Prayer:
Jesus, remove all my doubts so I can proclaim you as Lord and God.
Imagination:
Picture Jesus offering Thomas the opportunity to touch his wounds.
Context:
This is the high point of the gospel. John has put forth all the evidence to show Jesus has come from the Father. He has told many stories of people accepting Jesus. In this text, Thomas gives the clearest and greatest expression of faith in Jesus, “My Lord and my God.”
Gospel Text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud.)
When the disciples told Thomas that they had seen the Lord, he said, “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands and put my finger into the nail marks and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.”
A week later, Jesus came, even though the doors were locked. He said, “Peace be with you.” Then, he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands. Bring your hand and put it into my side. Do not be unbelieving but believe.” Thomas answered, “My Lord and my God.”
Jesus said “Have you come to believe because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.”
Thoughts: (Read all. Ponder those that attract you.)
- Even a week later, the doors are still locked from fear.
- Thomas’ doubts have closed his mind to faith.
- Jesus overcomes both the locked doors and the closed mind.
- To gain Thomas heart, Jesus accedes to his requests.
- Thomas’ story (more than any other) shows that Jesus’ body was truly risen.
- Thomas’ faith goes beyond the other disciples. He is the first to proclaim Jesus as “Lord and God.”
- Jesus praises us. We believe without seeing his risen body.
Affections: (When one touches your heart, use your own words.)
- Enter my heart, Jesus. Do not let my closed doors keep you away.
- You arrange everything to bring me to faith.
- Jesus, let me touch your hands and enter your open heart.
- O Lord, let me experience you. Come in your fullness.
- You are “Lord, God, Saviour, Redeemer” – my all!
Resolutions: (Possibly you might want to make your own.)
+ I will ask Jesus to come to me.
+ I will believe even though I do not see.
Thought for the Day: (To recall your meditation.)
Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.