Free Methodist Church Of Santa Barbara

Our text this week is the second two of three appearance stories in John 20. Jesus has risen, and in the beginning of the chapter, he appears to Mary Magdalene is the garden outside of the empty tomb, revealing himself to her, and then sending her to tell his other disciples what she has seen. Later that day, he appears to his disciples in a locked room, when they are filled with fear and wondering what is going to happen next. He reveals himself to the disciples in their fear and grants them his peace. Thomas, however, is not with them when Jesus appears, and he can't believe that Jesus has risen and appeared to them. He needs to see it for himself, just like Mary and the other disciples have. A week later, Jesus appears to the disciples again, and this time Thomas is with them. When Jesus shows up, Thomas proclaims one of the most profound expressions of faith we find in the gospels. Join us as we see how Jesus encounters his disciples where they are and invites them into something new.