1 00:00:00,210 --> 00:00:03,690 Speaker 1: Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, proof 2 00:00:04,090 --> 00:00:09,570 Speaker 1: of things not seen. Hebrews 11.1 Heavenly Father, we are 3 00:00:09,690 --> 00:00:13,410 Speaker 1: filled with awe and gratitude. Lord, in a world that 4 00:00:13,490 --> 00:00:17,440 Speaker 1: often demands tangible proof, grant us the courage to walk 5 00:00:17,520 --> 00:00:21,299 Speaker 1: by faith, not by sight. Help us to trust in 6 00:00:21,340 --> 00:00:25,900 Speaker 1: your promises and your presence, even when the path ahead 7 00:00:26,020 --> 00:00:30,890 Speaker 1: is unclear. May our faith be the firm foundation upon 8 00:00:30,970 --> 00:00:35,690 Speaker 1: which we build our lives, a steadfast confidence in your 9 00:00:35,870 --> 00:00:39,830 Speaker 1: loving plan for us. Strengthen our belief in the unseen 10 00:00:40,690 --> 00:00:44,040 Speaker 1: and let our lives be a testament to the enduring 11 00:00:44,159 --> 00:00:47,620 Speaker 1: power of faith. In Jesus' name we pray. 12 00:00:48,520 --> 00:00:48,760 Speaker 2: Amen. 13 00:00:51,900 --> 00:00:55,060 Speaker 1: Thank you for praying with me today. You're listening to 14 00:00:55,100 --> 00:00:58,530 Speaker 1: The Jesus Podcast. where we bring the gospel to life 15 00:00:58,930 --> 00:01:02,460 Speaker 1: like you've never heard it. Stay with us to delve 16 00:01:02,500 --> 00:01:07,700 Speaker 1: into the captivating journey of Christ's story. If this podcast 17 00:01:07,720 --> 00:01:10,580 Speaker 1: has brought value to your faith, we'd love it if 18 00:01:10,620 --> 00:01:12,800 Speaker 1: you left a review and shared it with a friend. 19 00:01:13,800 --> 00:01:16,270 Speaker 1: We want the story of Jesus to be known throughout 20 00:01:16,310 --> 00:01:21,570 Speaker 1: the world, because when Jesus' story is told, lives are transformed. 21 00:01:24,350 --> 00:01:25,390 Speaker 3: Peace be with you. 22 00:01:26,120 --> 00:01:29,459 Speaker 1: He said again, his voice radiating divine love. 23 00:01:30,100 --> 00:01:33,280 Speaker 3: As the Father has sent me, even so I am 24 00:01:33,360 --> 00:01:34,220 Speaker 3: sending you. 25 00:01:34,880 --> 00:01:38,920 Speaker 1: He had all of the disciples stand. Then, in an 26 00:01:39,080 --> 00:01:41,740 Speaker 1: act that echoed the days of creation with Adam and 27 00:01:41,840 --> 00:01:46,179 Speaker 1: Eve in the Garden of Eden, Jesus exhaled a large 28 00:01:46,340 --> 00:01:47,360 Speaker 1: breath and. 29 00:01:47,319 --> 00:01:49,940 Speaker 3: Said, Receive the Holy Spirit. 30 00:01:50,620 --> 00:01:55,210 Speaker 1: At that moment, the disciples were like Adam, when God 31 00:01:55,330 --> 00:01:59,480 Speaker 1: first formed him from the dust of the earth. He 32 00:01:59,600 --> 00:02:05,420 Speaker 1: breathed life into them, filling them with new purpose for 33 00:02:05,460 --> 00:02:10,560 Speaker 1: the days ahead. The disciples' hearts and minds were open 34 00:02:10,650 --> 00:02:14,270 Speaker 1: to the divine truth, and their understanding of the scriptures 35 00:02:14,590 --> 00:02:20,490 Speaker 1: was enlightened. They realized that Jesus was the cornerstone of 36 00:02:20,590 --> 00:02:27,369 Speaker 1: God's grand narrative. Present from the beginning working tirelessly for 37 00:02:27,450 --> 00:02:28,950 Speaker 1: humanity's redemption. 38 00:02:29,350 --> 00:02:32,400 Speaker 3: If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them. 39 00:02:33,240 --> 00:02:36,380 Speaker 3: If you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld. 40 00:02:37,139 --> 00:02:41,760 Speaker 1: Jesus said this, and his eyes darted over to Peter. Then, 41 00:02:42,139 --> 00:02:50,210 Speaker 1: without warning or pretense, he vanished. As Jesus disappeared, Peter's 42 00:02:50,330 --> 00:02:55,710 Speaker 1: anguish surged. He had missed another chance for redemption, his 43 00:02:55,750 --> 00:03:01,000 Speaker 1: opportunity to repent. The disciples were left in a whirlwind 44 00:03:01,280 --> 00:03:05,620 Speaker 1: of emotion, awed by the miracle they had witnessed, yet 45 00:03:05,820 --> 00:03:08,160 Speaker 1: brimming with questions unanswered. 