Thomas had not been present when Jesus appeared to the rest of the disciples. It is easy to be harsh on Thomas for refusing to beloeve unless he saw and felt the the holes where the nails were. However, the other disciples had seen Jesus and had seen the marks, so there is no telling how they would have reacted in Thomas' position. Moreover, it does emphasise yet again that the 1st century Christians did not glibly accept that a man could rise from the dead.
It was a week later before Jesus did actually appear to Thomas. Once again they were behind locked doors, implying that they were still fearful. As usual Jesus declares peace to the disciples. He evidently knew what Thomas had said before and invited Thomas to touch His wounds.
There is indication that Thomas did actually touch Jesus, but he did declare "My Lord and my God". Belief is not a mere acceptance of facts or evidence, it involves a committment to the Lord. Jesus announces that those who believe without seeing are blessed. Just because we have not seen the 1st Century Jesus does not put us in an inferior position to the early Christians.
Chapter 20 finishes with John explaining his purpose in writing the gospel. Namely that we will believe that Jesus is the Messiah (anointed one), the Son of God, and that we may have life. Jesus is not merely God's chosen instrument, He is God. And we are not called to just believe facts or doctrines, but to have eternal life in Christ.
It was a week later before Jesus did actually appear to Thomas. Once again they were behind locked doors, implying that they were still fearful. As usual Jesus declares peace to the disciples. He evidently knew what Thomas had said before and invited Thomas to touch His wounds.
There is indication that Thomas did actually touch Jesus, but he did declare "My Lord and my God". Belief is not a mere acceptance of facts or evidence, it involves a committment to the Lord. Jesus announces that those who believe without seeing are blessed. Just because we have not seen the 1st Century Jesus does not put us in an inferior position to the early Christians.
Chapter 20 finishes with John explaining his purpose in writing the gospel. Namely that we will believe that Jesus is the Messiah (anointed one), the Son of God, and that we may have life. Jesus is not merely God's chosen instrument, He is God. And we are not called to just believe facts or doctrines, but to have eternal life in Christ.
No comments:
Post a Comment