Sermon 209

📖 SERMON 209 — PROOF OF JESUS’ RESURRECTION

Preacher: Rev. G. S. Kok
Date:
Text: John 20:24–29
Title: Proof of Jesus’ Resurrection

INTRODUCTION

This is Easter, and many remain unbelieving unless they can demand scientific proof before accepting the resurrection. Thomas exemplifies this spirit.

I. THE PROOF UNBELIEF DEMANDS

A. Thomas disbelieved

1. One of the twelve, deeply attached to Jesus, yet refusing to believe the disciples’ report.
2. He rejected the testimony of faithful witnesses.
3. His unbelief caused him to miss Easter blessings — he was not with them.
4. His doubt was firm unbelief. He was certain Jesus was dead and thought resurrection news was nonsense.

B. The demands Thomas made

1. Seeing Jesus was not enough — he wanted to feel the wounds.
2. He demanded to put his finger into the nail prints and his hand into Jesus’ side.
3. He would never have spoken so if he had even a little hope Jesus was alive.
4. Many today repeat the same demand for scientific proof and set their own conditions.

II. JESUS GRANTS THOMAS’ REQUEST

A. Jesus knew exactly what Thomas had said

1. He waited a full week before appearing.
2. He came in the presence of all who heard Thomas’ bold words.
3. He said: Reach hither thy finger; see My hands. Reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into My side.

B. Thomas’ response

1. Overwhelmed, humbled, ashamed.
2. His confession: My Lord and my God.
3. This confession belongs only to true believers in the resurrection.
4. If Christ had not risen, such a confession would be impossible.

III. THE BLESSEDNESS OF THOSE WHO DO NOT DEMAND SIGHT

A. Jesus shows Thomas’ faith, though real, is imperfect

1. It would have been more beautiful had he believed without seeing.
2. He would have been happier believing the witnesses.

B. Jesus pronounces a blessing

Blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.
1. True faith accepts Christ without visible proof.
2. Those who insist on sight cannot be saved, for Christ is not appearing visibly today.
3. We must believe the witness of Scripture.

C. Someday all shall see

1. Those who demand scientific proof will receive it at the resurrection and judgment.
2. Then it will be too late for salvation.

CONCLUSION

Thomas would not have said, My Lord and my God, if he still believed Jesus dead. His confession proves true saving faith. All who refuse to believe the witness of Scripture stand where Thomas stood in unbelief, but without his blessed ending. Only those who believe without seeing will share Thomas’ confession and Christ’s blessing.