This Easter we will follow along with the development of Thomas’ faith in John’s gospel. In his story we see 3 essential choices that produce a faith of unbeatable hope.
1. Truth over comfort.
You have to resolve to make the truth (a.k.a. Jesus) more important than your own life. You’ll never have uneatable hope if the center of your life is yourself. When you make the truth the center, your life is built on an unshakeable foundation. (11:8)
2. Jesus is the destination.
Jesus is not the guide, he is the destination. He’s not an interesting guy who found some powerful truths, he is the truth. He’s not an optional feature of your best life now, he is your life. (John 14:5)
3. Guard your hope, but when you find the truth – bet the farm.
Thomas was ready to die for Jesus. He had decided that Jesus was his destination. And that was why it hurt so bad to witness the crucifixion. He was unwilling to risk that kind of pain all over again – until the living Christ appeared in the room with this command “stop doubting and believe.”
Thomas responds with a whole-hearted eruption of hope and wonder “My Lord and my God!” That confession was the crowning revelation of the entire gospel. (20:28)
Let’s bet the farm and risk everything on Jesus, friends.
Tom Brown is the planting pastor of Vintage Faith Church in Wichita. Tom and his wife, Mandy, have worked together in ministry for 18 years and have four children. More about Pastor Tom Brown