John 20:19-31

Be Still: Lord, open my eyes to see you and make your Word alive in me today. Amen

Read: John 20:19-31

Now Thomas (also known as Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. 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.’ (vv 24-25)

Encounter: I can recall so many times when, after hearing news about something that I wasn’t present for, I’ve gone onto Google just to make sure it's happened. I don't usually believe I've been lied to: it's just I have a level of scepticism, and I know that I won’t be at ease until I see the information myself. So, I relate to Thomas in today’s passage.

Thomas has been given the nickname ‘Doubting Thomas’, because he didn’t believe the second-hand account of Jesus’ resurrection and instead wanted to see Jesus for himself. He isn’t the only one in the resurrection account who didn’t believe: the other disciples didn’t believe Mary's initial message that Jesus had risen.

We read later in the passage that Jesus has appeared to Thomas. He doesn’t ignore Thomas’ scepticism; instead, he has a personal encounter with Thomas and shows his love and compassion. Thomas exclaims, ‘My Lord and my God’. In a moment, his unbelief is turned into faith, and he recognises Jesus for who he is. 

Apply: How do we face our doubts about Jesus? Unlike Thomas, we can't physically see his nail-pierced hands. How do we have faith when we can’t see Jesus? The answer is simple, we read the Bible. The Bible is not just a collection of stories; it is ‘alive’, ‘active’, ‘Sharper than any double-edged sword’ (Hebrews 4:12). Jesus will meet us as we read the Word. 

Devote: Lord, thank you that you meet me in my doubts. Please speak to me today through your Word. I echo the words of the man in Mark ch 9:24 'I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief.'