Yes, yes, there's doubting Thomas, although, if we examine Thomas as he appears throughout the gospel of John, he's not really much of a doubter. In John 11, he is all set to die with Jesus. In John 14, he asks Jesus how they can know the way to the place where Jesus is going. Not much doubting in either case. He may be a little confused, but his faith seems in tact.

There's much more for the Sunday after Easter besides Thomas.

Acts 4: Biblical socialism anyone? Now there's an intriguing message to preach.

1 John 1 speaks of how, if we say we have no sin, we are just kidding ourselves. Denial. If we confess our sins, though, God will forgive us. It would be nourishing to preach on denial, acknowledgement, and the healing that comes with confession.

John 20 has way more in it than Thomas. We have Jesus giving us Peace. What is this peace? What does it look like? How do we live it? What does it do for us? Hmmm.

The disciples also receive the Holy Spirit in this passage. Who says we can only preach Pentecost on Pentecost? With the Holy Spirit comes the ability to forgive sins or to withhold forgiveness. There's forgiveness again.

(from www.goodpreacher.com/blog/)

St. James Evangelical Lutheran Church,
Youngstown, PA