Dr. Bingham’s Lesson for May 20, 2012

Easter Message

“Believing without Seeing” – John 20:1-29

Introduction: Vincenzo Camuccini’s painting of The “Incredulity of Saint Thomas,” located in a small chapel in Saint Peter’s Basilica.

John 20:1-2 – Mary Magdalene saw something but her interpretation was not of faith. Our flesh always jumps to an interpretation that is always faithless.
John 20:3 – Everybody’s running but not in faith.
John 20:4-9 – John believed Christ had risen because he saw with his own eyes that his body was missing.

John 20:19-20 – Jesus shows the disciples His hands and side. Their fear was turned to joy because they saw.

John 20:24-25 – Thomas, who was not present, declares that he will not believe unless he sees.

John 20:26-29 – Thomas believed because he saw and not because he relied on scripture or the apostle’s word. Faith is nothing more than taking the prophets and the apostles at their word. Blessed are those who have not seen yet believe.