Sunday 07 April 2024

Psalm 133

Background

I feel sorry for Thomas. He is forever branded the doubter: ‘Doubting Thomas’. But doubts and questions have their place in the journey of life and faith. If we are unsure, then it is right to question, ponder and then respond.

Thomas wasn’t there when the risen Jesus first appeared to the disciples who were locked away for fear. He first knew about Jesus' resurrection from the lips of friends who were grieving and fearful sharing the incredible news. Jesus had promised this would happen, but it is not difficult to put ourselves in Thomas’ place. Maybe we, too, would have questioned, doubted and wondered whether Jesus could really have risen from the dead.

So, a week elapsed, and Jesus came back again, and this time Thomas was present. And Jesus knew Thomas’ heart. Repeating Thomas’ words about needing to put his hands in Jesus' side, Jesus invited Thomas to make the test he had demanded: "Unless I see the mark of the nails and put my hand in his side I will not believe." (v. 25)

Thomas’s doubts, fears and wondering were all satisfied and his heart overflowed with love and devotion. All he could say was "My Lord and my God!"

And that sums up the entirety of what is required of us in faith, namely belief that Jesus is risen and a heartfelt response of love from the heart.

So reader, whether you have doubts, questions or wonderings about faith in Christ, listen to your heart and hear what Jesus himself says: "Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe."

To Ponder:

• What strikes you about Thomas’ response to Jesus in verses 27–28?
• What words or actions affirm your faith in Jesus?
• When and how is your belief in Jesus affirmed?
• Listen to ‘You never let go’ by Matt Redman

Prayer
Living Lord, from the deepest darkness of death, encased by the rock of our doubt, you burst forth in the daybreak of a new and eternal dawn. The dawn of our acceptance and forgiveness comes. Our faith and hope are brought to life by your resurrection presence. Empty the tomb that holds my fears. Empty the tomb of my doubt. Clothe me with life, new and eternal, and hold out your hands to me that I may grasp your presence and rejoice in your life. Amen.

Bible notes author: The Revd Andy Fyall
Andy Fyall is Chair of the Nottingham & Derby District with oversight of New Places for New People. He is married to Helen, also a Methodist minister, and is dad to Hannah and Matthew. He served in the Cardiff and Nottingham (South) and Stamford Circuits, before returning to Nottingham in 2022. In his spare time Andy enjoy spending time with his family as well as walking, cycling, cooking and choral singing.