WE KNOW IMPORTANT THINGS ARE SAID
WHEN TIME IS RUNNING OUT.
SO WHY IS THE LAST STORY JOHN TELLS CONCERNING RESURRECTION DAY THE STORY OF THOMAS?
COULD IT BE THAT WE HAVE MISUNDERSTOOD THOMAS,
CHARACTERIZING HIM AS “DOUBTING THOMAS?”
COULD IT BE THAT THE STORY OF THOMAS
TEACHES US THE MOST IMPORTANT THING?
COULD IT BE,
THAT THE STORY OF THOMAS
SHOWS US THE SECRET WE DESPERATELY NEED?
THOMAS, AFTER BEHOLDING JESUS.
“MY LORD AND MY GOD.”
This is the high and holy day for Christians, the day that makes Christianity different from world religions.
OUR GOD LIVES!
Many churches have disemboweled
(the word Tim Keller uses in this week’s sermon)
Christianity, denying the meaning of the crucifixion and denying the literal resurrection. They say the meaning of Christianity is to “love one another.” But as Keller says, hearing that would not make you think, “Wow — that changes my life!” No. What changes a life is:
“HE IS RISEN, JUST AS HE SAID!”
Last week in my reading through the Bible I was on the account of Elijah versus the prophets of Baal, when Baal did not respond to his believers’ cries, but the God of Elijah did.
There was a verse that quickened me:
“And Elijah came near to all the people and said, “How long will you go limping between two different opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him; but if Baal, then follow him.”
(1 Kings 18:21)
I thought, Dee, why do you limp between the God who rose from the dead and the idols of your heart? Follow your Lord and your God!
Easter is a time for testimonies as well. This from Bono makes me smile:
youtu.be/kOQClgNRoPc
Prepare your heart for RESURRECTION DAY with this:
youtu.be/lALj7VG9960
EASTER SUNDAY:
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
2. What are you anticipating in your heart today?
MONDAY-WEDNESDAY:
I must credit Keller with insight — for I did not see this before listening to him!
3. What had the other ten (for Judas was not with them) seen according to John 20:20?
4. Read John 20:24-31 as an overview.
A. How is Thomas described in verse 24?
B. According to verse 30, (and compare to John 21:25) what has been left out of John’s account and why? What does this tell you about what he does tell us?
C. What is the purpose of John’s gospel according to John 20:31?
D. According to Acts 1:21-22, what is the requirement an apostle must have? Why did Thomas, according to this passage in John, not yet have this?
5. Thomas, described as “one of the twelve” was an apostle — but an apostle that had not met the requirement of seeing the risen Christ. Read the following passages and explain why this is so important.
A. 1 John 1:1-2
B. 2 Peter 2:16
I am hoping you can listen to the sermon, but just in case in this busy week you cannot, I want to share this much with you. Keller makes the point that we must understand why Jesus rebuked Thomas — he had not believed the report of the apostles, the eyewitnesses. This is what we must do. Keller also believes that Thomas never put his hands in the wounds, as many artists have depicted, but fell to his knees with the strongest statement of faith in the Bible: My Lord and My God. Keller says Thomas should be remembered not as a great doubter, but as a great believer.
6. Do you believe the account of the apostles? And if so, how shall you then live?
Thursday-Friday:
Thomas Meets Jesus: Free Keller Sermon
If the above doesn’t work, click here:
http://www.gospelinlife.com/thomas-meets-jesus-6578.html
7. Share your notes or comments.
Saturday:
8. What is your take-a-way and why?
79 comments
He is risen! Hallelujah! The rendition of the song is beautiful! I am born again because Christ has risen from the dead. Hallelujah! Thomas, you taught us despite our doubt, we have a choice to see Jesus as who He is-my Lord and my God! Joy to the world!
Ernema, love your exuberance…yes, Joy to the world…Jesus is Lord!
I hear the bells ringing in your heart, Bing!
Yes, Dee. They are ringing and I know they are in yours. Happy Resurrection Day!
Love Bono’s testimony-so simple and yet so deep. “I believe-yes I do.” Out at the farm at my mother-in-law’s looking outside where it is dark. Listened to Sandi Patty’s “Was it a morning like this?” I can hear the rustle of the women’s feet and the swishing of the skirts of their dresses as they moved their way to the tomb. Hurry, hurry. Were their hearts burning with grief and sorrow and doubt and confusion? What joy they must have felt when they heard the good news from the angel! He is risen!
Looking forward to our Easter service and fellowship breakfast. My heart overflows with thanksgiving to my Lord and Savior. Let me live with a daily awareness of your Resurrection, Lord.
Bing, I love your reminder to live with a daily awareness of the Risen-ness of Christ!
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
Loved the Easter Song by Glad! I am a big fan of A capella singing! And I am now very curious about the significance of John telling us about Thomas as the last Resurrection story in his gospel. With all the things they witnessed and heard, I imagine each gospel writer had to narrow it down to what they felt was really important to pass on in writing. I have felt as we’ve journeyed along here throughout Lent that I am being renewed; the teachings of Brennan Manning are also helping me because I have so struggled with knowing deep down in my heart that He loves me. Perhaps that is one reason why I “limp along” and often choose an idol to comfort me.
Yes, Our God, Our Savior and Lord Jesus Christ IS RISEN, HE IS RISEN INDEED!! I wish all of you a blessed Resurrection Sunday as well as your families!
