From Fear to Faith: Embracing Christ's Peace
Summary
In the days following the resurrection, the disciples found themselves locked away, gripped by fear, confusion, and uncertainty. The news of Jesus’ empty tomb and Mary’s testimony brought a whirlwind of emotions—hope mingled with doubt, anxiety, and disbelief. In the midst of their turmoil, Jesus appeared among them, speaking the words they most needed: “Peace be with you.” His presence and the sight of his wounds transformed their fear into overwhelming joy, yet even in their celebration, Jesus spoke peace again, calming their hearts and preparing them for what was to come.
Jesus then breathed on the disciples, inviting them to receive the Holy Spirit. This act, distinct from the later outpouring at Pentecost, served as a momentary empowerment, a reset for those paralyzed by fear and uncertainty. It was a gift for the present moment, filling the void left by doubt and anxiety with his own presence and peace.
Yet Thomas was absent that night. For a week, he listened to the others recount their encounter, but he could not bring himself to believe without tangible proof. His demand for evidence is often criticized, but it reflects a deeply human struggle—a desire for certainty in the face of the unbelievable. Thomas did not abandon the community or dismiss their testimony; he remained, wrestling with his doubts, seeking understanding, and waiting for his own encounter.
When Jesus appeared again, he met Thomas exactly where he was, offering the proof Thomas needed without rebuke or shame. Thomas’ response, “My Lord and my God,” stands as a profound declaration of faith, born not from secondhand accounts but from a personal encounter with the risen Christ. Jesus’ words to Thomas—“Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed”—extend a blessing to all who come to faith without physical proof, inviting us into a faith that rests not on sight but on trust in his word and presence.
The journey from fear and doubt to faith and peace is not always straightforward. Some, like the disciples, are transformed in a moment; others, like Thomas, must wrestle and wait. Yet Jesus meets each person in their need, offering peace, truth, and the invitation to believe. The call remains: to move beyond fear and doubt, to receive his peace, and to declare with conviction, “My Lord and my God.”
Key Takeaways
- Fear can paralyze and isolate, but Jesus enters even the most locked and anxious places of our hearts, speaking peace that calms our chaos. His presence is not hindered by our barriers, and his first word is always peace, addressing both our deepest anxieties. The peace he offers is not just a feeling, but a command that settles our souls and prepares us for his calling. [06:04]
- The breath of Jesus upon the disciples was a unique moment of empowerment, a temporary filling that replaced fear with courage and purpose. This act reminds us that God often gives us exactly what we need for the moment, even if it is not the fullness we expect or desire. It is a foretaste of the greater work of the Spirit, and a reminder that God meets us in our weakness with his strength. [15:35]
- Thomas’ doubt is not a failure, but an honest wrestling with the extraordinary claims of faith. Rather than withdrawing or dismissing the testimony of others, he remained in community, asking questions and seeking understanding. His journey shows that faith can coexist with questions, and that God honors the sincere seeker who waits for personal encounter. [26:57]
- Jesus does not shame or rebuke those who struggle with doubt; instead, he meets us where we are, offering the evidence or reassurance we need. The invitation to “stop doubting and believe” is not a harsh command, but a gentle call to trust in the reality of his presence. Our doubts can become the very place where faith is born, as we encounter Christ personally and profoundly. [29:41]
- The blessing pronounced on those who believe without seeing is a call to a deeper, more resilient faith. This faith is not blind, but rooted in the testimony of Scripture, the witness of others, and the ongoing work of the Spirit. It is a faith that must ultimately be settled in the heart, a choice to trust in the risen Christ and declare, “My Lord and my God,” even when certainty is elusive. [34:01]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:24] - Setting the Scene: After Easter
[02:24] - The Disciples’ Fear and Uncertainty
[04:03] - Jesus Appears: Peace in the Locked Room
[06:04] - The Power of Peace Over Fear
[07:24] - Processing the Resurrection
[08:59] - Jesus’ Command and the Disciples’ Joy
[10:34] - Proving His Identity: The Wounds
[12:35] - Overwhelming Joy and a Second Peace
[14:34] - Receiving the Holy Spirit: A Unique Empowerment
[15:35] - The Significance of Jesus’ Breath
[17:33] - Thomas’ Absence and the Cost of Missing Out
[26:57] - Thomas’ Honest Doubt and Encounter
[31:41] - Wrestling with Faith: C.S. Lewis’ Story
[34:01] - The Purpose of the Gospel: That You May Believe
[36:27] - Prayer and Invitation to Faith
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Doubt, Fear, and Faith after the Resurrection
---
### Bible Reading
John 20:19-31
(Feel free to read the whole passage together, or assign sections to different people.)
