But Thomas (who was called ‘twin’), one of the twelve 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 the mark of the nails in his hands and put my finger in the marks of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe’.
A week later his disciples were again in the house and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you.’
Then he said to Thomas: ‘Put your fingers here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt 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 come to believe.’
***
It’s a busy Saturday afternoon in the Mall Shopping Centre; you’re rushing around as usual trying to fit everything in before the ticket runs out on the car.
It’s heaving, but what are the chances that you’ll bump into Jesus; would you recognise him if you did. Let’s face it we all know Jesus was crucified, dead and buried a very long time ago and although we know he was resurrected and came back; well, we just accept it as fact and yet we don’t expect to bump into him when out shopping – or let’s be honest, even for him to walk through that door this morning, do we. Would we believe it was him if he did, or would we believe ourselves to be dreaming or worse.
The disciples knew Jesus was crucified. They had borne witness to the fact, so they too must have received a shock when he just popped up. We are told just a few verses ahead of this morning’s reading John 20 v20 that he showed the disciples his hands (complete with nail marks) and his side – where he had been pierced, as evidence that here he was in the flesh, the real McCoy.
But Thomas hadn’t been with them on that particular occasion and although Thomas didn’t want to call the other disciples liars; well it was just a bit too much for him to swallow. Thomas has received such a bad press over time – known as ‘doubting Thomas’ – but to doubt is very human indeed. We all doubt from time to time. However much we want to believe, sometimes our minds can’t quite make that leap of faith and we crave evidence. If only we could see, then we could know for sure.
I don’t think Jesus would have been angry with Thomas; he would have understood. Patience is a virtue they say – and just a week later when they are all together Jesus appears again and this time Thomas is with them. Jesus invites Thomas to ‘put your finger here and see my hands; reach out your hand and put it in my side.’ I imagine Thomas both excited and a little afraid as he reaches out to touch the wounds of Christ – and then that wonderful moment of recognition. It is true!! Jesus says ‘Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen yet have come to believe.’ Thomas receives proof positive standing before him in physical form.
I still doubt that I will bump into Jesus in the Mall, I sympathize with Thomas – but nonetheless I believe; I believed he appeared to the disciples (Thomas included); I believe he has appeared to many many saints, followers and Christians and in many ways, throughout the centuries. I also believe that he will continue to appear to make his presence know.
Whether we recognise him or whether we have to accept the word of the bible, the words of other witnesses, those who share their experiences with us or whether we take Jesus on trust – after all, we believe in the Creed – even if we are not first-hand witnesses – blessed are those who have not seen yet have come to believe, blessed are we also each and every one of us.
Jan Walker, Reader