Oh Susan — I am so glad, so glad, you are reading Brennan Manning. You get beat down so much — this is just what you need!
He is risen and we serve a risen God! Lord help me not to limp to other things.(idols)
The Bono clip makes me smile. My God used the music of U2 tas part of my journey to woo me back to himself. The question “Who is Jesus ?” is a question I thought just yesterday to ask someone close to me.
I have missed this beautiful community.
Welcome back, Liz!
Good to have you back, Liz! Missed you!
Thank you Dee and Wanda. I have followed the studies but have been trying to be on my computer less. I am believing I will find that right balance.
Hello, Liz! I hope you are having a beautiful day in the Lord.
Christ Is Risen – Matt Maher
https://youtu.be/IExdrZGQVeI
Happy Resurrection Sunday!
Christ is risen from the dead,
Trampling over Death by death;
Come awake, come awake,
Come and rise up from the grave.
Christ is risen from the dead,
We are one with him again;
Come awake, come awake,
Come and rise up from the grave
Beneath the weight of all our sin, you bowed to none but Heaven’s will;
No scheme of hell, no scoffer’s crown, no burden great could hold you down!
In strength you reign, forever let your Church proclaim:
O Death, where is your sting?
O Hell, where is your victory?
O Church, come stand in the light,
The glory of God has defeated the night!
O Death, where is your sting?
O Hell, where is your victory?
O Church, come stand in the light,
Our God is not dead, he’s alive, he’s alive!
Elizabeth, I also listened. Sooo good! Thanks for printing the lyrics for us.
We sang this at church this morning!
Elizabeth, love this song! The celebration continues, thank you.
Love this song, Elizabeth. Will listen again as my heart is weepy for my sister, my friend Marcia and a long time elderly friend, Helen, who has just been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. “Our God is not dead, He is alive and it is well with my soul!
Just listened, Elizabeth. Wonderful!
Happy Easter blog sisters! He is risen, He is good, He is ours, and we are His! Thank you Jesus for saving us. Amen
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
The verse from 1 Kings 18:21: “And Elijah came near to all the people and said, “How long will you go limping between two different opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him; but if Baal, then follow him.” And Dee’s response: “why do you limp between the God who rose from the dead and the idols of your heart?”
I have been thinking about this a lot lately, this struggle I continue between 2 masters. The one, the enemy, doesn’t care about me at all, he entices me with promises but never delivers, he tricks me, deceives me, and ultimately will kill me. The Other Master, only wants what is best for me, desires to give me good things, including eternal life, and gave up His oen life as payment, full and complete, for my sin.
Romans 6:16 “Do you not know that if you present yourselves to anyone as obedient slaves,you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness?’
It makes so much sense, to think of it this way—it would be impossible for a slave to actually have 2 masters. We must choose one or the other. It seems insane that I continue to go back to the first master!!
Then verse 18 “ and, having been set free from sin, have become slaves of righteousness.”
It is clear we must serve a master. I am so thankful that our Master is gracious and welcomes me back each time I foolishly turn to my old master. Yet, my heart, my heart longs that I would stay true to the One who is Beautiful. The One who loves me deep. The One who gave all for me specifically, because He loves me. Alleluia, What a Savior!
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
Bono’s testimony definitely stood out for me. He was rather matter-of-fact about it. Was Jesus divine? Yes. Did he rise from the dead? Yes. He said he had no trouble with miracles — he is surrounded by them and is one himself. Also his statement that Jesus either is who He says He is or He is a delusional nut-case, and he can’t believe so many people’s lives (half the world) would have been impacted and changed by a nut case. I loved this testimony by Bono when he was quoted by Keller in a sermon we listened to recently. I enjoyed hearing Bono make these statements in person even more.
2. What are you anticipating in your heart today?
I’m not sure I understand this question well, so forgive me, Dee, if I head off in the wrong directions! Do you mean what do I anticipate in my heart for today? If that is the question, my day went pretty much as I anticipated: a wonderful worship experience with Christian brothers and sisters greeting one another with “He is Risen,” and answered with “He is Risen indeed!” This was followed by an enjoyable Easter dinner in our home with our two daughters present.
If the question is do I anticipate eternal life because of Jesus’ resurrection? Yes, I do. I think I would lead a very depressed life if I didn’t believe that. That is the joyful message of Easter, is it not? To think otherwise would mean I am not really a Christian. I believe in Christ Jesus, and believe that He rose from the dead, and He has promised that we will be with Him in eternity. I don’t think people can say they believe in Jesus and yet not believe in the eternal life He promises. It just doesn’t follow!
If the question is more about trepidation/anticipation, I will confess that recently I have for the first time in my life considered the possibility that I might be called on to stand up for my faith in a way that could cause my death. As I see world events developing, and as I have become informed of Christians in other countries who have been killed for their faith, I wonder how long before it comes to us. Up to this point, I have always given thanks that we have religious freedom here in the United States, and that we didn’t have to worry about such possibilities. So, I am anticipating that it may become increasingly more difficult to be a Christian in these times. O Lord, help us, strengthen us, and if possibly your will, deliver us!
Deanna, I really appreciate your answers here, especially the last one. I believe you are correct; we will suffer for our faith. It reminds me of the young woman at columbine high school who was asked if she believed in God by one of the shooters. She replied “yes” and was shot dead. That has always stuck with me. I would have said the same. We are praying for the persecuted in our community and holding a “vigil” this coming Saturday for them as well. Look for events in your community….”Ribbons for Rescue;” tying one around a tree soon (they are orange).
