1 00:00:00,220 --> 00:00:03,690 Speaker 1: Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, proof 2 00:00:04,110 --> 00:00:09,590 Speaker 1: of things not seen. Hebrews 11.1 Heavenly Father, we are 3 00:00:09,710 --> 00:00:13,430 Speaker 1: filled with awe and gratitude. Lord, in a world that 4 00:00:13,510 --> 00:00:17,450 Speaker 1: often demands tangible proof, grant us the courage to walk 5 00:00:17,530 --> 00:00:21,320 Speaker 1: by faith, not by sight. Help us to trust in 6 00:00:21,360 --> 00:00:25,919 Speaker 1: your promises and your presence, even when the path ahead 7 00:00:26,020 --> 00:00:30,900 Speaker 1: is unclear. May our faith be the firm foundation upon 8 00:00:30,980 --> 00:00:35,710 Speaker 1: which we build our lives, a steadfast confidence in your 9 00:00:35,890 --> 00:00:39,870 Speaker 1: loving plan for us. Strengthen our belief in the unseen 10 00:00:40,710 --> 00:00:44,050 Speaker 1: and let our lives be a testament to the enduring 11 00:00:44,170 --> 00:00:52,140 Speaker 1: power of faith. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen. Thank 12 00:00:52,159 --> 00:00:55,180 Speaker 1: you for praying with me today. You're listening to The 13 00:00:55,240 --> 00:00:59,130 Speaker 1: Jesus Podcast. where we bring the gospel to life like 14 00:00:59,170 --> 00:01:02,670 Speaker 1: you've never heard it. Stay with us to delve into 15 00:01:02,710 --> 00:01:07,959 Speaker 1: the captivating journey of Christ's story. If this podcast has 16 00:01:08,020 --> 00:01:10,800 Speaker 1: brought value to your faith, we'd love it if you 17 00:01:10,819 --> 00:01:13,959 Speaker 1: left a review and shared it with a friend. We 18 00:01:13,980 --> 00:01:16,740 Speaker 1: want the story of Jesus to be known throughout the world, 19 00:01:17,390 --> 00:01:21,590 Speaker 1: because when Jesus' story is told, lives are transformed. 20 00:01:24,370 --> 00:01:25,430 Speaker 2: Peace be with you. 21 00:01:26,130 --> 00:01:29,470 Speaker 1: He said again, his voice radiating divine love. 22 00:01:30,110 --> 00:01:33,300 Speaker 2: As the Father has sent me, even so I am 23 00:01:33,360 --> 00:01:34,240 Speaker 2: sending you. 24 00:01:34,900 --> 00:01:38,940 Speaker 1: He had all of the disciples stand. Then, in an 25 00:01:39,100 --> 00:01:41,759 Speaker 1: act that echoed the days of creation with Adam and 26 00:01:41,860 --> 00:01:46,200 Speaker 1: Eve in the Garden of Eden, Jesus exhaled a large 27 00:01:46,340 --> 00:01:47,380 Speaker 1: breath and. 28 00:01:47,340 --> 00:01:49,960 Speaker 2: Said, Receive the Holy Spirit. 29 00:01:50,640 --> 00:01:55,230 Speaker 1: At that moment, the disciples were like Adam, when God 30 00:01:55,350 --> 00:01:59,490 Speaker 1: first formed him from the dust of the earth. He 31 00:01:59,610 --> 00:02:05,440 Speaker 1: breathed life into them, filling them with new purpose for 32 00:02:05,480 --> 00:02:10,560 Speaker 1: the days ahead. The disciples' hearts and minds were open 33 00:02:10,660 --> 00:02:14,280 Speaker 1: to the divine truth, and their understanding of the scriptures 34 00:02:14,600 --> 00:02:20,510 Speaker 1: was enlightened. They realized that Jesus was the cornerstone of 35 00:02:20,610 --> 00:02:27,389 Speaker 1: God's grand narrative, present from the beginning working tirelessly for 36 00:02:27,470 --> 00:02:28,970 Speaker 1: humanity's redemption. 37 00:02:29,370 --> 00:02:32,410 Speaker 2: If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them. 38 00:02:33,250 --> 00:02:36,370 Speaker 2: If you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld. 39 00:02:37,150 --> 00:02:41,770 Speaker 1: Jesus said this, and his eyes darted over to Peter. Then, 40 00:02:42,150 --> 00:02:50,220 Speaker 1: without warning or pretense, he vanished. As Jesus disappeared, Peter's 41 00:02:50,340 --> 00:02:55,730 Speaker 1: anguish surged. He had missed another chance for redemption, his 42 00:02:55,790 --> 00:03:00,989 Speaker 1: opportunity to repent. The disciples were left in a whirlwind 43 00:03:01,010 --> 00:03:05,639 Speaker 1: of emotion, awed by the miracle they had witnessed, yet 44 00:03:05,840 --> 00:03:08,179 Speaker 1: brimming with questions unanswered. 