> 00:07:23.960 And he came to the middle of the room and he showed us his wounds in his hands and his side. 00:07:24.060 --> 00:07:25.280 And he talked to us. 00:07:25.379 --> 00:07:26.199 And then he went. 00:07:27.500 --> 00:07:29.660 And he gave us the Holy Spirit. 00:07:29.920 --> 00:07:31.639 And he said he's sending us out. 00:07:31.639 --> 00:07:36.399 And after all that, it was pretty cool, Derek. 00:07:36.479 --> 00:07:37.599 It was the best lunch ever. 00:07:37.740 --> 00:07:38.699 But we really missed you. 00:07:40.779 --> 00:07:42.479 I mean, how would you feel? 00:07:43.039 --> 00:07:43.439 Right? 00:07:44.019 --> 00:07:45.579 I know how I would feel. 00:07:46.419 --> 00:07:47.839 I would be mad as fire. 00:07:48.199 --> 00:07:49.560 I would be sad. 00:07:50.000 --> 00:07:53.839 I would start to question, Does God not care about me? 00:07:54.659 --> 00:07:56.360 Why hasn't he appeared to me? 00:07:57.080 --> 00:07:59.160 There must be something wrong with me. 00:07:59.420 --> 00:08:00.960 Perhaps I would panic a little bit. 00:08:01.020 --> 00:08:02.360 I'd probably get a little bit anxious. 00:08:03.660 --> 00:08:06.000 Well, notice the beginning of the passage here, right? 00:08:06.040 --> 00:08:08.500 It says that the disciples, they were gathered in fear. 00:08:09.439 --> 00:08:10.480 They were anxious. 00:08:11.040 --> 00:08:11.920 Why were they anxious? 00:08:12.720 --> 00:08:17.819 Because before Jesus showed up, they knew, Hey, the Jews had taken out Jesus. 00:08:18.060 --> 00:08:19.860 As it says, you're next. 00:08:20.620 --> 00:08:21.460 So they're scared. 00:08:21.540 --> 00:08:22.439 They think they're going to die. 00:08:22.439 --> 00:08:25.639 And they're afraid that they're going to get killed. 00:08:25.779 --> 00:08:27.860 So we don't know where Thomas is, though, at this time. 00:08:27.920 --> 00:08:30.040 But maybe he was in a similar position somewhere else. 00:08:30.199 --> 00:08:31.279 Maybe he was scared as well. 00:08:32.000 --> 00:08:34.220 And then Jesus shows up and he shows them his wounds. 00:08:35.039 --> 00:08:36.399 Why do you think he shows them his wounds? 00:08:37.299 --> 00:08:38.279 Think about that for a second. 00:08:38.919 --> 00:08:42.700 Because sometimes wounds were shown in court as a legal proof. 00:08:42.700 --> 00:08:46.120 But here it's not only proof that he's alive. 00:08:46.540 --> 00:08:49.300 But it's proof for them to know that, oh, this is really Jesus. 00:08:49.420 --> 00:08:50.960 This isn't somebody else coming in. 00:08:51.420 --> 00:08:54.540 This isn't somebody sneaking in who's going to try to kill you. 00:08:55.220 --> 00:08:57.680 Do a trick-a-rooski on you. 00:08:58.340 --> 00:08:59.620 No, it's really Jesus. 00:09:00.320 --> 00:09:01.200 It's not a ghost. 00:09:01.740 --> 00:09:02.759 Not a different person. 00:09:02.860 --> 00:09:04.660 But the resurrected Jesus Christ. 00:09:05.680 --> 00:09:11.180 And so at their moment of fear, Jesus' presence shows up and changes everything. 00:09:11.179 --> 00:09:16.059 And it says in this passage that they were glad once they saw him. 00:09:17.039 --> 00:09:23.839 Literally, that means that they were in a state of happiness and well-being and rejoicing and joyful. 00:09:24.179 --> 00:09:25.159 So imagine that. 00:09:25.679 --> 00:09:30.199 From the very beginning, we were made to know God like that. 00:09:31.559 --> 00:09:34.259 And we were made to walk with him in gladness. 00:09:35.019 --> 00:09:36.759 But sin broke it all up. 00:09:37.419 --> 00:09:40.139 And then doubt started to slip in through all the cracks. 00:09:41.179 --> 00:09:44.939 So then Jesus does this most amazing thing here. 00:09:45.759 --> 00:09:49.039 He tells them that their existence has meaning. 00:09:50.059 --> 00:09:51.339 And I hope you can take that as well. 00:09:51.439 --> 00:09:53.099 Your existence has meaning too. 00:09:54.019 --> 00:09:54.839 Peace be with you. 00:09:55.719 --> 00:10:00.779 As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you. 00:10:01.959 --> 00:10:05.039 So you know what's happening there? 00:10:05.039 --> 00:10:08.639 They're becoming apostles. 00:10:09.500 --> 00:10:11.059 Familiar with that word, apostles? 00:10:11.259 --> 00:10:11.919 We hear it a lot. 00:10:12.599 --> 00:10:14.459 They're being commissioned by Jesus. 