Deanna — I love this post — you loved what I did about Bono and described it well. And you thoroughly thought out the answer to “What are you anticipating?”
Deanna, you went so much deeper into the second question, good insight. I, too, anticipate persecution before my generation passes away. So Amen! to your prayer!
1. What stands out to you from the above and why? That the fact that ‘Jesus is risen, just as He said He would!’ is what changes the world. Not the message to ‘love one another’. Though so many try to make love their defining purpose. We can never do it on our own. We need the power that transcends us. We need the living Lord! I’ve heard this Bono testimony before and it is so powerful. I love that one who is known all over the globe and whose music has such a tremendous impact and following, is SO clear on his position with Jesus. I love also, that he said, ‘I have no problem with miracles. I see them around me every day. I am one.’ Amen, Bono!
Have had many blessings on this Easter day. Not the least of which was getting texts from both of my sons who were not with us, with those three little words a mother loves to hear her children say, ‘He is Risen’! To which, of course, I responded; ‘He is risen, indeed!’. Knowing how completely opposite my two sons are in nearly every value/belief they carry, it blessed me to have them both send the message we said together when they were young.
Susan, I didn’t know if you’d see this if I wrote it on last week’s blog, but what you said about spending time with your mom; doing what Jesus was asking of you, even though you missed the meaningful tennebrae Good Friday service you looked forward to, stirred my heart. Jesus’ love flowing through you. And Shirley, I also read of your friend attending service with you at your invitation. May she clearly see the redemptive love of God in Jesus’ sacrificial death and resurrection.
So happy your kids called you Wanda. Sarah and Wesley went to church with us……a first in a long time. Thank you Jesus. Happy Easter!
Oh Laura, this is great news!…an Easter blessing!….seeds were planted, others nurtured…we’ll wait for blooms 🙂
Laura thankful for your Easter Blessing!
Wow, Laura! You did have a blessed Easter! I’m so glad.
WONDERFUL! Laura. I’m SO happy for this blessing for you. So Sarah was home? Oh, this gives me joy right now!
Thank you everyone for the well wishes. We did have a lovely, energetic celebration at church yesterday; it was fun!
Oh, joy! Praise the Lord! What an answer to prayer, Laura to see Sarah and Wesley and have them join you in church.
3. What had the other ten seen according to John 20:20?
The risen Jesus appeared to them showing them His hands, feet, and side.
4A. How is Thomas described in v. 24?
As “one of the twelve”…an apostle of Jesus.
B. What has been left out of John’s account and why?
“many signs and miracles performed” in the presence of the apostles/disciples.
C. What is the purpose of John’s gospel?
Belief in Jesus as the Messiah, the Christ, the Son of God, and through this belief life through and in Him.
D. According to Acts 1:21-22, what is the requirement an apostle must have. Why did Thomas not yet have this?
An apostle was required to have accompanied Jesus throughout His ministry, to have witnessed all. Thomas had been with Jesus from the beginning, but had not witnessed the risen Jesus as the other apostles had.
5. Read the passages and explain why this (i.e., seeing the risen Christ) is so important.
A. (1 John 1:1-2) Provide first hand witness…”we have heard, … seen with our [own] eyes, …gazed upon and have touched with our [own] hands.” The apostles are testifying to what they experienced personally.
B. (2 Peter 2:16) To confirm that Jesus was not delusional; to testify that Jesus was who He claimed to be.
6. Do you believe the apostles’ account? If so, how shall we live?
Yes, I believe and therefore I should be living with a sense of expectancy, in obedience to the Lord’s calling and will upon my life, with gratitude to my Lord and God, with faith and belief that no matter how things might look, the Lord is in control and sovereign.
A warm welcome to Joy…and welcome back to Judy and Liz!
Nanci thank you and I loved your answer to number 6 it was confirming to me what the Lord has been showing me. Things I have known before but so needing reminding of.
Living with expectancy but for the right things not the wrong things. Sometimes when the challenges of life come upon us we can lose that perspective. Which all the more reason we need to be in fellowship with one another. God is in control no matter how things appear and He knows the outcomes and what is best. We need to stay close and not draw back.
1 and 2. My heart was anticipating celebration yesterday. How I wished I had come on here yesterday to hear the Easter song! But even today it fills my heart with celebration and joy and praise! Love it. Our service was a little subdued which made me sad so I was very glad to find celebration here. He is Risen! Somehow this Monday is a little brighter =)
2. What are you anticipating in your heart today?
I get to answer this retrospectively today. I had anticipated taking my mom to church with us Easter morning, and we did. Even my husband came with my daughter and me! (Although he said afterward that the pastor talks too long:)) But, the sermon was about the disciples and Jesus on the Emmaus road, and the gospel was given. I prayed my mom would be able to hear as she is very hard of hearing, and she seemed to be following along. I know it was overwhelming to her as it must be very different from her experience as a child and young adult. She used to attend a Presbyterian church and I am sure there were no electric guitars and drums and a large screen replacing the hymnal! She went with us to brunch with my in-laws and a couple of their friends. She and my dad returned home last evening. (He stayed at my sister’s house). What I did not anticipate was going on a very enjoyable walk with my husband last evening. He was very kind to my mom while she was staying with us over the weekend. We talked and laughed and it was good as my husband and I just don’t spend much time alone together. I was looking up at the blue sky and praising Him as we walked!