45 00:03:11,160 --> 00:03:14,140 Speaker 3: Jesus said that blessed are those who haven't seen yet 46 00:03:14,320 --> 00:03:18,070 Speaker 3: still believe. Have you ever wrestled with the need for evidence? 47 00:03:18,590 --> 00:03:22,089 Speaker 3: Has doubt robbed you of experiencing the joy of Jesus? 48 00:03:22,590 --> 00:03:26,740 Speaker 3: You're not alone. One of Jesus' closest disciples struggled with doubt, 49 00:03:27,180 --> 00:03:29,579 Speaker 3: and as it turns out, his doubt was less about 50 00:03:29,620 --> 00:03:33,640 Speaker 3: a lack of faith and more about insecurity. This is 51 00:03:33,700 --> 00:03:37,040 Speaker 3: the Jesus Podcast. The month of April has been dedicated 52 00:03:37,100 --> 00:03:39,740 Speaker 3: to the story of the resurrection and the slow process 53 00:03:39,900 --> 00:03:44,570 Speaker 3: of belief. Today's story is inspired by John 20, verses 24-29. 54 00:03:44,750 --> 00:03:48,430 Speaker 3: In our last episode, Jesus visited the apostles and gave 55 00:03:48,470 --> 00:03:52,010 Speaker 3: them his spirit. The apostles, once reeling in shame, were 56 00:03:52,070 --> 00:03:56,080 Speaker 3: renewed and empowered. but there was one notable absence, Thomas. 57 00:03:56,700 --> 00:03:59,730 Speaker 3: Thomas is often called the doubter, but I think that's 58 00:03:59,750 --> 00:04:03,410 Speaker 3: a harsh title. Thomas's doubt isn't unique. We all struggle 59 00:04:03,450 --> 00:04:06,510 Speaker 3: with our faith at times. This story will showcase Thomas's 60 00:04:06,610 --> 00:04:10,130 Speaker 3: gritty and emotional path towards faith. Let's immerse ourselves in 61 00:04:10,170 --> 00:04:13,720 Speaker 3: the cinematic retelling of John 20. Afterward, let's unpack the 62 00:04:13,750 --> 00:04:16,720 Speaker 3: themes of doubt, faith, and belief together. Let's go. 63 00:04:18,680 --> 00:04:22,830 Speaker 1: The disciples stood right where Jesus had vanished. They were 64 00:04:22,890 --> 00:04:27,560 Speaker 1: silent for a long, glorious moment, minds racing with questions. 65 00:04:28,520 --> 00:04:32,940 Speaker 1: A few moments later, the door opened. The disciples thought 66 00:04:32,980 --> 00:04:36,800 Speaker 1: it might be Jesus again, but it was Thomas. He 67 00:04:36,820 --> 00:04:39,380 Speaker 1: was back from the marketplace with a basket of dates 68 00:04:39,600 --> 00:04:40,100 Speaker 1: and carrots. 69 00:04:40,560 --> 00:04:43,360 Speaker 4: The Passover always makes the merchants harder to haggle with. 70 00:04:44,320 --> 00:04:46,740 Speaker 4: Travelers bring up the prices. I got what I could 71 00:04:46,820 --> 00:04:48,060 Speaker 4: with what little we had. 72 00:04:48,500 --> 00:04:50,960 Speaker 1: Thomas placed the basket on the table and sat down. 73 00:04:51,940 --> 00:04:55,900 Speaker 1: He rubbed his temples, groaned, and leaned back. He was 74 00:04:55,940 --> 00:04:58,100 Speaker 1: so tired that he didn't even bother to look at 75 00:04:58,140 --> 00:05:03,220 Speaker 1: his companions. When nobody greeted him, he looked up. Everyone's 76 00:05:03,400 --> 00:05:07,730 Speaker 1: eyes were filled with tears, faces beaming with hope. 77 00:05:08,110 --> 00:05:08,570 Speaker 4: What is it? 78 00:05:08,900 --> 00:05:14,430 Speaker 1: Thomas asked suspiciously. Thomas was an overthinker, often unable to 79 00:05:14,490 --> 00:05:18,890 Speaker 1: accept things at face value. He was usually suspicious of 80 00:05:18,950 --> 00:05:22,500 Speaker 1: good things, often waiting for the other shoe to drop. 81 00:05:23,040 --> 00:05:23,800 Speaker 2: He's returned! 