The
disciples were locked away in the upper room. They were terrified that
the enemy would find them and give them the same treatment that they had given
Jesus. They were also deeply saddened that their time with Jesus had
ended and the future looked very bleak.
Does
this sound familiar as we are in lock-down keeping away from the hidden enemy
and wondering how different the future will be.
But
Thomas was not with them.
Where
was he? We have no idea. Do we know anything about Thomas? Only
that he was a doubter. Actually, there is a reference in John 11v16 to
Thomas urging the disciples to follow Jesus whatever the risks. So,
whilst he wanted to fully understand and question, he was also a risk
taker. Maybe he was out trying to find Jesus, after all Mary had told the
disciples that she had seen the Risen Lord.
Jesus
appeared before them - even though the door was locked. He reassured them
that he was risen from the dead by showing them the wounds in his hands and
side. He them breathed on them so that they would receive the Holy
Spirit.
But
Thomas was not with them
When
the disciples next saw Thomas they told him, what had happened. He did
not believe them. He said that he would only believe if he could put his
finger where the nails were and put his hand into Jesus' side. He wanted
the same proof that the disciples had been given but then added that he not
only wanted to see but also touch.
Jesus
appeared to them again and this time Thomas was there.
Jesus
offered to let Thomas do exactly what he needed to do in order to believe (even
though Jesus was not there when Thomas made his declaration). Thomas no
longer needed proof when he saw the risen Christ. His response was brief
but very meaningful:
"My
Lord and my God"
These
words indicated his total submission and commitment to serve Jesus. Can
we believe that Jesus is the risen Lord when we have no physical proof?
As Jesus said, Blessed are those who have not seen and yes have believed.
As
we come out of lock-down, will we still regard others as a potential
threat? Will we want to avoid being in any groups? Our faith will
be tested in future days as we come back together.
We
trust in our risen Lord to guide us and protect us.
Every blessing
Ray