00:10:15.240 --> 00:10:17.179 He's giving them his Holy Spirit. 00:10:17.620 --> 00:10:22.819 He's giving them his authority to tell people about how their sins are going to be forgiven. 00:10:23.620 --> 00:10:26.339 It can be translated, they have been forgiven. 00:10:26.340 --> 00:10:34.180 So they will be sent out to proclaim that if you believe in Jesus, your sins have been forgiven. 00:10:34.960 --> 00:10:36.340 That makes them apostles. 00:10:37.360 --> 00:10:41.080 An apostle was a sent one, an apostello. 00:10:41.660 --> 00:10:43.820 And to be an apostle meant two things. 00:10:44.460 --> 00:10:46.560 You were sent and commissioned by Jesus. 00:10:46.559 --> 00:10:51.299 And you actually saw the resurrected Jesus with your eyes. 00:10:52.179 --> 00:10:56.259 So the apostles, they were shown all the proof that you want. 00:10:56.919 --> 00:10:59.799 They were taught all the things that you want to know. 00:11:00.339 --> 00:11:02.939 And they were given the power of the Holy Spirit. 00:11:03.979 --> 00:11:04.439 Why? 00:11:06.000 --> 00:11:09.319 So that others may believe and be forgiven. 00:11:09.320 --> 00:11:14.740 So the disciples, they're locked in fear until Jesus shows up. 00:11:15.220 --> 00:11:16.520 But then he commissions them. 00:11:16.960 --> 00:11:21.920 He breathes on them his spirit, which echoes the breath of God from Genesis. 00:11:22.560 --> 00:11:24.600 And then he sends them out as witnesses. 00:11:26.800 --> 00:11:31.800 Jesus meets us in our fear before he sends us in faith. 00:11:32.860 --> 00:11:33.140 Okay? 00:11:34.360 --> 00:11:36.740 Now you're going to see in verse 24 here, 00:11:36.740 --> 00:11:40.240 Thomas is called one of the 12. 00:11:41.639 --> 00:11:43.259 If he's one of the 12, 00:11:44.320 --> 00:11:46.820 and he hasn't seen the resurrected Jesus, 00:11:47.419 --> 00:11:50.159 and he hasn't been commissioned by him, 00:11:50.379 --> 00:11:54.080 and he hasn't been given the Holy Spirit because he didn't show up that day, 00:11:54.779 --> 00:11:56.000 then what does that mean? 00:11:58.159 --> 00:12:02.340 He's not one of the 12 apostles right at that moment. 00:12:02.340 --> 00:12:07.740 So he would have been really, really upset. 00:12:08.320 --> 00:12:09.280 Think about that. 00:12:09.840 --> 00:12:12.840 And how do we guard ourselves when we're upset sometimes? 00:12:13.980 --> 00:12:15.280 Maybe you dismiss it. 00:12:15.740 --> 00:12:17.100 Maybe you compartmentalize. 00:12:17.259 --> 00:12:18.240 Maybe you push it away. 00:12:19.120 --> 00:12:20.560 For me, I just try to guard. 00:12:21.580 --> 00:12:22.780 And look at what Thomas does. 00:12:22.779 --> 00:12:27.139 In verses 24 and 25, it says, 00:12:27.139 --> 00:12:50.519 Right here, Thomas is laying down conditions for belief. 00:12:51.460 --> 00:12:52.179 You ever done that? 00:12:52.500 --> 00:12:54.519 You ever told God, I'll believe you when da-da-da-da? 00:12:54.519 --> 00:12:56.079 Well, you're not alone. 00:12:57.460 --> 00:13:01.840 I'm going to act like this never happened unless I see some proof. 00:13:03.039 --> 00:13:07.299 I personally think what's going on with Thomas here is that he was trying to guard his heart. 00:13:08.079 --> 00:13:08.600 Okay? 00:13:08.779 --> 00:13:10.759 From being hurt further. 00:13:13.240 --> 00:13:14.379 Sure, he's doubting. 00:13:15.480 --> 00:13:18.259 But I feel like he won't let himself go any further. 00:13:19.699 --> 00:13:21.899 He, imagine this, he loved Jesus so much. 00:13:21.899 --> 00:13:24.679 Imagine Mary Magdalene when she went to the tomb and was weeping. 00:13:25.120 --> 00:13:27.439 Their whole lives are gone. 00:13:28.139 --> 00:13:29.299 I followed him. 00:13:29.439 --> 00:13:31.019 I gave my whole life to him. 00:13:31.279 --> 00:13:32.019 He's dead. 00:13:32.259 --> 00:13:34.399 I am not going to be hurt again. 00:13:35.879 --> 00:13:37.899 I will not be hurt again. 00:13:37.939 --> 00:13:40.039 Unless I see this, I will not believe. 00:13:41.059 --> 00:13:41.340 Okay? 00:13:41.939 --> 00:13:43.980 He might be a little jealous too, right? 00:13:44.720 --> 00:13:46.659 Everybody else is talking about this thing. 00:13:46.659 --> 00:13:50.019 But I bet underneath it, he was hurt. 00:13:51.120 --> 00:13:53.279 This wasn't really a scientific skepticism. 00:13:53.459 --> 00:13:54.799 It was more of a sorrow, I think. 