Missing Thomas John 20:24-29
John 20:24-29 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.”
John 20:24-29 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." A lesson for us Often called doubting Thomas, could also be missing Thomas
What Did He Miss? Missed the first Lord's Day meeting - Not with the rest of the disciples What did he miss?
What Did He Miss? Being With The Risen Lord Seeing & Associating With The Risen Lord No cause given but result is the same Today - Miss association with Lord; Miss Fellowship with Lord
Matthew 18:20 For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them. Seeing & Associating With The Risen Lord No cause given but result is the same Today - Miss association with Lord; Miss Fellowship with Lord
What Did He Miss? Being With The Risen Lord Renewal & Confirmation of Faith Opportunity To Confirm & Renew His Faith Became stubborn & rebellious
John 20:25 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." Today - Results in lack of faith (faith by hearing) Faith is strengthened in gathering regularly with God's children Lack of such fellowship will destroy faith
Brought Rebuke Needed A Rebuke To Regain His Lost Faith Needed Rebuke To Regain Lost Faith
John 20:26-27 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." Today - Many need rebuke because of a failing faith Receiving the strengthening of fellowship help overcome rebellion Church could put more effort in reaching the lost if not so busy bringing back the saved!
Wiser To Assemble Avoid Worldly Things Embrace Spiritual Things Avoid that with removes our faith & loyalty
1Corinthians 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.
What Are You Missing? Do you realize what you miss? Then why miss?