More Than a Feeling (Traditional Service)

Jesus has physically appeared to all of His disciples so far, except Thomas. Thomas makes it very clear to the rest of the Apostles that if he does not actually touch Jesus with his own hands, he will never believe. Next, Thomas not only sees Jesus, but he actually touches Jesus and feels the scars and puncture wounds. There is no doubt in his mind that Jesus is alive. You and I are given this same confidence when we too touch Jesus, when we feel the waters of baptism upon our heads and when we hold Christ’s risen Body in our hands at communion. We too are left with no doubt that Jesus is alive!

Law: How often do you and I make our faith hinge on whether we ‘feel’ God? Many times our faith is based on what makes sense to us rather than on God’s promises. Thomas made up his mind that he wouldn’t believe since he hadn’t seen or felt his risen Savior.

Gospel: Despite our ‘feelings,’ or what our own evidence would tell us, Jesus has risen the dead. He has ascended to the Father. He forgives our sins and gives us everlasting life. He doesn’t leave us with nothing to cling to. He gives us these promises so that we can also feel them through the baptismal waters and through the holding of Christ’s Body at communion. He gives us physical and tangible signs with God’s Word attached to them.

Application: We are called, just like Thomas, to “Put out [our] hand.” To touch the Body of our risen Savior every time we take communion. To be strengthened eternally in His grace through His sacraments given to His Church.

Scriptures:

o Psalm 184 – Praise the Lord!

o 1 John 1:1-4 – We looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the Word of life…

o John 20:19-31 – “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.”

n Prayer of the Day: Almighty God, grant that we who have celebrated the Lord’s resurrection may by Your grace confess in our life and conversation that Jesus is Lord and God; through the same Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.