📖 SERMON 189 — John 20:24–29
Date: April __, 1953
Text: John 20:24–29
Preacher: Rev. G. S. Kok
Subject: The Proof Unbelief Demands
INTRODUCTION
This is Easter, and there are always people who refuse to believe unless they can have scientific proof—the kind of proof they themselves demand. Tonight we consider the proof unbelief demands, exemplified in Thomas, one of the twelve. He loved Jesus deeply and preferred to be with Him, but he disbelieved. He refused to accept the testimony of faithful witnesses. Because of his unbelief, he missed Easter blessings. He was not with them when Jesus first appeared. Unbelief always misses blessed experiences.
A. He disbelieved the report of the disciples
1. He would not accept their testimony.
2. His unbelief caused him to miss Easter joy.
B. His bold and stubborn demand
Thomas said he would never believe unless:
1. He saw Jesus with his own eyes,
2. He touched the nail prints with his finger,
3. He thrust his hand into Jesus’ wounded side.
This was more than doubt—this was absolute unbelief.
He was completely convinced Jesus was dead and that resurrection reports were nonsense.
He wanted more than seeing. He demanded touching.
C. Many today are exactly as Thomas
1. They demand “scientific proof.”
2. They set the terms and conditions under which they will believe.
3. They refuse the testimony of faithful witnesses and of Scripture.
A. Jesus knew exactly what Thomas had said
Nothing is hidden from Him.
He allowed a full week to pass, letting Thomas sit with his stubborn unbelief.
Then Jesus appeared again in the presence of the very men before whom Thomas had made his demands.
B. Christ commands Thomas to carry out his own test
Jesus says:
“Reach hither thy finger, and behold My hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into My side.”
How ashamed Thomas must have been. His bold unbelief is suddenly exposed.
C. Thomas’ beautiful confession
He needs no further proof.
He falls before Christ and says:
“My Lord and my God.”
Sincere, complete, a confession only those who truly believe the resurrection can make.
If Jesus had not risen bodily, Thomas could never have spoken these words in truth.
A. Thomas’ confession is sincere—but not perfect
Jesus does not praise Thomas.
He gently shows that Thomas’ faith is tarnished because it required forced proof.
How much more blessed Thomas would have been had he believed the witness of his brethren.
B. Jesus pronounces a blessing
“Blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.”
This is the essence of true faith, the faith required of every believer today.
We cannot see the risen Christ with physical eyes, yet we are called to believe the testimony of Scripture and the apostles.
C. Those who insist on scientific proof will not be saved
Jesus revealed Himself physically for 40 days after the resurrection, but not since.
If a person will only believe with sight, he will never believe in time.
One day the unbeliever will see—at the resurrection of the dead. But then it will be too late.
D. The only proper response
Like Thomas we must confess:
“My Lord and my God.”
CONCLUSION
If you believe Jesus rose from the dead, you may and must confess Him as your Lord and your God. If you refuse to believe without your own terms of proof, you stand where Thomas stood in unbelief—but without the blessed ending.
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