1 00:00:03.253 --> 00:00:06.653 (This show was made possible by your generous donation) 2 00:00:06.653 --> 00:00:10.007 (ARS Donation 060-705-0000) 3 00:00:10.260 --> 00:00:12.059 Nice to meet you all 4 00:00:15.059 --> 00:00:19.722 Among the Twelve Disciples, 5 00:00:19.722 --> 00:00:25.660 we'll be talking about James the Less and Thomas 6 00:00:25.660 --> 00:00:29.760 I think James the Less might be a disciple 7 00:00:29.760 --> 00:00:32.139 that you're not very familiar with 8 00:00:32.139 --> 00:00:35.539 Let's start with James the Less, 9 00:00:35.539 --> 00:00:38.619 or James, the son of Alphaeus, in the Bible 10 00:00:38.619 --> 00:00:43.900 In Matthew 10:2-4 11 00:00:43.900 --> 00:00:47.650 and Mark 15:40, 12 00:00:47.650 --> 00:00:50.779 there are records of James 13 00:00:50.779 --> 00:00:56.129 We will now listen carefully to the part in the Bible 14 00:00:56.129 --> 00:00:59.630 that testifies about James 15 00:01:00.285 --> 00:01:03.780 (9. The House of James the Less, by Jean-Michel) 16 00:01:07.866 --> 00:01:12.912 'The names of the twelve apostles are these: first, Simon, who is called Peter, 17 00:01:12.912 --> 00:01:17.156 and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and 18 00:01:17.156 --> 00:01:23.980 John his brother; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; 19 00:01:23.980 --> 00:01:27.220 James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; 20 00:01:27.220 --> 00:01:33.699 Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him' [Mt. 10:2-4] 21 00:01:33.699 --> 00:01:37.059 'There were also women looking on from a distance, 22 00:01:37.059 --> 00:01:41.379 among whom were Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother 23 00:01:41.379 --> 00:01:44.179 of James the younger and of Joses, 24 00:01:44.179 --> 00:01:46.402 and Salome' [Mk. 15:40] 25 00:02:06.026 --> 00:02:09.580 Mentioning him as James the Less, or James the son of Alphaeus, 26 00:02:09.580 --> 00:02:16.580 the Bible records very briefly about the disciple 27 00:02:16.580 --> 00:02:22.877 As we read the Gospels, we cannot find any records of this disciple 28 00:02:22.877 --> 00:02:27.065 performing any special actions or having any conversations 29 00:02:27.065 --> 00:02:31.580 He simply appears briefly 30 00:02:31.580 --> 00:02:34.580 in the list of the Twelve Apostles 31 00:02:34.580 --> 00:02:39.580 James the son of Alphaeus or James the Less 32 00:02:39.580 --> 00:02:43.105 He is recorded only as that 33 00:02:43.105 --> 00:02:48.887 He is one of the twelve apostles, yet finding detailed information 34 00:02:48.887 --> 00:02:51.788 about him is quite difficult 35 00:02:51.788 --> 00:02:55.976 As he is one of the least mentioned among the Twelve, 36 00:02:55.976 --> 00:02:58.976 there are often hymns we sing 37 00:02:58.976 --> 00:03:03.313 'Without Name, Without Glory, I Will Serve with Thanks' 38 00:03:03.313 --> 00:03:05.837 Perhaps this is the kind of life that this disciple lived 39 00:03:05.837 --> 00:03:10.580 This is the kind of James who is vaguely inferred 40 00:03:10.580 --> 00:03:14.946 When studying this disciple, 41 00:03:14.946 --> 00:03:17.580 the most confusing aspect 42 00:03:17.580 --> 00:03:21.580 Is that the name James 43 00:03:21.580 --> 00:03:23.669 was a common name in Judea 44 00:03:23.669 --> 00:03:27.332 Even today, in Western countries, 45 00:03:27.332 --> 00:03:30.887 the most common name is John 46 00:03:30.887 --> 00:03:33.867 with James often ranking second 47 00:03:33.867 --> 00:03:35.580 That's how common these names are 48 00:03:35.580 --> 00:03:38.778 So, many Jameses appear frequently in the Bible 49 00:03:38.778 --> 00:03:41.946 So we wonder if this James is the same as that James, 50 00:03:41.946 --> 00:03:44.580 or if that James is different 51 00:03:44.580 --> 00:03:48.580 It often causes confusion for us 52 00:03:48.580 --> 00:03:53.738 So, I first conclude that this James is not that James 53 00:03:53.738 --> 00:03:55.580 that we know of 54 00:03:55.580 --> 00:03:56.204 First, 55 00:03:58.630 --> 00:04:01.580 The James who appears most frequently in the Bible 56 00:04:01.580 --> 00:04:04.580 is James the son of Zebedee 57 00:04:04.580 --> 00:04:07.748 James, the son of Zebedee 58 00:04:07.748 --> 00:04:10.580 James the son of Zebedee was 59 00:04:10.580 --> 00:04:13.580 one of the inner circle of Jesus 60 00:04:13.580 --> 00:04:17.797 Three disciples were often present with Jesus during key moments 61 00:04:17.797 --> 00:04:20.579 Peter, James and John 62 00:04:20.579 --> 00:04:24.282 So, this James is not the one who was part of that inner circle 63 00:04:24.282 --> 00:04:26.361 This James today is a different one 64 00:04:26.361 --> 00:04:29.876 And that James, the son of Zebedee, 65 00:04:29.876 --> 00:04:33.163 this James is likely the one mentioned in Acts 12 66 00:04:33.163 --> 00:04:36.421 who was martyred by King Herod, 67 00:04:36.421 --> 00:04:39.579 making him the first martyr of the Jerusalem Church 68 00:04:39.579 --> 00:04:42.797 This is James, the son of Zebedee 69 00:04:42.797 --> 00:04:47.579 But the James we're studying today is not that James, the son of Zebedee 70 00:04:47.579 --> 00:04:50.579 Another point we should not confuse is that 71 00:04:50.579 --> 00:04:53.579 There was a James among Jesus' brothers 72 00:04:53.579 --> 00:04:55.579 James, the brother of Jesus 73 00:04:55.579 --> 00:04:59.896 For example, Galatians 1:19 says, 74 00:04:59.896 --> 00:05:03.988 'James the Lord's brother' [Gal. 1:19] 75 00:05:03.988 --> 00:05:05.652 The Lord's brother 76 00:05:05.652 --> 00:05:07.797 It means he is Jesus' physical brother 77 00:05:09.143 --> 00:05:14.579 The father of James, the Lord's brother, would have been Joseph 78 00:05:14.579 --> 00:05:18.084 Right? James' mother being Mary 79 00:05:18.084 --> 00:05:21.262 But it's not that James 80 00:05:21.262 --> 00:05:25.579 The Bible seems to indicate that Jesus' physical brothers 81 00:05:25.579 --> 00:05:28.129 did not believe him to be the Savior 82 00:05:28.129 --> 00:05:31.579 while he was on earth 83 00:05:31.579 --> 00:05:38.579 The Bible often mentions that 84 00:05:38.579 --> 00:05:40.985 'For not even his brothers believed in him' [Jhn. 7:5] 85 00:05:40.985 --> 00:05:45.133 So, it seems that even though they were with Jesus 86 00:05:45.133 --> 