46 00:03:11,139 --> 00:03:14,130 Speaker 4: Jesus said that blessed are those who haven't seen yet 47 00:03:14,310 --> 00:03:18,049 Speaker 4: still believe. Have you ever wrestled with the need for evidence? 48 00:03:18,570 --> 00:03:22,070 Speaker 4: Has doubt robbed you of experiencing the joy of Jesus? 49 00:03:22,590 --> 00:03:26,720 Speaker 4: You're not alone. One of Jesus' closest disciples struggled with doubt, 50 00:03:27,180 --> 00:03:29,560 Speaker 4: and as it turns out, his doubt was less about 51 00:03:29,600 --> 00:03:33,620 Speaker 4: a lack of faith and more about insecurity. This is 52 00:03:33,680 --> 00:03:37,030 Speaker 4: the Jesus Podcast. The month of April has been dedicated 53 00:03:37,090 --> 00:03:39,730 Speaker 4: to the story of the resurrection and the slow process 54 00:03:39,890 --> 00:03:44,550 Speaker 4: of belief. Today's story is inspired by John 20, verses 24-29. 55 00:03:44,730 --> 00:03:48,410 Speaker 4: In our last episode, Jesus visited the apostles and gave 56 00:03:48,450 --> 00:03:51,990 Speaker 4: them his spirit. The apostles, once reeling in shame, were 57 00:03:52,050 --> 00:03:56,070 Speaker 4: renewed and empowered. but there was one notable absence, Thomas. 58 00:03:56,690 --> 00:03:59,710 Speaker 4: Thomas is often called the doubter, but I think that's 59 00:03:59,730 --> 00:04:03,390 Speaker 4: a harsh title. Thomas's doubt isn't unique. We all struggle 60 00:04:03,430 --> 00:04:06,490 Speaker 4: with our faith at times. This story will showcase Thomas's 61 00:04:06,590 --> 00:04:10,120 Speaker 4: gritty and emotional path towards faith. Let's immerse ourselves in 62 00:04:10,160 --> 00:04:13,700 Speaker 4: the cinematic retelling of John 20. Afterward, let's unpack the 63 00:04:13,760 --> 00:04:16,700 Speaker 4: themes of doubt, faith, and belief together. Let's go. 64 00:04:18,660 --> 00:04:22,820 Speaker 1: The disciples stood right where Jesus had vanished. They were 65 00:04:22,880 --> 00:04:27,539 Speaker 1: silent for a long, glorious moment, minds racing with questions. 66 00:04:28,500 --> 00:04:32,919 Speaker 1: A few moments later, the door opened. The disciples thought 67 00:04:32,960 --> 00:04:36,779 Speaker 1: it might be Jesus again, but it was Thomas. He 68 00:04:36,800 --> 00:04:39,360 Speaker 1: was back from the marketplace with a basket of dates 69 00:04:39,580 --> 00:04:40,080 Speaker 1: and carrots. 70 00:04:40,540 --> 00:04:43,360 Speaker 2: The Passover always makes the merchants harder to haggle with. 71 00:04:44,300 --> 00:04:46,460 Speaker 2: Travelers bring up the prices. I got what I. 72 00:04:46,460 --> 00:04:49,679 Speaker 1: Could with what little we had. Thomas placed the basket 73 00:04:49,740 --> 00:04:53,670 Speaker 1: on the table and sat down. He rubbed his temples, groaned, 74 00:04:54,120 --> 00:04:56,960 Speaker 1: and leaned back. He was so tired that he didn't 75 00:04:56,990 --> 00:05:00,850 Speaker 1: even bother to look at his companions. When nobody greeted him, 76 00:05:01,150 --> 00:05:06,270 Speaker 1: he looked up. Everyone's eyes were filled with tears, faces 77 00:05:06,430 --> 00:05:07,710 Speaker 1: beaming with hope. 78 00:05:08,089 --> 00:05:08,530 Speaker 3: What is it? 79 00:05:08,890 --> 00:05:14,410 Speaker 1: Thomas asked suspiciously. Thomas was an overthinker, often unable to 80 00:05:14,470 --> 00:05:18,870 Speaker 1: accept things at face value. He was usually suspicious of 81 00:05:18,930 --> 00:05:22,500 Speaker 1: good things, often waiting for the other shoe to drop. 82 00:05:23,020 --> 00:05:24,760 Speaker 1: He's returned, John shouted. 