00:13:55.100 --> 00:13:58.039 He wasn't really testing Jesus more than he was aching. 00:13:59.219 --> 00:14:02.319 And verse 25 says that the disciples, they tell him what had happened. 00:14:03.639 --> 00:14:08.879 And that's a present progressive verb, which means they kept on telling him. 00:14:08.879 --> 00:14:16.159 So he didn't really doubt that they saw something, but he didn't believe it was Jesus yet. 00:14:16.700 --> 00:14:19.159 And he threw down some conditions for that belief. 00:14:19.659 --> 00:14:21.820 I think he locked some doors in his own heart. 00:14:22.460 --> 00:14:24.279 He was standing behind those doors in fear. 00:14:25.840 --> 00:14:30.379 There's a song that was made popular by Steve Winwood, but the lyrics are by this guy named 00:14:30.379 --> 00:14:31.019 Will Jennings. 00:14:31.019 --> 00:14:36.179 And I think they capture so perfectly where Thomas may have been and maybe where you have been. 00:14:37.079 --> 00:14:44.100 When there's no one left to leave you, even you don't quite believe you, that's when nothing 00:14:44.100 --> 00:14:45.120 can deceive you. 00:14:46.100 --> 00:14:51.240 That low moment where you're like, I got nothing else left, but I'll tell you what, 00:14:52.639 --> 00:14:57.319 nothing else is going to fool me because I got nothing else to go for here. 00:14:57.759 --> 00:14:59.100 I think he was kind of there. 00:14:59.100 --> 00:15:04.360 He loved Jesus so much, he just didn't know if he's still part of the story and he's scared. 00:15:04.960 --> 00:15:06.519 And I mean, imagine how he must have felt. 00:15:06.940 --> 00:15:09.060 Eight days of hearing about this from everybody. 00:15:09.759 --> 00:15:15.060 And you think that just one year living in the fact that like your team lost the iron 00:15:15.060 --> 00:15:15.779 bowl is bad. 00:15:17.139 --> 00:15:17.800 Eight days. 00:15:18.480 --> 00:15:19.420 We saw Jesus. 00:15:19.659 --> 00:15:20.300 He was resurrected. 00:15:20.480 --> 00:15:21.420 He gave us the Holy Spirit. 00:15:21.500 --> 00:15:22.220 Why don't you believe us? 00:15:22.259 --> 00:15:22.860 Why don't you believe us? 00:15:22.899 --> 00:15:23.580 Why don't you believe us? 00:15:25.100 --> 00:15:26.460 That's a tough place to be. 00:15:26.460 --> 00:15:28.379 And then it happens, right? 00:15:29.100 --> 00:15:31.820 Jesus shows up. 00:15:32.759 --> 00:15:38.500 Eight days later, his disciples were inside again and Thomas was with them. 00:15:39.360 --> 00:15:43.639 Although the doors were locked, Jesus came in and stood among them and he said, peace be 00:15:43.639 --> 00:15:44.080 with you. 00:15:44.540 --> 00:15:49.960 And then he said to Thomas, put your finger here and see my hands and put out your hand 00:15:49.960 --> 00:15:51.259 and place it in my side. 00:15:51.259 --> 00:15:53.480 Do not disbelieve but believe. 00:15:54.120 --> 00:15:57.580 Thomas answered him, my Lord and my God. 00:15:58.840 --> 00:16:01.700 So Jesus shows up again in the same way. 00:16:02.580 --> 00:16:05.600 But this time, Thomas is there. 00:16:06.639 --> 00:16:07.179 See? 00:16:07.919 --> 00:16:09.559 He really is an apostle. 00:16:11.000 --> 00:16:13.039 God really does care. 00:16:13.039 --> 00:16:16.199 It just wasn't on his timeline. 00:16:17.819 --> 00:16:20.159 God doesn't schedule appointments through Google. 00:16:21.399 --> 00:16:25.799 He shows up when and where he wants to and exactly how he's supposed to. 00:16:26.599 --> 00:16:28.879 And this wasn't just about evidence. 00:16:29.299 --> 00:16:31.199 It was about God's presence. 00:16:32.579 --> 00:16:36.319 Jesus shows up in the very place where Thomas was hurting the most. 00:16:36.320 --> 00:16:39.940 And that means that doubt isn't a deal breaker. 00:16:41.020 --> 00:16:42.060 It's a doorway. 00:16:43.340 --> 00:16:47.500 And Jesus answers not with an argument here but with his wounds. 00:16:48.080 --> 00:16:50.460 The truth of the resurrection. 00:16:51.660 --> 00:16:55.140 And if you doubt, that's also what you need to see. 00:16:56.560 --> 00:16:58.700 Thomas' doubt didn't disqualify him. 00:16:58.760 --> 00:16:59.720 It brought him closer. 00:16:59.720 --> 00:17:04.980 Have you ever thought that your doubt disqualifies you from God's love? 00:17:05.940 --> 00:17:07.620 Oh, I doubted this week or I did this. 00:17:08.539 --> 00:17:09.660 God doesn't love me as much. 00:17:11.740 --> 00:17:13.860 Frederick Buechner says this, 00:17:13.980 --> 00:17:16.079 that doubts are the ants in the pants of faith. 