Sermon Text: John 20:19-31
That we may boldy and consistently acclaim You as Lord and God
Jesus, we rejoice that amidst the great grief and fear that your disciples experienced at the time of your death, You returned to them, newly alive by God’s power. You spoke peace to them. You showed your wounds. You breathed your Spirit, your life, into them. You gave them authority to offer or withhold forgiveness as your Spirit gave them discernment.
Like Thomas, some of us are unwilling to accept the witness of others that You have met them, proclaimed peace, and breathed your own breath into them. We want more and sometimes create our own criteria for belief. We even cling to doubt and unbelief as though they were badges of honor.
As with Thomas and your other disciples, You meet us in unexpected moments. Sometimes we don’t recognize your presence and action. At other times, we are overwhelmed by your presence and can only cry out, as we do in this moment, “My Lord and my God!” We rejoice in You. Amen.
Jesus, we rejoice that amidst the great grief and fear that your disciples experienced at the time of your death, You returned to them, newly alive by God’s power. You spoke peace to them. You showed your wounds. You breathed your Spirit, your life, into them. You gave them authority to offer or withhold forgiveness as your Spirit gave them discernment.
Like Thomas, some of us are unwilling to accept the witness of others that You have met them, proclaimed peace, and breathed your own breath into them. We want more and sometimes create our own criteria for belief. We even cling to doubt and unbelief as though they were badges of honor.
As with Thomas and your other disciples, You meet us in unexpected moments. Sometimes we don’t recognize your presence and action. At other times, we are overwhelmed by your presence and can only cry out, as we do in this moment, “My Lord and my God!” We rejoice in You. Amen.
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