82 00:05:24,140 --> 00:05:24,779 Speaker 1: John shouted. 83 00:05:25,170 --> 00:05:27,290 Speaker 3: Jesus has risen from the dead! He was here! 84 00:05:27,310 --> 00:05:30,909 Speaker 1: The disciples all took turns telling Thomas what had happened. 85 00:05:31,910 --> 00:05:37,410 Speaker 1: They were frantic, excited, and confused all at once. Thomas 86 00:05:37,510 --> 00:05:41,169 Speaker 1: leaned over the table and thought for a moment. He 87 00:05:41,250 --> 00:05:46,170 Speaker 1: pursed his lips and stroked his beard. Finally, he sighed 88 00:05:46,190 --> 00:05:47,330 Speaker 1: and shook his head. 89 00:05:47,770 --> 00:05:51,839 Speaker 4: I wish it were true, my friends, but... We're all exhausted. 90 00:05:52,900 --> 00:05:54,080 Speaker 4: Clearly you were seeing things. 91 00:05:54,620 --> 00:05:57,520 Speaker 1: John sat down next to Thomas and placed a hand 92 00:05:57,600 --> 00:05:58,140 Speaker 1: on his shoulder. 93 00:05:58,660 --> 00:06:02,279 Speaker 2: How could we all have the same hallucinations? Thomas believed 94 00:06:02,339 --> 00:06:04,160 Speaker 2: our words. His reason. 95 00:06:04,580 --> 00:06:07,520 Speaker 1: Thomas gave a compassionate and condescending smile. 96 00:06:09,690 --> 00:06:14,730 Speaker 4: John, I believe that you believe what you saw was real. 97 00:06:16,029 --> 00:06:19,589 Speaker 4: But I can't believe Jesus is risen from the dead. 98 00:06:20,730 --> 00:06:22,799 Speaker 4: We all saw what happened to him. 99 00:06:23,240 --> 00:06:26,960 Speaker 1: There was a somber pause as Thomas held back emotion. 100 00:06:27,480 --> 00:06:30,980 Speaker 4: There's no coming back from something like that. Unless I 101 00:06:31,040 --> 00:06:33,340 Speaker 4: see the scars in his hands, I can't believe it 102 00:06:33,380 --> 00:06:33,779 Speaker 4: was him. 103 00:06:34,760 --> 00:06:37,159 Speaker 1: Thomas, it's true, Simon added. 104 00:06:37,660 --> 00:06:41,099 Speaker 4: I could barely believe my eyes, but he was right 105 00:06:41,279 --> 00:06:45,410 Speaker 4: here with us. He blessed us and told us to 106 00:06:45,450 --> 00:06:48,049 Speaker 4: receive the Holy Spirit. 107 00:06:48,790 --> 00:06:52,560 Speaker 1: Enough, Thomas yelled. He stood up from the table and 108 00:06:52,620 --> 00:06:53,360 Speaker 1: grabbed his coat. 109 00:06:53,820 --> 00:06:55,960 Speaker 4: If you are all so certain that Jesus is risen, 110 00:06:56,000 --> 00:06:59,380 Speaker 4: then tell me this. Why hasn't he appeared before the temple? 111 00:06:59,960 --> 00:07:03,960 Speaker 4: Why hasn't he proven the Pharisees wrong? Why hasn't he 112 00:07:04,020 --> 00:07:08,010 Speaker 4: gotten revenge on the Romans? And why didn't he come 113 00:07:08,029 --> 00:07:08,849 Speaker 4: when I was here? 114 00:07:09,250 --> 00:07:12,950 Speaker 1: With that last question, Thomas left and slammed the door 115 00:07:12,990 --> 00:07:18,110 Speaker 1: behind him. Bereaved and ashamed, he walked down the dirt 116 00:07:18,210 --> 00:07:21,429 Speaker 1: path to the Sea of Galilee. He sat in the sand, 117 00:07:21,810 --> 00:07:26,210 Speaker 1: shaking from anger and grief. Thomas' doubt was a symptom 118 00:07:26,470 --> 00:07:30,470 Speaker 1: of the deep hurt within. Trust didn't come easy to Thomas. 119 00:07:31,510 --> 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 00:07:39,880 --> 00:07:43,540 Speaker 1: But he chose to follow Jesus. He put his trust 122 00:07:43,740 --> 00:07:49,880 Speaker 1: in Jesus. When he died, it was confirmation that Thomas believed. 