Easter 2: Telling the Story, Showing Up, and Creating Space

The Neighborhood Church

Mary ran and told the others that Jesus had risen. Peter and John ran and looked into the empty tomb. Now we find the community locked in a room on Easter evening wondering two things: 1) are we on trial next? and 2) what will Jesus do next? Well, Jesus surprises them. Everyone, that is, but Thomas. So, what happens in the week in between those Sunday appearances? Will "Doubting" Thomas keep showing up? He's heard their story but will he actually flip the switch to faith? NOTES -- // SCRIPTURE FOCUS -- John 20.19-31 // Jesus steps into a locked room and speaks "Peace" into guarded hearts // Jesus breathes the promised Holy Spirit // Jesus commissions them to carry on the kingdom mission // "A WEEK LATER..." / What was that week like? - The disciples kept telling the story - The community kept creating space - Thomas kept showing up // If we aren't creating space for the Thomas' in our lives, are we leaving any room for Jesus to come and surprise us? // The Good News can ignite hope but it doesn't answer every doubt. Faith is NOT the absence of every doubt, faith is TRUST in the absence of every answer. // If the resurrection means anything, it means that God's power, light, and life can show up in every cross you bear, tomb you approach, or locked room you're waiting within. It means that Christ is on the move and always within reach. // "STOP DOUBTING, START BELIEVING" / Where is Jesus saying this in my life right now?