March 28, 2023 – Tuesday
John 20:26-27 NIV
26 A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though 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; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.”
Comments
Yesterday we finished with the disciples trying to convince Thomas that Jesus had risen, but he refused and said,25 Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.That was in spite of the fact his friends and companions over the past three years believed it and wanted him to believe as well. Likely he wanted to believe but could not bring himself someone could rise after being crucified.
It was only seven days later that Jesus addressed Thomas’ doubts. For we read, 26 A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” The disciples were still meeting behind locked doors so great was their fear if the authorities even knowing Jesus had risen. Well, most of them for Thomas was there this time.
After Jesus said Peace be with you! I can only imagine He turned and looked at Thomas as He addressed him directly; Thomas was probably staring at Him with his mouth agape. 27 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.”
We are not told if Thomas put a finger in the holes in Jesus’ hands or if he reached out his and his hand put it into Jesus’ side, but I believe he did not. I think he did Stop doubting and believed. I think that because the very next thing we read are Thomas’ words to Jesus, 28 My Lord and my God! Clearly, he no longer doubted, and he surely believed.
It was at this point Jesus made a remark to Thomas that was about us and all believers who followed. 29 Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” None of us who believe today have literally seen the risen Christ as Thomas and so many others did in his day, yet we believe and Jesus said we are blessed as a result. I do not know what the blessing is, but one day I and the rest of us will find out.
Pertinent to all of this is how John finishes this chapter with these two verses, 30 Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. 31 But these are written that you may continue to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name. More wonderful news!
Bottom Line: Jesus provided all the proof that Thomas needed to believe. He did the same for us through the testimonies and letters of the disciples. Thus, we are blessed when we believe.
Prayer: Almighty God, Thank You for the words that John shares with us so that we might also believe as Thomas was led to do. Thank You for all of Your patience, mercy and grave as a result of Your love. – In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
RileyD, nwJ
Riley D. Driver – Pastor
Calvary Chapel of Dayton
in Beavercreek