Sermons on John 20:28
The various sermons below interpret John 20:28 by focusing on Thomas's journey from skepticism to faith, highlighting his declaration, "My Lord and my God," as a pivotal moment of recognizing Jesus's divinity. They collectively emphasize the transformation from doubt to belief, portraying Thomas's experience as a relatable human journey that mirrors modern skepticism. This shared theme underscores the idea that doubt is not an endpoint but a step towards a deeper faith. The sermons also highlight the personal nature of Thomas's confession, suggesting that recognizing Jesus's divine nature is both a logical and heartfelt realization. This moment serves as a model for believers to embrace faith despite uncertainties, encouraging them to declare Jesus as their Lord and God.
While the sermons share common themes, they also present distinct nuances. One sermon emphasizes the coexistence of doubt and faith, introducing the concept of "believing doubt" as a catalyst for spiritual growth. Another sermon focuses on God's constant presence, even in moments of doubt, illustrating that Jesus was with Thomas despite his skepticism. This approach highlights the theme of divine presence during perceived abandonment. In contrast, another sermon underscores the personal appropriation of God, emphasizing the intimate relationship between the believer and God. It suggests that declaring "my God" signifies a personal recognition and ownership of God, essential for true conversion. This theme focuses on the personal and transformative nature of faith, where God becomes a living presence in the believer's life.
John 20:28 Interpretation:
From Skepticism to Faith: Thomas's Transformative Journey (Fresh Life Church) interprets John 20:28 by emphasizing Thomas's journey from doubt to faith. The sermon highlights Thomas's declaration, "My Lord and my God," as a profound acknowledgment of Jesus's divinity and lordship. The preacher uses the analogy of Thomas's initial skepticism as a common human experience, likening it to modern-day skepticism fueled by misinformation and past deceptions. The sermon suggests that Thomas's honest doubt and eventual belief serve as a model for embracing faith despite uncertainties.
My God: A Declaration of Personal Faith (Spurgeon Sermon Series) interprets John 20:28 by focusing on Thomas's declaration as a profound confession of faith. The sermon highlights Thomas's journey from skepticism to a bold affirmation of Jesus's divinity, emphasizing that Thomas was the first to infer the deity of Christ from his wounds. This interpretation underscores the logical and heartfelt realization of Jesus's divine nature, which is a pivotal moment for Thomas and serves as a model for believers to recognize and declare Jesus as their Lord and God.
John 20:28 Theological Themes:
Embracing Doubt: Strengthening Faith Through Community (Forward Church Kitchener) presents the theme that doubt can coexist with faith and can even strengthen it. The sermon introduces the concept of "believing doubt," which seeks answers and can lead to a deeper faith. This theme is distinct in its approach to doubt as a potential catalyst for spiritual growth rather than a hindrance.
From Skepticism to Faith: Thomas's Transformative Journey (Fresh Life Church) explores the theme of God's presence even when He feels distant. The sermon emphasizes that Jesus was with Thomas even when he doubted, illustrating that God's presence is constant, even in moments of perceived abandonment.
My God: A Declaration of Personal Faith (Spurgeon Sermon Series) presents the theme of personal appropriation of God. The sermon emphasizes that saying "my God" signifies a personal recognition and ownership of God, which is essential for true conversion. It suggests that God must take the rightful place in one's soul, dominating one's spirit and ruling over the heart. This theme is distinct in its focus on the intimate and personal relationship between the believer and God, where God is not just a name but a living presence in the believer's life.
John 20:28 Historical and Contextual Insights:
From Skepticism to Faith: Thomas's Transformative Journey (Fresh Life Church) provides historical context by discussing the cultural and religious significance of Thomas's declaration. The sermon explains that Thomas's acknowledgment of Jesus as "My Lord and my God" was a radical affirmation of Jesus's divinity, which was a significant theological statement in the context of Jewish monotheism.
Thomas: From Doubt to Deepened Faith (Gambrell Street Baptist Church) provides historical context by discussing the cultural and religious tensions during Jesus's time, particularly the threats against Jesus by religious leaders. The sermon explains the background of Thomas's statement in John 20:28, highlighting the danger Jesus faced from the religious authorities and the disciples' awareness of these threats. This context helps to understand Thomas's initial doubt and his eventual declaration of faith.
John 20:28 Cross-References in the Bible:
Embracing Doubt: Strengthening Faith Through Community (Forward Church Kitchener) references several biblical passages to illustrate the theme of doubt among Jesus's disciples. The sermon mentions Mark 16, where the disciples did not believe Mary Magdalene's report of the resurrection, and Luke 24, where two disciples on the road to Emmaus failed to recognize Jesus. These references are used to show that doubt was a common experience among the disciples, not unique to Thomas.
From Skepticism to Faith: Thomas's Transformative Journey (Fresh Life Church) references John 14:5, where Thomas expresses confusion about Jesus's teachings, and John 11:6, where Thomas shows bravery in the face of danger. These references are used to paint a fuller picture of Thomas's character, highlighting his honesty and courage alongside his doubt.
Thomas: From Doubt to Deepened Faith (Gambrell Street Baptist Church) references several biblical passages to support the understanding of John 20:28. It mentions John 11, where Thomas shows his willingness to die with Jesus, and John 14, where Thomas asks Jesus about the way to the Father. These references illustrate Thomas's journey from doubt to faith and his pragmatic and inquisitive nature. The sermon also references Mark 16:11, where the disciples initially doubt Mary Magdalene's report of the resurrection, showing that Thomas was not alone in his doubt.
John 20:28 Christian References outside the Bible:
Embracing Doubt: Strengthening Faith Through Community (Forward Church Kitchener) references Tim Keller and Barnabas Piper. Tim Keller is quoted as saying that faith without doubts is like a human body without antibodies, suggesting that doubts can strengthen faith. Barnabas Piper is mentioned for his distinction between unbelieving and believing doubts, with the latter leading to a stronger faith.
Thomas: From Doubt to Deepened Faith (Gambrell Street Baptist Church) references several Christian thinkers and philosophers, such as Peter Abelard, Francis Bacon, and Rene Descartes, to discuss the role of doubt in faith. These references are used to illustrate the idea that doubt can lead to a deeper understanding and stronger faith, as seen in Thomas's journey. The sermon uses these historical figures to emphasize that questioning and seeking are integral to the growth of faith.
John 20:28 Illustrations from Secular Sources:
From Skepticism to Faith: Thomas's Transformative Journey (Fresh Life Church) uses a personal story about purchasing deer whistles based on a recommendation, only to find out they were ineffective. This story serves as an analogy for skepticism and the importance of verifying information before accepting it as truth. The sermon uses this illustration to relate to Thomas's initial skepticism and eventual belief in Jesus's resurrection.
Thomas: From Doubt to Deepened Faith (Gambrell Street Baptist Church) uses the Abilene Paradox as an illustration to explain the importance of asking questions and not going along with the herd mentality. The story of a family going to a cafe in Abilene, despite none of them wanting to go, serves as a metaphor for the need to voice doubts and questions, much like Thomas did. This secular analogy helps to convey the message that honest questioning can lead to clarity and truth.