This Guy Missed Easter. It Changed Everything.

The Sunday after Easter Matters More than You Think...

There’s something deeply appropriate about saying thank you when someone leaves you a gift.

This Sunday, we’re going to say thank you to Thomas.

In John 20, Thomas missed Easter. He wasn’t in the room when Jesus appeared to the others. For an entire week his closest friends tried to explain what they had seen. Jesus had showed up, spoke with them, ate with them, answered their questions. It was real. It was physical. It was undeniable.

But Thomas couldn’t accept their version of reality.  “Unless I see the nail marks in His hands and put my finger where the nails were… I will not believe.” (John 20:25)

Can you imagine 8–10 people you trust telling you something so unbelievable that you just can’t get there?     Thomas was honest about his doubts. His questions.

And here’s the gift: because he was willing to question openly, we get to see how Jesus responds to honest doubt.

The following Sunday, this Sunday in the story, Jesus comes again. And this time, He comes for Thomas.

No scolding.
No shaming.
No lecture.
Just an invitation: “Touch. See. Believe.”

Thomas falls to his knees and makes one of the most profound declarations in all of Scripture:

“My Lord and my God!” (John 20:28)

First, Thomas gives us the gift of seeing that Jesus is not threatened by our questions. He meets doubters with patience and grace. Second, the change in his life proves that Jesus resurrection was not a myth, not a vision, not a ghost, but physical, bodily, life-changing reality.

History tells us Thomas would eventually carry the message of Jesus all the way to India, where he gave his life for his faith. Doubt did not define him. An encounter with the risen Jesus did. He wouldn't have given his life for feel good story of myth.

And Thomas isn’t alone. The dramatic change in the Apostle Paul echoes the same story. Christ is Risen indeed. 

So what happened after Easter?  What were those next 40 days like for the followers of Jesus?

For the next four weeks, we’re going to walk through “The Next 40 Days”—how Jesus answered their questions, strengthened their faith when they wanted to quit, restored them in their shame, and gave them purpose that still shapes our lives today.

Easter wasn’t the end of the story.  It was the beginning.

I’d love for you to join us this Sunday as we begin the journey.

If you were with us on Easter we welcome you back.
If you’ve got questions, bring 'em. 
If you’re not sure what you believe, you're closer to Jesus than  you might imagine. 

The Next 40 days changed everything. Let’s walk through them together.

See You Sunday!

Pastor Mike

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