00:17:16.660 --> 00:17:18.100 They keep it awake and moving. 00:17:20.380 --> 00:17:22.900 And what does Jesus do when he shows up here? 00:17:23.440 --> 00:17:24.779 He gives him peace. 00:17:26.140 --> 00:17:26.440 All right? 00:17:26.519 --> 00:17:27.559 What about the Holy Spirit? 00:17:27.559 --> 00:17:29.640 We know that in Acts 2, the Holy Spirit's going to come. 00:17:30.200 --> 00:17:30.360 Right? 00:17:31.299 --> 00:17:32.880 And they're going to receive it there. 00:17:33.000 --> 00:17:34.200 So he gives him peace though. 00:17:34.299 --> 00:17:38.600 And he lets him know that he's been listening in the most special way. 00:17:38.680 --> 00:17:38.960 And how? 00:17:39.380 --> 00:17:41.600 He responds to Thomas' conditions. 00:17:42.220 --> 00:17:43.500 Every single one of them. 00:17:44.900 --> 00:17:49.200 He shows the proof to Thomas exactly as he had asked. 00:17:49.920 --> 00:17:50.519 Hmm. 00:17:51.839 --> 00:17:55.700 Maybe God is there when I think he's not. 00:17:55.700 --> 00:18:03.420 Maybe he does love us those times when we think he doesn't. 00:18:04.039 --> 00:18:09.299 Maybe he does hear us when we think he's far away and not listening. 00:18:09.299 --> 00:18:11.779 And then Jesus says, 00:18:12.659 --> 00:18:15.079 Do not disbelieve, but believe. 00:18:16.000 --> 00:18:17.220 Think about this for a minute. 00:18:18.039 --> 00:18:20.980 Who do you think he's telling him to believe? 00:18:20.980 --> 00:18:27.200 It's certainly not less than Jesus, right? 00:18:28.200 --> 00:18:33.000 But if you really think about it, who did Thomas not believe for eight days? 00:18:33.000 --> 00:18:34.000 The apostles. 00:18:34.000 --> 00:18:35.000 The apostles. 00:18:35.000 --> 00:18:35.819 The apostles. 00:18:37.259 --> 00:18:38.259 His friends. 00:18:39.299 --> 00:18:40.140 Their words. 00:18:40.500 --> 00:18:42.119 The ones who were given the proof. 00:18:42.980 --> 00:18:44.920 The ones who were taught all the things. 00:18:45.640 --> 00:18:47.779 The ones who saw everything. 00:18:47.779 --> 00:18:48.779 The ones who were taught all the things. 00:18:48.779 --> 00:18:49.779 The ones who were taught all the things. 00:18:49.779 --> 00:18:50.139 The ones who were taught all the things. 00:18:50.139 --> 00:18:52.700 So how does Thomas respond to Jesus then? 00:18:52.779 --> 00:18:53.480 Verse 28. 00:18:54.079 --> 00:18:56.519 It actually doesn't say that he touched his wounds. 00:18:57.200 --> 00:18:59.599 And a lot of scholars say that they don't even think he did. 00:19:01.339 --> 00:19:02.579 He had the opportunity. 00:19:02.759 --> 00:19:03.779 We don't really know. 00:19:04.299 --> 00:19:04.480 Right? 00:19:04.819 --> 00:19:10.420 But we do know that Thomas is the first person in this book to look at Jesus and address him directly as God. 00:19:12.119 --> 00:19:13.740 He bows down to him and he says, 00:19:13.839 --> 00:19:15.660 My Lord and my God. 00:19:15.660 --> 00:19:21.759 And I'm sure just like the apostles, he was glad when he saw Jesus. 00:19:22.820 --> 00:19:25.860 And then Jesus responds by saying something very interesting. 00:19:27.080 --> 00:19:29.600 Have you believed because you have seen me? 00:19:30.500 --> 00:19:35.400 Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed. 00:19:35.940 --> 00:19:37.279 Who's he talking about here? 00:19:37.279 --> 00:19:46.319 You and me and anyone who believes in Jesus after this point. 00:19:47.139 --> 00:19:48.899 And where do we hear about Jesus? 00:19:50.039 --> 00:19:51.420 The apostles' words. 00:19:52.000 --> 00:19:53.299 And where are they recorded? 00:19:53.960 --> 00:19:54.879 In the Bible. 00:19:56.059 --> 00:19:57.099 Do you believe him? 00:19:58.259 --> 00:19:59.259 Are you doubting? 00:19:59.259 --> 00:20:03.740 When it seems like no one else can leave you. 00:20:04.640 --> 00:20:06.299 Even you don't quite believe you. 00:20:07.379 --> 00:20:09.539 Maybe you're doubting, doubting, doubting. 00:20:10.299 --> 00:20:12.839 He calls us to believe the words of the apostles. 00:20:14.000 --> 00:20:17.599 To confront our doubts with the truth of the words. 00:20:17.700 --> 00:20:19.619 The truth of the resurrection. 