00:05:48.114 His brothers did not consider him the Messiah or the Savior 87 00:05:48.114 --> 00:05:53.614 However, there comes a significant turning point 88 00:05:53.614 --> 00:05:56.856 in the thinking of Jesus' brothers 89 00:05:56.856 --> 00:05:59.579 That turning point occurred after Jesus' resurrection 90 00:05:59.579 --> 00:06:02.737 When He conquered death and rose again, 91 00:06:02.737 --> 00:06:07.084 in 1 Corinthians 15, it says that 92 00:06:07.084 --> 00:06:09.534 '...He appeared to more than 93 00:06:09.534 --> 00:06:13.965 five hundred brothers at one time' 94 00:06:13.965 --> 00:06:15.915 More than five hundred people 95 00:06:15.915 --> 00:06:19.579 witnessed the resurrected Jesus with their own eyes 96 00:06:19.579 --> 00:06:22.579 At that moment, it's likely that 97 00:06:22.579 --> 00:06:26.579 seeing their brother resurrected as the Lord, 98 00:06:26.579 --> 00:06:30.579 they must've realized that Jesus indeed was 99 00:06:30.579 --> 00:06:32.856 the true Messiah 100 00:06:32.856 --> 00:06:35.728 As a result, they experienced a transformation as well 101 00:06:35.728 --> 00:06:37.371 Even Jesus' brothers experienced a change 102 00:06:38.945 --> 00:06:41.767 So if you take a look, 103 00:06:41.767 --> 00:06:46.067 Jesus' brothers also became 104 00:06:46.067 --> 00:06:48.817 His disciples and began living as apostles, 105 00:06:48.817 --> 00:06:54.153 witnessing and proclaiming the Lord 106 00:06:54.153 --> 00:06:57.926 But again, the James for today is not that James 107 00:06:57.926 --> 00:07:00.015 So, two things are clear 108 00:07:00.015 --> 00:07:02.579 This James is neither the son of Zebedee 109 00:07:02.579 --> 00:07:08.193 nor the brother of Jesus, but a different James altogether 110 00:07:08.193 --> 00:07:12.005 The Bible simply refers to him as 111 00:07:12.005 --> 00:07:13.193 James the son of Alphaeus 112 00:07:13.193 --> 00:07:14.292 The son of Alphaeus 113 00:07:14.292 --> 00:07:16.579 But what's clear is that 114 00:07:16.579 --> 00:07:21.916 the name of the father of the James we are considering today is... 115 00:07:21.916 --> 00:07:25.133 Did I ask too profound a question? 116 00:07:25.133 --> 00:07:27.411 James the son of Alphaeus 117 00:07:27.411 --> 00:07:29.876 So, who is the father of today's James? 118 00:07:29.876 --> 00:07:31.579 He is Alphaeus 119 00:07:33.579 --> 00:07:38.718 In Mark 15:40, the name of his mother is mentioned 120 00:07:38.718 --> 00:07:41.322 His mother is named Mary 121 00:07:41.322 --> 00:07:43.292 There are too many Marys in the Bible 122 00:07:43.292 --> 00:07:44.579 This also is confusing 123 00:07:44.579 --> 00:07:47.579 The person we are discussing today is 124 00:07:47.579 --> 00:07:52.579 one of the twelve apostles, James the Less, 125 00:07:52.579 --> 00:07:54.579 or James the son of Alphaeus 126 00:07:54.579 --> 00:07:57.579 And we know that James' father is Alphaeus 127 00:07:57.579 --> 00:08:00.767 and that his mother is Mary 128 00:08:00.767 --> 00:08:05.787 Mark 2:14 also says, 129 00:08:05.787 --> 00:08:11.015 'Levi the son of Alphaeus' 130 00:08:11.015 --> 00:08:13.054 Levi, the son of Alphaeus 131 00:08:13.054 --> 00:08:16.737 The person we are studying now is James, 132 00:08:16.737 --> 00:08:19.371 but Alphaeus had another son as well 133 00:08:19.371 --> 00:08:21.668 The other son's name is Levi 134 00:08:21.668 --> 00:08:24.153 But Levi has a nickname that he goes by 135 00:08:24.153 --> 00:08:26.579 Levi's nickname is Matthew 136 00:08:29.252 --> 00:08:33.045 So, Matthew is his nickname, and his real name was likely Levi 137 00:08:34.877 --> 00:08:37.877 Then, something very interesting happens 138 00:08:39.580 --> 00:08:42.580 The James for today, known as James the Less, 139 00:08:42.580 --> 00:08:46.966 is part of a group that divides the disciples into three main groups 140 00:08:46.966 --> 00:08:48.748 The first group, 141 00:08:48.748 --> 00:08:50.927 which we see most often in the Bible, 142 00:08:50.927 --> 00:08:53.956 includes Andrew, Peter, James, and John 143 00:08:53.956 --> 00:08:55.580 A group of four 144 00:08:55.580 --> 00:08:56.738 The second group, 145 00:08:56.738 --> 00:09:00.105 Consists of Philip, Bartholomew, Thomas, and Matthew 146 00:09:00.105 --> 00:09:02.085 The last, third group, 147 00:09:02.085 --> 00:09:05.580 the least mentioned in the Bible, 148 00:09:05.580 --> 00:09:06.956 which includes 149 00:09:06.956 --> 00:09:10.164 the one we were discussing, James the Less 150 00:09:10.164 --> 00:09:13.867 Thaddaeus, Simon, and Judas Iscariot 151 00:09:13.867 --> 00:09:15.362 This is the third group 152 00:09:15.362 --> 00:09:18.580 However, biblical scholars suggest that this third group 153 00:09:18.580 --> 00:09:22.180 Was likely influenced by the Zealots 154 00:09:22.180 --> 00:09:24.798 Who were active in the Jewish Independence movement 155 00:09:24.798 --> 00:09:27.580 People who are called the Zealots 156 00:09:27.580 --> 00:09:30.580 The Zealots were anti-Romans 157 00:09:30.580 --> 00:09:33.996 But among the sons of Alphaeus, there is Levi (Matthew) 158 00:09:33.996 --> 00:09:36.917 What was Matthew's occupation? 159 00:09:36.917 --> 00:09:38.313 He was a tax collector 160 00:09:38.313 --> 00:09:41.303 Tax collectors collaborated with the Roman authorities 161 00:09:41.303 --> 00:09:44.778 The person who was gaining economic benefit 162 00:09:44.778 --> 00:09:46.709 was a pro-Roman 163 00:09:46.709 --> 00:09:50.580 Then, one of the brothers was an anti-Roman, 164 00:09:50.580 --> 00:09:52.580 and the other was pro-Roman 165 00:09:52.580 --> 00:09:55.164 In terms of our time, one is conservative 166 00:09:55.164 --> 00:09:56.580 and the other is progressive 167 00:09:56.580 --> 00:09:57.580 Between brothers, 168 00:09:57.580 --> 00:09:59.580 could this be happening? 