123 00:07:50,320 --> 00:07:54,140 Speaker 1: couldn't trust anyone. His faith had led him down a 124 00:07:54,260 --> 00:07:59,200 Speaker 1: path of grief. So, to save himself from more pain, 125 00:08:00,400 --> 00:08:06,130 Speaker 1: he chose doubt. The midnight breeze chilled Thomas' cheeks. No 126 00:08:06,170 --> 00:08:10,090 Speaker 1: clouds were in the sky. Just a condescent tapestry of 127 00:08:10,170 --> 00:08:15,510 Speaker 1: stars painted the firmament. Thomas wept without anyone around to 128 00:08:15,550 --> 00:08:21,890 Speaker 1: hear him. Eight days passed since Jesus appeared to his disciples, 129 00:08:23,050 --> 00:08:26,870 Speaker 1: long enough for Thomas' heart to grow more calloused. Yet 130 00:08:26,910 --> 00:08:30,610 Speaker 1: the other ten were sure of what they saw. The 131 00:08:30,650 --> 00:08:35,610 Speaker 1: Holy Spirit dwelling within them reassured them even in the unseen. 132 00:08:36,700 --> 00:08:41,600 Speaker 1: Their encounter with Jesus tethered them to faith. Thomas' countenance 133 00:08:41,840 --> 00:08:46,420 Speaker 1: was tense. His doubt had turned to bitterness, creating a 134 00:08:46,480 --> 00:08:50,219 Speaker 1: distance between he and the others. They were working in 135 00:08:50,250 --> 00:08:54,319 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 --> 00:09:02,080 Speaker 1: But he stumbled and fell onto the floor. The pot 138 00:09:02,140 --> 00:09:08,100 Speaker 1: shattered near his feet, spilling salt everywhere. Thomas yelled in frustration, 139 00:09:08,600 --> 00:09:12,510 Speaker 1: making the entire room go silent. He was pent up 140 00:09:12,550 --> 00:09:18,090 Speaker 1: with anger and becoming unhinged. Then, like the sound of 141 00:09:18,150 --> 00:09:23,550 Speaker 1: a babbling brook beside a garden. Thomas heard a familiar voice. 142 00:09:23,710 --> 00:09:25,310 Speaker 2: Peace be with you, Thomas. 143 00:09:26,610 --> 00:09:31,470 Speaker 1: Thomas froze. He knew that voice. It was the voice 144 00:09:31,530 --> 00:09:35,890 Speaker 1: that had called him long ago. He turned around and 145 00:09:35,970 --> 00:09:40,840 Speaker 1: saw Jesus standing there above him. Lord, Thomas asked with 146 00:09:40,880 --> 00:09:41,600 Speaker 1: a shaking voice. 147 00:09:42,080 --> 00:09:42,840 Speaker 4: It can't be. 148 00:09:43,429 --> 00:09:47,709 Speaker 1: Jesus knelt down and smiled at Thomas. The warmth of 149 00:09:47,750 --> 00:09:51,780 Speaker 1: his gaze melted his cold heart. Jesus reached out his 150 00:09:51,820 --> 00:09:56,630 Speaker 1: hands for Thomas to see. His hands were scarred where 151 00:09:56,650 --> 00:10:00,460 Speaker 1: the nails had been driven in by the Romans. Thomas 152 00:10:00,559 --> 00:10:05,540 Speaker 1: reached out and touched them. He ran his thumbs over 153 00:10:05,559 --> 00:10:12,120 Speaker 1: the scars, slowly realizing the truth. Jesus gestured to his feet. 154 00:10:13,340 --> 00:10:16,620 Speaker 1: Red scars were on them as well. They were pierced 155 00:10:16,700 --> 00:10:19,880 Speaker 1: for you, Jesus said with a gentle and firm voice. 156 00:10:21,050 --> 00:10:24,910 Speaker 1: Thomas saw the scars, but they weren't what convinced him. 157 00:10:26,070 --> 00:10:31,959 Speaker 1: It was Jesus' familiar gaze. Behind his kind eyes held 158 00:10:32,000 --> 00:10:35,480 Speaker 1: the secrets of eternal life. His eyes began to water, 159 00:10:36,520 --> 00:10:39,420 Speaker 1: and his heart welled up with uncontrollable joy. 160 00:10:39,960 --> 00:10:40,840 Speaker 3: My Lord! 161 00:10:41,280 --> 00:10:41,980 Speaker 2: Thomas wept. 162 00:10:42,140 --> 00:10:45,260 Speaker 4: My God! 163 00:10:45,640 --> 00:10:50,030 Speaker 1: He cried out loudly. Thomas threw his arms around Jesus. 