Faith Without Sight
John 20 ·April 5, 2026· Joel Passmore
Part of: John
This Easter, Pastor Joel Passmore teaches how the true and living, resurrected Jesus ministers grace to our doubts, responds to our demand for proof, and how believing without seeing is the greatest act of faith.
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It is great to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and Savior with you all today. Happy Easter. Happy Resurrection Sunday. I do hope that you all are blessed by the risen Jesus today who is with us and among us and determined to come to us to give us what we need.
Truth be told, every Sunday is Resurrection Sunday for us as Christians. I hope you know that. But our faith centers on the risen Jesus. He's the Savior because He is alive. If He weren't alive, He would not be the Savior. He's the Savior because He lives. He conquered death so that we could live by faith in Him. So in our service today, what we've planned is for us to go through the whole chapter 20 of John. All of this chapter of this Gospel. Since we are in a chapter of a book today, let's talk about genre for a second.
When you go to the library or when you go to Netflix and you look for something that you're going to watch, go to the library, think about a book you're going to pick out. All of the books and movies are sorted by genre.
Thriller, comedy, romance. You think about what you want to watch, what you want to read. But there's a more important genre, and that's fiction or non-fiction. Because underneath all of those other genres, something can be true or it can be made up.
You know how some movies start based on a true story? Well, that's there to kind of pique your interest a little bit more. Make you pay attention a little bit more so that when you watch it, you won't be thinking, wow, this is really imaginative. You'll be thinking, wow, this really happened.
When you read John 20, church, you're reading history. You're reading history. And not historical fiction. This is not even based on a true story. It is the true story. It is the truth of what happened. Very important truths. These are not fables. This is not a fantasy. You see, this is non-fiction. This is real history. Christianity is based on historical events that have spiritual meaning. No other religion can say that. Historical events that have spiritual meaning.
Facts that define reality. And yet, these are events that we didn't witness. These are facts that our eyes didn't behold. They happened nearly 2,000 years ago. This is why in 2 Corinthians, Paul writes, we walk by faith, not by sight. Walking by faith isn't easy. Seeing is believing. Those are words we live by. I like it when Amazon takes pictures of the package that they deliver. And it shows up in my Amazon account. And I can see proof that they've delivered it.
I like those pictures. I wish they would do it all the time. Yeah, that's not my force sometimes you say. Listen, you probably are like me in that way. You like to see a picture of something. Verify that it happened. If we want to see trivial things like Amazon packages getting delivered with our own eyes, of course it's going to be difficult to center our whole lives and our whole identity and our whole future on truths that we didn't witness and can't see.
Right? Walking by faith, not by sight. It's not easy. It's challenging. So this leads to a familiar experience. Doubt. What do we do with our doubts? How does Jesus feel about our doubts? How does He respond to us in our moments of doubt? That's what this passage offers us today. The passage from John 20 that I'm going to preach on. Here we have more than just another account of the risen Jesus. It is that, but it's more.
We see His heart for doubters. We watch Him transform someone. And we hear Him call us into deeper faith. The risen Jesus... There's no slides today. If you'd like to write things down, this is something to write down. Here's the big point today. The risen Jesus brings grace for our doubt and blessing for our belief. The risen Jesus brings grace for our doubt and blessing for our belief.
So turn with me as we continue in John 20 with verses 24-29. Hear the Word of the Lord. You've been hearing the Word of the Lord. Continue to hear it with humble ears and humble hearts. For God Himself is speaking through His Word. And He promises for it to go forth with power to change us. To show us Jesus and show us how to live in dependency on Him. Now Thomas, one of the twelve, called the twin, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other's disciples told Him, We have seen the Lord.
But He said to them, Unless I see in His hands the mark of the nails and place my finger into the mark of the nails and place my hand into His side, I will never believe.
Eight days later, His disciples were inside again. 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 see My hands. Put out your hand and place it on My side. Do not disbelieve, but believe. Thomas answered Him, My Lord and my God.
