The Power of Witnessing
UMC Emmanuel Sermon April 12, 2026, John 20: 19-31
The Power of Witnessing
Reverend Fred Okello
Today, we are looking at a moment after Jesus' resurrection. It is a scene of fear. The disciples are hiding. These were the same men who had followed Jesus. They are afraid, confused, and unsure of what comes next. Fear had taken over.
But then something happens. Jesus appears right in the middle of them. The doors were locked, but that did not stop Him. Some may have wanted to run for their lives, thinking the religious leaders and the Roman government had caught up with them. No, this was Jesus! The disciples could also be feeling guilty and ashamed, unable to defend Jesus! Some of them denied Jesus at his hour of need!
When Jesus appears, a gracious, loving Lord says to them: "Peace be with you." He does not begin by condemning them: "Why did you abandon me?" "Why are you afraid?" He does not call them sellouts! But "Peace."
The announcement of peace is significant. Jesus knew their hearts. He knew they were overwhelmed. So He gives them what they need most, peace. Then He shows them His hands and His side. In other words, He shows them proof that He is the same Jesus who was crucified. The same one who suffered. But now He is alive.
If the event were to occur today, proving Jesus' resurrection would be very difficult. The hyped misinformation and disinformation in the era of AI technology make it difficult to differentiate between the real and the unreal. However, Jesus showed them proof, and the disciples were filled with joy!
Many people today live with fear: fear about the future, finances, health, family, or purpose. When such happens, our first reaction is to hide. We do not want to see anybody; we think we are so terrible, maybe we think they are the cause of our problem, and being around them, they might harm us even more, so we lock ourselves in. The worst thing is to "lock the doors" of our hearts.
Thomas was missing when Jesus appeared to the disciples. Thomas did not believe when the disciples told him that they had seen the Lord! He responded, "Unless I see… unless I touch… I will not believe." Thomas is labeled "Doubting Thomas."
Sometimes doubt comes from disappointment. Thomas had watched Jesus die. His hope had been crushed. He did not want to believe again unless he was sure. Have you been in relationships that really hurt you and sworn never to go back? If you have experienced such, then you relate well to Thomas situation! He is cautious and reasonable; he does not want to be gullible!
Eight days later, Jesus appears again, and Thomas is present. Jesus speaks directly to him to put your finger, see his hands, and stop doubting and believe. Thomas responds with a powerful confession, "My Lord and my God!"
You know, people do not talk about this faithful Thomas; they talk so much about doubting Thomas! I love Thomas's statement about "unless I see." Sometimes you want to experience things your own way rather than being told. You want to have a personal relationship. For Jesus to have appeared only to the other disciples and not to Thomas could have left him wondering whether he was the odd one out. Others could accuse him of deserting the group. He became a lone ranger!
The "Unless I see" statement was so powerful; however, Jesus countered the declaration with an all-time statement. You have believed because you have seen me; however, "Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."
Today, billions have become followers of Jesus, not by physically seeing him, but by believing in God through the witness of others. You and I are called into this ministry of witnessing until Christ returns. That is our core business!
The goal of the entire message: the events, the ministry, the activities, life, and discipleship is not just about knowledge of Jesus, but believing in Him, having a personal fellowship with a personal Lord and Savior. Once we have this profound relationship with him, Jesus sends us to make lifelong citizens of God's Kingdom. John says when we believe, we receive life and life abundant! A gracious Jesus wants everyone to enjoy the eternal blessings of our Father God! No one should be left behind!
Brothers and sisters, we are not alone. Jesus offers peace for your fear. He offers faith for your doubt. He offers purpose for your life. Jesus, who rid himself of the cross, died, resurrected, and walked into that locked room, is still reaching people today. Will you testify to Him as your Lord and God?