169 00:09:59.580 --> 00:10:00.580 Of course it can 170 00:10:00.580 --> 00:10:03.738 There are times brothers fight in the election season 171 00:10:03.738 --> 00:10:06.897 Our parents' generation and our generation think differently 172 00:10:06.897 --> 00:10:09.595 So, he was probably someone 173 00:10:09.595 --> 00:10:12.273 Who carried conflict among his brothers 174 00:10:12.273 --> 00:10:15.877 However, the only information we can know about this person is 175 00:10:15.877 --> 00:10:17.303 James the Less 176 00:10:17.303 --> 00:10:20.580 Why does the Bible refer to him as James the Less? 177 00:10:20.580 --> 00:10:22.748 We can make three different guesses 178 00:10:22.748 --> 00:10:25.253 First but simple, he was short 179 00:10:25.253 --> 00:10:27.966 It’s possible that he was called that due to his smaller stature 180 00:10:27.966 --> 00:10:29.580 Another possibility is, 181 00:10:29.580 --> 00:10:32.580 because he was younger than the other disciples 182 00:10:32.580 --> 00:10:35.184 It is possible he was called the Less because of younger age 183 00:10:35.184 --> 00:10:37.115 Another possibility is 184 00:10:37.115 --> 00:10:40.580 that he had the least influence, 185 00:10:40.580 --> 00:10:43.778 though it is not mentioned in the Bible 186 00:10:43.778 --> 00:10:46.580 According to the historian Eusebius, 187 00:10:46.580 --> 00:10:49.580 a Jewish historian, he provides a testimony 188 00:10:49.580 --> 00:10:50.680 about this disciple 189 00:10:50.680 --> 00:10:52.837 Eusebius writes about him in his historical accounts that 190 00:10:52.837 --> 00:10:55.580 he was a man of few words, 191 00:10:55.580 --> 00:10:58.580 but he was always a disciple who prayed 192 00:10:58.580 --> 00:11:00.253 He didn't talk very much 193 00:11:00.253 --> 00:11:03.580 So, there isn't much to record, as he didn't speak much 194 00:11:03.580 --> 00:11:05.580 But he was always praying 195 00:11:05.580 --> 00:11:08.580 Then, this disciple is very important 196 00:11:08.580 --> 00:11:11.580 We don't do God's work merely with words 197 00:11:11.580 --> 00:11:13.580 We can do God's work through prayer 198 00:11:13.580 --> 00:11:16.976 So, even though he is not mentioned frequently in the Bible 199 00:11:16.976 --> 00:11:18.847 He is considered to be 200 00:11:18.847 --> 00:11:20.580 a necessary disciple 201 00:11:20.580 --> 00:11:23.580 Therefore, I'd like to give this disciple a nickname 202 00:11:23.580 --> 00:11:27.580 Less yet essential disciple 203 00:11:27.580 --> 00:11:31.580 He was a Less disciple, 204 00:11:31.580 --> 00:11:35.580 yet necessary in the kingdom of God 205 00:11:35.580 --> 00:11:37.580 According to church tradition, 206 00:11:37.580 --> 00:11:39.580 this disciple later became a martyr 207 00:11:39.580 --> 00:11:40.956 like the other apostles 208 00:11:40.956 --> 00:11:44.580 Actually, Judas betrayed Jesus 209 00:11:44.580 --> 00:11:46.412 and John lived the longest 210 00:11:46.412 --> 00:11:48.580 While the rest were martyred 211 00:11:48.580 --> 00:11:50.580 But for the James the Less, 212 00:11:50.580 --> 00:11:53.580 they say he was martyred in Jerusalem 213 00:11:53.580 --> 00:11:55.580 They also say that 214 00:11:55.580 --> 00:11:57.709 he was martyred in Egypt 215 00:11:57.709 --> 00:12:01.075 It is believed that he was martyred by being sawn in half 216 00:12:01.075 --> 00:12:04.243 while preaching, according to traditions 217 00:12:04.243 --> 00:12:06.828 Therefore, even though 218 00:12:06.828 --> 00:12:10.392 This disciple may not have left many accomplishments, 219 00:12:10.392 --> 00:12:12.580 he was still essential in the eyes of the Lord, 220 00:12:12.580 --> 00:12:16.174 which is why he was included among the Twelve Apostles 221 00:12:16.174 --> 00:12:18.224 For an orchestra, 222 00:12:18.224 --> 00:12:20.837 the second violinist is 223 00:12:20.837 --> 00:12:22.580 one of the most essential 224 00:12:22.580 --> 00:12:25.857 though not many apply to be one 225 00:12:25.857 --> 00:12:28.758 The first violinist often gets lots of applicants, but not for second 226 00:12:28.758 --> 00:12:30.580 But without the second violinist, the piece cannot be played 227 00:12:30.580 --> 00:12:33.580 The second violinist is essential 228 00:12:33.580 --> 00:12:35.917 If we visit a national cemetery, 229 00:12:35.917 --> 00:12:37.818 not far from here, 230 00:12:37.818 --> 00:12:40.580 where would the most 231 00:12:40.580 --> 00:12:43.035 honorable one be? 232 00:12:43.035 --> 00:12:46.313 I lived in Washington, D.C. for a long time 233 00:12:46.313 --> 00:12:48.986 And there is the Arlington National Cemetery 234 00:12:48.986 --> 00:12:51.313 Occasionally, when I visit, events take place there 235 00:12:51.313 --> 00:12:52.828 It takes place 236 00:12:52.828 --> 00:12:55.758 at the Tomb of the Unknowns 237 00:12:55.758 --> 00:12:58.738 The Unknown Soldiers 238 00:12:58.738 --> 00:13:01.085 They may not have been widely recognized by name, 239 00:13:01.085 --> 00:13:03.580 but were absolutely essential 240 00:13:03.580 --> 00:13:06.224 I think James the Less 241 00:13:06.224 --> 00:13:08.867 was this kind of disciple after all 242 00:13:08.867 --> 00:13:11.580 Even though there may not be grand records in the Bible, 243 00:13:11.580 --> 00:13:14.273 he is whom God knows, 244 00:13:14.273 --> 00:13:16.214 whom Jesus knows, 245 00:13:16.214 --> 00:13:19.798 and whom He called to be his disciple 246 00:13:19.798 --> 00:13:23.006 Similarly, among us, 247 00:13:23.006 --> 00:13:26.313 even if we have no lived a dramatic life, 248 00:13:26.313 --> 00:13:27.758 if, as Christians, 249 00:13:27.758 --> 00:13:29.956 we quietly follow Jesus 250 00:13:29.956 --> 00:13:33.174 and do God's work through prayer, 251 00:13:33.174 --> 00:13:37.402 we are like James the Less 252 00:13:37.402 --> 00:13:38.887 An essential disciple 253 00:13:38.887 --> 00:13:40.392 James the Less 254 00:13:40.392 --> 00:13:42.580 Is there anyone 255 00:13:42.580 --> 00:13:43.788 who can relate 256 00:13:43.788 --> 00:13:44.877 to James the Less? 257 00:13:48.293 --> 00:13:53.580 As we reflect on the lesson of James the Less, 258 00:13:53.580 --> 00:13:57.788 let us now move on to the next disciple 259 00:13:57.788 --> 00:14:02.580 The next disciple is one who may be more familiar to us, 260 00:14:02.580 --> 00:14:05.907 and someone we might have many questions about 261 00:14:05.907 --> 00:14:08.580 He is often referred to as 262 00:14:08.580 --> 00:14:10.580 the doubting disciple 263 00:14:10.580 --> 00:14:12.580 The doubting disciple 264 00:14:12.580 --> 00:14:15.105 It's Thomas 265 00:14:15.105 --> 00:14:19.580 However, I would rather give this disciple a nickname of 266 00:14:19.580 --> 00:14:23.303 not a the doubting one, but a the questioning disciple 267 00:14:23.303 --> 00:14:29.115 Is a student who asks many questions 268 