164 00:10:50,530 --> 00:10:55,100 Speaker 1: like a lost child returning to his father's arms. Jesus 165 00:10:55,170 --> 00:10:58,780 Speaker 1: held him, allowing his comfort to wash over him. 166 00:10:59,100 --> 00:11:02,120 Speaker 2: You are blessed, my dear Thomas, for you have seen me. 167 00:11:02,940 --> 00:11:05,920 Speaker 2: You have seen my scars and heard my voice and believed, 168 00:11:06,280 --> 00:11:09,520 Speaker 2: Jesus said. But there are those who will not get 169 00:11:09,559 --> 00:11:13,040 Speaker 2: to see me. They will not touch my scars or 170 00:11:13,059 --> 00:11:17,540 Speaker 2: see my face, yet they will believe. More blessed are 171 00:11:17,580 --> 00:11:18,679 Speaker 2: those who do not see. 172 00:11:21,160 --> 00:11:27,350 Speaker 1: After this, Jesus vanished again. Thomas wiped his eyes and 173 00:11:27,400 --> 00:11:31,530 Speaker 1: was renewed with purpose. He lifted his gaze to heaven 174 00:11:32,590 --> 00:11:38,309 Speaker 1: and received God's Spirit. There was no turning back. All 175 00:11:38,450 --> 00:11:43,010 Speaker 1: doubt that clouded Thomas' mind had vanished like a vapor. 176 00:11:44,210 --> 00:11:50,480 Speaker 1: Jesus was alive, and Thomas would never be the same again. 177 00:11:52,890 --> 00:11:56,490 Speaker 1: Should our faith require evidence? Now, that's a tricky question. 178 00:11:56,950 --> 00:11:59,770 Speaker 1: Hebrews 11.1 tells us that faith is the substance of 179 00:11:59,809 --> 00:12:03,360 Speaker 1: things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Faith 180 00:12:03,390 --> 00:12:07,500 Speaker 1: doesn't require evidence. Faith is our evidence. Does that make 181 00:12:07,520 --> 00:12:09,380 Speaker 1: you uncomfortable? It should a little bit. 182 00:12:09,980 --> 00:12:13,480 Speaker 3: Faith isn't supposed to be grounded in material things necessarily. 183 00:12:13,880 --> 00:12:16,950 Speaker 3: Faith is an embodied belief that what we have heard 184 00:12:17,070 --> 00:12:20,070 Speaker 3: from God is true. Therefore, we act upon that truth. 185 00:12:20,500 --> 00:12:23,480 Speaker 3: The evidence often comes later, once we start living out 186 00:12:23,540 --> 00:12:26,470 Speaker 3: our faith and our lives begin to change. I find 187 00:12:26,490 --> 00:12:29,710 Speaker 3: it interesting that the Gospel of John often emphasizes belief 188 00:12:29,770 --> 00:12:32,630 Speaker 3: based on witnessing the miraculous, but at the very end 189 00:12:32,710 --> 00:12:35,530 Speaker 3: we are encouraged to believe even though we haven't seen 190 00:12:35,630 --> 00:12:38,730 Speaker 3: Jesus ourselves. All throughout the Gospel of John, people are 191 00:12:38,790 --> 00:12:42,040 Speaker 3: discovering who Jesus is through his miracles and acts of compassion. 192 00:12:42,640 --> 00:12:46,080 Speaker 3: But Peter has some profound insight into what cultivates faith, 193 00:12:46,520 --> 00:12:49,970 Speaker 3: true and abiding faith. He said this in 2 Peter 1, 194 00:12:49,970 --> 00:12:52,770 Speaker 3: For we did not follow cleverly devised myths, and we 195 00:12:52,809 --> 00:12:54,490 Speaker 3: have made known to you the power of the coming 196 00:12:54,530 --> 00:12:57,220 Speaker 3: of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses to 197 00:12:57,260 --> 00:13:00,120 Speaker 3: his majesty. For when we received honor and glory from 198 00:13:00,160 --> 00:13:02,380 Speaker 3: God the Father, and the voice was born to him 199 00:13:02,420 --> 00:13:05,100 Speaker 3: by the majestic glory, this is my beloved Son with 200 00:13:05,160 --> 00:13:08,280 Speaker 3: whom I am well pleased, we ourselves heard this very 201 00:13:08,340 --> 00:13:11,060 Speaker 3: voice born from heaven, for we were with him on 202 00:13:11,080 --> 00:13:14,000 Speaker 3: the holy mountain. And we have the prophetic word more 203 00:13:14,070 --> 00:13:16,590 Speaker 3: fully confirmed, to which you will do well to pay 204 00:13:16,630 --> 00:13:19,429 Speaker 3: attention to as a lamp shining in a dark place. 