83 00:05:25,140 --> 00:05:27,280 Speaker 4: Jesus has risen from the dead. He was here. 84 00:05:27,839 --> 00:05:30,880 Speaker 1: The disciples all took turns telling Thomas what had happened. 85 00:05:31,880 --> 00:05:37,390 Speaker 1: They were frantic, excited, and confused all at once. Thomas 86 00:05:37,510 --> 00:05:41,170 Speaker 1: leaned over the table and thought for a moment. He 87 00:05:41,230 --> 00:05:46,150 Speaker 1: pursed his lips and stroked his beard. Finally, he sighed 88 00:05:46,230 --> 00:05:47,330 Speaker 1: and shook his head. 89 00:05:47,750 --> 00:05:51,820 Speaker 2: I wish it were true, my friends, but We're all exhausted. 90 00:05:52,880 --> 00:05:54,060 Speaker 2: Clearly you were seeing things. 91 00:05:54,600 --> 00:05:57,500 Speaker 1: John sat down next to Thomas and placed a hand 92 00:05:57,580 --> 00:05:58,120 Speaker 1: on his shoulder. 93 00:05:58,640 --> 00:06:02,260 Speaker 3: How could we all have the same hallucinations? Thomas believed 94 00:06:02,320 --> 00:06:04,150 Speaker 3: our words. He has risen. 95 00:06:04,570 --> 00:06:07,510 Speaker 1: Thomas gave a compassionate and condescending smile. 96 00:06:09,670 --> 00:06:14,710 Speaker 2: John, I believe that you believe what you saw was real. 97 00:06:16,010 --> 00:06:19,570 Speaker 2: But I can't believe Jesus has risen from the dead. 98 00:06:20,720 --> 00:06:22,800 Speaker 2: We all saw what happened to him. 99 00:06:23,220 --> 00:06:26,940 Speaker 1: There was a somber pause as Thomas held back emotion. 100 00:06:27,460 --> 00:06:30,960 Speaker 2: There's no coming back from something like that. Unless I 101 00:06:31,020 --> 00:06:33,339 Speaker 2: see the scars in his hands, I can't believe it 102 00:06:33,360 --> 00:06:33,760 Speaker 2: was him. 103 00:06:34,740 --> 00:06:37,140 Speaker 3: Thomas, it's true, Simon added. 104 00:06:37,660 --> 00:06:41,080 Speaker 2: I could barely believe my eyes, but he was right 105 00:06:41,260 --> 00:06:45,390 Speaker 2: here with us. He blessed us and told us to 106 00:06:45,430 --> 00:06:48,029 Speaker 2: receive the Holy Spirit. 107 00:06:48,770 --> 00:06:52,540 Speaker 1: Enough, Thomas yelled. He stood up from the table and 108 00:06:52,600 --> 00:06:53,360 Speaker 1: grabbed his coat. 109 00:06:53,800 --> 00:06:55,940 Speaker 2: If you are all so certain that Jesus is risen, 110 00:06:55,990 --> 00:06:59,370 Speaker 2: then tell me this. Why hasn't he appeared before the temple? 111 00:06:59,950 --> 00:07:03,950 Speaker 2: Why hasn't he proven the Pharisees wrong? Why hasn't he 112 00:07:04,010 --> 00:07:07,990 Speaker 2: gotten revenge on the Romans? And why didn't he come 113 00:07:08,010 --> 00:07:08,830 Speaker 2: when I was here? 114 00:07:09,230 --> 00:07:12,930 Speaker 1: With that last question, Thomas left and slammed the door 115 00:07:12,970 --> 00:07:18,110 Speaker 1: behind him. Bereaved and ashamed, he walked down the dirt 116 00:07:18,190 --> 00:07:21,420 Speaker 1: path to the Sea of Galilee. He sat in the sand, 117 00:07:21,800 --> 00:07:26,180 Speaker 1: shaking from anger and grief. Thomas' doubt was a symptom 118 00:07:26,460 --> 00:07:30,460 Speaker 1: of the deep hurt within. Trust didn't come easy to Thomas. 119 00:07:31,500 --> 00:07:35,090 Speaker 1: He had lived his entire life as a skeptic, rarely 120 00:07:35,150 --> 00:07:38,550 Speaker 1: giving his allegiance to anyone out of fear of disappointment. 121 00:07:39,870 --> 00:07:43,510 Speaker 1: But he chose to follow Jesus. He put his trust 122 00:07:43,730 --> 00:07:50,140 Speaker 1: in Jesus. When he died, it was confirmation that Thomas... 