Key Verse: “Thomas, called the Twin…was not with them when Jesus came.” (John 20:24 NKJV)
24-25 But Thomas, sometimes called the Twin, one of the Twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. The other disciples told him, “We saw the Master.”
But he said, “Unless I see the nail holes in his hands, put my finger in the nail holes, and stick my hand in his side, I won’t believe it.”
26 Eight days later, his disciples were again in the room. This time Thomas was with them. Jesus came through the locked doors, stood among them, and said, “Peace to you.”
27 Then he focused his attention on Thomas. “Take your finger and examine my hands. Take your hand and stick it in my side. Don’t be unbelieving. Believe.”
28 Thomas said, “My Master! My God!”
Reflection: (John 20:25-28)
Jesus wasn’t hard on Thomas for his doubts. Despite his skepticism, Thomas was still loyal to the believers and to Jesus Himself.
Some people need to doubt before they believe.
If doubt leads to questions, and questions lead to answers, and if the answers are accepted, then doubt has done good work.
It is when doubt becomes stubbornness and stubbornness becomes a prideful lifestyle that doubt harms faith.
When you doubt, don’t stop there.
Let your doubt deepen your faith as you continue to search for the answers.
29 Jesus said, “So, you believe because you’ve seen with your own eyes. Even better blessings are in store for those who believe without seeing.”
Reflection: (John 20:29)
Some people think they would believe in Jesus if they could see a definite sign or miracle. But Jesus says we are blessed if we can believe without seeing.
We have all the proof we need in the words of the Bible and the testimony of believers.
A physical appearance would not make Jesus any more real to us than He is now.
Key Reflection: (John 20:24-29)
Have you ever wished you could actually see Jesus, touch Him, and hear His words?
Are there times you want to sit down with Him and get His advice?
Thomas wanted Jesus’ physical presence. But God’s plan is wiser.
He has not limited Himself to one physical body; He wants to be present with you at all times.
Even now He is with you kin the form of the Holy Spirit.
You can talk to Him, and you can find His words to you in the pages of the Bible.
He can be real to you as He was to Thomas.
30-31 Jesus provided far more God-revealing signs than are written down in this book. These are written down so you will believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and in the act of believing, have real and eternal life in the way he personally revealed it.
Reflection: (John 20:30-31)
To understand the life and mission of Jesus more fully, all we need to do is study the Gospels.
John tells us that his Gospel records only a few of the many events in Jesus’ life on earth.
But the Good News includes everything we need to know to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, through whom we receive eternal life.