00:14:29.115 --> 00:14:33.085 considered an outstanding student or not? 269 00:14:33.085 --> 00:14:33.996 They are excellent students 270 00:14:33.996 --> 00:14:37.204 Smart students are those who ask many questions 271 00:14:37.204 --> 00:14:38.758 I like this disciple 272 00:14:38.758 --> 00:14:40.342 I like Thomas 273 00:14:40.342 --> 00:14:44.580 Let us listen to the passage 274 00:14:44.580 --> 00:14:47.679 from the Gospel of John chapter 20, 275 00:14:47.679 --> 00:14:52.709 verses 24-29, which testifies about Thomas 276 00:14:53.815 --> 00:14:57.162 (7. House of Thomas, by Kim Kang) 277 00:14:57.162 --> 00:15:01.223 'Now Thomas, one of the twelve, called the Twin, 278 00:15:01.227 --> 00:15:05.395 was not with them when Jesus came' 279 00:15:05.399 --> 00:15:08.538 'So the other disciples told him, 280 00:15:08.538 --> 00:15:10.891 “We have seen the Lord”' 281 00:15:10.891 --> 00:15:15.059 'But he said to them, “Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, 282 00:15:15.059 --> 00:15:18.392 and place my finger into the mark of the nails, 283 00:15:18.392 --> 00:15:21.927 and place my hand into his side, 284 00:15:21.927 --> 00:15:25.580 I will never believe' 285 00:15:25.580 --> 00:15:29.758 'Eight days later, his disciples were inside again, 286 00:15:29.758 --> 00:15:33.580 and Thomas was with them' 'Although the doors were locked, 287 00:15:33.580 --> 00:15:37.115 Jesus came and stood among them and said, 288 00:15:37.115 --> 00:15:41.927 “Peace be with you"' 289 00:15:41.927 --> 00:15:43.917 'Then he said to Thomas. 290 00:15:43.917 --> 00:15:47.352 “Put your finger here, and see my hands; 291 00:15:47.352 --> 00:15:50.808 and put out your hand, and place it in my side' 292 00:15:50.808 --> 00:15:56.194 'Do not disbelieve, but believe' 293 00:15:56.194 --> 00:15:58.412 'Thomas answered him, 294 00:15:58.412 --> 00:16:02.917 “My Lord and my God!”' 295 00:16:02.917 --> 00:16:07.313 'Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? 296 00:16:07.313 --> 00:16:11.006 Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed"' [Jhn. 20:24-29] 297 00:16:30.847 --> 00:16:33.747 First, let's think about 298 00:16:33.747 --> 00:16:36.897 the meaning of this person's name 299 00:16:36.897 --> 00:16:41.174 In the passage we just listened to from John 20, 300 00:16:41.174 --> 00:16:43.966 Thomas is not only referred to as Thomas 301 00:16:43.966 --> 00:16:48.095 but also as Didymus, right? 302 00:16:48.095 --> 00:16:51.055 Thomas as Didymus 303 00:16:51.055 --> 00:16:54.818 The name Didymus is originally Greek, 304 00:16:54.818 --> 00:16:57.927 and the name Thomas is originally Aramaic 305 00:16:57.927 --> 00:17:00.134 which, in modern terms, is similar to Syrian 306 00:17:00.134 --> 00:17:02.829 However, during the time of Jesus, 307 00:17:02.829 --> 00:17:07.322 the most commonly spoken language in Judea was Aramaic, 308 00:17:07.322 --> 00:17:09.668 which is Syrian 309 00:17:09.668 --> 00:17:12.034 It is Thomas in that language 310 00:17:12.034 --> 00:17:16.579 In English, it is 'Thomas' 311 00:17:16.579 --> 00:17:18.836 but in Greek, that 312 00:17:18.836 --> 00:17:23.232 Therefore, during the time of Jesus, both Greek and 313 00:17:23.232 --> 00:17:24.965 Aramaic were spoken 314 00:17:24.965 --> 00:17:27.668 It's similar to how we think of the Japanese occupation period 315 00:17:27.668 --> 00:17:30.518 During the old Korean period of Japanese occupation 316 00:17:30.518 --> 00:17:33.579 Of course, Korean was our native language so it was still used then 317 00:17:33.579 --> 00:17:36.579 But at the same time, Japanese was widely spoken 318 00:17:36.579 --> 00:17:40.074 It's just like that 319 00:17:40.074 --> 00:17:42.213 But they both mean the same 320 00:17:42.213 --> 00:17:45.916 What do Didymus and Thomas mean? 321 00:17:45.916 --> 00:17:48.767 They both mean twins 322 00:17:48.767 --> 00:17:51.579 Why was he named a twin? 323 00:17:51.579 --> 00:17:54.124 Probably because he was one of the twins 324 00:17:54.124 --> 00:17:56.579 That's why his name was a twin 325 00:17:56.579 --> 00:18:00.153 If he is one of the twins, there's got to be another twin 326 00:18:00.153 --> 00:18:02.094 There must be 327 00:18:02.094 --> 00:18:04.371 But there's no record of it 328 00:18:04.371 --> 00:18:05.787 Therefore, we don't know 329 00:18:05.787 --> 00:18:08.747 Anyway, he is one of the twins 330 00:18:08.747 --> 00:18:14.430 If we assume he was a twin, it is almost certain that he was one 331 00:18:14.430 --> 00:18:18.579 The fact that the name Didymus and Thomas are both used suggests 332 00:18:18.579 --> 00:18:21.579 Is anyone here a twin? 333 00:18:21.579 --> 00:18:23.856 Or, have you seen any other twins? 334 00:18:23.856 --> 00:18:26.982 When parents raise twins, 335 00:18:26.982 --> 00:18:29.193 there are many great stories 336 00:18:29.193 --> 00:18:30.272 For twins, 337 00:18:30.272 --> 00:18:32.440 generally what do parents do? 338 00:18:32.440 --> 00:18:36.034 They dress them similarly 339 00:18:36.034 --> 00:18:38.934 Because difference may cause 340 00:18:38.934 --> 00:18:40.896 one envying another 341 00:18:40.896 --> 00:18:42.926 They might feel jealous at times 342 00:18:42.926 --> 00:18:46.114 So, parents pay more attention to these things 343 00:18:46.114 --> 00:18:51.074 Because they were twins, 344 00:18:51.074 --> 00:18:54.678 growing up, it likely had a significant impact 345 00:18:54.678 --> 00:18:58.015 on the development of his character and personality 346 00:18:58.015 --> 00:19:01.955 His tendency to ask many questions and be somewhat difficult 347 00:19:01.955 --> 00:19:06.605 might be closely related 348 00:19:06.605 --> 00:19:08.055 to his twin birth 349 00:19:08.055 --> 00:19:10.679 It's something we can imagine 350 00:19:10.679 --> 00:19:17.207 If we look for records of Thomas in the Bible, 351 00:19:17.207 --> 00:19:19.257 he is only recorded in the Gospel of John 352 00:19:19.257 --> 00:19:21.907 His name appears in the lists of the apostles, 353 00:19:21.907 --> 00:19:25.838 in all the Gospels, Matthew, Mark, and Luke 354 00:19:25.838 --> 00:19:27.319 But the specific things 355 00:19:27.319 --> 00:19:30.019 he said or did are 356 00:19:30.019 --> 00:19:33.448 only recorded in the Gospel of John 357 00:19:33.448 --> 00:19:39.398 Specifically, Thomas appears