123 00:07:50,300 --> 00:07:54,120 Speaker 1: couldn't trust anyone. His faith had led him down a 124 00:07:54,250 --> 00:07:59,190 Speaker 1: path of grief. So, to save himself from more pain, 125 00:08:00,390 --> 00:08:06,110 Speaker 1: he chose doubt. The midnight breeze chilled Thomas' cheeks. No 126 00:08:06,150 --> 00:08:10,070 Speaker 1: clouds were in the sky. Just a condescent tapestry of 127 00:08:10,150 --> 00:08:15,490 Speaker 1: stars painted the firmament. Thomas wept without anyone around to 128 00:08:15,550 --> 00:08:21,870 Speaker 1: hear him. Eight days passed since Jesus appeared to his disciples, 129 00:08:23,030 --> 00:08:26,850 Speaker 1: long enough for Thomas' heart to grow more calloused. Yet 130 00:08:26,890 --> 00:08:30,590 Speaker 1: the other ten were sure of what they saw. The 131 00:08:30,650 --> 00:08:35,600 Speaker 1: Holy Spirit dwelling within them reassured them even in the unseen. 132 00:08:36,679 --> 00:08:41,580 Speaker 1: Their encounter with Jesus tethered them to faith. Thomas' countenance 133 00:08:41,820 --> 00:08:46,400 Speaker 1: was tense. His doubt had turned to bitterness, creating a 134 00:08:46,460 --> 00:08:50,219 Speaker 1: distance between he and the others. They were working in 135 00:08:50,240 --> 00:08:54,300 Speaker 1: the courtyard of the house, preparing for a meal. Thomas 136 00:08:54,679 --> 00:08:57,020 Speaker 1: reached up to the shelf to grab a pot of salt. 137 00:08:58,300 --> 00:09:02,069 Speaker 1: But he stumbled and fell onto the floor. The pot 138 00:09:02,120 --> 00:09:08,090 Speaker 1: shattered near his feet, spilling salt everywhere. Thomas yelled in frustration, 139 00:09:08,590 --> 00:09:12,490 Speaker 1: making the entire room go silent. He was pent up 140 00:09:12,550 --> 00:09:18,070 Speaker 1: with anger and becoming unhinged. Then, like the sound of 141 00:09:18,130 --> 00:09:23,530 Speaker 1: a babbling brook beside a garden. Thomas heard a familiar voice. 142 00:09:23,700 --> 00:09:25,300 Speaker 3: Peace be with you, Thomas. 143 00:09:26,620 --> 00:09:31,460 Speaker 1: Thomas froze. He knew that voice. It was the voice 144 00:09:31,520 --> 00:09:35,880 Speaker 1: that had called him long ago. He turned around and 145 00:09:35,990 --> 00:09:38,830 Speaker 1: saw Jesus standing there above him. 146 00:09:39,210 --> 00:09:39,610 Speaker 2: What? 147 00:09:39,970 --> 00:09:41,590 Speaker 1: Thomas asked with a shaking voice. 148 00:09:42,070 --> 00:09:42,890 Speaker 2: It can't be. 149 00:09:43,429 --> 00:09:47,699 Speaker 1: Jesus knelt down. and smiled at Thomas. The warmth of 150 00:09:47,740 --> 00:09:51,760 Speaker 1: his gaze melted his cold heart. Jesus reached out his 151 00:09:51,800 --> 00:09:56,590 Speaker 1: hands for Thomas to see. His hands were scarred where 152 00:09:56,630 --> 00:10:00,450 Speaker 1: the nails had been driven in by the Romans. Thomas 153 00:10:00,550 --> 00:10:05,530 Speaker 1: reached out and touched them. He ran his thumbs over 154 00:10:05,550 --> 00:10:12,120 Speaker 1: the scars, slowly realizing the truth. Jesus gestured to his feet. 155 00:10:13,340 --> 00:10:16,620 Speaker 1: Red scars were on them as well. They were pierced 156 00:10:16,700 --> 00:10:19,880 Speaker 1: for you, Jesus said with a gentle and firm voice. 157 00:10:21,030 --> 00:10:24,890 Speaker 1: Thomas saw the scars, but they weren't what convinced him. 158 00:10:26,050 --> 00:10:31,939 Speaker 1: It was Jesus' familiar gaze. Behind his kind eyes held 159 00:10:31,980 --> 00:10:35,459 Speaker 1: the secrets of eternal life. His eyes began to water, 160 00:10:36,500 --> 00:10:39,400 Speaker 1: and his heart welled up with uncontrollable joy. 161 00:10:39,940 --> 00:10:40,840 Speaker 2: My Lord! 162 00:10:41,280 --> 00:10:41,959 Speaker 1: Thomas wept. 163 00:10:42,120 --> 00:10:45,260 Speaker 2: My God! 164 00:10:45,620 --> 00:10:50,010 Speaker 1: He cried out loudly. Thomas threw his arms around Jesus. 