205 00:13:19,880 --> 00:13:22,579 Speaker 3: until the day dawns and the morning star rises in 206 00:13:22,620 --> 00:13:25,580 Speaker 3: your hearts, knowing this first of all, that no prophecy 207 00:13:25,600 --> 00:13:29,219 Speaker 3: of Scripture comes from someone's own interpretation. For no prophecy 208 00:13:29,320 --> 00:13:31,770 Speaker 3: was ever produced by the will of man, but men 209 00:13:31,830 --> 00:13:34,290 Speaker 3: spoke from God as they were carried along by the 210 00:13:34,330 --> 00:13:39,069 Speaker 3: Holy Spirit. Peter got to behold miraculous things. He even 211 00:13:39,130 --> 00:13:41,650 Speaker 3: saw the heavens opened up wide, and he heard a 212 00:13:41,690 --> 00:13:44,550 Speaker 3: voice booming, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom 213 00:13:44,630 --> 00:13:47,439 Speaker 3: I am well pleased. But Peter said that the word 214 00:13:47,480 --> 00:13:52,250 Speaker 3: of God is more substantial than witnessing miracles. The fulfilled prophecies, 215 00:13:52,350 --> 00:13:56,150 Speaker 3: proclaimed words, and story arcs of redemption serve our hearts 216 00:13:56,330 --> 00:14:00,349 Speaker 3: even more than seeing a few miracles. This emphasis is 217 00:14:00,390 --> 00:14:03,670 Speaker 3: not merely about physical seeing, but understanding and accepting the 218 00:14:03,730 --> 00:14:07,650 Speaker 3: revelation of God in Christ. Thomas' doubt is not unique. 219 00:14:07,910 --> 00:14:10,650 Speaker 3: We shouldn't be too harsh with him. His doubt was 220 00:14:10,730 --> 00:14:15,350 Speaker 3: more than intellectual skepticism. Doubt in God rarely boils down 221 00:14:15,390 --> 00:14:17,809 Speaker 3: to a simple lack of evidence. A mentor of mine 222 00:14:17,850 --> 00:14:21,010 Speaker 3: was once in a room with a skeptic. This man 223 00:14:21,090 --> 00:14:23,210 Speaker 3: said that if he had saw a miracle, then he 224 00:14:23,250 --> 00:14:27,110 Speaker 3: would believe in Jesus. So this pastor challenged him. He said, 225 00:14:27,430 --> 00:14:29,210 Speaker 3: if I cut off my hand right now and you 226 00:14:29,270 --> 00:14:31,870 Speaker 3: saw it grow right before your eyes, would you then 227 00:14:31,970 --> 00:14:34,850 Speaker 3: confess Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior? Would you 228 00:14:34,890 --> 00:14:37,550 Speaker 3: sell everything you had and would you dedicate your life 229 00:14:37,610 --> 00:14:40,600 Speaker 3: to the mission field? Would you admit your sins and 230 00:14:40,620 --> 00:14:44,060 Speaker 3: your shortcomings and start to live a life of purity, righteousness, 231 00:14:44,120 --> 00:14:48,000 Speaker 3: and striving after God? The man paused. He considered the question, 232 00:14:48,380 --> 00:14:51,570 Speaker 3: considered if that type of miracle, a hand regrowing right 233 00:14:51,590 --> 00:14:53,990 Speaker 3: before his eyes, would be sufficient to change his heart. 234 00:14:54,730 --> 00:14:58,610 Speaker 3: The man shrugged, pursed his lips, and said, Well, maybe, 235 00:14:59,030 --> 00:15:02,710 Speaker 3: but maybe not. Doubt in God rarely boils down to 236 00:15:02,750 --> 00:15:05,710 Speaker 3: a simple lack of evidence. Usually, there is more at 237 00:15:05,790 --> 00:15:09,180 Speaker 3: work underneath the surface when people doubt God. There's shame 238 00:15:09,220 --> 00:15:11,560 Speaker 3: from past sins. There's trials and hurt that they haven't 239 00:15:11,580 --> 00:15:14,500 Speaker 3: worked through. Maybe there's church hurt, and they've been betrayed 240 00:15:14,540 --> 00:15:18,710 Speaker 3: by trusted members of God's people. Doubt is rarely skin deep, 241 00:15:19,150 --> 00:15:22,910 Speaker 3: and the miraculous is rarely enough to convince our calloused hearts. 