in three episodes in the Gospel of John 358 00:19:39.398 --> 00:19:41.119 Let's briefly consider each one 359 00:19:41.119 --> 00:19:45.369 The first episode is in John 11 360 00:19:45.369 --> 00:19:49.919 At that time, Lazarus, whom Jesus considered a friend, dies 361 00:19:49.919 --> 00:19:52.019 Lazarus dies 362 00:19:52.019 --> 00:19:58.568 However, Jesus was far away from Lazarus at that time 363 00:19:58.568 --> 00:20:02.918 Lazarus' sisters 364 00:20:02.918 --> 00:20:07.720 Martha and Mary send messengers to Jesus 365 00:20:07.720 --> 00:20:11.920 They say, their brother, Lazarus, is dying 366 00:20:11.920 --> 00:20:14.120 But Jesus, instead of leaving quickly, stays where He is 367 00:20:14.120 --> 00:20:16.870 If He were truly a friend, 368 00:20:16.870 --> 00:20:20.620 he would go immediately, pray for him, and heal him 369 00:20:20.620 --> 00:20:23.519 But Jesus delays for more than three days 370 00:20:23.519 --> 00:20:26.219 Then, suddenly, Jesus says that 371 00:20:26.219 --> 00:20:29.269 'Lazarus has fallen asleep' [Jhn. 11:11] 372 00:20:29.269 --> 00:20:32.120 That means Lazarus has died 373 00:20:32.120 --> 00:20:34.420 In this scene, Thomas appears 374 00:20:34.420 --> 00:20:36.020 and says, 375 00:20:36.020 --> 00:20:39.570 ''Let us also go, that we may die with him' [Jhn. 11:16] 376 00:20:39.570 --> 00:20:41.048 That's what Thomas says 377 00:20:41.048 --> 00:20:42.806 What did he mean by that? 378 00:20:42.806 --> 00:20:43.937 Let us also go that we may die with him? 379 00:20:43.937 --> 00:20:48.269 It may be a self-deprecating remark out of frustration or disappointment 380 00:20:48.269 --> 00:20:50.419 Jesus has been delaying, 381 00:20:50.419 --> 00:20:53.319 and Lazarus is dead 382 00:20:53.319 --> 00:20:56.469 So he sounds like he's resigned to the situation 383 00:20:56.469 --> 00:20:58.919 But at the same time, 384 00:20:58.919 --> 00:21:02.219 it also sounds like he's saying 'better late than never' 385 00:21:02.219 --> 00:21:06.000 As in, if he died, we have to follow him, 386 00:21:06.000 --> 00:21:11.250 how can we let him be alone, out of friendship and bravery 387 00:21:11.250 --> 00:21:16.038 Or little bit of both emotions 388 00:21:16.038 --> 00:21:18.988 The second episode is in John 14 389 00:21:18.988 --> 00:21:20.638 John 14 begins with 390 00:21:20.638 --> 00:21:24.949 'Let not your hearts be troubled' 'Believe in God; believe also in me' 391 00:21:24.949 --> 00:21:27.849 Then he says, 392 00:21:27.849 --> 00:21:31.178 'And you know the way to where I am going' [Jhn. 14:4] 393 00:21:31.178 --> 00:21:33.939 That's what Jesus says 394 00:21:33.939 --> 00:21:35.539 'I am the way, and the truth, and the life' [Jhn. 14:6] 395 00:21:35.539 --> 00:21:38.645 This is a little later, but before that, Jesus says 396 00:21:38.645 --> 00:21:42.240 'And you know the way to where I am going' [Jhn. 14:4] 397 00:21:42.240 --> 00:21:44.440 In this scene, Thomas pops up again 398 00:21:44.440 --> 00:21:45.940 'Thomas said to him, 399 00:21:45.940 --> 00:21:49.190 “Lord, we do not know where you are going"' 400 00:21:49.190 --> 00:21:52.119 '"How can we know the way?"' [Jhn. 14:5] 401 00:21:52.119 --> 00:21:55.919 This also sounds a bit like sarcasm 402 00:21:55.919 --> 00:22:00.465 So, it's not just a pure and normal conversation, 403 00:22:00.465 --> 00:22:05.015 but rather a slightly sarcastic remark 404 00:22:05.015 --> 00:22:06.111 At the same time, 405 00:22:06.111 --> 00:22:09.479 when he says "Lord, we need to know the way in order to follow You properly", 406 00:22:09.479 --> 00:22:12.879 it also seems like a serious statement 407 00:22:12.879 --> 00:22:17.919 It's a mix of different tones in Thomas' response 408 00:22:17.919 --> 00:22:21.619 The third scene where 409 00:22:21.619 --> 00:22:23.627 Thomas appears is in John 20 410 00:22:23.627 --> 00:22:25.527 The resurrected Jesus 411 00:22:25.527 --> 00:22:28.677 appears before His disciples 412 00:22:28.677 --> 00:22:32.520 When Jesus first appeared to the disciples, Thomas was not there 413 00:22:32.520 --> 00:22:36.970 The other disciples, having seen the resurrected Jesus, 414 00:22:36.970 --> 00:22:43.084 excitedly told Thomas, "We have seen the Lord! He is alive!" 415 00:22:43.084 --> 00:22:46.684 But Thomas appears, 416 00:22:46.684 --> 00:22:48.720 and then what does he say? 417 00:22:48.720 --> 00:22:52.046 "There's no way, if he is back to life, 418 00:22:52.046 --> 00:22:55.146 Unless I put my hand into His side, 419 00:22:55.146 --> 00:22:57.668 I will not believe it!" 420 00:22:57.668 --> 00:22:59.468 This here again, 421 00:22:59.468 --> 00:23:03.118 he sounds sarcastic and doubting again 422 00:23:03.118 --> 00:23:06.399 In other view, he wants to check and know for sure 423 00:23:06.399 --> 00:23:10.699 If He has truly risen, he really needs to confirm it for himself 424 00:23:10.699 --> 00:23:15.720 You could think of Thomas as having the mindset of an empirical skeptic 425 00:23:15.720 --> 00:23:18.620 Thomas has a somewhat complex personality, right? 426 00:23:18.620 --> 00:23:23.948 Those are the three episodes of Thomas 427 00:23:23.948 --> 00:23:27.798 But what's important is that 428 00:23:27.798 --> 00:23:30.148 the Bible never clarifies 429 00:23:30.148 --> 00:23:33.139 whether Thomas actually tried his hand in Jesus' side 430 00:23:33.139 --> 00:23:35.589 The Bible has no record of it 431 00:23:35.589 --> 00:23:40.118 Despite all that, the resurrected Lord appears again 432 00:23:40.118 --> 00:23:42.668 Thomas gets shocked, 433 00:23:42.668 --> 00:23:45.168 and says, "Let me touch him and see if he is really the Lord" 434 00:23:45.168 --> 00:23:46.679 but he didn’t actually go and check 435 00:23:46.679 --> 00:23:49.079 Instead, he bows before Jesus 436 00:23:49.079 --> 00:23:51.829 As he bows down, he confesses, 437 00:23:51.829 --> 00:23:57.880 "My Lord, My God!" 438 00:23:57.880 --> 00:24:02.130 From that moment on, Thomas lives a life as a true disciple, 439 00:24:02.130 --> 00:24:06.799 bearing witness to the Lord throughout his life 440 00:24:06.799 --> 00:24:12.249 Now, at the end of his preaching journey, 441 00:24:12.249 --> 00:24:16.699 according to church traditions, 442 00:24:16.699 --> 00:24:20.749 Thomas eventually traveled as far as Persia and then to India, 443 00:24:20.749 --> 00:24:23.249 where he did missionary work 444 00:24:23.249 --> 00:24:27.899 When you think of missionary work in India, 445 00:24:27.899 --> 00:24:31.891 who comes to mind as someone who left an immortal legacy in Indian missions? 