165 00:10:50,520 --> 00:10:55,080 Speaker 1: like a lost child returning to his father's arms. Jesus 166 00:10:55,160 --> 00:10:58,760 Speaker 1: held him, allowing his comfort to wash over him. 167 00:10:59,080 --> 00:11:02,100 Speaker 3: You are blessed, my dear Thomas, for you have seen me. 168 00:11:02,920 --> 00:11:05,900 Speaker 3: You have seen my scars and heard my voice and believed. 169 00:11:06,260 --> 00:11:06,859 Speaker 1: Jesus said. 170 00:11:06,880 --> 00:11:10,060 Speaker 3: But there are those who will not get to see me. 171 00:11:10,960 --> 00:11:13,760 Speaker 3: They will not touch my scars or see my face, 172 00:11:14,760 --> 00:11:18,100 Speaker 3: yet they will believe. More blessed are those who do 173 00:11:18,160 --> 00:11:18,580 Speaker 3: not see. 174 00:11:21,140 --> 00:11:27,330 Speaker 1: After this, Jesus vanished again. Thomas wiped his eyes and 175 00:11:27,390 --> 00:11:31,530 Speaker 1: was renewed with purpose. He lifted his gaze to heaven 176 00:11:32,570 --> 00:11:38,290 Speaker 1: and received God's Spirit. There was no turning back. All 177 00:11:38,429 --> 00:11:43,000 Speaker 1: doubt that clouded Thomas' mind had vanished like a vapor. 178 00:11:44,200 --> 00:11:50,460 Speaker 1: Jesus was alive, and Thomas would never be the same again. 179 00:11:52,870 --> 00:11:56,470 Speaker 1: Should our faith require evidence? Now, that's a tricky question. 180 00:11:56,929 --> 00:11:59,760 Speaker 1: Hebrews 11.1 tells us that faith is the substance of 181 00:11:59,790 --> 00:12:03,340 Speaker 1: things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Faith 182 00:12:03,380 --> 00:12:07,480 Speaker 1: doesn't require evidence. Faith is our evidence. Does that make 183 00:12:07,500 --> 00:12:09,380 Speaker 1: you uncomfortable? It should a little bit. 184 00:12:09,960 --> 00:12:13,469 Speaker 4: Faith isn't supposed to be grounded in material things necessarily. 185 00:12:13,870 --> 00:12:16,929 Speaker 4: Faith is an embodied belief that what we have heard 186 00:12:17,050 --> 00:12:20,050 Speaker 4: from God is true. Therefore, we act upon that truth. 187 00:12:20,480 --> 00:12:23,470 Speaker 4: The evidence often comes later, once we start living out 188 00:12:23,530 --> 00:12:26,449 Speaker 4: our faith and our lives begin to change. I find 189 00:12:26,470 --> 00:12:29,689 Speaker 4: it interesting that the Gospel of John often emphasizes belief 190 00:12:29,770 --> 00:12:32,610 Speaker 4: based on witnessing the miraculous, but at the very end 191 00:12:32,690 --> 00:12:35,510 Speaker 4: we are encouraged to believe even though we haven't seen 192 00:12:35,620 --> 00:12:38,720 Speaker 4: Jesus ourselves. All throughout the Gospel of John, people are 193 00:12:38,780 --> 00:12:42,020 Speaker 4: discovering who Jesus is through his miracles and acts of compassion. 194 00:12:42,620 --> 00:12:46,080 Speaker 4: But Peter has some profound insight into what cultivates faith, 195 00:12:46,500 --> 00:12:49,950 Speaker 4: true and abiding faith. He said this in 2 Peter 1, 196 00:12:49,950 --> 00:12:52,770 Speaker 4: For we did not follow cleverly devised myths, and we 197 00:12:52,790 --> 00:12:54,490 Speaker 4: have made known to you the power of the coming 198 00:12:54,510 --> 00:12:57,200 Speaker 4: of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses to 199 00:12:57,240 --> 00:13:00,100 Speaker 4: his majesty. For when we received honor and glory from 200 00:13:00,140 --> 00:13:02,359 Speaker 4: God the Father, and the voice was born to him 201 00:13:02,400 --> 00:13:05,100 Speaker 4: by the majestic glory, this is my beloved Son with 202 00:13:05,160 --> 00:13:08,260 Speaker 4: whom I am well pleased, we ourselves heard this very 203 00:13:08,320 --> 00:13:11,040 Speaker 4: voice born from heaven, for we were with him on 204 00:13:11,059 --> 00:13:13,990 Speaker 4: the holy mountain. And we have the prophetic word more 205 00:13:14,040 --> 00:13:16,570 Speaker 4: fully confirmed, to which you will do well to pay 206 00:13:16,610 --> 00:13:19,430 Speaker 4: attention to as a lamp shining in a dark place. 