Jesus said to him, Have you believed because you have seen Me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed. Pray with me. Lord, fulfill Your promises that Your Word would go forth with power into ordinary people. Clay vessels, Lord. That's all we are. We're ordinary. And yet, Lord, if You would intercede in our life, supernaturally transform us, sanctify us by Your Word, lead us in truth, encourage us with Your grace, we know that You have great and glorious purposes for ordinary people like us in Your kingdom and even more important than that, Lord, that we would know You and know the power of Your resurrection in our lives as we rest upon You more and more.
Do this, we pray, Lord, not for our glory, but for Yours and for our good. Thank You for this promise of Your ministry to us. In Jesus' name we pray. I forgot to say this, but I am so happy to see friends new and friends old, so it's great to be worshiping together. And Easter Sunday does provide a great opportunity for people who travel to come home or for people to bring family to church, family that are visiting. So if you're a family member here, if someone who is a member of New Creation and a regular attender, welcome to you as well.
We're really glad that you're here. This sermon is titled Faith Without Sight. And this passage is very short. It moves really quickly through three different little stages here. From resurrection doubt to resurrection grace to resurrection faith. Resurrection doubt to resurrection grace to resurrection faith. Let's start with this. The first two words of this passage are now Thomas.
A guy that we frankly don't know much about. He's one of the twelve. We know that. He was chosen by Jesus to be an apostle. Think of that. He was given a very special purpose in the kingdom of God. There were a limited number of apostles.
He's called the twin. Now there's no evidence that he had a twin. A twin is simply what his name means. So this is like a nickname. Nothing more. A couple of other verses in John's Gospel gives us a few glimpses of Thomas and maybe who he is. Maybe what his disposition and his character is. In John 11, Jesus tells his disciples, let's go to Judea again.
I've got to go visit Lazarus and Mary and Martha. And his disciples remind him, Jesus, there are people there who are trying to kill you. But Jesus insists.
And Thomas says, let us also go that we may die with him. John 14, at the Last Supper, the big discussion, teaching moment that Jesus has with his apostles.
Jesus says, I go to prepare a place for you. And you know the way to where I'm going. And Thomas speaks up and says, Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?
These verses depict Thomas as someone who is really loyal, yet maybe a little simplistic. He is really eager, but he's easily discouraged. Maybe a little pessimistic. We heard earlier in the passages read the first appearance of Jesus to his disciples. But here in verse 24 we learn that Thomas was not with them when Jesus came. And of course, it makes us wonder why. Where were you, Thomas? We have to be careful not to ascribe too many motivations to this moment.
Maybe he was just out on an errand. Maybe he drew the short straw because they were all hiding from the authorities. Maybe he drew the short straw. Thomas, go out and get us food.
Maybe he just needed to get some air. Or perhaps he had withdrawn out of grief and confusion. Maybe he was just that kind of person. He wanted to be by himself when he was sad. Maybe that was his disposition. I mean, think of they had been following Jesus. They didn't get what he was saying over and over. I have to die. It's going to happen. His death had knocked the wind out of their sails. It was like a gut punch. Maybe Thomas was ready to quit.
We get a little sense of his state of mind in verse 25. The other disciples tell him, Thomas, you're not going to believe it. We've seen the Lord. And he says, you're right, I don't believe it.
Unless I see. Now, in this way, he's no different than the others. When the women came back from meeting Jesus at the tomb and told the apostles, the Gospel of Luke tells us that it seemed to them an idle tale.
Only two, John and Peter, ran. Why? Because they wanted to see for themselves. John 28, we heard this earlier, said that they saw and believed. So Thomas was not really different from the others in being skeptical.
Many were slow to believe. Many had to see for themselves. Most, perhaps. All, perhaps. And yet, there is an edge to what Thomas says. He doesn't just demand to see, but touch and feel. Back at the first appearance, Jesus showed them his hands and his side. But for Thomas, the testimony of ten of his friends, ten or more of his friends was not enough. It wasn't enough. Seeing isn't enough. He wants even more. He wants to personally inspect those wounds.