446 00:24:31.891 --> 00:24:36.257 Is the name familiar? William Carey, 447 00:24:39.599 --> 00:24:42.599 the father of modern missions? 448 00:24:42.599 --> 00:24:47.049 William Carey, the person who opened the door to missionary work in India 449 00:24:47.049 --> 00:24:50.839 But before William Carey, who was the first to go? 450 00:24:50.839 --> 00:24:53.139 It was Thomas 451 00:24:53.139 --> 00:24:54.839 Among the Twelve Disciples, 452 00:24:54.839 --> 00:25:00.498 it was Thomas who went first, and in India or Pakistan, 453 00:25:00.498 --> 00:25:04.898 you can still find many traces of Thomas including the Thomas Memorial Church 454 00:25:04.898 --> 00:25:08.679 In the end, he was martyred in India 455 00:25:08.679 --> 00:25:13.879 Now, what background allowed Thomas, 456 00:25:13.879 --> 00:25:18.729 a disciple who was often doubtful with a complex personality, 457 00:25:18.729 --> 00:25:22.479 to go all the way to India to spread the gospel 458 00:25:22.479 --> 00:25:25.868 And ultimately become a martyr? 459 00:25:25.868 --> 00:25:29.368 As we study his life, 460 00:25:29.368 --> 00:25:34.618 I believe there are four key reasons 461 00:25:34.618 --> 00:25:39.799 Why his life transformed from a skeptical, empirical doubter 462 00:25:39.799 --> 00:25:43.649 into a martyr and witness for Christ 463 00:25:43.649 --> 00:25:47.959 First, asking questions is important 464 00:25:47.959 --> 00:25:50.409 As you live out your faith, questions will naturally arise 465 00:25:50.409 --> 00:25:51.959 You have to ask those questions 466 00:25:51.959 --> 00:25:55.880 You shouldn't stay silent Smart students ask questions 467 00:25:55.880 --> 00:26:00.180 And a believer who asks questions is one who grows and matures in their faith 468 00:26:00.180 --> 00:26:02.519 Only by asking questions can we receive answers 469 00:26:02.519 --> 00:26:04.419 Next, you must have fellowship 470 00:26:04.419 --> 00:26:06.719 You must create fellowship with fellow believers 471 00:26:06.719 --> 00:26:11.319 Whenever Thomas acts skeptical and rebellious 472 00:26:11.319 --> 00:26:14.160 And when Thomas displayed a self-deprecating attitude, 473 00:26:14.160 --> 00:26:18.360 it was always because he wasn't with the other disciples 474 00:26:18.360 --> 00:26:22.920 When the resurrected Jesus appeared Thomas wasn't there at first 475 00:26:22.920 --> 00:26:25.797 He was 'not with them when Jesus came' [Jhn. 20:24] 476 00:26:25.797 --> 00:26:28.160 That's what the Bible says 477 00:26:28.160 --> 00:26:32.260 However, if you look at the later records of the disciples, 478 00:26:32.260 --> 00:26:35.908 Thomas does not miss a single event 479 00:26:35.908 --> 00:26:38.908 In John 20:26, we find this verse 480 00:26:38.908 --> 00:26:42.559 '...Thomas was with them' 481 00:26:42.559 --> 00:26:47.859 'Although the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them' [Jhn. 20:26] 482 00:26:47.859 --> 00:26:49.760 Being together is important 483 00:26:49.760 --> 00:26:52.410 Even if we have doubts, 484 00:26:52.410 --> 00:26:55.210 or face difficulties in our faith, 485 00:26:55.210 --> 00:26:58.720 being with fellow Christians 486 00:26:58.720 --> 00:27:00.570 in a community is important 487 00:27:00.570 --> 00:27:03.770 In it, we help each other overcome our doubts 488 00:27:03.770 --> 00:27:06.600 It allows our faith to mature and grow 489 00:27:06.600 --> 00:27:08.950 That’s the lesson we can learn 490 00:27:08.950 --> 00:27:12.959 And overcoming temporary discouragement is also important 491 00:27:12.959 --> 00:27:18.259 Thomas, too, first showed skepticism and a self-deprecating attitude 492 00:27:18.259 --> 00:27:20.320 He ultimately overcame it 493 00:27:20.320 --> 00:27:25.399 Similarly, we may experience moments of retreat in our faith journey 494 00:27:25.399 --> 00:27:27.699 We may take a short break as well 495 00:27:27.699 --> 00:27:32.159 What truly matters is overcoming it in the end 496 00:27:32.159 --> 00:27:34.189 And the most important thing is 497 00:27:37.159 --> 00:27:39.679 the significance of the confession of faith 498 00:27:39.679 --> 00:27:42.329 Being finally convinced of who Jesus is and making the confession, 499 00:27:42.329 --> 00:27:45.179 "My Lord, my God" 500 00:27:45.179 --> 00:27:48.629 He accepted Jesus not just as a human, 501 00:27:48.629 --> 00:27:53.448 but acknowledged His divinity confessing him as Lord, God, and Savior 502 00:27:53.448 --> 00:27:58.748 This confession ultimately led him to dedicate his entire life to the Lord, 503 00:27:58.748 --> 00:28:01.640 to become a martyr, 504 00:28:01.640 --> 00:28:07.840 and to leave a significant mark of the gospel, 505 00:28:07.840 --> 00:28:13.320 in the vast land of India, living as an apostle 506 00:28:13.320 --> 00:28:18.479 Isn't the life of Thomas fascinating? 507 00:28:18.479 --> 00:28:20.417 Is it a challenge for you as well? 508 00:28:24.301 --> 00:28:27.904 (Pastor Lee Dongwon's Story of the Twelve Apostles Q&A) 509 00:28:28.884 --> 00:28:32.534 As I listened to you, 510 00:28:32.534 --> 00:28:37.599 I couldn't help but think that I have lived a life similar to Thomas' 511 00:28:37.599 --> 00:28:40.757 But there were times during my church life 512 00:28:40.757 --> 00:28:44.400 where I had many questions time to time 513 00:28:44.400 --> 00:28:50.050 I often asked these questions, 514 00:28:50.050 --> 00:28:53.039 but there was also a point when I decided to let go of those questions 515 00:28:53.039 --> 00:28:57.520 I thought I was asking ministers too many questions 516 00:28:57.520 --> 00:29:01.410 I thought it'd disrupt the air, 517 00:29:04.064 --> 00:29:07.840 or even make me seem like a bad example 518 00:29:07.840 --> 00:29:10.890 to others who share the faith together 519 00:29:10.890 --> 00:29:13.599 -SoI started to hesitate because of that -I see 520 00:29:13.599 --> 00:29:16.399 For the sake of my faith, 521 00:29:16.399 --> 00:29:19.559 in order to make a confession like Thomas in the end, 522 00:29:19.559 --> 00:29:21.909 I know that a lot of process is needed 523 00:29:21.909 --> 