Forty Days to the Ascension - Pt. 3

 

Now Thomas, one of the twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe.” Eight days later, his disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Although 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, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.” Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” (John 20:24-29 ESV).

 

It is interesting to note that there are actually more mentions of an appearance of Jesus than is typically delineated numerically by theologians. The reason for this is the duplication within the Gospels. The real challenge is not as much “how many,” but, “when?” The chronological order is a bit more difficult. So, I offer these devotionals in the order that most interpreters agree. The third appearance is to the disciples, including the apostles with the exception of Thomas. We will see that Jesus appears to this same group later when Thomas is present. As our reading indicates this seems to be “eight days later,” or the first Sunday after the resurrection.

 

It is perfectly reasonable to understand Thomas’ doubt. After all, the death of Jesus was very public and decisive. All Roman executions were brutal and decisive. No one survived. It was such an important fact for every criminal sentenced to capital punishment to not survive, the penalty for the executioners in the case of survival would be their own crucifixion. They made sure, beyond any doubt, that the prisoner was dead before they left Golgotha. So, when the apostles tell Thomas of the reports from the women, Peter and John, and their experience earlier in the evening, he naturally protests.

 

I think there’s a little of that skepticism in all of us. Haven’t you wondered if Jesus was really “with you” during those times of great difficulty? Haven’t you ever felt abandoned? It is then that the real message of the Jesus breaks into our personal world with encouragement and comfort. Jesus appears that second time to the disciples, when Thomas is present, and simply says, “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.” (v. 27). Jesus understands our doubts and fears. However, I would quickly add that there is no excuse for continuing to doubt. The lack of strength and power is on us, not Him. He has done everything necessary for us to know victory. We merely need to believe. Do you?