Let me see if they are where they ought to be. I saw that spear go in. Let me make sure it's the right side. That it's the right length. Guys, I don't know who or what you think you saw. Maybe it was a ghost. Maybe it was someone who just looked like Jesus. Maybe it's just wishful thinking. I mean, we all want him to be alive. But me, I've got to touch him myself.
You all are too easily convinced. I want the same thing you got and more. Until then, I will never believe. This kind of statement, it's not meant as a prediction.
You know the state of mind you get in when you say things like this. It's not a prediction. It's more like an oath. This is when disappointment has metastasized. It's grown into this defiant hopelessness. I will not hope.
I was stupid to ever think things would turn out any better. I'll never make that mistake again. This pessimism comes from pride. It comes from self-protection.
Such resolution against hope can feel good in a sick kind of way. It's almost like we're taking back some kind of control. We all have our Thomas moments.
This world and this life are full of trouble. No matter your disposition, whether you're a glass half empty kind of person or a glass half full kind of person, sometimes you just feel like the glass is broken and I'm done.
Sometimes you feel like you just won't, you can't, and you refuse to take another step without more information, without more proof, without more assurance.
Even today, on Easter morning, some of you may be wondering, does God really exist? Or does God really care? You may doubt if Jesus is really alive or is really the Son of God or is really with you where you are in your ordinary imperfect life.
You may be wondering even now, Jesus, if you are there, will you be strong enough, good enough, fast enough for the trials that I'm facing? If you're having a Thomas moment, if you're thinking, unless I get this, I will go no further. No further in my walk. No further in my journey with you, Jesus, until I get this. Well, listen, it's good to admit it.
It's really good to admit it to yourself, to God, and to other people. This is the beginning of the light breaking in. Doubting can feel really shameful. Like we're defective somehow. We look around and we think, look at these other people. These people have it together. They don't have any doubts. What's wrong with me?
But read your Bible. Many people in there struggled with their faith. Moses, David, Elijah, Zechariah, John the Baptist, Peter, they all doubted at one point in time.
Whether or not he knew it, the best thing for Thomas was to say this out loud in the presence of brothers and sisters that knew him and knew Jesus. Friends, don't be afraid to say it out loud to people who know you and know Jesus. Exactly the point of doubt that you're facing. The crisis that you're facing of your faith. Thomas was not cast out or shunned and we know that because eight days later his disciples were inside again and Thomas was with them.
Whatever it was that kept him away before, it's not keeping him away now. He was with them. They were together and this time that's when Jesus came again.
But eight days later? Really, Jesus? Eight days later? Why did Jesus wait eight days to appear again? We can only assume that it's because that's what served Thomas best.
God does not approach every crisis of faith the same way. For Elijah, he gave food and rest. For Peter, he gave Jesus his hand pulling him from the water that he was sinking in. For John the Baptist, he gave reports of Jesus' miracles among the people.
For Zechariah, well, he gave about nine months of being mute. For Thomas, he gave eight days to reflect, to cool down, to think about his rash words, to observe the change in his fellow disciples.
They're different. to lay down his defiant hopelessness. God gives us what we need. Exactly what we need. When He gives you time, will you wait on Him?
Maybe you know someone having a Thomas moment. Someone struggling. Someone saying, I won't go any further until God does this. Will you persevere with them like the disciples did with Thomas?
The disciples were back together and somehow or another Thomas was there too. They persisted together in their waiting. But then it happened. Jesus came and stood among them. Peace be with you, He says. And this is not a mere greeting. This is not like what's up, how are you? These are not the empty words of good intentions. Have a blessed day, the cashier says to you.
This comes from the One who calmed the storm. The One who took demon-possessed people and put them in their right mind. Peaceful at last. Jesus doesn't just wish us peace, He brings us peace.