Oh Susan! Blessing upon blessing. I’m so glad you were able to be at church with your loved ones. And the evening walk too! Is this the same church that does the tenebrae service on Good Friday?
Thank you Wanda…yes, many blessings! The church that had the tenebrae service was the church I formerly attended. They haven’t had one in several years, but perhaps next year!
Susan praising the Lord with you for the time with your husband! I too was blessed yesterday as well with some time with my husband.
One thing the Lord has been showing me Is sometimes with my negative thinking I can anticipate the WRONG things. The Lord by His abundant love and grace has been showing me just the opposite. I know when I do that it defeats my prayers as it is like praying and doubting at the same time.
Lord Teach me your way of thinking
I have been unable to keep up recently, especially last week, and this week is not starting out any quieter. Still I am interested in rethinking about Thomas. His confession IS so powerful — “my Lord and my God”! Seeing the resurrected Jesus changed everything for him. Those who study these things believe that Thomas went to India as a missionary. I need a Thomas experience again and again. I need to fall down at my feet before my God.
3. What had the other ten (for Judas was not with them) seen according to John 20:20?
They had seen Jesus alive and saw His wounds in his hands and his side.
4. Read John 20:24-31 as an overview.
A. How is Thomas described in verse 24?
He was described as one of the Twelve disciples and the one called Didymus.
B. According to verse 30, (and compare to John 21:25) what has been left out of John’s account and why? What does this tell you about what he does tell us?
Supposedly there were more miraculous signs done in the disciples’ presence, but those weren’t recorded in John’s account. In John 21:25, it is said that if all of them were recorded the world might not have enough room for the scrolls that would be written. That is a lot of miraculous signs!!
I assume that John recorded the things he felt were most important to convince people to believe in Jesus.
C. What is the purpose of John’s gospel according to John 20:31?
John’s purpose for writing his gospel was so that others would believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and therefore would have eternal life in Him.
D. According to Acts 1:21-22, what is the requirement an apostle must have? Why did Thomas, according to this passage in John, not yet have this?
The replacement disciple needed to be someone who was with Jesus through his ministry, beginning with Jesus’ baptism and continuing up to the time of His ascension. This person would need to be a witness to Jesus’ resurrection. Thomas was one who had not yet seen the risen Christ in the Gospel of John. However, when he did see Christ, it isn’t recorded that Jesus breathed on Thomas to fill him with the Holy Spirit like he had already done for the rest of the disciples. Perhaps that did occur and just didn’t get recorded.
2. What are you anticipating in your heart today? My answer is also retrospect. My anticipation was of joy and feeling at one with the body of Christ as we celebrate His glorious resurrection. And that is what I felt at church. We went three times during Holy Week to a church that we are visiting. And once to our current church. I have felt ‘at home’ at the church we visited every time, but have been trying to weigh my feelings quietly, because I know it is harder for my husband to entertain a permanent change. But he too has really liked what he’s experienced at this church. I asked him Sunday, if he was willing to keep going there and he said ‘yes’ without hesitation. Hoping to meet with the pastor soon after we get back from our road trip to OK this week. Continuing to pray about this, but feeling so hopeful!
Wanda, this sounds very hopeful, especially that you both feel at home in this new church. I know you’ve really been torn about this for such a long time, and I will pray for clear direction for you and your husband.
Wanda – I will be praying with you on this. Indeed, how hopeful! And yet……4 years ago when I began the process of looking for a new church and leaving the church I had been very much a part of for approximately 20 years……oh, the buckets of tears I cried! Every new church I visited, I would end up crying during the service……just simply could never have imagined how much the change could hurt. But oh how faithfully God shepherded me through the process – the church I have been a member of for 3 years now was one that I visited once and just “knew”…..it was right. Praying that you and your husband will be in perfect harmony on this too! 🙂
What was I anticipating yesterday? That God would touch hearts. Several responded that my sermon spoke to them. My husband had a similar response from some who heard his Sunrise and regular service messages. Several who participated in the Cross Walk were excited to participate and get responses from the community. All in all, if even one heart was touched we have fulfilled His command.
Loved the Easter Song. It is one of my favorites. Don’t quite know why it is not sung in church more. Guess I will have to talk with my husband about that.
Good to be reminded of Elijah’s challenge. My take away – most of us are fence sitters. We want to wait and see where most people will land and then jump on the bandwagon. Not what Christianity is about.
Sherryl – ouch. your comment about how drawn we are to be fence sitters resonated strongly with me. i truly grieve so much of what i see in the church today…..as the winds of our culture blow across the church, we seem to run as fast as we can to explain away the Scriptures. We’ve redefined love – as Keller would put it we’ve “disemboweled Christianity” by saying that it’s true meaning is to “love one another”……and very few of us truly are like the Bereans – “examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so”. And this was the teaching of Paul and Silas that they were responding to!! I fear the Apostle Paul would find very little room in our churches of today – too judgemental. Not “loving” enough. And yet……just to glimpse the the response of the Ephesians when he left them to go to his death…..”much weeping on the part of all, they embraced Paul and kissed him…..” (Acts 20:36-38). Surely such a man was a GREAT lover of their souls! Love tells the truth – “…it is appointed to man to die once, and after that comes judgement…”. I must ask myself – why oh why do I hoard that truth from my lost loved ones??