207 00:13:19,860 --> 00:13:22,559 Speaker 4: until the day dawns and the morning star rises in 208 00:13:22,600 --> 00:13:25,569 Speaker 4: your hearts, knowing this first of all, that no prophecy 209 00:13:25,590 --> 00:13:29,209 Speaker 4: of Scripture comes from someone's own interpretation. For no prophecy 210 00:13:29,309 --> 00:13:31,770 Speaker 4: was ever produced by the will of man, but men 211 00:13:31,809 --> 00:13:34,270 Speaker 4: spoke from God as they were carried along by the 212 00:13:34,309 --> 00:13:39,070 Speaker 4: Holy Spirit. Peter got to behold miraculous things. He even 213 00:13:39,110 --> 00:13:41,640 Speaker 4: saw the heavens opened up wide, and he heard a 214 00:13:41,670 --> 00:13:44,540 Speaker 4: voice booming, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom 215 00:13:44,640 --> 00:13:47,450 Speaker 4: I am well pleased. But Peter said that the word 216 00:13:47,470 --> 00:13:52,230 Speaker 4: of God is more substantial than witnessing miracles. The fulfilled prophecies, 217 00:13:52,330 --> 00:13:56,110 Speaker 4: proclaimed words, and story arcs of redemption serve our hearts 218 00:13:56,309 --> 00:14:00,329 Speaker 4: even more than seeing a few miracles. This emphasis is 219 00:14:00,370 --> 00:14:03,650 Speaker 4: not merely about physical seeing, but understanding and accepting the 220 00:14:03,710 --> 00:14:07,630 Speaker 4: revelation of God in Christ. Thomas' doubt is not unique. 221 00:14:07,890 --> 00:14:10,630 Speaker 4: We shouldn't be too harsh with him. His doubt was 222 00:14:10,710 --> 00:14:15,330 Speaker 4: more than intellectual skepticism. Doubt in God rarely boils down 223 00:14:15,370 --> 00:14:17,790 Speaker 4: to a simple lack of evidence. A mentor of mine 224 00:14:17,830 --> 00:14:20,990 Speaker 4: was once in a room with a skeptic. This man 225 00:14:21,070 --> 00:14:23,210 Speaker 4: said that if he had saw a miracle, then he 226 00:14:23,230 --> 00:14:27,100 Speaker 4: would believe in Jesus. So this pastor challenged him. He said, 227 00:14:27,420 --> 00:14:29,200 Speaker 4: if I cut off my hand right now and you 228 00:14:29,260 --> 00:14:31,860 Speaker 4: saw it grow right before your eyes, would you then 229 00:14:31,960 --> 00:14:34,840 Speaker 4: confess Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior? Would you 230 00:14:34,880 --> 00:14:37,540 Speaker 4: sell everything you had and would you dedicate your life 231 00:14:37,600 --> 00:14:40,580 Speaker 4: to the mission fields? Would you admit your sins and 232 00:14:40,600 --> 00:14:44,040 Speaker 4: your shortcomings and start to live a life of purity, righteousness, 233 00:14:44,100 --> 00:14:47,990 Speaker 4: and striving after God? The man paused. He considered the question, 234 00:14:48,370 --> 00:14:51,550 Speaker 4: considered if that type of miracle, a hand regrowing right 235 00:14:51,590 --> 00:14:53,970 Speaker 4: before his eyes, would be sufficient to change his heart. 236 00:14:54,730 --> 00:14:58,590 Speaker 4: The man shrugged, pursed his lips, and said, Well, maybe, 237 00:14:59,030 --> 00:15:02,700 Speaker 4: but maybe not. Doubt in God rarely boils down to 238 00:15:02,740 --> 00:15:05,700 Speaker 4: a simple lack of evidence. Usually, there is more at 239 00:15:05,780 --> 00:15:09,160 Speaker 4: work underneath the surface when people doubt God. There's shame 240 00:15:09,210 --> 00:15:11,550 Speaker 4: from past sins. There's trials and hurt that they haven't 241 00:15:11,570 --> 00:15:14,490 Speaker 4: worked through. Maybe there's church hurt, and they've been betrayed 242 00:15:14,530 --> 00:15:18,690 Speaker 4: by trusted members of God's people. Doubt is rarely skin deep, 243 00:15:19,130 --> 00:15:22,890 Speaker 4: and the miraculous is rarely enough to convince our calloused hearts. 