Easter 2024 "In His Name" by Pastor Kevin Dibbley

This Sunday, on Easter Sunday, we celebrated and talked about the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

In particular, we looked at Jesus’ encounter with Thomas, at least a week and a half after the crucifixion. Thomas is struggling. When the disciples tell Thomas that they have seen Jesus, Thomas’ response is very strong. He says, “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!”

Thomas’ reaction is not purely intellectual. It is highly emotional. Thomas is often called “Doubting Thomas.” Thomas might more accurately be called, “Devastated Thomas.” There is more going on here than a need for rational evidence. Thomas is a Jew. He believes in God. He is a disciple.

He had high hopes for Jesus. But suddenly, his hopes and his expectations were dashed at the cross. Thomas is wounded, weary, and done. That describes a lot of people that I have known and even know today. Maybe some of you are wounded, weary, and just plain done. In John 20:24-31, the risen Jesus encounters the deeply disappointed Thomas and the encounter is life-changing for Thomas.

Jesus comes to Thomas and Thomas is forever transformed. If you are wounded and weary, we want to invite you to come and meet with Jesus. Let Jesus’ encounter with one of his most discouraged disciples, minister to your heart.

Our prayer is that this Easter Sunday would be truly life-giving to you and to all our church family as we celebrate the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus from the dead… the greatest news in all of history!