John 20:21 Again Jesus said, "Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you." 22 And with that he breathed on them and said, "Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive anyone his sins, they are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven." 24 Now Thomas (called Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came.
This victory power of Jesus was to be in the disciples in the power of the Holy Spirit. Jesus informed them He was on a mission, sent by His Father and these men were to receive the calling of God to tell the world of the work and resurrection of Jesus.
Thomas was not there at this appearance. Sometimes people are harder on Thomas than I think he deserves. Thomas was especially chosen by Jesus because he had a function to perform with the personality given to him by God. I am glad he was quizzical and asked questions. He wasn’t afraid to speak up.
When Jesus told them in the upper room, “I am going to prepare a place for you and I will come again to receive you unto myself” Thomas asked “But we don’t know where you are going. How can we know the way?” If it wasn’t for Thomas, we might never have those glorious words from our Lord, “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except by me.”
We cannot fault Thomas on his commitment for it was he, when Jesus was going to Bethany to raise Lazarus from the dead, Thomas was so convinced he would be killed he said, “Let us go too, and die with him.”
that is why he was so dejected at the crucifixion. He trusted so much in the Messiah that when Jesus died, it resulted in the death of his dreams as well. Thomas’ doubts got the best of him.
When Thomas did join his friends, they were so excited to tell him of the miracle of the resurrection. They had seen the Lord alive! NO! Thomas could not believe that.
They tried to explain they saw Him with their own eyes. Eye witnesses of ten men and one woman would not change his mind. He was further alienating himself from his friends by implying that they were mistaken. Thomas demands proof.
Thomas had seen the miracles and witnessed changed lives, but the circumstance of the dead coming back to life was more than he could accept. He was not wanting to convince others, but not wanting to be convinced of anything he didn’t personally experience. He could express his doubts and conclude in error that it was impossible for Jesus to rise from the dead.
What others believe makes no difference if we chose to accept it or not, but the resurrection of Jesus Christ is pivotal to trusting Him and having eternal hope after death.
Application: The encouragement of others who pray, read, and worship helps us grow and become stronger in our faith. The Lord designed us for fellowship.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for the many opportunities we have to be in fellowship with other believers. I know this strengthens my faith and helps me to bring my doubts to You. I believe, help thou my unbelief.
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