Sermon Series: The Gospel of Luke
How Can We Know
Pastor George Stephens | April 20, 2025
“As they were talking about these things, Jesus himself stood among them, and said to them, “Peace to you!”” (Luke 24:36, ESV)
Let’s talk about doubt…
An Event I did not see
“But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they went to the tomb, taking the spices they had prepared. And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they went in they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were perplexed about this, behold, two men stood by them in dazzling apparel. And as they were frightened and bowed their faces to the ground, the men said to them, “Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen. Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee,” (Luke 24:1–6, ESV)
A witness I did not know
“And they remembered his words, and returning from the tomb they told all these things to the eleven and to all the rest. Now it was Mary Magdalene and Joanna and Mary the mother of James and the other women with them who told these things to the apostles, but these words seemed to them an idle tale, and they did not believe them.” (Luke 24:8–11, ESV)
An Experience I did not have
“That very day two of them were going to a village named Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, and they were talking with each other about all these things that had happened. While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus himself drew near and went with them. But their eyes were kept from recognizing him. And he said to them, “What is this conversation that you are holding with each other as you walk?” And they stood still, looking sad.” (Luke 24:13–17, ESV)
“And they rose that same hour and returned to Jerusalem. And they found the eleven and those who were with them gathered together, saying, “The Lord has risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!” Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he was known to them in the breaking of the bread.” (Luke 24:33–35, ESV)
Jesus Does not condemn your doubt.
“As they were talking about these things, Jesus himself stood among them, and said to them, “Peace to you!” But they were startled and frightened and thought they saw a spirit. And he said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts arise in your hearts?” (Luke 24:36–38, ESV)
Jeus Replaces Doubt with Evidence
Jesus Identifies the Expected
“See my hands and my feet, that it is I myself. Touch me, and see. For a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have.”” (Luke 24:39, ESV)
Jesus Confirms the Extent of His Resurrection
“And when he had said this, he showed them his hands and his feet. And while they still disbelieved for joy and were marveling, he said to them, “Have you anything here to eat?” They gave him a piece of broiled fish, and he took it and ate before them.” (Luke 24:40–43, ESV)
Jesus Communicates in Verifiable Terms
“Then he said to them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.”” (Luke 24:44, ESV)
Jesus Returns to Familiar Activity
“Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures,” (Luke 24:45, ESV)
Questions:
1. How did God confirm your faith? What evidence has He given you that He is genuine?
2. What causes you to doubt? What would God need to show you to overcome that doubt?
3. Have you ever asked a friend what causes his doubt? How would you address that from what you know?
