Read:
Reflect:
Doubts are not necessarily a sign of unbelief. It is in fact quite reasonable to have doubts when one is uncertain about claims that are made. For example, if someone were to announce that King Charles III was going to visit Canada next week, it would be quite proper to question the reliability of the information and its source. Such doubt is a regular part of life and keeps one from being gullible. On the other hand, if a claim were made that someone known to be dead was alive again, our doubts would be strong, and we would want clear, convincing evidence to prove that it was true. Evidence dispels doubts, and that is what Thomas wanted.
Thomas apparently was not present when Jesus first appeared to his disciples and showed them his hands and side to demonstrate that he was truly alive (vv 19-20, 24). When they next met together and Thomas was present they told him: We have seen the Lord (v 25). It is not surprising that Thomas was skeptical, for the other disciples had doubted too and needed convincing proof before they were certain. So he insisted that unless he could see the nail-prints in Jesus’ hands and touch his wounded side, he would never believe (v 25). We should be cautious not to criticize Thomas too quickly, for though he likely trusted his fellow disciples, it was still incredibly difficult to accept that Jesus, who had truly died, was alive again. So he demanded proof.
Jesus honored Thomas’ demands. Eight days later Thomas was with the disciples behind locked doors when Jesus suddenly appeared. He immediately challenged Thomas to look at his hands and touch his wounds saying: Do not disbelieve, but believe (v 27). Thomas appears to have been shocked into faith because the evidence for Jesus’ resurrection was obvious. There is no indication that he actually touched Jesus’ wounds; he simply blurted out: My Lord and my God! (v 28). This was much more than the meaningless “ohmygod” so flippantly spewed out by people in our times over almost anything slightly unusual. Thomas recognized in Jesus more than a resuscitated person; this was his Lord and God. His explosive confession suggests the sudden birth of faith and worship. The evidence had evaporated his doubts about Jesus’ resurrection but he received much more; he now saw Jesus in an entirely new light as his God in resplendant glory.
However, Jesus had one more thing to say to Thomas, and beyond him to all of us. Thomas had believed because he had the privilege of seeing the risen Christ; but there was a special blessing for those have never seen him yet have believed (v 29). The apostles (including Thomas) would share the good news of Jesus’ resurrection around their world and many would believe based on their testimony, and this witness has also come to us in our times. In fact, John wrote his Gospel account with exactly this in mind.
30 Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; 31 but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name. (John 20:30-31)
All this raises several important questions for us. Have you ever come to the place in your life when you confessed that you believe Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God and your Savior?
If you already believe that, are you prepared to confess that openly as a witness to others? It is through believing this testimony about Jesus that we have eternal life!
Respond:
Jesus, the true Light came into the world so that:
…all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God. (John 1:12)
So, let us welcome him!