Last week we considered how Mary hearing Jesus call her name
changed her from grief stricken into an amazed and delighted emissary who
proclaims the first Gospel to the disciples. Sometimes it takes a change of
heart to recognize Jesus. Sometimes, it is the focus that needs to be adjusted.
We probably have all heard the story of Thomas, one of the
disciples, saddled forever with the title of ‘Doubting’. It happens that Thomas
isn’t present when Jesus makes his first Risen appearance to the disciples. His
response to the disciples’ announcement of seeing the Risen Lord is somewhat
scornful. “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.” (John 20:25) His
retort is honest and filled with frustration at missing the opportunity to see
the Master. You can hear his hurt. Jesus didn’t wait for him to return
before showing up and he was left out.
In truth, he was perhaps more brave and honest than the rest
of the group. He was not cringing with them “with the doors locked for fear of
the Jewish leaders”. (John 20:19) Despite Mary’s announcement, the disciples
still lacked the faith and courage to even go out of their rooms. Thomas,
however, was out on the street, perhaps risking his life while getting food or
on some other errand for the disciples.
Jesus doesn’t forget Thomas. “A week later his disciples
were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were
locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” Then he
said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and
put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.” Thomas said to him, “My Lord
and my God!” (John 20:26-28)
Thomas didn’t really need to physically touch Jesus. He did
need to know that he was just as valued as the other disciples. Jesus responds
to his unspoken pain and confusion by offering to let him touch the wounds. Jesus
then encourages Thomas, and those of us throughout the ages, when he says, “blessed
are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” (John 20:29)
With Thomas and all the other saints, named and unnamed
through the ages, we can claim the Resurrection
Power that Chris Tomlin sings about. We are “Living in the light of Your
goodness [for] You have given us freedom.”
More than that, “I'm dressed in Your royalty/Your Holy
Spirit lives in me/And I see my past has been redeemed/The new has come.”
Is there some part of you that needs to know that Resurrection
Power? Are you begging Jesus to let you see his hands and his side, so you can
believe? Know that Jesus WILL give you that glimpse if you are open to it.
Next time, we’ll walk the Road to Emmaus where Jesus helps a
pair of travelers change their outlook on events.