---
### Observation Questions
1. When Jesus first appeared to the disciples after his resurrection, what were the disciples doing and how did they feel? (John 20:19)
[[04:03]]
2. What did Jesus do and say when he appeared to the disciples in the locked room? (John 20:19-22)
[[06:04]]
3. What was different about Thomas’ experience compared to the other disciples? (John 20:24-25)
[[17:33]]
4. How did Thomas respond when Jesus finally appeared to him, and what did Jesus say in reply? (John 20:27-29)
[[26:57]]
---
### Interpretation Questions
1. The disciples were locked away in fear, but Jesus entered and spoke “Peace be with you.” What does this reveal about the kind of peace Jesus offers, especially in moments of anxiety or chaos?
[[06:04]]
2. Jesus breathed on the disciples and told them to receive the Holy Spirit before Pentecost. What might be the significance of this “momentary empowerment” for the disciples, and how does it relate to their fear and uncertainty?
[[15:35]]
3. Thomas is often called “Doubting Thomas,” but the sermon suggests his doubt was an honest search for truth. How does Thomas’ story challenge the way we think about doubt and faith in the Christian life?
[[26:57]]
4. Jesus said, “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” What does this blessing mean for people today who have not seen Jesus physically?
[[34:01]]
---
### Application Questions
1. The disciples’ fear kept them locked away, but Jesus entered their closed space and spoke peace. Are there “locked rooms” in your own life—places of fear, anxiety, or uncertainty—where you need Jesus to speak peace? What would it look like to invite him into those places this week?
[[06:04]]
2. Jesus’ peace was not just a feeling, but a command that settled the disciples’ hearts and prepared them for what was next. Is there a situation in your life right now where you need to receive and obey Jesus’ peace, rather than just hoping to feel better? What step could you take to do that?
[[08:59]]
3. The sermon described Jesus breathing on the disciples as a “reset” for those paralyzed by fear. When have you experienced a moment where God gave you just what you needed for that day, even if it wasn’t everything you hoped for? How did that change your outlook or actions?
[[15:35]]
4. Thomas stayed with the community even while he doubted. When you have questions or doubts about faith, do you tend to withdraw from others or stay connected? What might help you remain honest and engaged with your faith community during times of uncertainty?
[[26:57]]
5. Jesus met Thomas in his doubt without shaming him, offering the proof he needed. How can we create a culture in our small group or church where people feel safe to express doubts and ask hard questions? What would that look like in practice?
[[29:41]]
6. Jesus’ blessing is for those who believe without seeing. What helps you trust in Jesus when you don’t have all the answers or physical proof? Are there specific practices, stories, or people that encourage your faith in those moments?
[[34:01]]
7. The journey from fear and doubt to faith and peace is different for everyone. Looking back, can you identify a time when you moved from doubt or fear to a deeper faith? What was most helpful to you in that process, and how might you encourage someone else who is wrestling with doubt right now?
[[26:57]]
---
Close in prayer, asking God to meet each person in their place of need, to speak peace, and to help each one move from fear and doubt to faith and trust in Jesus.
Devotional
Day 1: Jesus Speaks Peace Into Our Fearful Hearts
In the midst of fear, uncertainty, and locked doors, Jesus appears to His disciples and speaks the words they most need: “Peace be with you.” The disciples, paralyzed by anxiety and grief, are suddenly confronted by the living Christ who commands peace over their chaos. Just as He calmed the stormy seas, Jesus calms the storm within their souls, offering a peace that is not just a greeting but a powerful command to settle their hearts. In moments when fear grips us and we feel locked away by our circumstances, Jesus still enters in and speaks peace, inviting us to trust Him even when everything feels uncertain. [07:24]
John 20:19-21 (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.”
Reflection: Where in your life do you feel locked in by fear or anxiety? How can you invite Jesus to speak His peace into that specific situation today?
Day 2: Jesus Fills Our Emptiness With His Presence
After calming their fears, Jesus shows the disciples His wounds, proving His identity and presence. He breathes on them and says, “Receive the Holy Spirit,” filling the emptiness left by fear and doubt with His very self. This moment is a foretaste of Pentecost, a unique act of empowerment for the disciples to move from fear to purpose. When we are emptied by grief, confusion, or uncertainty, Jesus desires to fill those places with His Spirit, replacing what is lacking with His encouragement, peace, and presence. [17:33]
John 20:22 (ESV)
And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit.”
Reflection: What area of your life feels empty or depleted right now? Ask Jesus to breathe His Spirit into that space and fill you with His presence.
Day 3: Jesus Meets Us In Our Doubt Without Shame
Thomas, absent from the first encounter, struggles to believe the testimony of his friends. He demands proof, and a week later, Jesus appears again, inviting Thomas to see and touch His wounds. Jesus does not rebuke or shame Thomas for his doubt; instead, He meets Thomas exactly where he is, offering the evidence he needs. In our own seasons of doubt and questioning, Jesus is not afraid of our struggles—He invites us to bring our honest questions to Him, promising to reveal Himself in ways we can understand. [26:57]
John 20:24-29 (ESV)
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.”
Reflection: What doubts or questions are you wrestling with about God right now? How can you bring them honestly to Jesus, trusting that He will meet you with grace?