00:29:25.000 I would like to ask for an advice regarding this 524 00:29:25.000 --> 00:29:28.250 Korean churches are usually like this 525 00:29:28.250 --> 00:29:31.664 If you ask too many questions, 526 00:29:31.664 --> 00:29:35.645 you might be regarded as someone lacking in faith 527 00:29:35.645 --> 00:29:38.845 Or in some cases, seen as a difficult 528 00:29:38.845 --> 00:29:41.838 or picky person 529 00:29:41.838 --> 00:29:44.916 This creates hesitation in us 530 00:29:44.916 --> 00:29:47.719 I can really relate to that, because I was the same way 531 00:29:47.719 --> 00:29:50.572 I wasn't someone who was raised in a family with faith 532 00:29:50.572 --> 00:29:55.539 In my twenties, I started attending an English Bible study 533 00:29:55.539 --> 00:30:00.610 to learn English from missionaries 534 00:30:00.610 --> 00:30:03.412 And that's when I began to develop my faith 535 00:30:03.412 --> 00:30:10.152 I received a lot of criticism, asking too many questions 536 00:30:10.152 --> 00:30:12.802 But as I look back, 537 00:30:12.802 --> 00:30:15.541 I got those answers only because I asked those questions 538 00:30:15.541 --> 00:30:21.479 Another thing is that when I ask questions, others gain courage 539 00:30:21.479 --> 00:30:25.880 And there are actually others who wanted to ask the same questions 540 00:30:25.880 --> 00:30:28.520 It's just that they don't 541 00:30:28.520 --> 00:30:32.120 And among teachers, 542 00:30:32.120 --> 00:30:35.559 there are some who dislike questions 543 00:30:35.559 --> 00:30:37.509 But a capable teacher 544 00:30:37.509 --> 00:30:42.599 should be able to embrace any question 545 00:30:42.599 --> 00:30:44.881 That is what makes a great teacher 546 00:30:44.881 --> 00:30:47.981 I prefer Bible studies 547 00:30:47.981 --> 00:30:51.000 where we can exchange a lot of questions 548 00:30:51.000 --> 00:30:54.450 That's how I like it 549 00:30:54.450 --> 00:30:57.320 I get to learn, too 550 00:30:57.320 --> 00:30:59.770 As a teacher, I also learn alongside them 551 00:30:59.770 --> 00:31:02.679 And there's no way I would know everything 552 00:31:02.679 --> 00:31:05.880 It takes courage to be honest when I don't know something 553 00:31:05.880 --> 00:31:11.080 I believe that the process of finding answers together 554 00:31:11.080 --> 00:31:12.328 as a community is also a blessing 555 00:31:15.000 --> 00:31:17.800 Mine's on James the Less 556 00:31:17.800 --> 00:31:23.019 Many people have the desire to be greatly used by God 557 00:31:23.019 --> 00:31:25.298 That desire is present in many people 558 00:31:25.298 --> 00:31:28.798 But sometimes, I think there is discouragement 559 00:31:28.798 --> 00:31:31.880 that comes when we feel like we haven't made a significant impact 560 00:31:31.880 --> 00:31:33.320 I'm sure it's not just me 561 00:31:33.320 --> 00:31:37.320 But when reading the Bible, 562 00:31:37.320 --> 00:31:40.200 even Moses, with the Promised Land right ahead, stopped 563 00:31:40.200 --> 00:31:42.200 when God said "let's stop here" 564 00:31:42.200 --> 00:31:44.919 The first time I read that, 565 00:31:44.919 --> 00:31:48.016 I actually felt sorry for Moses 566 00:31:48.016 --> 00:31:53.239 But still, God is good 567 00:31:53.239 --> 00:31:55.960 and while I may not know the full answer 568 00:31:55.960 --> 00:31:58.679 I believe that even for James the Less, 569 00:31:58.679 --> 00:32:02.280 He must've lived with satisfaction and gratitude before God 570 00:32:02.280 --> 00:32:06.440 However, looking at my own life, I am often unable to do the same 571 00:32:06.440 --> 00:32:09.559 Could you share more about this part? 572 00:32:11.000 --> 00:32:15.880 I think the reason why someone like James the Less 573 00:32:15.880 --> 00:32:19.320 appears in the Bible is or people like you, sister 574 00:32:19.320 --> 00:32:23.799 Because in this world, there aren't many great people 575 00:32:23.799 --> 00:32:28.919 or those who leave behind great contributions 576 00:32:28.919 --> 00:32:32.619 However, there are many more people 577 00:32:32.619 --> 00:32:35.479 living quietly with small lives 578 00:32:35.479 --> 00:32:39.799 But that small life can be much more important 579 00:32:39.799 --> 00:32:44.679 In fact, when we look at the Bible, When Jesus praises someone, 580 00:32:44.679 --> 00:32:48.280 it's never because someone has done great things, 581 00:32:48.280 --> 00:32:50.520 and is a great servant 582 00:32:50.520 --> 00:32:54.220 'You have been faithful over a little, 583 00:32:54.220 --> 00:32:57.719 I will set you over much' [Mat. 25:23] 584 00:32:57.719 --> 00:33:01.169 He valued the small things more 585 00:33:01.169 --> 00:33:05.719 Small things come together to create great things 586 00:33:05.719 --> 00:33:08.200 It's not just the big tasks that matter 587 00:33:08.200 --> 00:33:10.750 When we stand before the Lord, 588 00:33:10.750 --> 00:33:14.039 even the small people will be highly valued 589 00:33:14.039 --> 00:33:17.239 One of the impressions I get from reading the Bible 590 00:33:17.239 --> 00:33:20.389 is that while Moses, Peter, and Paul 591 00:33:20.389 --> 00:33:24.359 were prominent leaders but, 592 00:33:24.359 --> 00:33:27.077 for example, when we look at Paul's letters in the New Testament, 593 00:33:27.077 --> 00:33:30.627 at the very end, there are numerous 594 00:33:30.627 --> 00:33:34.119 names of people unfamiliar to us 595 00:33:34.119 --> 00:33:36.520 Why were these names recorded? 