244 00:15:23,490 --> 00:15:26,370 Speaker 4: Remember that the Pharisees and the priests also witnessed miracles. 245 00:15:26,980 --> 00:15:30,660 Speaker 4: Remember the people of Israel had witnessed God do amazing 246 00:15:30,740 --> 00:15:33,360 Speaker 4: things by sending plagues to free them from Egypt. They 247 00:15:33,400 --> 00:15:36,330 Speaker 4: had walked through parted seas. They had seen manna fall 248 00:15:36,370 --> 00:15:40,110 Speaker 4: from heaven and water come from rocks. But even still, 249 00:15:40,750 --> 00:15:44,729 Speaker 4: they erected a statue in place of God. They worshipped 250 00:15:44,830 --> 00:15:48,500 Speaker 4: the golden calf. So all these miracles were not enough 251 00:15:48,510 --> 00:15:52,120 Speaker 4: for the people of Israel to change course. Miracles aren't 252 00:15:52,460 --> 00:15:57,980 Speaker 4: simply enough. The physical evidence of God's presence is not enough. 253 00:15:58,380 --> 00:16:00,850 Speaker 4: There has to be a transformation of the heart, and 254 00:16:00,870 --> 00:16:02,610 Speaker 4: there has to be something that the Word of God 255 00:16:02,660 --> 00:16:06,390 Speaker 4: does to change our lives. Thomas' doubt is a deeply 256 00:16:06,470 --> 00:16:10,170 Speaker 4: human response. It's crucial to acknowledge doubt as a part 257 00:16:10,210 --> 00:16:12,650 Speaker 4: of the faith journey, not as the antithesis of it. 258 00:16:13,170 --> 00:16:16,050 Speaker 4: Even John the Baptist struggled with his faith. Like Thomas, 259 00:16:16,150 --> 00:16:19,810 Speaker 4: many experience disappointment or loss that can lead to their skepticism. 260 00:16:20,230 --> 00:16:22,910 Speaker 4: Today's episode invites us to bring our doubts to Jesus 261 00:16:22,990 --> 00:16:25,530 Speaker 4: and not to hide them. When we harbor doubt and 262 00:16:25,590 --> 00:16:29,570 Speaker 4: refuse to process things, it can lead to bitterness. Thomas' 263 00:16:29,630 --> 00:16:32,630 Speaker 4: heart grew calloused when he contrasted his lack of faith 264 00:16:32,670 --> 00:16:36,250 Speaker 4: with the disciples. Don't compare your faith to others. Bring 265 00:16:36,270 --> 00:16:38,830 Speaker 4: the real you to the real Jesus. Wrestle with your doubt, 266 00:16:38,990 --> 00:16:42,670 Speaker 4: ask questions, and be honest with God and yourself. This 267 00:16:42,690 --> 00:16:46,470 Speaker 4: will lead to healing and a stronger faith eventually. Thomas' 268 00:16:46,530 --> 00:16:50,810 Speaker 4: doubt was multifaceted. He had to wrestle with his unmet expectations. He, 269 00:16:50,890 --> 00:16:53,780 Speaker 4: like many Jews of the time, had probably assumed the 270 00:16:53,800 --> 00:16:57,160 Speaker 4: Messiah was supposed to overthrow Rome, but Jesus didn't meet 271 00:16:57,200 --> 00:17:01,080 Speaker 4: his expectations. You see, when we project our own expectations 272 00:17:01,140 --> 00:17:04,170 Speaker 4: onto God and he doesn't meet those expectations, we set 273 00:17:04,210 --> 00:17:07,030 Speaker 4: ourselves up for failure. Anchoring ourselves in God's word is 274 00:17:07,130 --> 00:17:10,310 Speaker 4: crucial so we don't unfairly assume something about God that 275 00:17:10,350 --> 00:17:14,050 Speaker 4: he has not declared about himself. For example, many people 276 00:17:14,090 --> 00:17:17,400 Speaker 4: believe that if you follow Jesus, you will become wealthy 277 00:17:17,560 --> 00:17:20,720 Speaker 4: and never get sick. I, Pastor Zach, right now am 278 00:17:20,740 --> 00:17:23,810 Speaker 4: dealing with a cold. I'm a follower of Jesus. I'm 279 00:17:23,850 --> 00:17:26,560 Speaker 4: faithful to him. Why am I sick right now? You see, 280 00:17:26,600 --> 00:17:30,040 Speaker 4: many preachers have dedicated their entire careers to convincing you 281 00:17:30,440 --> 00:17:33,840 Speaker 4: that God will always make you happy, wealthy, and healthy. 