“A JOURNEY THROUGH THE GOSPEL OF JOHN”

St. John 20:24-31

Christ’s Appearance To Thomas

In our previous study in St. John 20:11-23, we saw that our triumphant Lord had appeared unto the ten apostles, giving them unmistakable proof that He had been triumphant over sin, death and the grave.  However, Thomas, a melancholy and doubtful disciple, was not present when Jesus first appeared before the disciples (St. John 20:19-25).  The text does not reveal why Thomas was absent.   Maybe, as some commentators suggest, he was absent because of his unbelief; or maybe, because of his gloomy nature, he had lost all hope of Jesus’ reigning supremely as Israel’s Messiah.

In retrospect, Thomas was a man that demonstrated loyalty and devotion to Jesus, even suggesting on one occasion that the disciples might die with Jesus as the opposition mounted in St. John chapter 11.   Yet, for some reason, his despondent disposition stood out because his Saviour was laid on a cross of shame and was buried in the heart of the earth.  In view of Thomas’ depressing nature, his absence may have stemmed from the fact that he became disinterested in the Messianic movement.  Out of fellowship with Christ through unbelief, Thomas missed the blessedness of seeing the resurrected Lord on the first day of the week (v. 24).

Concerned about their skeptical brother, the ten disciples reported that they had seen the resurrected Lord (v. 25).  In the latter part of verse 25, the unbelief of Thomas is cast before us, for even the testimony of the ten did not convince Thomas!  As we testify for Him today, we must be prepared to bear the unbelief of others.  This incident shows clearly that even the best of men is subject to unbelief.  Thomas, who rejected the testimony of the ten, was willing only to believe when he saw and touched the Lord’s body!

Thomas knew the Lord’s teaching about His resurrection and had witnessed the raising of Lazarus in chapter 11; yet, he called for proof of His resurrection before he believed!  In marvelous grace, after eight days, the Lord makes His grand appearance unto the disciples again, now with Thomas present (v. 26).  The manifestation of Christ in verse 26 was expressly for Thomas, the doubter. With His glorified body, our Lord came miraculously through the closed doors, with comforting words of assurance, “Peace be unto you.”  Out of fellowship with His creator, Thomas is invited to witness the evidences of Christ’s wounded hands and side (v. 27).  Satisfied that he had seen the risen Lord, Thomas exclaimed – “My Lord and My God” (v. 28).

With his heart being fully satisfied, Thomas gives one of the best declarations of Christ’s deity.  Thomas was certainly transformed from a doubter to a worshipper.  There was no need for Thomas to handle Christ because all doubts were settled!  In our Lord’s last beatitude, He pointed out to His disciples that there is  greater blessedness upon those who have not seen Him in the flesh, yet they have believed (v. 29).  Although John discussed seven miracles in this grand book, these miracles were recorded so that individuals might believe (v. 30-31).  May God Bless!