Jesus Leads the Faltering to Faith

19 On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.”

Only 10 of the 12 were there, and the women and others. Judas was of course missing because he had left the group and betrayed Jesus.

But now we read,

Thomas Was Absent

John 20:24 ESV

24 Now Thomas, one of the twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came.

The Disciples Gave Witness of Jesus

John 20:25 ESV

25 So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe.”

The others needed to see Jesus before they accepted Mary’s testimony that she had seen the Lord.

Thomas Demanded Proof

We read this from our side of the Cross. And we read it knowing the beginning of the book:

John 1:1 “1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”

John 1:18 “18 No one has ever seen God. The one and only Son, who is himself God and is at the Father’s side—he has revealed him.”

Is Thomas A Doubter?

We rail on Thomas as a doubter. In reality, John records that

Thomas is Unbelieving

“Unless I see and touch I will never believe.”

THIS IS THE SAME PROOF THE OTHERS ALREADY RECEIVED:

John 20:20 CSB

20 Having said this, he showed them his hands and his side. So the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord.

The Others Also Doubted

Luke 24:36–38 ESV

36 As they were talking about these things, Jesus himself stood among them, and said to them, “Peace to you!” 37 But they were startled and frightened and thought they saw a spirit. 38 And he said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts arise in your hearts?

The Others Already Got What Thomas Wants:

Luke 24:39–40 ESV

39 See my hands and my feet, that it is I myself. Touch me, and see. For a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have.” 40 And when he had said this, he showed them his hands and his feet.

AND STILL THEY DOUBTED:

Luke 24:41 CSB

41 But while they still were amazed and in disbelief because of their joy, he asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?”

A Whole Week Later

John 20:26 ESV

26 Eight days later, his disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.”

Thomas is There

And Jesus showed up again, same setting.

Thomas Sees What the Others Already Saw:

John 20:27 ESV

27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.”

Thomas Believes and Testifies Who Jesus Is

John 20:28 ESV

28 Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!”

This is the testimony that echoes

John 1:1 “1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”

John 1:18 “18 No one has ever seen God. The one and only Son, who is himself God and is at the Father’s side—he has revealed him.”

Jesus Blesses All Who Believe

John 20:29 ESV

29 Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

Because We Have Believed the Testimony

John 20:30–31 ESV

30 Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; 31 but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

The Purpose of This Gospel is Our Faith

John 20:31 ESV

31 but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

The Purpose of Faith is Life

John 17:3 ESV

3 And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.