He Came Back for the One Who Struggled Most
John 20:26b-27 · Fresh Start: When Life Takes an Unexpected Turn
“Even though the doors were locked, Jesus entered and stood among them. He said, ‘Peace be with you.’ Then he said to Thomas, ‘Put your finger here. Look at my hands. Put your hand into my side. No more disbelief. Believe!’” — John 20:26b-27 (CEB)
Jesus walked through the locked door again. But this time, he came specifically for Thomas. Not to scold him for doubting. Not to lecture him about faith. He came offering exactly what Thomas had asked for — his hands, his side, his wounds.
That’s the kind of God we follow. The one who doesn’t write off the person who struggles most but returns specifically for them. The one who meets our honest conditions with open hands rather than judgment. Thomas asked to see and touch. Jesus said, “Here. Go ahead.”
Tomorrow at McPherson First, we kick off “Fresh Start” — a seven-week series about what happens when life takes an unexpected turn. We’re starting with Thomas, because fresh starts often begin in the most unlikely place: with honest doubt and a God patient enough to meet us there. Join us at 8:30 AM with hymns and organ music, 10:15 AM with the praise team, or online at youtube.com/@mcphersonfirst.
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God who returns for the ones who struggle, thank you for not giving up on us. As we prepare for worship, open the doors we’ve locked against hope. Amen.