Wesley Word – April 20, 2022
To go along with service on: Sunday, April 24th
Experiencing Grace
- Contemporary Song: The Blessing
- Traditional Hymn: #314 In the Garden
Exploring Truth
Have You Touched Him?
John 20:19-31
Today we pick up what for some of us is a very familiar story that is often called the story of doubting Thomas. Even if you are familiar with the story, I invite you to read it.
Most of us grew up hearing that the message of this story was something like: “Don’t be like doubting Thomas…” However, I do not think that is the message here at all. All Thomas is really asking for is the same experience the other disciples had. That does not make him less of a disciple than the others. In fact, what we see is a willingness to believe and a clear statement of what he needs in order to believe. A week later, Jesus grants Thomas’ request. Jesus provides what Thomas needs in order to believe.
If we are really open to believing, Jesus will provide us with what we need in order to believe. John says that is why he wrote his Gospel: so that we would have what we need in order to believe. If we would really open our eyes, Jesus will show himself to us. If we will reach out our hands, Jesus will let us touch him.
Question for Reflection/Discussion:
- What do you need in order to believe? Are you truly open? Are you trusting Jesus to provide it? Have you touched him?
New Testament in a Year: https://wesleyonline.org/biblereading/
- April 20 Luke 20:1-26
- April 21 Luke 20:27-47
- April 22 Luke 21:1-28
- April 23 Luke 21:29-22:13
- April 24 Luke 22:14-34
- April 25 Luke 22:35-53
- April 26 Luke 22:54-23:12
- April 27 Luke 23:13-43
Expressing Love: Family/Mission Activity
Sensory Bag- Using a solid colored bag, put items in for kids to guess by feeling (ex: cotton ball, crayon, dental floss, bandaid, ketchup packet, etc.). Thomas needed to feel the holes in Jesus’ hands and side to believe he had truly risen and was who he said he was. Thomas wanted to believe, just needed a little help. It’s ok to doubt like Thomas. God will give us many opportunities to believe in him, if we just allow him to and pay attention.
Announcements:
- Confirmation this Sunday for 6 Wesley youth at the 9:00am Celebration Service: Addyson Baker, Carter Behal, Sunny Golden, Melissa Holt, Raenie Holt, and Lauren Spaulding