Jesus appears to His disciples

Today's Reflections

Reflections

Jesus appears to His disciples

April 30, 2011, 11:09pm

JOHN 20:19-31

On the evening of that first day of the week, when the doors were locked, where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, “Peace be with you.” When He had said this, He showed them His hands and His side. The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent Me, so I send you.” And when He had said this, He breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained.”

Thomas, called Didymus, one of the Twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples said to Him, “We have seen the Lord.” But He said to them, “Unless I see the mark of the nails in His hands and put my finger into the nailmarks and put my hands into His side, I will not believe.”

Now a week later, His disciples were again inside and Thomas was with them. Jesus came, although the doors were locked, and stood in their midst and said, “Peace be with you.” Then He said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see My hands, and bring your hand and put it into My side, and do not be unbelieving, but believe.” Thomas answered and said to Him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Have you come to believe because you have seen Me? Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.”

Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples that are not written in this book. But these are written that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through this belief you may have life in His name.

Reflection

Unless I see... We often look down on the doubting Thomas. But I admire him for his courage; I call him Thomas the brave! Why? While the other apostles are content to see the Lord, Thomas confesses Jesus is Lord and God. While the rest are hiding in fear, Thomas dares to be out in the open, hence his absence when the Lord comes. It is the same boldness that makes him doubt easily yet believe just as fast. While the apostles keep looking at Jesus, Thomas touches the Lord.

There is nothing wrong with doubting. The problem is in insisting on our doubts in the face of proofs and testimonies. Thomas does not persist in his doubts. And he becomes a hero and symbol for those who have not seen yet believed. To admit one’s mistake and embrace the truth requires courage. Thomas takes this bold step of admitting his doubt and believing afterwards.

The opposite of doubt, I believe, is bravery.

Ask a friend or your children to tell you their story.