John 20:19-29

The Bible records many instances when Jesus looked upon the multitudes with great compassion, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. (Mark 6:34)

If this was true of men in other periods of time, it was most certainly true in those days just after Christ’s death and Resurrection. As we observe the community of believers of those days, we see saints in chaos. These men were something like people who knew nothing of God.

Every person needs the assurance of the Living Christ to remove the chaos from their life.

Jesus had revealed Himself alive to His disciples, but something was still lacking in their lives, even though they knew Christ was alive. The chaos of doubt is clearest in Thomas.

• The chaos of doubt
  • Thomas made one serious mistake after Christ’s crucifixion
    • In his intense sorrow, he seemed unable to face the others, so he cut himself off from the fellowship of other faithful followers
      • “Forsake not the assembling of yourselves together.” (Hebrews 10:25)
      • He therefore did not see Jesus when He revealed Himself to His loved ones
  • He was completely honest
    • It was not possible for him to believe the news that Jesus was alive
      • It is far better to admit unbelief than to shield it
      • To have agreed that he believed when he did not would have made him a hypocrite, and his unbelief would have continued
      • Full blessing would have been lost to Thomas
  • When he learned the truth, he acted on it
    • “My Lord and my God”
• The chaos of idleness
  • The chaos of no leadership
    • Knew what not to do
      • Had instructed them in their mission
    • Had no goals
  • Reverted to their former work
    • Fishing
  • Fruitlessness of labor without Christ
    • They weren’t even good fishermen without Christ

Christ alone can remove the chaos in the hearts of men. To remove the chaos, doubt, and purposelessness, we must see Jesus. We must have a personal experience. We must make Him Lord of our lives. We must commit every area of life into His hands.

Knowing Christ as the living Lord gives hope, purpose, and power.