Outline The Hands of Jesus Give Life based on John 20:19-31

I. Uncertainty, Baltimore bridge collapse, illness, injury.

II. John 20 shows us One person is certain.

III. Secure in the hands of Jesus.

IV. Disciples hopes dashed and our hopes dashed.

V. Human hopes to win lottery and play pro sports not fulfilled and Romans 6:23.

VI. Thomas and doubts in John 20:24–25 “Now Thomas, one of the twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other 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.”

VII. More like doubting Thomas.

VIII. Saving hands of Jesus on cross and Easter.

IX. God’s “hope and dream” and perfect love in Christ crucified.

X. No place hands of Jesus cannot reach.

XI. Read John 20:26-29 and comment. John 20:26-29 gives us the rest of the account of Thomas, “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; and put out your hand, and place it in 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.’”

XII. Reason for John’s Gospel in John 20:30-31. The reason behind the writing of the Gospel of John is given to us in John 20:30-31, “Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written 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.”

XIII. Conclusion. Easter is about more than eggs and candy and lilies. Easter is about life after death. Easter is about the risen Jesus. Easter is about joy after sorrow. Easter is about sure and certain hope. Easter is about forgiveness, grace, and mercy from God. Easter is about life in the saving hands of Jesus. Easter is about life that looks to Jesus alone for salvation and life everlasting in heaven. Amen.