282 00:17:34,100 --> 00:17:36,659 Speaker 4: But what happens when you lose your job? What happens 283 00:17:36,800 --> 00:17:39,660 Speaker 4: when family members mock you for your faith? What happens 284 00:17:39,680 --> 00:17:42,659 Speaker 4: when you get a bad diagnosis? If your faith is 285 00:17:42,840 --> 00:17:46,780 Speaker 4: anchored in false promises and expectations, you're going to open 286 00:17:46,800 --> 00:17:50,369 Speaker 4: yourself up to doubt. But if you read God's word, 287 00:17:50,770 --> 00:17:52,929 Speaker 4: You'll know that hardship is a part of your faith journey. 288 00:17:53,210 --> 00:17:55,950 Speaker 4: You'll know that God doesn't heal everybody. But if you're 289 00:17:56,030 --> 00:17:59,650 Speaker 4: ignorant to his word, your faith will crumble under unmet expectations. 290 00:18:00,359 --> 00:18:02,699 Speaker 4: Another nugget of wisdom found in this episode is that 291 00:18:02,859 --> 00:18:05,560 Speaker 4: faith is often a journey. This is something that we 292 00:18:05,600 --> 00:18:09,500 Speaker 4: explored with Peter and will continue to explore. Thomas doesn't 293 00:18:09,540 --> 00:18:12,040 Speaker 4: believe Jesus right away. He needs to go through his 294 00:18:12,100 --> 00:18:15,890 Speaker 4: own process of doubt and then eventually finding faith. Let 295 00:18:15,930 --> 00:18:18,570 Speaker 4: this encourage anyone with friends or family who have not 296 00:18:18,609 --> 00:18:22,040 Speaker 4: yet believed. Some people take more time than others. Moments 297 00:18:22,080 --> 00:18:25,280 Speaker 4: of doubt don't define our entire lives. How we respond 298 00:18:25,300 --> 00:18:28,700 Speaker 4: to them, though, does. Thomas' response to Jesus can be 299 00:18:28,780 --> 00:18:32,560 Speaker 4: an encouragement to persevere in our faith, ask questions, but 300 00:18:32,859 --> 00:18:36,010 Speaker 4: eventually find hope in the presence of God. Wherever you 301 00:18:36,109 --> 00:18:38,649 Speaker 4: are in your journey today, I pray God's love and 302 00:18:38,710 --> 00:18:41,450 Speaker 4: grace over you. May he reveal himself to you through 303 00:18:41,490 --> 00:18:44,830 Speaker 4: his word and the loving community of Christ's church. Thomas' 304 00:18:44,869 --> 00:18:47,970 Speaker 4: story is a powerful testament to the journey from skepticism 305 00:18:48,010 --> 00:18:50,909 Speaker 4: to faith. It's a reminder that doubt, when confronted with 306 00:18:50,950 --> 00:18:53,310 Speaker 4: the truth of Christ's presence, can lead to a deeper, 307 00:18:53,369 --> 00:18:56,520 Speaker 4: more authentic faith, an abiding faith that's stronger than it 308 00:18:56,560 --> 00:19:00,359 Speaker 4: was before. As modern-day believers, we are called to trust 309 00:19:00,400 --> 00:19:02,679 Speaker 4: in the risen Christ, even though we haven't seen him, 310 00:19:03,020 --> 00:19:05,119 Speaker 4: and to find strength and assurance in the reality of 311 00:19:05,160 --> 00:19:08,919 Speaker 4: his resurrection, even if we haven't beheld him ourselves. I 312 00:19:08,960 --> 00:19:11,629 Speaker 4: pray today's story has blessed you, and will continue to 313 00:19:11,670 --> 00:19:14,550 Speaker 4: bless you as you meditate on it. If this podcast 314 00:19:14,570 --> 00:19:16,810 Speaker 4: has blessed you, be sure to follow it and subscribe. 315 00:19:17,130 --> 00:19:19,090 Speaker 4: Doing so makes sure you never have to miss an episode, 316 00:19:19,130 --> 00:19:21,869 Speaker 4: but it also helps us get discovered by more people. 317 00:19:22,250 --> 00:19:25,520 Speaker 4: We want the story of Jesus to be experienced, known, 318 00:19:25,660 --> 00:19:28,920 Speaker 4: and loved throughout the nations. Thanks for making that possible.