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
i love Bono; always liked his music.
2. What are you anticipating in your heart today?
Yesterday I was anticipating that Christ would remind my children who they really are. I wanted them to feel touched by Him when they were at church yesterday morning. I anticipated a joyful experience with my family at church. We had that!
3. What had the other ten (for Judas was not with them) seen according to John 20:20?
They saw Christ; the nail holes, the pierced side.
4. Read John 20:24-31 as an overview.
A. How is Thomas described in verse 24?
He is described as a twin.
B. According to verse 30, (and compare to John 21:25) what has been left out of John’s account and why? What does this tell you about what he does tell us?
Many other eyewitness accounts of Jesus’ signs were left out and this one was left in because it was so important.
C. What is the purpose of John’s gospel according to John 20:31?
To help others believe and have faith.
D. According to Acts 1:21-22, what is the requirement an apostle must have? Why did Thomas, according to this passage in John, not yet have this?
They must be be a witness to the resurrection. He had been apart from the rest.
Laura–SO thankful for how He blessed your longing heart “yesterday morning. I anticipated a joyful experience with my family at church. We had that!” So many answered prayers!
🙂
3. What had the other ten (for Judas was not with them) seen according to John 20:20? They had seen Jesus and Jesus had shown them his hands and side.
4. Read John 20:24-31 as an overview.
A. How is Thomas described in verse 24? “One of the Twelve.”
B. According to verse 30, (and compare to John 21:25) what has been left out of John’s account and why? What does this tell you about what he does tell us? John’s account leaves out many other miraculous signs in the presence of his disciples so what John included in His account (by the prompting of the Spirit) were the things he considered most significant or important or communicated the message Jesus tried to convey while here on earth. They are included on purpose for a reason…we can’t always see the reason but John thought carefully about what to write (and not) which gives much more significance to the stories told than just an offhand account.
C. What is the purpose of John’s gospel according to John 20:31? “…so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” John wasn’t just telling a story, he wanted us to believe.
D. According to Acts 1:21-22, what is the requirement an apostle must have? Why did Thomas, according to this passage in John, not yet have this? An apostle must have been with Jesus the whole time from His baptism to His assension And he must become a witness of the resurrection. Thomas does not yet believe that the resurrection has occurred.
3. What had the other ten (for Judas was not with them) seen according to John 20:20?
The wording in verse 20(b) is so interesting to me! “Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord.” It seems to say after they saw His hands, His side, then, their fear and disbelief dissolved and they were able to see HIM. I don’t know, that just sort of struck me! How often do I miss seeing Him because my eyes are clouded by doubt and fear…but His Word is active and living, it is how I today can see His hands and side, and have my fears dissolved, so I can see HIM.
4. Read John 20:24-31 as an overview.
A. How is Thomas described in verse 24?
He is “one of the twelve”.
B. According to verse 30, (and compare to John 21:25) what has been left out of John’s account and why? What does this tell you about what he does tell us?
There are many other stories John could have told us, but he focused on the most important ones for our faith, in order that we would believe in Him.
C. What is the purpose of John’s gospel according to John 20:31?
That we believe in Christ.
D. According to Acts 1:21-22, what is the requirement an apostle must have? Why did Thomas, according to this passage in John, not yet have this?
The apostles must be eye witnesses to the resurrection account. Thomas had not been with them when Jesus appeared to the other disciples.
5. Thomas, described as “one of the twelve” was an apostle — but an apostle that had not met the requirement of seeing the risen Christ. Read the following passages and explain why this is so important.
1 John 1:1-2-: The church the apostles built is based on what they have seen with their own eyes, touched, experienced. Their witness gives further credibility to the truth of this historical account of the resurrection. to us—
B. 2 Peter 2:16—(I’m guessing this is 2 Peter 1:16)-I love this verse—the eye witness accounts prove our faith is based on true historical events and not myths.
Thanks, Elizabeth. I have been going over and over 2 Peter 2:16 and couldn’t figure anything out. I was hoping the Keller sermon would clarify it 🙂 Now I know.
John 20:24-31 Thomas Meets Jesus-Keller sermon notes
John is selective. v.30—John has much more to say, but only covers 21 days in Jesus’ life. But, this is the climactic one.
Two Interpretative Questions:
1. Why was Thomas chosen to be the climax of John’s gospel?
2. Why does Jesus do a “double bind” on Thomas? (saying one thing but meaning another)
Jesus tells Thomas he should not need to see Him physically in order to believe in Him. He also rebukes Thomas “stop doubting”. This tells Thomas his doubting is wrong. And yet, He gives Thomas what he asks for. Seems like a “double bind” but it isn’t.
Thomas is chosen as the climax not because he is a great doubter, but because he is a great apostle, and a great believer. He doesn’t need to see the risen Christ to believe, but as an apostle, he needs to see it for himself. Thomas had missed the commissioning to be an apostle, so in order to be one, he had to be a witness himself.
John wants us to see that the apostles got the royal treatment. Jesus met with them more than anyone after the resurrection. Why? The apostles are the foundation of our faith—in order to go out and preach the gospel, they had to be eye witnesses. Why? Thomas already knew plenty about the teaching of Jesus, he didn’t need this in order to teach about Jesus. But that isn’t the main point of apostles—the most important thing is not what Jesus said or taught but what He did.
