Scripture:
So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!”
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.”
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.”
28 Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!”
29 Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”
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 believe[a] that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.
Reflection:
In the other gospels, Thomas appears only as a name on the list of disciples (Matthew 10:3, Mark 3:18, Luke 6:15). In John, however, Thomas appears not just in a list of disciples but is featured in three stories. Out looking to follow Jesus unto death, out where those who would harm him could find him, Thomas missed Jesus. Thomas’ belief that he could and would follow Jesus unto death is re-cast. His question of how to follow Jesus to where he is going is answered. Following Jesus leads not just to death, but beyond.
- When you look at your past, where do you see God at work? How is that a foretaste of God’s actions on your behalf in the future?
- Are we walking into the light of the future or remaining stuck in the darkness of the tunnel which has become more familiar?
Prayer: God, help us to remember you have always been with us in the past. There is no certain way to secure the end of the story we desire, so help us to be thankful for the day and the blessings we have now. Amen.
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