Doubting Thomas---Hmm.... It's a very familiar account. One people like to refer to and use in lessons about faith and believing. But after reading John 20:19-31 I found myself wondering why we single out and kind of hammer Thomas so much? Yes, the other disciples believed, but did you notice that they had the benefit of seeing Jesus' hands and side? (See verse 20 "When he [Jesus] had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord.") In verses 27-29 Jesus appeared to the disciples again (with Thomas present) and he addressed Thomas specifically about his hands and side. Thomas saw and believed exclaiming, "My Lord and my God!" (Thomas did not touch Jesus.)
So what are your thoughts on this passage? Has your perspective shifted any concerning Thomas or the other disciples? Tell us about it. Come on. I went out on a limb, now it's your turn. :) Tami W.
It is interesting to see that Thomas and the other disciples had to see Jesus' physical body in order to believe in Him again after all the time they had already spent with Him. My perspective on the disciples, including Thomas, is that they were human just like us. Sometimes I find myself with doubt as well, and it's reassuring to see that even Jesus' disciples doubted at times. Verse 29 of this passage makes my Faith stronger because we who do not see Him and still believe will be blessed. Amen!
Discerning Thomas? I have often pondered this myself. Even in my own personal walk.
I love how Christ, even though he didn't have to "prove" anything, went the extra step to make sure that Thomas was included in witnessing His resurrection. Christ meets us at our need, and then gently pulls us forward into a deeper faith, such as Thomas experienced upon witnessing Christ.
I do have a clarifying question - in your commentary, Tami, you put in parenthesis that Thomas did not touch Jesus. Would you expound on that, as it says, "27 Then he said to Thomas, rPut your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side." Just wanting to learn and see what I have misunderstood.
Blessings to BTTB for P4!
What was powerful to me was the learned lessons for both Thomas and disciples about faith coupled with the "power" of Christ. It was most powerful that Jesus just appeared, never opening a door, proving His omnipresence. Second, the fact that Jesus knew what Thomas had said to the other disciples [Jesus not there in form] and on second meeting with disciples so gently helped Thomas to understand who He was. Thomas had verbally spoken unbelief, but Jesus knew from Thomas' heart his disbelief. Powerful how Jesus knows our hearts and meets us there to perform the necessary "circumcision". Third, it was a great witness for both the disciples and Thomas and increased their faith (no doubt)...."I believe but help my unbelief" [paraphrased from Mark 9:23,24).
Emmie,
I'd like to share some thoughts on your question.
Although the invitation was extended, we have no evidence that Thomas actually touched Jesus. Instead, Scripture says that Thomas responded, "My Lord and My God" (John 20:28). Seeing Jesus was enough to put aside any doubts or fears he might have had. The same is true for us today. While we can't touch Jesus, we can see Him as He's revealed in God's Word--and that should put to rest our concerns.
Hope that helps.
Allen, Biblical Correspondent at Back to the Bible
I find it difficult to imagine what it must have been like to physically see Jesus, and I struggle to "visualize" the presence of God in my life. Perhaps that's the core of faith for us -- "..blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."
Allen,
Thanks for your comments. I was wondering the same thing as Emmie.
I would just add that people "see" Jesus through us as Christians. Kind of scary when you think of it. Makes me want to be make sure I stay close to God through my prayer and Bible reading.
I often think of the disciples and those who physically saw Him as the ones who were the most blessed but amazingly here Jesus said those who didn't see and yet believe were blessed This is something I'm not sure I have picked up on before.
So, the question I have is after the "seeing and believing". It seems like all of these guys really caught fire and devoted their lives to spreading the news about Jesus. Knowing Jesus the way they did and seeing him after he rose from the dead changed the way they lived. I guess they were living for Jesus when he was alive as well. It just proves that it is critical for us to stay close to God, so he can use us the way he wants to. Difficult for me though.
I am always overwhem with,how Jesus do supernatral things. I mean,in vs.19 and 26, He came in and stood among them. Like, just walk right through the door,how awesome is that? What a mighty God we serve!I love it! The you Jesus!!
I am so amaze by how Jesus went the extra mile to reach out to the disciples, to offer them the reassurance they so desperately needed at that time. He does the same everyday for us through so many extraordinary ways. We all suffer with doubt ever once in a while, because we are human. But if we keep our eyes on Him, he will get us through anything. It was just so amazing how he just walk right through the door, and said peace be with you, to his disciple. That is so cool.What a mighty God we serve. I LOVE IT!! I LOVE JESUS!!! You are the man.