596 00:33:36.520 --> 00:33:38.520 Names that are not familiar to us 597 00:33:38.520 --> 00:33:45.400 Names like Tychicus, Aristarchus, Epaphras 598 00:33:45.400 --> 00:33:49.559 But I believe they were included to teach us 599 00:33:49.559 --> 00:33:53.727 that each and individual people was a precious vessel in God's kingdom 600 00:33:53.727 --> 00:33:57.080 That must've been why the Bible recorded them 601 00:33:57.080 --> 00:34:03.559 So, there's no need to be disappointed just because I'm not standing out more 602 00:34:03.559 --> 00:34:09.960 On the contrary, God pays more attention to my ordinary life 603 00:34:09.960 --> 00:34:14.200 I don't know if I gave you a good enough answer 604 00:34:14.200 --> 00:34:18.119 I have a strong interest in missions 605 00:34:18.119 --> 00:34:23.960 Thomas is said to have gone to India as a missionary 606 00:34:23.960 --> 00:34:26.679 I'm curious about the exact reasons, 607 00:34:26.679 --> 00:34:28.679 and what kind of inspiration led him to go to India 608 00:34:28.679 --> 00:34:31.239 And I'm curious about what specific kind of mission work 609 00:34:31.239 --> 00:34:34.119 he did once he got there 610 00:34:34.119 --> 00:34:36.599 In Acts 1, we see that after Jesus resurrected, 611 00:34:36.599 --> 00:34:42.200 He stayed on earth for 40 days 612 00:34:42.200 --> 00:34:44.440 before he ascended 613 00:34:44.440 --> 00:34:47.960 Before He ascended, in Acts 1:2 and following, 614 00:34:47.960 --> 00:34:50.560 Jesus talked to his disciples 615 00:34:50.560 --> 00:34:53.559 '...speaking about 616 00:34:53.559 --> 00:34:57.400 the kingdom of God' [Acts 1:3] 617 00:34:57.400 --> 00:34:59.559 And after that, 618 00:34:59.559 --> 00:35:02.648 one of the disciples asked this, 619 00:35:02.648 --> 00:35:06.415 'Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?' [Acts 1:6] 620 00:35:06.415 --> 00:35:07.640 Since He has resurrected, 621 00:35:07.640 --> 00:35:12.919 they expected Him to conquer Rome, 622 00:35:12.919 --> 00:35:14.707 give freedom to Israel 623 00:35:14.707 --> 00:35:19.880 So they asked about the political restoration 624 00:35:19.880 --> 00:35:21.880 But Jesus replied, 625 00:35:21.880 --> 00:35:26.258 "The Father has fixed the time, so that's not what we should focus on" 626 00:35:26.258 --> 00:35:28.280 So, rather than the restoration of Israel, 627 00:35:28.280 --> 00:35:30.440 what is more important from God's perspective 628 00:35:30.440 --> 00:35:34.919 is that the gospel is preached to the ends of the earth 629 00:35:34.919 --> 00:35:37.499 And Acts 1:8 famously says, 630 00:35:37.499 --> 00:35:41.320 'But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, 631 00:35:41.320 --> 00:35:43.885 and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, 632 00:35:43.885 --> 00:35:47.479 and to the end of the earth' [Acts 1:8] 633 00:35:47.479 --> 00:35:50.119 That's the command He gave 634 00:35:50.119 --> 00:35:55.479 And then in Acts 2, the Holy Spirit comes upon them 635 00:35:55.479 --> 00:35:58.119 So, in order to just obey his word and follow it, 636 00:35:58.119 --> 00:35:59.719 they literally went to the ends of the earth, 637 00:35:59.719 --> 00:36:02.200 in the fullness of the Holy Spirit 638 00:36:02.200 --> 00:36:03.799 Scattering away like so, 639 00:36:03.799 --> 00:36:05.400 very literally 640 00:36:05.400 --> 00:36:08.520 If you go north from Jerusalem, you'll reach Samaria 641 00:36:08.520 --> 00:36:11.719 From Samaria, going further north, you'll reach Syria 642 00:36:11.719 --> 00:36:13.640 A bit beyond Syria 643 00:36:13.640 --> 00:36:14.839 is present-day Turkey, 644 00:36:14.839 --> 00:36:16.839 also known as Asia Minor 645 00:36:16.839 --> 00:36:18.040 Then, if you go a little further, 646 00:36:18.040 --> 00:36:19.959 you'll reach Persia, 647 00:36:19.959 --> 00:36:21.719 and then India 648 00:36:21.719 --> 00:36:23.479 Thus, literally, 649 00:36:23.479 --> 00:36:25.479 they all went to the ends of the earth 650 00:36:25.479 --> 00:36:27.079 Ends of the earth, 651 00:36:27.079 --> 00:36:29.719 following the guidance of the Holy Spirit 652 00:36:29.719 --> 00:36:34.599 At least ten of the twelve apostles scattered 653 00:36:34.599 --> 00:36:36.280 and went to the places as far as they could travel, 654 00:36:36.280 --> 00:36:38.520 with the knowledge they had at the time, 655 00:36:38.520 --> 00:36:41.160 where God opened doors for them 656 00:36:41.160 --> 00:36:44.119 to preach the gospel 657 00:36:44.119 --> 00:36:47.160 In the case of Thomas, it was India 658 00:36:47.160 --> 00:36:48.839 Actually, ancient India 659 00:36:48.839 --> 00:36:50.920 included what is now Pakistan 660 00:36:50.920 --> 00:36:53.880 So when I went to Pakistan, 661 00:36:53.880 --> 00:36:57.719 I was surprised to find a church called the Thomas Mission Memorial Church 662 00:36:57.719 --> 00:36:59.640 Thinking, why is this here in Pakistan? 663 00:36:59.640 --> 00:37:00.680 Upon thinking about it, 664 00:37:00.680 --> 00:37:04.680 in the past, India and Pakistan were one country 665 00:37:04.680 --> 00:37:07.719 Therefore, that's as far as 666 00:37:07.719 --> 00:37:09.319 Thomas reached 667 00:37:09.319 --> 00:37:10.760 Or it wasn't himself, 668 00:37:10.760 --> 00:37:12.439 someone else influenced by Thomas 669 00:37:12.439 --> 00:37:17.200 went there to preach the gospel 670 00:37:17.200 --> 00:37:18.520 Thank you 671 00:37:18.520 --> 00:37:19.319 Thank you 672 00:37:19.319 --> 00:37:20.920 Let's summarize 673 00:37:20.920 --> 00:37:23.090 Especially thinking about the two, 674 00:37:23.090 --> 00:37:25.079 James the Less 675 00:37:25.079 --> 00:37:27.319 and then Thomas, 676 00:37:27.319 --> 00:37:30.280 we learn how less isn't small 677 00:37:30.280 --> 00:37:33.319 Small things are also important in the Kingdom of God 678 00:37:33.319 --> 00:37:37.160 And then, even though Thomas is seen doubtful, 679 00:37:37.160 --> 00:37:39.640 questioning isn't a bad thing 680 00:37:39.640 --> 00:37:42.520 Creative questions can lead to answers 681 00:37:42.520 --> 00:37:45.479 So later, he was able to be used as 682 00:37:45.479 --> 00:37:48.040 a more precious witness of the gospel 683 00:37:48.040 --> 00:37:51.702 I hope that lesson is planted in all of our hearts today 684 00:37:51.702 --> 00:37:54.220 Let us pray 685 00:37:54.220 --> 00:37:56.040 Heavenly Father, 686 00:37:56.040 --> 00:37:59.319 today, we shared about 687 00:37:59.319 --> 00:38:01.449 James the Less and Thomas 688 00:38:01.449 --> 00:38:05.160 Though we may be Less in the eyes of God, 689 00:38:05.160 --> 00:38:08.760 at times questioning like Thomas, 690 00:38:08.760 --> 00:38:10.680 and wander time to time, 691 00:38:10.680 --> 00:38:13.079 may we be ultimately held in the Lord's hand 692 00:38:13.079 --> 00:38:15.239 as witnesses of God's kingdom 693 00:38:15.239 --> 00:38:18.040 and be used as precious instruments of the gospel 694 00:38:18.040 --> 00:38:21.640 We pray that You guide each of us to live such a life 695 00:38:21.640 --> 00:38:24.680 In Jesus' name, I bless and pray 696 00:38:24.680 --> 00:38:26.359 Amen 697 00:38:26.359 --> 00:38:27.800 Thank you very much 698 00:38:27.800 --> 00:38:30.760 Thank you