Sunday 16 April 2023
- Bible Book:
- John
But he said to them, '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.' (vs 24-25)
Background
We begin this reading with Jesus appearing before all the disciples apart from Thomas. The disciples, holed up in a room, are hiding from the Jewish leaders whom they fear. I would like to know what the reaction of the disciples would have been to seeing Jesus. Were they like the shepherds at Christmas quaking in their boots at the sight of the angels? Or stoic like Samuel, when he was called by God? I know which I would be like.
Now, Jesus does not stand around. Well he does, but he gives the disciples present the most amazing gift of all: the power of the Holy Spirit. This reminds me of John Wesley’s experience of Aldersgate when he exclaimed he felt his heart 'strangely warmed'.
However, as mentioned, not all the disciples were present. Where was Thomas? The Bible doesn’t say, but from his reaction to the news from the other disciples I like Thomas – he is someone you can relate to. The text indicates that Thomas had doubted the stories he had been told, which is similar to how people react to 'fake news' today. Thomas goes, "Prove it!" And I think we can all be like this sometimes. If something does not fit in with our view of the world, does it exist? Yes, but it just takes some people more effort and proof before they can believe.
To Ponder:
- In a world of people who say “God does not exist” how can we help them when we cannot present God in person?
- Does Thomas’ statement show he didn’t believe in Jesus’ miracles at all, or was it the case that he was still mentally processing everything, and this just added to the pile?
- How would you react if Jesus appeared before you?
Prayer
Heavenly God, when the world is against us and we do not know what to believe. let us be like Thomas and seek the answers to your glorious wonders. Amen.