242 00:15:23,510 --> 00:15:26,390 Speaker 3: Remember that the Pharisees and the priests also witnessed miracles. 243 00:15:27,000 --> 00:15:30,680 Speaker 3: Remember the people of Israel had witnessed God do amazing 244 00:15:30,760 --> 00:15:33,380 Speaker 3: things by sending plagues to free them from Egypt. They 245 00:15:33,400 --> 00:15:36,330 Speaker 3: had walked through parted seas. They had seen manna fall 246 00:15:36,380 --> 00:15:40,130 Speaker 3: from heaven and water come from rocks. But even still, 247 00:15:40,770 --> 00:15:44,750 Speaker 3: they erected a statue in place of God. They worshipped 248 00:15:44,850 --> 00:15:48,490 Speaker 3: the golden calf. So all these miracles were not enough 249 00:15:48,530 --> 00:15:52,130 Speaker 3: for the people of Israel to change course. Miracles aren't 250 00:15:52,470 --> 00:15:58,000 Speaker 3: simply enough. The physical evidence of God's presence is not enough. 251 00:15:58,400 --> 00:16:00,860 Speaker 3: There has to be a transformation of the heart, and 252 00:16:00,880 --> 00:16:02,620 Speaker 3: there has to be something that the Word of God 253 00:16:02,680 --> 00:16:06,400 Speaker 3: does to change our lives. Thomas' doubt is a deeply 254 00:16:06,460 --> 00:16:10,180 Speaker 3: human response. It's crucial to acknowledge doubt as a part 255 00:16:10,220 --> 00:16:12,670 Speaker 3: of the faith journey, not as the antithesis of it. 256 00:16:13,190 --> 00:16:16,070 Speaker 3: Even John the Baptist struggled with his faith. Like Thomas, 257 00:16:16,170 --> 00:16:19,830 Speaker 3: many experience disappointment or loss that can lead to their skepticism. 258 00:16:20,250 --> 00:16:22,910 Speaker 3: Today's episode invites us to bring our doubts to Jesus 259 00:16:23,010 --> 00:16:25,550 Speaker 3: and not to hide them. When we harbor doubt and 260 00:16:25,610 --> 00:16:29,590 Speaker 3: refuse to process things, it can lead to bitterness. Thomas' 261 00:16:29,650 --> 00:16:32,650 Speaker 3: heart grew calloused when he contrasted his lack of faith 262 00:16:32,690 --> 00:16:36,250 Speaker 3: with the disciples. Don't compare your faith to others. Bring 263 00:16:36,290 --> 00:16:38,850 Speaker 3: the real you to the real Jesus. Wrestle with your doubt, 264 00:16:39,010 --> 00:16:42,670 Speaker 3: ask questions, and be honest with God and yourself. This 265 00:16:42,710 --> 00:16:46,490 Speaker 3: will lead to healing and a stronger faith eventually. Thomas' 266 00:16:46,550 --> 00:16:50,830 Speaker 3: doubt was multifaceted. He had to wrestle with his unmet expectations. He, 267 00:16:50,910 --> 00:16:53,790 Speaker 3: like many Jews of the time, had probably assumed the 268 00:16:53,810 --> 00:16:57,180 Speaker 3: Messiah was supposed to overthrow Rome, but Jesus didn't meet 269 00:16:57,220 --> 00:17:01,080 Speaker 3: his expectations. You see, when we project our own expectations 270 00:17:01,160 --> 00:17:04,180 Speaker 3: onto God and he doesn't meet those expectations, we set 271 00:17:04,220 --> 00:17:07,040 Speaker 3: ourselves up for failure. Anchoring ourselves in God's word is 272 00:17:07,140 --> 00:17:10,330 Speaker 3: crucial so we don't unfairly assume something about God that 273 00:17:10,369 --> 00:17:14,070 Speaker 3: he has not declared about himself. For example, many people 274 00:17:14,109 --> 00:17:17,410 Speaker 3: believe that if you follow Jesus, you will become wealthy 275 00:17:17,570 --> 00:17:20,730 Speaker 3: and never get sick. I, Pastor Zach, right now am 276 00:17:20,760 --> 00:17:23,830 Speaker 3: dealing with a cold. I'm a follower of Jesus. I'm 277 00:17:23,869 --> 00:17:26,570 Speaker 3: faithful to him. Why am I sick right now? You see, 278 00:17:26,609 --> 00:17:30,050 Speaker 3: many preachers have dedicated their entire careers to convincing you 279 00:17:30,450 --> 00:17:33,859 Speaker 3: that God will always make you happy, wealthy, and healthy. 