Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.” Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!” John 20:27-28
Today is wedding rehearsal day. I have had the privilege of meeting with two awesome couples that are both getting married tomorrow. Weddings are such an amazing event. There is always so much emotion filling the air as the bride and the groom begin a new chapter in their life. So, congrats to Adam & Tera and Jason & Erin as they begin their lives together and remind us of the beautiful imagery that God has given us of the relationship he has created us for…us as the bride and Jesus as our groom.
OK…I have no slick transition…
Why are we so tough on Thomas? We call him “Doubting Thomas,” which doesn’t seem to be the most flattering of nicknames. Why, because he wants to see proof that Jesus had actually risen from the grave, he wants to see the scars on his hands and feet? All of the other disciples were able to see this for themselves (v.20), yet he gets the nickname that has stuck for centuries.
Maybe I am sensitive for Thomas, because I can relate. There are times that I wonder, that I question, and times that I doubt. I am so thankful that Jesus is big enough to handle my questions. I grew up somehow thinking that doubt was not allowed, that somehow it was almost a sin. Then I see Thomas (and all the other disciples for that matter) and Jesus’ reaction to his skepticism. I know that I am reading into the story a bit, but I don’t see Jesus telling Thomas, “stop doubting and believe” with a frown and a disapproving shake if his head. I see him speaking those words with a HUGE smile followed by an embrace that this is real…the one that Thomas had placed all his hopes on was alive. He was victorious over the grave!
So Thomas…from one skeptic to another, I join my voice with you in acknowledging Jesus as we cry out, “My Lord and my God!”
Posted by Mark Michael on Friday, March 28, 2008
March 31st, 2008 at 11:45 am
I was overwhelmed by John’s Gospel to the point of feeling like I was reading it for the first time. For some reason, I always saw Jesus’ life occurring as a random series of events, but in this gospel, he’s “the Man with a Mission”! Clearly, he had specific objectives to accomplish and was actively working towards them. Throughout the gospel, he’s so earnest . . like he’s racing the clock.
When Jesus would say “Do you still not understand this?”, I used to think he was getting impatient, but now I understand that he was trying to make sure the apostles were prepared when it was time for him to leave. Again, the sense of urgency is plain to see.
The mystery of the Trinity was clearly played out as well. He was clearly distinct from the Father, yet there was no separation. It’s not easy to explain, but it was plain to see!
April 1st, 2008 at 12:24 pm
Whenever I have doubts, things occur that seem toshow me how wrong I am to doubt Him.
This scripture tells me how Jesus,in a loving manner, was able to help us all, by reading this, come to terms not only with His existence, but with His resurrection and our place in the kingdom of God.