Thomas

“Thomas answered him, ‘My Lord and my God!'” John 20:28

Poor Thomas gets such a bad rap. He was the only one brave enough to leave  that locked room. How was he to know that not only was Jesus alive, but that their Lord would appear while he was away? While I don’t blame him for doubting, he did. Jesus? Alive? Not until I see him for myself, not until I touch his wounds, would I believe such a story.

The next week, Jesus returns. Note how he chooses not to shame Thomas. Instead, he gives Thomas exactly what Thomas needs. See my hands; touch my side. Have peace. Believe.

We do not get to experience what Thomas experienced, just as Thomas did not the experience of his friends. But Jesus continues to appear to us, to you and to me, in exactly the ways we need. In the midst of fear and violence, Jesus speaks peace. In the midst of sin and shame, Jesus speaks forgiveness and welcome. In the midst of our woundedness, Jesus joins himself to us that we would find healing and life.

God does not shame you for your doubt. Doubt is not the opposite of faith; it is a yearning to see more clearly. May you see Jesus in your life today, for he died and lives for you. With Thomas we remember that not only is Jesus the Lord and God, he is our Lord and God.

Be well, friends. You are loved.

God, the doors we lock cannot keep you out of our lives. Break open our hearts and fill us with the presence of your Son, our Savior. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Image: Doubting Thomas, Guercino, 17th century (public domain).