Cast Your Hand into my Wound

John 20:24-29

The gospel is a very big subject. It has parts and pieces that touch every aspect of life, beckoning us to come, see, and touch.

At the end of John’s gospel we see the “questioning” and the “needing of proof” from the so-called “Doubting Thomas.” With a need for facts and evidence, he becomes the vicarious Christian. Many had heard the good news of Jesus. Many had come to faith, but still there was that need to touch and see– to hold in the hands and know for a fact that this whole faith was real– to know with indisputable evidence.

This would make the faith a lot easier. You wouldn’t need to convince anyone of the resurrection of Jesus. There would be no need for philosophical or theological arguments. There would be facts. There would be indisputable evidence. But there would not be faith. It would be a fact that Jesus was ruler of the world that coercively mandates that all now live according to his will. But this would be a direct contrast to the character of Jesus. He doesn’t demand obedience with the threat of coercion or violence. He instead invites us to come and experience him, and then invites us to come and experience what he is doing in the restoration of the world.

In this scripture, Jesus tells Thomas to βάλε his hand into his side. The Greek here can be interpreted many ways. It could mean to put or place, but most of the times this word is used (especially in the Gospels) it portrays a more active, invigorated verb. Many times it is translated as to throw, to cast, or to sow seeds by throwing them all around. This is not just a “touch and see” command that Jesus gives Thomas. Here, Jesus commands Thomas to get actively involved in this discovery of who he is– to cast himself into this discovery. It almost calls him to abandon caution and dive headlong into this journey of discovery and doing.

Perhaps the world needs to see a Christian life that seeks Jesus with this type of abandoned caution— a Christian life that is lived in the pursuit of knowing Jesus more, discovering him more, and in the process becoming more like him each and every day.

Announcements:

• We are working on creating an Advent Devotional Book written by our church for our church (as well as anyone else that would like to read it). If you are interested in writing a 1-2 page devotional for this advent season, please contact Pastor Steven. We would love to have as many people involved in this as possible.

• Coming Soon! Children’ s Christmas Musical! More information will be provided as we get closer to the Christmas season.

• We will have a booth set up at the Moonlight Madness: Fall Shopping Event and Block Party put on by the Kodiak Chamber of Commerce - October 17, 5-9

  • If anyone would like to sit with me to hand out brochures and stickers, let me know

• Adult Sunday School Classes - 9:45

• Youth Sunday School Classes -9:45 (Up stairs)

• Mitchell and Sarah Davidson are hosting a weekly Bible Study at their house on Thursdays (6-8)

  • Their address and number are listed below

• Fall Festival/Harvest Festival will be Oct. 25.

  • Sign up sheet is at the back of the sanctuary

• Children’s Church (Preschool and Elementary School) Sunday School teachers are need

  • Sign up sheet is at the back of the sanctuary

• Trail Life Open House- October 12, 2-2:30

  • Ask Pastor Steven or Damon Hargraves for more information

Church Weekly Schedule

• Sunday worship at 11am

• Sunday School at 9:45am

  • I am teaching through the Gospel According to Matthew

• Wednesday Prayer Posse 12pm

• Thursday Bible Study with Mitchell and Sarah

  • 6-8pm

  • 1815 E Rezanof Dr.

  • If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Mitchell (907-942-0381)

• Pastor Steven’s Office Hours 8-4 Mon-Thursday

  • I have an open sign (if it is on, I am here)

  • If I am not in the office at these times, I am meeting with someone out of office

  • Call or text me 972-921-2516

  • Email steven@kodiakcbc.org