John 20:24-31
Find a place and time free of distractions for the next 7-10 minutes. Sit comfortably and breathe deeply for a few seconds before you begin. If you haven’t read the Introduction to John’s Gospel, read it here.
Read John 20:24-31 keeping in mind that Jesus has already appeared to a group of his frightened disciples and has spoken peace over them.
The characteristic most often associated with Thomas is doubt, but Thomas is also the one who was willing to follow Jesus regardless of the impending danger (John 11:16). Still, in spite of his former bravery, Thomas ran away with the others when the Temple guards closed in on Jesus in the garden. One has to wonder if the shame of his abandonment kept him from gathering with the others behind locked doors.
When he learns that Jesus has appeared to the others, he is skeptical, but still he shows up. And Jesus doesn’t abandon Thomas in his shame and doubt. Jesus shows up for the one – the skeptical one, the doubting one, the one who needs a first-hand experience of the risen Jesus.
Jesus’ willingness to seek out the doubting disciple is significant. Faith begins with questions. If we never question what we believe, we likely have quite a few faulty beliefs. On the other hand, if we wrestle with our questions in isolation apart from Jesus, we are likely to fall into negativity, skepticism and despair.
What do you do when you have doubts and questions about God or faith? What do you think or how do you feel about the idea that faith begins with questions? Discuss this with Jesus for a moment.
Read John 20:24-31 again noticing anything new that stands out to you.
Thomas sees and believes as the presence of Jesus brings everything into focus. Jesus is Lord and God. Thomas’ doubt is replaced by life in all its abundance.
This is the aim of John’s Gospel for everyone. John wants us to experience the presence of Jesus in such a way that our doubts and fears are replaced with life-giving faith in Jesus. Jesus is more than a good person, more than a great teacher, more than an example. Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and we will only find life through the power of his name.
Take some time to think back through this journey through John’s Gospel. Has Jesus become more real to you as you spent time meditating on his earthly life? How, if at all, has your faith in Jesus grown over the past few months?
Get quiet and ask Jesus to guide you in this time of reflection.
What do you believe Jesus might be inviting you to do, or do differently, so that your faith in him can grow stronger?
What will you do about that?
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