Day 4: Faith Is Blessed Even When We Have Not Seen
Jesus tells Thomas, “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” This blessing extends to all who trust in Christ without physical proof, relying on the testimony of others and the witness of Scripture. Faith is not the absence of questions, but the willingness to trust in the reality of Jesus’ resurrection and lordship even when we cannot see Him with our eyes. This kind of faith is honored and blessed by God, and it is the foundation for a life transformed by His presence. [29:40]
Hebrews 11:1 (ESV)
Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.
Reflection: In what area of your life is God asking you to trust Him without seeing the outcome? What step of faith can you take today, believing His promises are true?
Day 5: The Purpose of the Gospel Is That We May Believe
John concludes his account by stating that the stories and signs of Jesus are written so that we may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing, we may have life in His name. The invitation is not just to know about Jesus, but to encounter Him personally and respond with faith. Whether your journey to belief has been simple or filled with wrestling, the call remains: settle in your heart who Jesus is, and let that belief bring you true life. [34:01]
John 20:30-31 (ESV)
Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written 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.
Reflection: What is one way you can intentionally grow in your belief that Jesus is the Christ this week? How might you share that life-giving faith with someone else?
Quotes
``So the first item I want to address today, that I want to deal with today, is the fear that was permeating, that was present in the disciples. Now, as so many of us can attest to, when fear grabs you, when it has hold of you, it can have a paralyzing effect on you. [00:04:51] (25 seconds)
And it's in that moment that Jesus shows up. Jesus just appears. Locked doors, he appears. And it says, he appeared with them and spoke to them the words that they needed to hear. [00:06:51] (16 seconds)
How many times has he had to speak the word peace over a situation? Peace to calm a situation. Peace to calm the fears, the anxiety, the doubt of what was gripping them in that moment. [00:07:07] (17 seconds)
And after he declared peace over them, it says in verse 20, he showed them his hands and side. He showed them that it was him. He showed them that these were the same nail -scarred hands, the same spear -pierced side that they had last seen him wearing as they took him off the cross. [00:10:39] (25 seconds)
they were no longer filled with that fear but now they were filled with peace they were filled with encouragement and essentially that's what Jesus did in that moment is that he filled the places in their souls in their life with himself that was filled with fear and doubt and the unknown so next I want to talk about Thomas's doubt and and his struggle this is in the the the next set of verses and I want us I want to think for just a second about what it what it might actually be like to miss out on one of the biggest reveals ever because that's what Thomas missed he missed one of the biggest reveals ever it's like having the power go out or the tv signal go out just as as the identity of the murderer is about to be revealed on your show and then it comes back on and the credits are rolling and you're going dang it or or or it's like you're in the middle of the movie at the theater and you're crossing your legs because you have to go pee and you're wondering is this the right time and you get up and you go and you come back and and and your friends are saying man you just missed it [00:17:55] (84 seconds)
missing out on the biggest reveal he needed proof before he would accept it as true now Thomas often goes criticized unfortunately we give him the that that moniker that name you know to describe him doubting Thomas but we have if we're true to ourselves we have all faced moments where we just we just didn't have faith in what someone said or didn't believe a a story that they shared it was just a little bit the story was just a little bit too much to believe you would have to prove it to me let me tell you a story from Valerie Valerie writes my parents were newlyweds in New Jersey and then moved to Illinois after I was born they lived there my entire childhood and then divorced the year I graduated my dad moved to Las Vegas my mom to Texas when I turned to 30 I took a job in South Florida while at a local Goodwill in search of something I found an old book of poetry on the shelf I liked the look of the cover so I bought it took it home and when I opened the front cover I was shocked to see an inscription in my dad's unmistakable handwriting it was a gift to my mom on their third wedding anniversary my mom said she sold it at a yard sale ten or so years earlier now that's a story that's that that you can say well I guess it is possible you know somebody bought [00:20:28] (79 seconds)
Jesus doesn't rebuke Thomas for doubting Jesus doesn't call Thomas out for not listening to the testimony and the eyewitness account of his brothers Jesus presents himself to Thomas and says see it for yourself he doesn't shame Thomas he doesn't call him out [00:26:28] (29 seconds)
he meets Thomas where he was where he is he gives Thomas the proof that he needs powerful reminder that God is not afraid to reveal to you himself of where you're doubting where you're struggling of how you're wrestling when he shows up he gives Thomas the opportunity to see it and touch it for himself John does not write for us that Thomas touched Jesus you notice that it doesn't say that Thomas followed through and had to touch in that moment Thomas replied my Lord and my God [00:26:57] (52 seconds)
He says, A man who was merely a man and said the sort of things Jesus said would not be a great moral teacher. You must make your choice. Either this man was and is the son of God, or else a madman or something worse. You can shut him up for a fool, or you can fall at his feet and call him Lord and God. But let us not come with any patronizing nonsense about his being a great human teacher. [00:32:10] (23 seconds)
Jesus did many other miraculous signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these are written, these are written, that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the son of God. [00:33:46] (15 seconds)