280 00:17:34,119 --> 00:17:36,680 Speaker 3: But what happens when you lose your job? What happens 281 00:17:36,820 --> 00:17:39,660 Speaker 3: when family members mock you for your faith? What happens 282 00:17:39,700 --> 00:17:42,679 Speaker 3: when you get a bad diagnosis? If your faith is 283 00:17:42,859 --> 00:17:46,780 Speaker 3: anchored in false promises and expectations, you're going to open 284 00:17:46,820 --> 00:17:50,379 Speaker 3: yourself up to doubt. But if you read God's word, 285 00:17:50,790 --> 00:17:52,950 Speaker 3: You'll know that hardship is a part of your faith journey. 286 00:17:53,230 --> 00:17:55,970 Speaker 3: You'll know that God doesn't heal everybody. But if you're 287 00:17:56,050 --> 00:17:59,670 Speaker 3: ignorant to his word, your faith will crumble under unmet expectations. 288 00:18:00,369 --> 00:18:02,710 Speaker 3: Another nugget of wisdom found in this episode is that 289 00:18:02,869 --> 00:18:05,580 Speaker 3: faith is often a journey. This is something that we 290 00:18:05,619 --> 00:18:09,520 Speaker 3: explored with Peter and will continue to explore. Thomas doesn't 291 00:18:09,560 --> 00:18:12,060 Speaker 3: believe Jesus right away. He needs to go through his 292 00:18:12,119 --> 00:18:15,900 Speaker 3: own process of doubt and then eventually finding faith. Let 293 00:18:15,940 --> 00:18:18,590 Speaker 3: this encourage anyone with friends or family who have not 294 00:18:18,619 --> 00:18:22,050 Speaker 3: yet believed. Some people take more time than others. Moments 295 00:18:22,090 --> 00:18:25,290 Speaker 3: of doubt don't define our entire lives. How we respond 296 00:18:25,310 --> 00:18:28,720 Speaker 3: to them, though, does. Thomas' response to Jesus can be 297 00:18:28,800 --> 00:18:32,580 Speaker 3: an encouragement to persevere in our faith, ask questions, but 298 00:18:32,880 --> 00:18:36,020 Speaker 3: eventually find hope in the presence of God. Wherever you 299 00:18:36,100 --> 00:18:38,659 Speaker 3: are in your journey today, I pray God's love and 300 00:18:38,720 --> 00:18:41,470 Speaker 3: grace over you. May he reveal himself to you through 301 00:18:41,490 --> 00:18:44,850 Speaker 3: his word and the loving community of Christ's church. Thomas' 302 00:18:44,890 --> 00:18:47,990 Speaker 3: story is a powerful testament to the journey from skepticism 303 00:18:48,030 --> 00:18:50,929 Speaker 3: to faith. It's a reminder that doubt, when confronted with 304 00:18:50,970 --> 00:18:53,350 Speaker 3: the truth of Christ's presence, can lead to a deeper, 305 00:18:53,390 --> 00:18:56,530 Speaker 3: more authentic faith, an abiding faith that's stronger than it 306 00:18:56,550 --> 00:19:00,379 Speaker 3: was before. As modern-day believers, we are called to trust 307 00:19:00,420 --> 00:19:02,699 Speaker 3: in the risen Christ, even though we haven't seen him, 308 00:19:03,040 --> 00:19:05,139 Speaker 3: and to find strength and assurance in the reality of 309 00:19:05,180 --> 00:19:08,940 Speaker 3: his resurrection, even if we haven't beheld him ourselves. I 310 00:19:08,980 --> 00:19:11,649 Speaker 3: pray today's story has blessed you, and will continue to 311 00:19:11,690 --> 00:19:14,570 Speaker 3: bless you as you meditate on it. If this podcast 312 00:19:14,590 --> 00:19:16,830 Speaker 3: has blessed you, be sure to follow it and subscribe. 313 00:19:17,150 --> 00:19:19,110 Speaker 3: Doing so makes sure you never have to miss an episode, 314 00:19:19,150 --> 00:19:21,889 Speaker 3: but it also helps us get discovered by more people. 315 00:19:22,270 --> 00:19:25,540 Speaker 3: We want the story of Jesus to be experienced, known, 316 00:19:25,670 --> 00:19:28,940 Speaker 3: and loved throughout the nations. Thanks for making that possible.