Easter Series 2026: Eyewitnesses of Jesus

Part 3: Peter

Peter’s story is not just about failure…it’s about what Jesus does after the failure. Peter didn’t drift away slowly, he denied Jesus directly. Face to face with pressure, he said: “I do not know that man.” Three times. And when it was over, Scripture says he went out and wept bitterly. This is the weight of sin, not just what he did, but the realization of it. And that's where grace came looking for him. After the resurrection, the angel says: “Go tell His disciples and Peter…” Why mention Peter? Because Jesus knew something...Shame would try to keep Peter from coming back. So before Peter could even make a move toward Jesus…Jesus made a move toward him. That's where the restoration of what shame tried to steal comes in. When they meet again, Jesus doesn’t say: “Explain yourself.” He says: “Do you love Me?” Three times. Each question wasn’t reopening the wound, it was healing it. And then Jesus speaks purpose again: “Feed My sheep.”

The Depth Behind "Feed My Sheep":

What Forgiveness Does:

Peter’s lowest moment didn’t define him, Jesus’ forgiveness did. He went from weeping in shame…to walking in purpose.

The full series message concludes:

Key Takeaway - You don’t have to stay where you fell, because Jesus is still calling your name.

Easter Series 2026: Eyewitnesses of Jesus

Part 2: Thomas

This message shifts our focus to Thomas, not to shame his doubt, but to reveal what Jesus does through it. Thomas is often labeled “Doubting Thomas,” but Scripture shows something deeper: he wasn’t the only one who doubted…he was just the one honest enough to say it out loud.

I. More Than a Doubter

Thomas wasn’t weak, he was loyal and courageous.

- In John 11, he was willing to die with Jesus

- In John 14, he asked questions others were afraid to ask

- He stayed with the disciples even in uncertainty

- Thomas wasn’t faithless, he was searching.

II. The Reality of Doubt After the resurrection, when the disciples said, “We’ve seen the Lord,” Thomas responded: “Unless I see…I will not believe.” But here’s the truth: All the disciples struggled with unbelief. (Mark 16:9–14)

- They heard the testimony and still didn’t believe

- They walked with Jesus and still wrestled

- Doubt is not the absence of faith, it’s often the place where faith begins.

III. Jesus Meets Us in Our Doubt Eight days later, Jesus comes back…for Thomas.

- He didn’t rebuke him harshly

- He didn’t reject him

- He met him right where he was

“Reach your finger here…do not be unbelieving, but believing.” And in that moment, Thomas declares: “My Lord and my God!”

The greatest confession came from the one who doubted the loudest.

IV. Blessed Are Those Who Believe

Jesus responds with a powerful truth: “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” This shifts the message from Thomas…to us. We weren’t in the room. We didn’t see the scars. But we are still called to believe, because faith isn’t built on sight, it’s built on trust.

V. How to Eliminate Doubt

Doubt doesn’t have to control you, you can fight it:

1. Replace It and Feed Your Faith

What you consume shapes what you believe.

Fill your life with truth, not fear.

2. Fight It and Stand on the Word

Faith grows when you stand on God’s promises, not your feelings.

3. Stop Saying It

Your words reinforce your belief system.

Stop speaking doubt and start declaring truth.

Thomas could have been remembered as “the one who doubted”…But instead, he became the one who believed.

Easter Series 2026: Eyewitnesses of Jesus

Part 1: John

This Easter series begins by looking at the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus through the eyes of those who were closest to Him. And first, we see it through John, not as a title of pride, but as a testimony of identity: I am the one Jesus loved.

I. A Son of Thunder

John didn’t start soft, humble, or loving.

John was passionate…but misplaced. Yet Jesus didn’t reject him, He transformed him.

II. The Disciple Whom Jesus Loved

John wasn’t just another follower, he was invited into deeper moments:

John didn’t earn this closeness, he simply stayed near. And instead of labeling himself by his past, he chose a new identity: “The one Jesus loved.”

III. Faithful to the End

When others fled…John stayed.

Love kept him present when fear drove others away.

IV. A Transformed Elder

The same “Son of Thunder” became the apostle of love. “Let us love one another, for love is of God…” - 1 John 4

John’s life became proof of this truth: When you truly experience the love of Jesus, you don’t stay the same. His story isn’t just about who he was…it’s about who he became. He could have said: “I’m the one who wanted power.”...“I’m the one who got it wrong.”...But instead, he chose this identity: “I am the one Jesus loved.”

Jesus wants you to know that your past doesn’t define you and your mistakes don’t name you. If you are in Christ, your identity is this: You are the one Jesus loves.