Seeing and Believing

Through Thomas, we learn that faith in the risen Savior is both a choice and a gift. Jesus meets us in our doubts and lovingly calls us to believe, even when we haven’t seen.

Trust Jesus with your uncertainties. A dose of doubt may be a good thing for your faith if it leads to genuine understanding and belief.

Watch the full Sunday service and message by Pastor Dennis Jacobson below.

SERMON TEXT

John 20:24-29 (ESV)

Now Thomas, one of the twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe.”

Eight days later, his disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.” Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

SERMON NOTES

• Thomas is primarily known for being a cynic and a skeptic.
  • • He represents those who want evidence before they believe
    • His questions and statements (“Lord, we do not know where you are going…”) reveal him as a man of faith and reason, not blind faith.
• Jesus welcomes doubts, answering them with evidence that demands a verdict.
• Faith in the Risen Savior is a Choice
  • • The Danger of Isolation
    • The Testimony of Others
    • A Personal Decision
    • A Difficult Decision
    • A Moral Decision with Consequences
• Faith in the Risen Savior is a Gift
  • • Jesus “Condescends” with Love
    • Jesus Transforms with Love
    • Embraced by Worship
    • The Blessing of Believing Without Seeing