The modern mind is uncomfortable with the miracles, the resurrection, and wants to focus on the “good” teaching. John tells us the Gospel is about what He did. If we focus on the teaching, it becomes all about us; but the Gospel, He died and rose in my place—it’s all about Him.
Philosophy doesn’t change anything—the Resurrection changes everything. We don’t just have an example, but a risen prescience that can come in and transform me. This changes my past, present and future.
Thomas was an incredible believer. He is made an apostle, but is also rebuked. Yet he responds to the rebuke with the greatest profession of faith of anywhere in the Bible. This is John’s whole point in his gospel, and Thomas tells us, who Jesus is: “My Lord and My God”.
Theme of the Gospels—“Crown Me or Kill Me”—either receive as the ultimate power in your life, or throw me out.
Thomas says “my Lord and my God”. Thomas sees a doctrine and believes, but it is personal “my”. How do we become this kind of believer? If we’re bitter, angry…we don’t really believe.
Practical ways to find faith (he said 5 but I only got 4, maybe Deanna got all 5?):
1. Listen to the apostles. Read the accounts, watch Jesus in the Gospels.
2. See how patient He has been with you.
3. Look at His wounds. He is not one more “good teacher”, He is a wounded God. Only a wounded God can blast through our fears.
4. Drop your conditions. Thomas did not touch Jesus’ wounds. He realized, he had demanded a condition on Jesus. If we have a condition—“I will obey IF…”, then whatever that condition is, it is our true god. Obey without an “if”, but because, of what He has done.
Your notes look so good, Elizabeth. I haven’t had a chance to listen to the sermon yet. I just love the way you threw out the challenge to me to find the fifth way to find faith 🙂
Thanks for the notes, Elizabeth! My husband and I just listened together as we drive through Iowa heading south 🙂 You’re right. Keller skips from 3 to ‘lastly’ when he is making the list at the end. Now I’m curious as to what number 4 is! He may have had it and slipped past it while speaking. Excellent sermon.
I John 1:1-2 Heard the words from the beginning of Jesus’ ministry, saw what he did from the beginning of the ministry, looked at what he did and the outcome from the beginning of Jesus’ ministry, touched him and the results of his ministry, all so they could testify to what happened from the beginning through the resurrection and ascension and so they could speak, reveal, show his ministry and power to us, to show the power of having eternal life.
I Peter 1:16 states “we had been eyewitnesses to his majesty.” Again, an eyewitness can give testimony that is considered, in courts of law, as credible and true. Non-eyewitnesses can only give testimony of Hear say. Not necessarily credited as true unless corroborated by other sources.
In Sue Mink’s 2015 Lenten devotional guide, she stated that the Greek word for apostle means “one who is a messenger, with the power to speak or act on behalf of the one who sent the apostle, like an ambassador.” Since apostles are sent by Christ, to speak and act on his behalf, to reject them is to reject Christ. To question them is to question Christ. To accept their words is to also accept the role of ambassador for Christ. This is why He sent His Spirit. I become the vehicle the Spirit of God can use to continue to speak about the ministry and power of Christ as God and about the relationship He wants with others. To not speak, denies the Spirit and the one who sent the Spirit, Jesus Christ.
Lord, May we all become willing ambassadors for you, relying on the Holy Spirit to guide our conversations to speak to others about your work in our lives. Amen.
3. What had the other ten (for Judas was not with them) seen according to John 20:20?
The ten had seen the Lord Jesus and He showed them His hands and His side.
4. Read John 20:24-31 as an overview.
A. How is Thomas described in verse 24?
Thomas is one of the twelve disciples.
B. According to verse 30, (and compare to John 21:25) what has been left out of John’s account and why? What does this tell you about what he does tell us?
What has been left out of John’s account is the “many other miraculous signs” that Jesus performed and that were witnessed by the disciples. In verse 25, John says that there wouldn’t be enough room in the whole world for all the books that would be written if every single miracle had been written down. This tells me that John had to carefully choose which miraculous signs he would record in his gospel that would convince a person to believe in Jesus.
C. What is the purpose of John’s gospel according to John 20:31?
The purpose of John’s gospel is that “you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name.”
D. According to Acts 1:21-22, what is the requirement an apostle must have? Why did Thomas, according to this passage in John, not yet have this?
An apostle must be an eyewitness of the entire time that Jesus was among them, beginning with His baptism by John and up to the time He was taken-up, and he must have witnessed the risen Jesus so that he can become a witness of His resurrection. In the beginning of this passage in John, Thomas was the only one not present when the Lord first appeared to them, and even when they told him, he didn’t believe it; he said he had to see Jesus for himself before he would believe.
Elizabeth caught that I had the wrong 1 Peter verse — sorry about that.
Would love prayers for speaking — like dominoes the next ten days — thank you. This weekend, next Thursday big event in Fargo, then the weekend in Ashland where I’ll see some of you. Visiting much family in Nebraska now — sorry I have been so absent.
