From Doubt to Faith: Thomas Meets the Risen Christ

The Easter assembly celebrates the resurrection with clear gospel certainties, four baptisms, and the Lord’s Supper. Scripture anchors every act: baptism receives the promise of new birth, Holy Communion proclaims the body and blood given for the forgiveness of sins, and John 20 supplies the eyewitness account that grounds faith. The narrative traces the earlier empty tomb, the Emmaus encounter where Scripture opens hearts, and the locked-room appearances that turn fear into joy. Jesus greets the fearful with “Peace be with you,” shows his hands and side as tangible proof, and breathes the Holy Spirit onto the disciples, commissioning them to proclaim and exercise the forgiveness of sins.

Baptism receives the mark of the cross and the water-word that calls people into God’s family; sponsors and the congregation vow to support the baptized in prayer and instruction. The rite emphasizes that parents and the gathered church share responsibility for nurturing faith, and that baptism forms the baptized into the life of Christ. Communion follows, framed as thanksgiving and remembrance, with the liturgy drawing the assembly to the table where forgiveness and strengthening in true faith occur.

The Gospel reading (John 20:19–31) focuses attention on Thomas: his absence, his honest demand for proof, and his encounter eight days later when Jesus offers tangible signs and invites belief. Thomas confesses, “My Lord and my God,” while Jesus pronounces blessing on those who believe without seeing. A reflection on modern skepticism notes that visual proof would not silence doubt for many; faith remains a gift that trusts God’s revealed word. Intercessions name many by name, praying for healing, comfort for mourners, protection for those who serve, and blessing over congregational life and ministries. The service closes with practical announcements, an encouragement to volunteer, and a pastoral blessing that commends the assembly to God’s keeping.

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Key Takeaways

• 1. Baptism embodies being born again Baptism connects the baptized to Christ’s death and resurrection through water and God’s word. It operates not as symbolic suggestion but as a real gift: God calls, forgives, and claims sinners as his children. Families and congregations share a covenantal duty to nurture that new life in daily teaching and prayer. [15:06]
• 2. Christ restores peace and commissions Jesus greets fearful disciples with peace, reveals his wounds, and breathes the Spirit to empower mission. The visible risen Lord both heals doubt and transfers authority to forgive sins to the commissioned community. Peace precedes mission; assurance fuels proclamation and pastoral care. [47:31]
• 3. Doubt invites encounter, not dismissal Thomas’s skepticism prompts a patient, embodied encounter with the risen Lord rather than rebuke. Honest questioning finds space in the gospel, and Jesus meets doubt with invitation and proof, leading to worship. Doubt therefore can become the path to deeper confession when met by faithful presence. [54:01]
• 4. Blessed are those who believe Jesus blesses those who trust without seeing, framing faith as receptive obedience to testimony. The Scriptures and sacramental signs aim to produce such trust, offering life in Jesus’ name. Belief that endures does not require sight but rests on God’s faithful word and promises. [55:14]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:16] - Easter Celebrations & Baptism Announcement
• [13:02] - Confession and Absolution
• [14:24] - Biblical Basis for Baptism
• [15:06] - Baptismal Rite and Promises
• [19:26] - Individual Baptisms
• [22:11] - Holy Communion Liturgy
• [35:47] - Gospel Reading: John 20:19–31
• [38:05] - Children’s Message
• [41:02] - Resurrection Appearances & Emmaus
• [46:25] - Jesus Breathes the Holy Spirit
• [48:53] - Thomas Misses the First Appearance
• [54:01] - Thomas’s Confession: “My Lord, My God”
• [55:31] - Prayers and Intercessions
• [61:30] - Announcements and Sending Blessing

Bible reading: John 20:19–31 (ESV)
On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld.” Now Thomas, one of the twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe.” Eight days later, his disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.” Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

Observation questions

1. What was the emotional state of the disciples when Jesus first appeared to them, and what was the first thing he said to them?
2. What specific proof did Jesus show the disciples to confirm his identity and what was their reaction?
3. What did Thomas say he needed to do before he would believe the other disciples' report?
4. How did Jesus respond directly to Thomas’s doubts eight days later?

Interpretation questions

1. Jesus breathed on the disciples and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” [46:25] What is the significance of this act, and how does it connect to the creation of life in the book of Genesis?
2. Jesus tells the disciples, “If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld.” [47:31] What authority is Jesus giving his followers, and how does this relate to the mission he is sending them on?
3. Why is it significant that the doors were locked for both of Jesus’ appearances, including the one where Thomas was present? [53:09]
4. Jesus says, “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” What does this suggest is the basis for our faith, if not physical sight?

Application questions

1. Jesus’ first words to his fearful followers were “Peace be with you.” [45:10] When you feel afraid or locked in by your circumstances, what would it look like to actively receive this peace from Jesus today?
2. Baptism connects a person to Christ’s death and resurrection, and the entire church family shares a responsibility to nurture that faith. [15:06] What is one practical way you can help support someone who was recently baptized or is new to the faith?
3. Thomas’s honest doubt led to a deeper, more personal encounter with Jesus. [54:01] When you have questions or doubts about your faith, what is a healthy way to bring them to Jesus instead of hiding them?
4. We are blessed for believing without seeing, trusting in the testimony of God’s word. [55:14] What are some areas in your life where you find it difficult to trust God’s promises without seeing the outcome first?
5. The disciples were still meeting behind locked doors even after seeing the risen Jesus, showing that faith doesn’t erase all fear. [53:09] What is one fear you are currently facing, and how can the reality of Jesus’ presence help you walk through it?
6. Jesus gave his followers the authority to proclaim forgiveness. [47:31] Is there someone in your life who needs to hear the clear message that their sins are forgiven because of Jesus? What would it look like to tell them?
7. The primary purpose of the Scriptures is so “that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” [55:14] How does this purpose change the way you read the Bible or share it with others?