And He has a specific person in mind. Thomas. He wheels about, looks Thomas in the eye, walks right towards Him. Look at how the resurrected Jesus ministers to this struggling, discouraged disciple. He does it in three ways. And He ministers to you in those ways, in your doubts. First of all, He hears. The risen Jesus hears. It must have startled Thomas when Jesus said, put your finger here and see My hands. Put out your hand and place it to My side.
Jesus wasn't there when Thomas made His demands. And yet, Jesus knows exactly what He wanted. Exactly what He asked for. Exactly what He demanded with such bluster.
Even when we can't see Him, He hears us. Including our struggles, our confusion, He does not shut His ear when we speak rashly. He does not hang up the phone. He does not say, this conversation is over. Until you calm down, I'm not talking to you. I'm not listening to you.
You ever had somebody say that to you? Maybe it was a good thing in the moment, but deep down there was a part of you, you had to get something out. And that felt like cold water and not in a good way to have the conversation end. Jesus does not end the conversation with you. He keeps listening to you. He wants to hear what's on your heart. He wants to hear where you are, what you need. He doesn't give up listening to you. He doesn't get frustrated and walk away.
He hears and He draws near. Despite Thomas' defiance, Jesus comes in. Even locked doors can't keep Him away. Any more than that sealed tomb could keep Him in.
Jesus comes to the group the same way as earlier. Go back and read it. It's almost the same as what it says earlier. He comes with the same message of peace.
Thomas' sour demand has not changed Jesus' mood. He hasn't come in with a frown. He hasn't come in to scold. He is patient and He is kind. Jesus knows what doubters need is mercy. According to Jude, Jude 22, one of Jesus' brothers wrote that. By the way, another person who doubted didn't believe for a long time and then had his mind changed.
Mercy. Give mercy to those who doubt. And Jesus comes in with that mercy and moves towards Thomas in that mercy. He hears, He draws near, and He helps. He offers the very proof that Thomas demanded. He shows his scars. He invites him to touch. Here I am, Thomas. Here I am. Feel for yourself. You want more of me? You got it.
I should point out, of course, Jesus doesn't always give us the exact information or proof that we demand. But He will give us what we need. And He will always give us more of Himself. You can take that to the bank. He may not give you the particular things you're asking for, demanding for, but He will come near and He will give you more of Himself.
This is the ministry of Jesus to the struggling, to the doubting. It's a ministry of grace. Thomas wanted assurance that Jesus was alive and boy, He got it. Jesus presents all the marks, all the distinctive marks that show that it could only be Him alive. All the scars that prove that this is the same Jesus who died now stands before them alive. Not as a spirit, but as a living, breathing, eating, drinking, glorified man.
Jesus invites him to touch the wounds, to put His hand inside His side, but the passage doesn't say if Thomas did it. What do you think? Did he do it or not?
Did he touch the nail scars? Did he dare to put his hand in Jesus' side or was the sight enough? What would you do if you were Thomas? You know, whether or not he did, Jesus gives a more significant invitation to Thomas. Do not disbelieve, but believe. And this one, Thomas accepts. Big time. Thomas answered him, my Lord and my God.
Of all the professions of faith in the whole New Testament, this is perhaps the clearest and the strongest. It's more than, Jesus, you're alive. It's more than you are Lord and God. Thomas goes all the way, all the way to personal acceptance and devotion to Him. My Lord. My God. You're mine, Jesus. You're mine. You're my risen Savior. Those are scars that you bore for me.
Dear friends, skepticism and doubt and struggles of faith don't put a scarlet letter on you. Bring them to Jesus. Keep pursuing Him. Keep asking for more of Him. He has a ministry of grace for you. And Thomas shows us the biggest skeptic can have the greatest testimony.
The biggest skeptic can have the most glorious, eye-popping testimony. Keep going after Jesus. Thomas asking for more of Him wherever you are in your state of faith.
This faith of Thomas propelled him a long way. There came a time when he no longer saw the risen Jesus in front of him. But according to fairly reliable tradition, Thomas took the Gospel east all the way to India where he died as a martyr for his faith. Thomas believed and he kept believing. He kept following.