00:20:19.619 --> 00:20:22.659 And if the resurrection is true, I don't know exactly how. 00:20:22.759 --> 00:20:23.859 But it's all going to be okay. 00:20:24.699 --> 00:20:27.459 It's all going to be okay. 00:20:27.859 --> 00:20:28.819 And it is true. 00:20:30.679 --> 00:20:33.379 So to confront our doubts with the truth of the resurrection, 00:20:33.779 --> 00:20:35.399 we need someone else's words. 00:20:35.479 --> 00:20:37.139 The words that are recorded where? 00:20:37.339 --> 00:20:38.099 In the Bible. 00:20:38.519 --> 00:20:41.019 And when we doubt, God doesn't push us away. 00:20:41.599 --> 00:20:44.819 He walks into the room and he gives us space and peace. 00:20:44.819 --> 00:20:49.859 And if you believe in Jesus, you have been given the gift of faith. 00:20:50.339 --> 00:20:50.559 Okay? 00:20:50.659 --> 00:20:52.179 It's not something you did on your own. 00:20:52.859 --> 00:20:56.659 So the assurance of the things that he says are true are a gift from him. 00:20:56.759 --> 00:20:59.059 So when you doubt, that's also where you need to go. 00:20:59.119 --> 00:21:01.419 Back to the one who gave it to you to begin with. 00:21:01.839 --> 00:21:05.939 Because if you're in Christ, if you believe in Jesus, the Holy Spirit is in you. 00:21:06.839 --> 00:21:09.460 He's the one who gave you that ability to believe in the first place. 00:21:09.500 --> 00:21:10.939 Because dead people don't get up. 00:21:11.740 --> 00:21:12.879 They have to be resurrected. 00:21:12.879 --> 00:21:14.539 They have to be brought to life. 00:21:15.099 --> 00:21:15.279 Right? 00:21:15.879 --> 00:21:19.059 And you're dead in your transgressions and sins until Jesus wakes you up 00:21:19.059 --> 00:21:21.179 and gives you the ability to believe in him. 00:21:21.419 --> 00:21:23.179 And that's where you go when you doubt too. 00:21:23.659 --> 00:21:24.779 And he welcomes it. 00:21:26.639 --> 00:21:28.259 And Christ is with you. 00:21:29.359 --> 00:21:34.159 Jesus, though, gave them sight so that we could have faith. 00:21:35.619 --> 00:21:41.740 That's why 2 Corinthians 5, 7 says that we walk by faith, not by sight. 00:21:44.819 --> 00:21:48.159 So Paul had a similar experience. 00:21:48.619 --> 00:21:48.819 Right? 00:21:49.339 --> 00:21:50.000 Think about it. 00:21:50.139 --> 00:21:53.460 He had to not see to be able to see Jesus. 00:21:54.519 --> 00:21:59.779 And Jesus let the apostles' eyes here confirm what our hearts are clinging to that we can't see. 00:22:00.059 --> 00:22:04.099 And he says, blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed. 00:22:04.099 --> 00:22:07.119 Jesus calls us blessed. 00:22:07.719 --> 00:22:09.019 Blessed means happy. 00:22:09.619 --> 00:22:10.740 Blessed means glad. 00:22:10.839 --> 00:22:11.699 And here's why it matters. 00:22:12.740 --> 00:22:14.980 Your doubt doesn't disqualify you. 00:22:14.980 --> 00:22:18.200 It might just be where Jesus meets you. 00:22:18.980 --> 00:22:21.240 Your friends who are doubting, they're not disqualified. 00:22:21.480 --> 00:22:24.039 Your family members who are doubting, they're not disqualified. 00:22:24.759 --> 00:22:26.299 Don't run away from this stuff. 00:22:26.880 --> 00:22:32.180 It might be the biggest doorway for Jesus to show up in your life and their life 00:22:32.180 --> 00:22:35.079 to give them his peace and his Holy Spirit. 00:22:35.079 --> 00:22:42.879 Doubt is often a part of how we work out our salvation with fear and trembling, as Philippians 2, 12 says. 00:22:43.960 --> 00:22:48.939 It's often the very place that Jesus meets us with his unimaginable grace. 00:22:49.059 --> 00:22:50.279 And that was true for Thomas. 00:22:51.279 --> 00:22:53.000 And Jesus didn't shame him. 00:22:54.039 --> 00:22:55.559 He showed him his wounds. 00:22:56.319 --> 00:22:57.500 And he gave him direction. 00:22:58.599 --> 00:23:00.159 God welcomes doubt, y'all. 00:23:00.279 --> 00:23:01.679 He can handle your doubt. 00:23:01.680 --> 00:23:04.380 He can handle your messes. 00:23:05.440 --> 00:23:08.560 But then Jesus also looked ahead beyond Thomas to us. 00:23:08.620 --> 00:23:12.259 And he said, blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed. 00:23:12.380 --> 00:23:14.580 Like, we haven't seen Jesus with our eyes. 00:23:15.080 --> 00:23:16.180 I don't think. 