The Apostle Thomas is often referred to as the "Doubter" because of his refusal to believe in the Resurrected Jesus. Even after all that he had witnessed, he still refused to believe. So what does it take to believe?

The transformative event of human history—the one upon which countless people have been redeemed and found indescribable joy—is the setting upon which there is a demonstration of overwhelming sadness.

For Mary the empty tomb is a point of sorrow and grief, not joy.

How can you experience the joy of Christ’s Resurrection?

As human beings, we often only focus upon the outward and therefore miss seeing what lies deeper. There are truths that lie beneath what can simply be seen on the surface. The Truth is meant to be seen if we have eyes to see it.

As Jesus hung on the cross, the scene is quite bleak. And seen only from the most superficial perspective, the truth is hidden. But if we look closer than the true glory of His cross is revealed!

What is the glory of Christ's cross?

"Behold your King!" This is what Pilate tells the to the people. And yet, people struggle to behold Jesus. The people refused to behold Him then, and often now. So, what makes Jesus so difficult to behold?

We turn this week to our continued journey through John's gospel of Jesus in chapter 19, verses 1-16 to find the answer.

Questions. We ask questions to learn truths. But, the truth is, there are truths that questions are also revealing.

Jesus has just endured two interrogations by the Jewish high priests, Annas and Caiaphas. And now, he’s about to endure another round: this time from the Roman governor, Pilate.

But what is it that's revealed as Pilate questions Jesus...as he questions God? 

And what can this teach us about our own question that we ask God?

Life is filled with surprises. Things often don’t go the way that we expect.

For Jesus’ disciples, in John 13, the night started off with great anticipation, but by the time that the night was over in John 18:12, one of their own had abandoned them and Jesus was arrested by the Jewish authorities, made possible by the betrayal of that same disciple.

Certainly, for the disciples everything seems like things are going to go from bad to worse, as we continue on beginning with John 18:13, we take a deeper look as Jesus is interrogated by His enemies.

Time & Place is the intersection for when and where important events occur. We remember when and where we were for really important life events. And when we have the opportunity to prepare those occasions in advance, then we choose both a time and location for the sake of sentiment and meaning. Thus, time and place are significant.

For Jesus, as He face the culmination of the reason for His coming into the world, the time and place were set: the Passover, in the garden.

What was the significance of the Jesus' arrest in the garden?

The purpose with which we pray says much about us, what our desires and our preoccupations are. With what purpose do you prayer?

Jesus, in concluding His farewell address to His disciples, prays. By why? What does Jesus' purpose in praying reveal?

This week's passage comes from John 17:1-26.

For what was about to happen, two things that Jesus' disciples needed were peace and courage. Unfortunately, peace and courage are always in short supply, both then or now. They are both so fleeting as experiences. Yet, their presence also have the power to transform how we live and experience life.

So, how do you find true peace and courage?

To find the answer, we turn to John 16:25-33.

During difficult times, people often try to console themselves by saying, “It’s going to get better. You’ll get through this. It’s gonna be all right.”

But how do we know? The truth is that we don’t. 

It’s something that we say as human beings to ourselves and others for consolation and encouragement. Sometimes it’s true. It gets better. But other times, it doesn’t get better. And no matter what happens in life, we can be guaranteed that there will be some new boulder on some other day that we’re going to have to push up that hill.

Jesus says to His disciples, "You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy."

How can your present sorrow be turned into joy?

This week we turn to John 16:16-24 to find the answer.