I would like to submit to the hearers of the text that the majority of you would admit that the “Messiah†has come and that the reading of this scripture is an illustration and a celebration of that fact. It is my hope that those who are opposed to this position will be forced to reconsider their conclusion. With this in mind, I believe the following scripture sums up our sentiments today. I call your attention to the book of St John, the 20th chapter, the 24th through the 29th verses: But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus,/ was not with them when Jesus came. The other disciples said unto him,†We have seen the Lord.†But he said unto them,†Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails,/and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe.†And after eight days again his disciples were within,/and Thomas with them. Then came Jesus/the doors being shut/and stood in their midst and said,†Peace be unto you.†Then said he to Thomas, Reach hither thy hand/and thrust it into my side, and be not faithless, but believing.†And Thomas answered and said into him,/"My Lord and my God.†Jesus said unto him," Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed./Blessed are they that have not seen/and yet believeth." The above scripture deals with a post resurrection incident. The Roman Court and the Jewish hierarchy had put Jesus to death. The disciples that had followed him were confused and frustrated. They had seen their leader put to death. The disciple Thomas ,who was a rational thinker, had heard some rumors that Jesus was alive. He stated to the other disciples that he did not believe it. He said that he would not believe until he saw for himself! Thomas was the last disciple to believe. Thomas was trying to base his religion on empiricism. This is based upon what one can see, touch and observe. Many of us are like this today! This form of thinking has many limitations. Faith is greater than reason! Jesus Christ represents ultimate faith! Without faith, it is impossible to please him! Faith in Jesus Christ is the foundation of our religion! Faith is not just the utterance of words, however, but a firm belief and conviction with one's mind and heart. It is also a commitment to be acted upon. Jesus does not need your senses to communicate with your heart, spirit and soul! Thomas was trying to evaluate this situation based upon facts and what he had observed. Ultimate faith rose from the grave that Easter Sunday Morning! Jesus rose from the grave that Easter Sunday Morning! Jesus rose that Easter Sunday Morning with all power in his hands! Then came Jesus/the doors being shut/and stood in their midst and said,†Peace be unto you!†If you have fears ,trouble and problems, I hear him saying,†Peace be unto you!" Your way could be as dark as night. I hear him saying,†Peace be unto you!†He can come into any situation and say,†Peace be unto you!" I would like to close by repeating the words of Jesus,†Peace be unto you." Rev. Esco Yancey, Jr., Ed.D.(ACSI)--Click Press for Audio