00:23:16.620 --> 00:23:19.740 But we have received the apostolic witness. 00:23:20.680 --> 00:23:23.980 And just like Thomas, we're invited to believe their words. 00:23:24.360 --> 00:23:27.259 Not just over eight days, but every day. 00:23:28.259 --> 00:23:31.539 Not just information, but the resurrected Son of God. 00:23:31.680 --> 00:23:38.740 God who was wounded for our sins and whose scars bear witness to the fact that if we look to him as our Savior, 00:23:38.880 --> 00:23:40.799 we are eternally forgiven. 00:23:41.900 --> 00:23:47.039 Invited not just to believe in a moment, but in the Messiah who gave himself for us. 00:23:47.539 --> 00:23:52.400 He still shows us his wounds through the word, through the table. 00:23:53.100 --> 00:23:54.700 Today, we'll get to take and eat. 00:23:54.700 --> 00:23:58.440 You get to see his wounds there as represented in tangible ways. 00:23:58.440 --> 00:24:03.900 He still calls you and me to trust, not what we see, but what they saw. 00:24:04.680 --> 00:24:08.120 The cross, the scars, the resurrection. 00:24:09.299 --> 00:24:13.019 And in that way, their witness becomes our confidence in our times of doubt. 00:24:13.120 --> 00:24:15.460 So if you've ever doubted, take heart. 00:24:17.039 --> 00:24:19.180 And know that Jesus is right there with you. 00:24:19.180 --> 00:24:23.440 And the God that showed them his scars is present with us in power. 00:24:23.580 --> 00:24:28.440 And he sends us out the same way to bear witness about that power. 00:24:28.880 --> 00:24:33.100 So if you're doubting today, you don't have to run away from it, okay? 00:24:33.820 --> 00:24:36.019 And you don't have to stay in it forever either. 00:24:36.100 --> 00:24:37.120 That's a whole other discussion. 00:24:37.220 --> 00:24:38.640 How do I know when I'm doubting too much? 00:24:38.720 --> 00:24:39.660 That's another discussion. 00:24:39.759 --> 00:24:41.019 We can't get into all that today. 00:24:41.019 --> 00:24:44.279 But you can take your doubts to people here. 00:24:45.139 --> 00:24:47.839 But even more, you can take your doubts straight to Jesus. 00:24:49.180 --> 00:24:49.960 Straight to Jesus. 00:24:50.079 --> 00:24:51.859 And when you don't think he's listening, he's right there. 00:24:51.960 --> 00:24:53.420 Just like he was with Thomas. 00:24:54.960 --> 00:24:56.759 So back to that mission trip in Cuba. 00:24:58.700 --> 00:25:02.019 There were so many people who wanted to become Christians that they would make appointments 00:25:02.019 --> 00:25:05.000 for you to come to your house and share the gospel. 00:25:05.220 --> 00:25:06.079 So we had a translator. 00:25:06.079 --> 00:25:10.159 And we had an appointment to share the gospel with a young man. 00:25:10.819 --> 00:25:12.439 And when we got there, he wasn't home. 00:25:13.079 --> 00:25:17.619 But there was a man with no shirt on who was older and was scary looking who walked around 00:25:17.619 --> 00:25:19.359 like jaws. 00:25:21.000 --> 00:25:25.919 And then there was another, his younger brother was there, the guy who wasn't there, watching TV. 00:25:26.659 --> 00:25:28.500 And he didn't really want to talk to us. 00:25:28.639 --> 00:25:30.500 So we just sat there waiting. 00:25:30.500 --> 00:25:38.119 And watching this awkward show about dolphins in the second floor of somebody's house in Havana, Cuba. 00:25:39.420 --> 00:25:43.019 And I'm like, this is it. 00:25:43.720 --> 00:25:44.960 This is that moment. 00:25:45.660 --> 00:25:46.660 Here we are, Derek. 00:25:48.200 --> 00:25:50.000 And I just prayed. 00:25:50.000 --> 00:25:57.759 And then after a lot of awkward minutes there, the guy in there just turns off the TV, throws 00:25:57.759 --> 00:26:00.900 down the remote, and he looks over and he says, all right, I'll hear what you have to say. 00:26:02.880 --> 00:26:04.500 And so we shared the gospel. 00:26:05.500 --> 00:26:08.240 And right there in that living room, he gave his life to Jesus. 00:26:09.579 --> 00:26:11.619 And then something more incredible happened. 00:26:12.640 --> 00:26:13.460 It was very unexpected. 00:26:14.039 --> 00:26:14.920 He got up. 00:26:14.980 --> 00:26:16.339 He walked into the back of the house. 00:26:16.779 --> 00:26:18.720 He brings out these other people that are there. 