Imagine being the Disciple of Jesus who receives the title of “doubting.” Thomas was one of the original 12 Disciples who spent three years with Jesus – learning from him and participating in his ministry. But in one moment of disbelief, when confronted with the impossible news of the resurrection, Thomas has been seen by many as merely “the one who doubted.” But it is important to understand that Thomas’ story is not unique. Many of us experience real doubt, even when we know we shouldn’t. We must learn from this story how to doubt well, and how to journey toward real faith. We also must learn how doubt does not need to define us.
We will be walking through John 11 & 12 and the story of Martha, Mary, and Lazarus and his resurrection. Looking at the various ways they said yes to Jesus and challenging us to make the coming year a time when we will live to say yes to whatever Jesus is saying.
Just the word is like a balm to our restless and weary souls. In a world filled with conflict and constant busyness many of us are desperate to find a little peace. At the birth of Christ, the angels came proclaiming “peace on earth,” and yet the earth seems anything but peaceful. However, just before his death Jesus doubles down on this promise of peace. In John 14:27 and 16:33 he promises that despite the troubles and tribulations of this world there is a peace available to us that transcends our current circumstances, a peace that can calm our fears, answer our anxieties, and steady our souls. A peace that only he can bring.