God And Thomas

John 20:24-31

24 Now Thomas, one of the twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe”. 26 Eight days later, his disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” 27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.” 28 Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” 29 Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”. 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.

Notes

On the evening of Jesus’ resurrection, the disciples gathered behind locked doors in fear of the Jewish leaders. Suddenly, Jesus appeared among them, declaring, “Peace be with you.” He showed them His hands and side as proof of His resurrection, bringing them great joy. Jesus then commissioned them, saying, “As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you,” and breathed on them, symbolizing the coming Holy Spirit who would empower them for ministry. This moment affirmed their calling to continue His mission, with the authority to proclaim the forgiveness of sins through the gospel. But Thomas was not with them; he needed proof. The resurrected Christ would appear again, and Thomas would say, “My Lord and my God.”

1. Unbelief

   Thomas was absent when the Lord first appeared to the disciples. He refused to believe without physical proof despite the disciples' testimony. His demand for evidence revealed a heart struggling between reason and faith.

   
   24 Now Thomas, one of the twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe” (John 20:24- 25).
   

   Application: We must remain connected to the faith community, His church. Believing with others seems to be easier than believing alone. Some might struggle to believe in Christ, yet we must remain patient and persistent. We must remind people that faith is believing the Word of God.

2. My God

   Jesus appeared again, declaring peace despite locked doors. This time, Thomas was with his brothers. The Lord invited Thomas to touch His wounds and believe. Thomas confessed, "My Lord and my God!" affirming Christ’s divinity.
   
   26 Eight days later, his disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” 27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.” 28 Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” 29 Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” (John 20:26-29).

   Application: Let us not stray far from other disciples. Close fellowship helps keep us in the faith. Moreover, let us believe the testimony of those who saw the resurrected Christ, and like Thomas, let us declare, “My Lord and my God!” Unlike the apostles, we have not seen the resurrected Christ, but we will someday. Christ calls us blessed because we believe even if we have not seen.

3. Purpose

   The writer made it clear that the Lord did many more signs, which John did not include in the book. He made it clear why the book was written. So that the reader would believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God. By believing in Christ, the reader would have life in His name.

   
   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 20:29-31).

   Application: By believing the testimony of the apostles about Christ, we receive eternal life. The testimony of the apostles are written in the NT; one of which is the Gospel According to John. The author clearly developed important themes such as Jesus is from the Father, one with the Father, and is God Himself. Moreover, He is the Messiah whom we must believe in, that He died and rose from the dead. We believe and we spread their witness.

Reflection & Discussion

1. Why did Thomas refuse to believe the disciples' testimony?

2. How did Jesus respond to Thomas’ doubt?

3. What is the purpose of John’s Gospel (v. 31)?