John 20:19-31 Sermon themes and ROUGH outline

In my very limited experience with writing sermons, I have found that instead of an "outline" I usually have more of a flowchart of ideas and themes. After reflecting on commentaries, here is where I am so far...this will undoubtedly change about 10 more times before the sermon is complete!

A. Steering away from looking only at Thomas:
John 20:19 and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you."

1. The disciples were locked in the house:Were they locking those they feared out? Or were they locked in, keeping out fear, grief for abandoning Jesus and their doubts. They had followed Jesus for three years and in the midst of his persecution they abandoned him. Isn't it easier to hide away when ridden with guilt? Hide behind excuses-separating us from the world.

2. Jesus comes to them and stands among them. Even when they have abandoned him, he comes giving them God's peace...isn't this the Good News of the Gospel.

B. Thomas as a truly modern disciple-doubt and discipleship
"Jesus’ appearance to Thomas reminds us that doubts do not disqualify us from discipleship. Jesus says to Thomas and to us, “Do not doubt, but believe.” The theologian Paul Tillich said that doubt isn’t the opposite of faith; rather it is an element of faith. Frederick Buechner, Presbyterian pastor and writer, puts it more basic terms. He says that if we don’t have any doubts, we’re either kidding ourselves or asleep. He characterizes doubts as “the ants in the pants” of faith—they keep it awake and moving! Doubts do not disqualify us from discipleship." - Rev. Mary Morrison

As is my usual practice, I will prayerfully reflect on which theme I feel will be most pertinent to my teaching parish and go from there. I think both of the above are good foundations for a solid sermon on either theme...or both combined...yeah, we'll see...as always, it'll change 10 times in the next 24 hours!