Worship Preparation Guide for Sunday, April 26

“It was an amazing time of worship, you should have been there!”  I wonder if this is what Thomas heard?  

The text doesn't tell us why, but John makes it a point to let us know that Thomas absent when Jesus made his first post-resurrection appearance to the ten apostles and the others gathered together that first Easter Sunday.   “On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord.”  “Now Thomas, one of the Twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came.”   John 20:19-20, 24

There are as many excuses for missing church as there are people who make those excuses.  While there are certainly those occasions when it cannot be helped, most of the time we miss because we choose to do so.  And in choosing to do so we miss out on so much. 

Because of Thomas’ isolation he missed out on the company and fellowship of the other disciples.  Because of his absence Thomas spent another week in fear, doubt and skepticism.  Because of his absence he spent another week in fear instead of peace.  He spent another week in sadness instead of joy.  He spent another week in doubt and disbelief.  And he did so by choice.  The text makes this clear.  Thomas declared, “Unless……..I will never believe.” (Jn 20:25)

What Thomas missed when he was absent is what he gained by being there with the disciples the next week.  The same believers gathered in the same place the next Sunday.  They were in the same room; the same doors were locked.  And again Jesus came as stood in their midst.  I believe these disciples expected Jesus to show up.  And I believe they persuaded Thomas to join them.  And there in the presence of expectant, loving brothers and sisters Thomas encountered the risen Christ and lost his fear, lost his doubt, lost his unbelief.

I believe Jesus showed up for Thomas’ sake.  Jesus showed up knowing Thomas’ skeptical heart and knowing what Thomas had been saying all week about not believing.  Jesus did not come condemning Thomas, but instead offering Thomas the very proof he wanted.  What grace!  What love!  In an instant Thomas moved from the lowest place of unbelief to the highest confession of faith we see in the Gospels: “My Lord and my God!”  This is the only time in the Gospels that anyone owned Christ as "God”.  In a moment the greatest doubter became the humblest worshipper. 

As you prepare for worship this week pray that the same could be said for you and me.  Prayerfully read John 20 early this weekend and ask God to speak to you through this text.  Ask Him to turn you and me from doubters and skeptics into humble worshippers. 

As you prepare for worship this week I also encourage you consider how you can make the most out of this coming Sunday.  Take a few minutes to read this blog post by Joe Thorn in which he says, “I want to encourage you to make the most of corporate worship, not just this weekend, but every weekend. As we look forward to what God will do among us as we gather let’s remember that there are three ways to get the most out of your Sundays with the church: prepare, participate, and reflect.”

We will sing a new song this week as a part of our worship.  Come Behold The Wondrous Mystery by Matt Papa is a great song of faith and declares the central truths of the gospel that we have seen throughout our study of John.  ‪

Come behold the wondrous mystery 

in the dawning of the King;

He the theme of heaven’s praises, 

Robed in frail humanity.

In our longing, in our darkness 

Now the light of life has come;

Look to Christ, who condescended 

Took on flesh to ransom us.

Come behold the wondrous mystery, 

He the perfect Son of Man;

In His living, in His suffering 

Never trace nor stain of sin.

See the true and better Adam 

Come to save the hell-bound man;

Christ the great and sure fulfillment 

Of the law; in Him we stand.

Come behold the wondrous mystery 

Christ the Lord upon the tree;

In the stead of ruined sinners h

Hangs the Lamb in victory.

See the price of our redemption, 

See the Father’s plan unfold;

Bringing many sons to glory, 

Grace unmeasured, love untold.

Come behold the wondrous mystery s

Slain by death the God of life;

But no grave could e’er restrain Him. 

Praise the Lord; He is alive!

What a foretaste of deliverance; 

How unwavering our hope!

Christ in power resurrected 

As we will be when he comes.