The Risen Lord
Notes
Transcript
Introduction
Introduction
The story of the promised, victorious Savior, Jesus the Messiah is the focal point of John’s Gospel, the four Gospels, the entire NT, and frankly the Bible as a whole. It is the most important story ever told, or that will ever be told.
Within that incredible story we see Jesus interacting with many different people. Regular people of His time: from the wealthy and powerful, to the poorest of the poor, and everyone in between. In each interaction, there are great spiritual truths that unfold that we must look closely at.
Some of my favorite interactions are between Jesus and His disciples. In Jesus disciples, we find regular men and women. Each with unique in their strengths and weaknesses.
What I find particularly fascinating is how Jesus ministers to each one of them in spite of their weaknesses, failures, and humanness.
This is greatly encouraging to us, because we also have many weaknesses, failures, and often show just how human we really are.
This morning we will look at one such interaction. And, within that interaction we will discover the answer to the most important question on earth: What is saving faith?
Text: John 20:24-31
Text: John 20:24-31
Verses 24-25
Doubting Thomas?
Loyal
So Thomas, called the Twin, said to his fellow disciples, “Let us also go, that we may die with him.”
Inquisitive
Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?”
“Unless I see…I will never believe.”
I believe Thomas would have fit well in a modern context, because he wanted some qualitative evidence, not stories that sounded questionable.
Thomas is like some of us…
Verses 26-27
The following Sunday…
A Savior’s Invitation
Jesus invites Thomas to touch Him…
We don’t know if Thomas did.
“Do not disbelieve, but believe.”
Present imperative…
Verse 28
Incredible Confession
Jesus is Lord means Jesus is Master.
The word kuvriovV is translated Lord in the NT. The compelling thing about this word is that in the Greek translation of the OT (the LXX), this is the word that is used for the divine name, “YHWH”.
Jesus is God is a statement that either is true, or Thomas is a blasphemer.
qeovV is the word for God, throughout the NT and, the LXX.
Verse 29
Jesus accepts Thomas’ Confession
Notice, Jesus didn’t rebuke him or correct him.
As a righteous man, one who had trained these men and was about to send them out to spread His Gospel He would have needed to correct Thomas if this profession was wrong. I mean, if wrong this would have been blasphemous.
However, Jesus readily accepts this claim…why, because it’s true!
Notice also, this confession is a form of worship. Biblically, worship is reserved for God alone. Again, why doesn’t Jesus rebuke him? Because he is worthy of worship!
A Call to Faith
Verses 30-31
John’s Purpose:
That you too will make the same confession Thomas did.
Everything that John has been writing about lead to Thomas’ confession which so beautifully and simply states exactly who Jesus is.
Remember how the Gospel of John began? And the Word was God… Throughout his Gospel John has been attempting to get people to understand that…just like Thomas!
That you too will find life in Christ’s name.
Key Question: What is saving faith?
Key Question: What is saving faith?
Saving faith is believing that Jesus is the Savior.
Saving faith is believing that Jesus is the Savior.
We believe despite our doubts.
I believe Thomas should give all of us hope, because we are often like Thomas. We struggle sometimes with doubt and demand experience.
Here, we see that Jesus has compassion on one who doubts. He doesn’t call us to be perfect. He calls us to believe in Him.
Jesus is patient. He doesn’t kick Thomas out of the room as a doubter, but invites Thomas to have his questions answered.
We should look at this story and know that we are also capable of doing great things and making great professions of truth about our Lord.
We believe without seeing.
While Thomas demanded a personal experience, Jesus said true blessedness (or happiness) comes to those who believe simply because He said it was true.
This was vital for John’s audience, and is vital for us too.
Saving faith is confessing that Jesus is Lord and God.
Saving faith is confessing that Jesus is Lord and God.
This is a pivotal concept to understand…
Is Jesus your Lord?
Is Jesus your God?
Saving faith changes everything.
Saving faith changes everything.
Thomas goes from “I will never” to “I will whatever…”
ADVERTISEMENT