00:26:18.720 --> 00:26:19.839 And guess what? 00:26:19.880 --> 00:26:21.019 His brother came home too. 00:26:21.920 --> 00:26:23.660 And we shared the gospel with them. 00:26:25.819 --> 00:26:27.160 And they want to know Jesus. 00:26:28.059 --> 00:26:30.680 And to the best of my knowledge, they received Jesus too. 00:26:30.920 --> 00:26:32.160 Again, there's a language barrier. 00:26:32.259 --> 00:26:34.539 But they're so excited and they started giving me gifts. 00:26:34.600 --> 00:26:37.339 And they gave me this little Cuba cup that I still have today. 00:26:37.620 --> 00:26:38.980 And we're leaving and hugging. 00:26:39.220 --> 00:26:40.819 And everybody's excited. 00:26:41.140 --> 00:26:45.100 And there was gladness and joy because Jesus had showed up. 00:26:45.099 --> 00:26:52.539 And as I was leaving, I'm walking out and someone calls to me and they're speaking another language. 00:26:52.659 --> 00:26:53.639 And I was like, what are they saying? 00:26:53.679 --> 00:26:57.399 The translator says, he wants to know if you'll come back and play him in a game of chess. 00:26:57.400 --> 00:26:57.800 Okay. 00:26:57.800 --> 00:26:57.800 00:26:59.880 --> 00:27:03.660 Now, what you may not know is that that, I love chess. 00:27:04.400 --> 00:27:12.500 And that was God's way of giving me a wink and saying, I have you right here, right now. 00:27:12.840 --> 00:27:14.180 Stop doubting. 00:27:15.040 --> 00:27:16.460 I'm the one who's working. 00:27:17.019 --> 00:27:22.840 And he gave me this huge hug of saying, I mean, what are the chances of that? 00:27:22.839 --> 00:27:25.500 I mean, they're astronomical. 00:27:27.319 --> 00:27:28.699 Just trust me, Derek. 00:27:29.220 --> 00:27:30.220 Just trust me. 00:27:33.179 --> 00:27:37.419 And that night, he showed up at church for the first time in his life. 00:27:37.839 --> 00:27:42.639 And I got to look at one of the Cuban believers and say, take care of him. 00:27:43.059 --> 00:27:44.619 I'll never see you again until heaven. 00:27:45.059 --> 00:27:45.879 He's your brother now. 00:27:49.399 --> 00:27:51.599 He was the one holding the Bible in the other picture. 00:27:51.599 --> 00:27:53.119 I think he figured that out. 00:27:53.599 --> 00:27:56.339 So here's why I tell you that story. 00:27:57.599 --> 00:28:02.059 Jesus showed up in my doubts and they became a doorway for me to see him work. 00:28:02.240 --> 00:28:03.119 That's what he does. 00:28:03.359 --> 00:28:06.879 He walks into rooms of our lives where we're hiding in fear. 00:28:07.819 --> 00:28:09.339 That's what he did for the disciples. 00:28:09.539 --> 00:28:10.619 That's what he did for Thomas. 00:28:10.719 --> 00:28:13.439 And that's what he's still doing today because that's who he is. 00:28:14.079 --> 00:28:15.740 Where do you need to see him today? 00:28:15.740 --> 00:28:22.400 You know, what locked doors are you hiding behind right now that you need to welcome him into? 00:28:22.559 --> 00:28:27.359 Maybe it's that you need to bow to him for the first time and say, my Lord and my God. 00:28:28.299 --> 00:28:29.740 I don't know where you are. 00:28:30.299 --> 00:28:31.240 But he does. 00:28:32.000 --> 00:28:34.120 And your doubt doesn't disqualify you. 00:28:35.140 --> 00:28:37.839 It became the doorway where he saw Jesus more clearly. 00:28:38.420 --> 00:28:39.059 Thomas did. 00:28:39.059 --> 00:28:44.839 And then Jesus looked beyond Thomas to you, which means it can become the doorway where you see Jesus more clearly. 00:28:45.559 --> 00:28:48.399 He gave the apostles sight so we could walk by faith. 00:28:48.480 --> 00:28:51.339 He gave them scars to see so that we can trust what they told. 00:28:52.079 --> 00:28:56.839 And one day that faith is going to turn into sight where we don't have to wonder. 00:28:57.200 --> 00:28:58.579 We don't have to wait. 00:28:58.799 --> 00:29:01.099 And we get to see him just as he is. 00:29:01.179 --> 00:29:02.240 No more locked doors. 00:29:02.639 --> 00:29:03.919 No more trembling prayers. 00:29:03.920 --> 00:29:11.519 Now we see as in a mirror dimly, but then we shall see face to face Jesus himself forever. 00:29:12.240 --> 00:29:19.380 So when you're in that space where faith feels fragile and broken, where the door is locked, 00:29:20.000 --> 00:29:24.500 where your doubt's turning to more than just fear, maybe it's more than a whisper. 00:29:24.680 --> 00:29:26.620 It's just yelling at you. 00:29:27.480 --> 00:29:28.940 Jesus is already there. 