Lord, we ask You to prepare the hearts that will hear Your truth through Dee’s teaching; give her quickening Lord, protect her travels, her health, all the techie details. Please bless these engagements with the presence of Your Spirit Lord, be glorified through them. In Your Name~
Amen to Elizabeth’s prayer! I will be prayingfor you through the week, Dee. I’m very disappointed that I am not going to be able to make it to Ashland. I know it will be a wonderful reunion! Even since I backed out, more has developed to make it impossible. My daughter’s fiance has chosen that day to make his move from West Virginia to NW Ohio. It is going to take all hands on deck to get that accomplished. I plan to provide food that night for all involved. You might think about me while you all eat your barbeque in Ashland!
5. Read the following passages and explain why this is so important
A. 1John 1:1-2 “That which we have seen with our eyes.” The Apostles needed to see the risen Chrit because they are the eye-witnesses so that we may believe.
B. 2 Peter 2:16 – I pondered this and pondered this and then saw Elizabeth pointed out it is probably 1:16… It is important that there were eyewitness accounts to believe otherwise it would all be just “cleverly devised myths” from which there is no hope. But a true physically risen Christ is THE HOPE.
6. Do you believe the account of the apostles? And if so, how shall you then live? Yes! I do. The account doesn’t always make sense to me but I believe (Lord, help my unbelief- sometimes I allow confusion to lead to doubt instead of to Him or His Word, but He is leading me). How then shall I live? My thoughts go back to another Keller sermon where he said something like “You either base your whole life on Him or…” my take-a-way has been compounding ever since. It changes everything. How I see situations, how I encounter people, how I think of the future…
Because He lives, I can face tomorrow,Because He lives, all fear is gone;Because I know He holds the future,And life is worth the living,Just because He lives!
so….with the definition of “apostle” in Acts 2 – was Paul an apostle? Or just the original disciples minus Judas and plus Matthias? These were the only apostles ever?
Paul says he was one untimely born. He did see the risen Christ when he was knocked off his horse — so he qualifies.
Thomas Meets Jesus
Sermon by Dr. Timothy Keller
John 20:24-31
Keller says this is a famous passage, and what helped him get an understanding like never before were 2 interpretive questions:
1. Why did John choose this event with Thomas to be the climax of the gospel he wrote?
John is very selective – in verse 30 he says he has far more sources and memories of things Jesus did than he had used. Students of the book of John say he only covers 21-22 days in the life of Jesus. This story about Thomas meeting Jesus is the climax. Chapter 21 is more like a “mopping up” and tying ends together.
2. Why does Jesus do a double-bind on Thomas?
A double-bind is when you say one thing with your words and something else with your behavior. On the one hand, Jesus is rebuking Thomas for demanding a certain kind of evidence, and then on the other hand, Jesus gives him everything He just told him he shouldn’t be asking for. It wasn’t really a double-bind. The reason Thomas needs to see the risen Christ physically is not because he needs it in order to be a believer, but he needs it to be an apostle. Thomas had missed the meeting in which the other disciples were commissioned to be apostles – Jesus gave them the Holy Spirit and also gave them the authority to tell people how their sins are going to be forgiven. So Thomas needed to see the risen Christ to become an apostle.
John wants us to see that the apostles got the royal treatment. Jesus met with them for 40 days constantly after his resurrection. In Ephesians 2:20 we are told the apostles are the foundation of the church – the foundation of our faith. They got this kind of treatment, and then they went out and they preached the gospel. And when they all began to die off, the teachings of the apostles and the teachings of that first generation were put into this Book.
John at the beginning of his gospel says “that which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our ears, which we have looked at with our hands, and which we have touched – this is the Word of Life – the one whom we proclaim.” He appeared and we testify to what we have seen and heard. Look at the treatment we got! How can you 100 years later, 500 years later, 2000 years later, maybe 3,000 years later – How can you be sure that what you are reading in here is not distorted? How can you be sure it is true? Look at the treatment we got! Thomas was rebuked for not believing the apostles. How are we doing? Are we believing it? John was saying “Trust us, believe us, don’t be afraid. We are the foundation.”
Thomas already knew plenty about the teaching of Jesus. He didn’t need this interview if his job was to go out and tell people what Jesus said. The apostles needed to be witnesses to the historicity of the resurrection. The important thing is not what Jesus said – it is what He did. Not His teaching or philosophy, but what actually happened in history.
John seems to almost anticipate the modern mind-set. The modern people desperately want to do the opposite. They want to say this death and resurrection, these miracles, this idea of the blood of Christ, the idea that we have to worship Christ – I’m uncomfortable with that. They think they are legendary elements. They stress his teaching of love, peace, and justice – that’s the heart of things. The answer from John here is “Absolutely Not!!”
Teaching is about you – how you should live. But the Gospel is about what He has done. A philosophy is about you, but the Gospel is about Him. John is trying to say to modern people, if you get rid of things like the resurrection, you don’t just modernize Christianity, you disembowel it.
There are lots and lots of modern books about Jesus, and the one thing they most desperately want to get around is what John is telling us here. They want to believe at the beginning Jesus was just a teacher, and only later on did the legends come in, only later on did the church turn Him into some kind of risen God.
When middle class people hear a sermon that says that we should just love one another, reach out to each other, then the world will be a better place – comfortable middle class people walk out saying “that was a good sermon!” We know that the early gospel spread amongst the broken, spread amongst the oppressed, spread amongst the poor, spread amongst the slaves. Can you imagine the apostles preaching a sermon saying, “I have some good news for you: love one another, turn the other cheek? Can you imagine Manhattan people – who like to taste, who like to go to the museum, who go to church, and lectures saying, “You know that really makes sense – that’s really true?” That’s not who the people were who originally embraced the gospel. They wouldn’t have said, “Love one another” – yes that changes my life, finally I have hope for the future, finally I have a new identity, finally I have liberation.” NO! But if they came to say “He is Risen,” if they preach the resurrection right from the start — The resurrection changes everything!
