A sermon on John 20: 19-31 by the Revd Dr Paul Sheppy.
Tonight we were privileged to have as our visiting preacher, live from Oxford in the UK, the Revd Dr Paul Sheppy. Paul is and has been many things – liturgical scholar, county cricket umpire, advanced sports car driving instructor, luthier, musician, poet and hymn writer – but above all a wonderful pastor and preacher. There is no written version of the sermon available, but you can listen to the audio or watch the video, and Paul’s brief notes are below.
Notes
- Is Thomas different from the other disciples? They all wanted to see for themselves.
- The closed and locked doors.
- The reference in 1 Peter to those who love the Lord without having seen him.
- The reference in the Psalm to not being abandoned in the pit of Sheol, which Peter quotes in his sermon (Acts 2)
- We are all like Thomas, we want a miracle we can see.
- The final phrase in the Gospel reading (“There are other signs that Jesus did”) suggests that we might want to understand this appearance to Thomas as a sign – which is the Fourth Evangelist’s way of talking about miracles.
- What is the significance of this appearance to Thomas?
- What about those locked doors? Are they a sign of the way we close our minds?
- These doors appear to be no impediment or barrier to the Risen Christ.
- How do we read this passage in the season of Easter in 2020 in the middle of a lockdown and a time when we are all looking for a miracle that will deliver us?
5 Comments
At a time when we are all locked down behind closed doors, it was great to have Paul with us, enabling to make sense of this experience in light of the gospel. So helpful.
Thank you Paul for your timely sermon. I found it really spoke to the current time.
Liesl:
Thank you for taking time to make a comment about a sermon preached so many weeks ago! I am glad you found it helpful.
It was a great privilege to be invited and I look forward to joining you all again in just over a week’s time.
God keep and bless you,
Paul
Thanks so much for sharing with us Paul.
Your sermon was very much appreciated! Your notes are really helpful too. I’m so glad Nathan happens to know & be friends with other great preachers from all over the world!
Shelley:
It is good of you to take the time to comment. I am glad that you found my notes of help and that the sermon was of use to you.
I hope to be with you all again in just over a week.
God bless,
Paul