00:29:29.940 --> 00:29:31.900 You just might not see him yet. 00:29:31.900 --> 00:29:35.320 He just might not see him yet. 00:29:36.220 --> 00:29:44.580 He's there through his word, through his spirit, and through the witness of those who saw him with their own eyes and wrote it down for us. 00:29:45.180 --> 00:29:48.600 And he welcomes our doubt and he works in us through them. 00:29:48.759 --> 00:29:51.180 So I want to do something right now to close. 00:29:51.360 --> 00:29:59.980 If there's any doubt that you've been carrying, whatever it is, you have to say it out loud. 00:30:00.040 --> 00:30:00.560 I'm just kidding. 00:30:00.559 --> 00:30:03.220 So I just had to. 00:30:04.579 --> 00:30:10.440 But any doubt that you have at all about your place in the story, anything at all, you know in your heart. 00:30:11.639 --> 00:30:13.019 Let's take it to him right now. 00:30:13.700 --> 00:30:16.720 So I'm going to ask you to kind of bow your heads. 00:30:17.379 --> 00:30:20.019 Trust me for just a second or two. 00:30:20.740 --> 00:30:21.759 I'll guide us. 00:30:22.059 --> 00:30:24.599 And let's go to Jesus with our doubts. 00:30:24.599 --> 00:30:29.839 Father, we come to you now. 00:30:32.039 --> 00:30:33.379 Just take a deep breath. 00:30:34.079 --> 00:30:34.579 Breathe in. 00:30:36.579 --> 00:30:37.599 Pause at the top. 00:30:39.339 --> 00:30:40.079 Breathe out. 00:30:40.079 --> 00:30:45.559 I want you to listen to your breath. 00:30:48.519 --> 00:30:52.099 The Holy Spirit is the breath and the wind of God. 00:30:52.099 --> 00:30:58.859 When you hear yourself breathe, wherever you're afraid, imagine his Holy Spirit. 00:31:00.359 --> 00:31:07.019 When you see the wind, imagine his Holy Spirit rushing over you. 00:31:07.019 --> 00:31:11.259 Now I want you to think of something peaceful. 00:31:11.839 --> 00:31:15.000 Whatever the picture is that makes you feel peace. 00:31:16.519 --> 00:31:17.980 For me, it's looking at a beach. 00:31:21.680 --> 00:31:23.539 Just focus on that picture for a minute. 00:31:23.539 --> 00:31:29.279 Now I want you to stay there. 00:31:30.500 --> 00:31:32.480 And I want you to hear Jesus' words. 00:31:34.180 --> 00:31:36.299 Peace be with you. 00:31:39.839 --> 00:31:41.759 Peace be with you. 00:31:44.000 --> 00:31:47.539 Come to me, all who are weary and heavy burdened. 00:31:48.619 --> 00:31:50.480 And I'll give you rest for your souls. 00:31:51.519 --> 00:31:52.480 My yoke is easy. 00:31:52.480 --> 00:31:56.079 My burden is light. 00:31:58.860 --> 00:32:00.039 Peace be with you. 00:32:01.180 --> 00:32:03.860 Do not disbelieve, but believe. 00:32:06.299 --> 00:32:12.819 Blessed are those who have not seen, yet have believed. 00:32:16.960 --> 00:32:18.140 We love you, Jesus. 00:32:19.240 --> 00:32:20.700 May we rest in your grace. 00:32:22.880 --> 00:32:23.720 God bless you. 00:32:24.079 --> 00:32:25.819 God bless all of you in the name of Jesus. 00:32:26.180 --> 00:32:27.920 Lord Jesus, be with us in our doubts. 00:32:29.059 --> 00:32:31.319 And may we come to you with all of them. 00:32:31.620 --> 00:32:32.680 Lay them at your feet. 00:32:33.860 --> 00:32:35.180 Feel the breath of your spirit. 00:32:35.599 --> 00:32:36.799 And hear the words of peace. 00:32:37.759 --> 00:32:38.519 Thank you, Lord. 00:32:38.860 --> 00:32:39.779 Bless these dear people. 00:32:40.259 --> 00:32:42.720 Bless us all by the power of your spirit in Christ's holy name. 00:32:42.720 --> 00:32:43.640 Amen. 00:32:43.640 --> 00:32:43.759 Amen. 00:32:46.319 --> 00:32:53.900 We get a chance now to actually see his wounds in this meal. 00:32:53.900 --> 00:33:02.980 Father, I'm going to take a moment to just focus on this. 00:33:09.680 --> 00:33:15.840 Father, I pray that you would set apart these elements that we're about to use from their common use to their sacred holy purposes. 00:33:15.839 --> 00:33:17.839 I pray that we would feel your presence. 00:33:17.839 --> 00:33:19.179 I pray that we would feel your presence. 00:33:19.179 --> 00:33:23.220 I pray that we would feel your presence. 00:33:24.019 --> 00:33:25.699 I pray that you would renew our spirits. 00:33:26.819 --> 00:33:28.579 We do these things in remembrance of you. 00:33:29.959 --> 00:33:30.379 Amen. 00:33:30.380 --> 00:33:35.420 For more information, visit us online at southwood.org.