24 Now Thomas (also known as Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. 25 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.”
Message: Doubting Thomas
Time: John most likely wrote between A.D. 85 and 90. John's purpose in writing was, "that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name (John 20:31)."
What the Lord is Saying: The last passage was Jesus finishing up conversations with the disciples and now Thomas comes forward, though he wasn't with the disciples when Jesus came to them in the room. The other disciples told him that they had seen the Lord. Thomas responded with "I want proof.". A week later Jesus stood among them and told Thomas to do just that Thomas believes.
The church has throughout the ages referred to Thomas as doubting Thomas. Yet, Ligonier remarks that in verse 26 when Jesus comes back to the disciples they are in the house again still. After seeing Jesus, they are still hiding out in the house. Jesus is back but their feelings of fear remain.
Jesus greets Thomas with the same greeting he gave the disciples, "Peace be with you." Even 2,000 years ago is the understanding that we need peace.
What else is Thomas know for? In John 11:16 he is the one that when Jesus says he will be returning to Lazarus, Thomas it seems leads the charge by the disciples to go with Jesus to Lazarus. And yet he says interesting words - "Let us also go, that we may die with him." There still probably isn't understanding here of why Jesus is going to Lazarus. This idea in this verse by Thomas to "die with him" is a phrase with a little controversy as it is unclear what this statement means that Thomas is voicing. Whatever it is, it seems to support the idea that he did not understand why Jesus was going to Lazarus or the outcome that would prevail.
Thomas later is recorded in the words in John 14:5 prior to Jesus stating He is the way, truth, and the life that “Lord, we do not know where You are going, how do we know the way?” Again in these verses is the sentiment by the disciples of not knowing what Jesus is up to.
And so now that Thomas is stating that he wants to see proof of Jesus, perhaps his words are consistent with the idea that he along with the other disciples are still trying to figure out why Jesus is doing the things he is doing. Despite all that Jesus states, people are still not putting it all together.
Jesus knows that people have these issues and he provides the answers that they need. And yet, I think there is a hope that people did not have these questions and would instead trust in the words of Jesus and see the big picture of what He is about. Jesus then in this passage also makes a point to state that he is able to provide proof but "blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." While Jesus appeals to Thomas he also makes a point to appeal to all of those that will believe in Jesus despite not seeing but believe based upon the eyewitness accounts of others. And this is the primary way people will believe throughout history, not only of Jesus but throughout all events of history. No one is more at an advantage. Believing occurs whether seeing the nail scarred hands or not. One belief is not greater than the other.
Alexander Maclaren (1826-1910) mentions about this passage that Thomas was not part of those disciples that were up in the room, hiding out. But instead Thomas seems to be off alone. He remarks -- "The worst thing that a man can do when disbelief, or doubt, or coldness shrouds his sky, and blots out the stars, is to go away alone and shut himself up with his own, perhaps morbid, or, at all events, disturbing thoughts." I like this observation for it is true. We are much worse off when we retreat alone with questions instead we need to bring those questions to others. I need to watch out for this in my life. Maclaren also comments that Thomas put conditions on his belief. It wasn't that he doubted Jesus, but he seems to have rejected Jesus at this point for he laid out what must be necessary for him to believe. He did not accept things as they were. I suppose we all do this to a point, but I do find there are many people like Thomas that reveal all of the conditions they seemingly have to believe and yet rarely does it seem those things do any good.
Summary: Thomas, not with the disciples in the room, states to believe in Jesus, he wants proof and to see not only Jesus but his scars. Jesus appears and Thomas believes.
Promise: From Tabletalk, "We believe because of the historical testimony of the Apostles to the ministry of Christ. It is no virtue to take a blind leap of faith; rather, we should know the reasons undergirding our trust in Christ."
Prayer: Lord, I thank you for this passage and making it more meaningful to me. I appreciate the words of Maclaren and using him to help speak to me, 100+ years later after his words are spoken. Help my unbelief. Thank you for the confidence which we have throughout history for the events that have occurred. Remove the obstacles that are in front of so many for believing.
Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.
No comments:
Post a Comment