Expository Thoughts On John - JOHN 20:24-31
J.C. Ryle expounds on the story of Thomas's doubt and faith to emphasize the blessedness of believing without seeing and the importance of steadfast faith in Christ.
In this expository sermon, J.C. Ryle explores the story of Thomas's doubt and subsequent faith as recorded in John 20:24-31. Ryle highlights the authenticity of the Gospel account and the blessedness of believing without seeing. He encourages believers to cultivate steadfast faith in Christ and underscores the importance of Christian fellowship and assembly.
Text
Now Thomas (called Didymus), one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. The other disciples told him, "We have seen the Lord!" But he replied, "Unless I see the wounds from the nails in his hands, and put my finger into the wounds from the nails, and put my hand into his side, I will never believe it!"
Eight days later the disciples were again together in the house, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you!" Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here, and examine my hands. Extend your hand and put it into my side. Do not continue in your unbelief, but believe." Thomas replied to him, "My Lord and my God!" Jesus said to him, "Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are the people who have not seen and yet have believed."
Now Jesus performed many other miraculous signs in the presence of his disciples that are not recorded in this book. But these are recorded so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.
The story of the unbelief of Thomas, related in these verses, is a narrative peculiar to the Gospel of John. For wise and good reasons it is passed over in silence by Matthew, Mark, and Luke, and was probably not given to the world until Thomas was dead. It is precisely one of those passages of Scripture which supply strong internal evidence of the honesty of the inspired writers. If impostors and deceivers had compiled the Bible for their own private advantage, they would never have told mankind that one of the first founders of a new religion behaved as Thomas here did.
We should mark, for one thing, in these verses, how much Christians may lose by not regularly attending the assemblies of God\
Sermon Outline
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I
- Thomas's initial unbelief and demand for physical proof
- The disciples' testimony of Jesus' resurrection
- The significance of Thomas's doubt in the Gospel narrative
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II
- Jesus' appearance to the disciples and invitation to Thomas
- Jesus' gentle rebuke of unbelief and call to believe
- Thomas's confession of faith: 'My Lord and my God!'
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III
- The blessing pronounced on those who believe without seeing
- The purpose of John's Gospel to inspire belief in Jesus as the Son of God
- The importance of faith for eternal life
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IV
- The honesty and authenticity of the Gospel account
- The value of regular Christian assembly and fellowship
- Lessons from Thomas's story for contemporary believers
Key Quotes
“Blessed are the people who have not seen and yet have believed.” — J.C. Ryle
“If impostors and deceivers had compiled the Bible for their own private advantage, they would never have told mankind that one of the first founders of a new religion behaved as Thomas here did.” — J.C. Ryle
“We should mark, for one thing, in these verses, how much Christians may lose by not regularly attending the assemblies of God.” — J.C. Ryle
Application Points
- Trust in Jesus even when you cannot see Him physically, embracing faith over sight.
- Value and regularly participate in Christian fellowship and assemblies for spiritual growth.
- Recognize that honest doubt can lead to a deeper, more genuine faith in Christ.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Thomas doubt Jesus' resurrection?
Thomas doubted because he had not witnessed Jesus' resurrection firsthand and desired tangible proof to believe.
What does Jesus say about those who believe without seeing?
Jesus pronounces a blessing on those who believe without having seen Him, highlighting the virtue of faith.
Why is the story of Thomas unique to John's Gospel?
The story is unique because it provides honest testimony of doubt among Jesus' followers, underscoring the Gospel's authenticity.
What is the main purpose of John's Gospel according to the sermon?
The main purpose is to inspire belief that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, so that believers may have life in His name.
How can believers apply Thomas's story today?
Believers can learn to trust in Christ even without physical proof and recognize the importance of faith and fellowship.