He gave his life there for his Lord and his God. A light bulb came off for me this week when I was reading this passage. The point of this passage is not to scapegoat Thomas. It's not. This is not a warning. See Thomas? Don't be like him. Bad Thomas. That's not it at all. It's here to encourage us, the readers of this Gospel, to take that step. That step of faith. The foundation of our spiritual life as I began is historical events. Jesus' death and resurrection.
Real history. Anyone beyond the generation that witnessed these things would have to believe based on testimony. Right? Now, some of you might think that's crazy, but it is not unreasonable to believe something that you didn't witness. Every one of you believes many things that you didn't witness. The crossing of the Delaware by George Washington. Do you think that happened? There are no photographs. The nailing of the 95 thesis by Martin Luther to the church door.
There's no video of that. You can't find it on TikTok. The conversion of Constantine to Christianity on the bridge. Do you believe that happened? There's only people there who said that it happened. The assassination of Julius Caesar before Jesus was even born. All we have is eyewitness testimony. All of those things are taken as historical facts simply because of people's testimony that it happened. The Gospels are given as eyewitness testimony for us.
For us. John 19.35 says, He who saw it has borne witness. His testimony is true. And He knows He is telling the truth that you also may believe. Faith is not belief without any information. Faith is belief without seeing it all yourself. It is not a leap in the dark. It is just laying down the demand to have all the information yourself. And trusting what somebody else says. Especially trusting what God says. Do you have that faith? Do you have the faith that Jesus says here?
That is the first and the most important question today and every day. Have you heard the testimony about Jesus' life, death, and resurrection and cried out, my Lord and my God?
If not, why not today? Why not today? Cry out like Thomas did. My Lord and my God. I'm laying down my demands, Jesus. And I'm embracing You. Don't let the sun set this Easter Sunday without Him being your Savior. And if you do have that faith already, if you are walking in that faith, that is the same faith that propels you forward. When you feel anxious, when you're troubled, when your prayers aren't answered how or when you want, what you need is not more information.
What you need is more of Jesus. The same risen Jesus that Thomas saw is the one that has your future in His hand. If you have that faith, then walk by that faith.
This is a greater act of faith than seeing the risen Jesus with your own eyes. This is why Jesus pronounces the blessing. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.
Why are we blessed? We're blessed because God has become someone that we can trust completely without explanation or proof. We all know that not every relationship is like that. Maybe you have a very small group of people in your life. Maybe even just one person. If they come to you and say, hey, I need you to come with me. You say, alright. No questions asked. They say, hey, I need you to do something for me. You say, okay. You don't ask for explanation or proof.
You just do it because you trust that person. You know that person. You believe him or her. We're blessed because just like those best friends, that's the kind of relationship now we have with God. That we know Him. That we can abandon ourselves to Him. That we can lean all the way in. It means that we're close. It means that we're tight.
You may not know what your tomorrow holds, but you know the One who holds it. We're blessed because this faith that we exercise is a particular form of worship. worship and honor. If anyone has ever trusted you like I just described, who trusted you based on your Word and your Word alone, you probably felt really honored that you didn't have to explain anything. Probably was a little bit in you that thought, wow, they just believe My Word.
Likewise, God is delighted, so delighted for us to trust Him without any additional information. It shows what we think of Him and it's worship and He receives it that way. Finally, we are blessed because we are the people that the Bible spoke of. We're the people that Peter spoke of. Though you have not seen Him, you love Him. We are blessed because we're the people that Jesus prayed for. I do not ask for these only, He told His Father, but also for those who will believe in Me through their Word.
We're blessed because when we read that, we think, that's Jesus praying for Me. Praying for us. Those who believe without seeing. New creation, Jesus is alive. Because He's alive, blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe. Blessed are those who yield their days and their lives and their hearts to Him. Blessed are those who walk by faith, not by sight.