Philosophy doesn’t change anything. The resurrection says “your past has changed, your present has changed, and your future has changed.” You don’t just have an example, a teacher that you mechanically try to comply with, but you have a risen presence – you have someone you can talk to and deal with, who can come into your life and transform you.
You are not a Christian if you are just trying to emulate the moral example of Jesus, because that’s not what the apostles went out with – the identity of the gospel.
The whole point of John’s gospel is summed up in Thomas’ response, “My Lord and My God!”
Several practical ways for us to become the big believer Thomas is:
1. Listen to the apostles. Verse 25 says, “they told him.” It is a present-progressive verb. It says, “they kept on telling him.” And Jesus shows up and rebukes Thomas for not listening to them. Nothing surpasses reading the accounts of the apostle and watching Jesus in the gospels.
2. See how patient He has been with you. Thomas realizes Jesus was listening. He’s seen all his doubts and yet here Jesus is. Jesus knows all your flaws and yet says “I love you and will not leave you.”
3. Look at His wounds. God knew better than to just send one more good teacher. We have never listened to what the teachers have said. Ah, but God himself came. If He appeared and He did miracles, and said “Here I am now obey me” — That wouldn’t have been enough either.
There is only one site that will break through the unbelievable ambivalence we have with God. That is a wounded God, and only a wounded God. If you aren’t a Christian, it is because you don’t believe He is a God who did that for you.
4. Drop your conditions. Thomas didn’t touch Jesus’ wounds. If you ever have a condition, if you say I will come to you if (X) – that X is your real Lord and Savior. It will never die for you. In fact, you will end up dying for it. Obey without an “if” because of what He has done for you.
Yes, Elizabeth, Dr. Keller failed to give a fifth point here !! I couldn’t get it either.
great notes Deanna! I feel better that you and Wanda both didn’t hear 5 points either…I kept re-winding and re-playing…! Does make me wonder though, wish I could see his notes! 😉
Thanks, Deanna and Elizabeth, for your notes. Deanna, there is something about how thoroughly you took notes on Thomas that compels me to listen to Keller. Perhaps it is because of Jesus’ patience and love for Thomas even as he rebukes him, that draws me so to Christ. I need that! In my pride and shame, I need Someone who thoroughly knows me in the midst of my sin and yet goes above and beyond what I deserve to love me.
Great notes, Elizabeth and Deanna…thanks much for providing them for us all.
Happy belated birthday, Deanna!…glad that you received “Abba’s Child” as you hoped for…:)
I just wanted to add that I finished reading Brennan Manning’s “Abba’s Child” which I had committed to do during Lent. Many chapters I read and then re-read. Manning’s poignant honest writing style points so clearly to a loving risen Christ that I hope I can absorb it into my life and live in the “present risenness” of Christ always. If anyone started the book and has gotten sidetracked, let me encourage you to persevere and finish the book.
Thanks for the advice about reading Abba’s Child, Diane. I asked for it for my birthday, which was March 20. I am just starting to read it — I will try to remember to persevere to the end!
Happy late birthday Deanna! I just finished Abba’s Child as well and it was wonderful! Medicine for my soul!
Deanna, thanks for your good notes and happy birthday to you! I couldn’t get both links to work on my computer. I only got to listen to the first 5 minutes. I will try again tomorrow. So I appreciate your notes. This week has just been crazily busy and some of my choices on how to spend my time have not been the best. So grateful for a Savior that does not turn His back on me when I fail Him. “The resurrection changes everything!” Yes, indeed. And yet I often forget. Read Paul Tripp’s Wednesday devotion and was struck by what he said: “…sometimes we forget to live a life based on our resurrection faith.” For me ,often it is by works and not by faith. Jesus already has finished what I can not accomplish on my own. Thank you, Lord!
Just wanted to let you all know I have missed you this week! I have been helping Dee with her events and had no time to get on the blog but plan on being here next week. I miss you guys!
We missed you too, Rebecca!
8. What is your take-a-way and why?
Tim Keller’s sermons make such good sense out of scripture, bringing out points that I have never (nor probably ever would 🙂 ) think of. Thomas’ climatic proclamation of “my Lord and my God” is an example of this…”my,” “Lord,” “and,” “God”…each word resonates meaning. Additionally, I appreciate Keller’s practical ways to help my belief be what it should be…the second point was especially a “bulls eye” hit for me. There is nothing, nothing, that the Lord doesn’t know about me…He knows me better than I know myself, and despite knowing all of my faults and flaws, He loves me with an everlasting, faithful, saving love. This brings back thoughts of SoS…”I am the Beloved and the Beloved is mine.”
Wow…another great Keller sermon! I was struck by the point that Thomas “dropped his conditions” – he didn’t actually go ahead and touch the wounds of Jesus and then say now I believe. And Jesus knew he had asked about seeing the actual wounds because He was listening all along. Yet, He still loved Thomas. Also important is the rebuke to believe the apostles. What more do we need, really? The gospels, if we will read them, will help make Jesus real to us. I am called to believe the eyewitness accounts of the apostles.