By David L. Larsen
II.
Jesus Christ Comes to Minister to One of His Own (24-31)
But
one of twelve was not present — absentee, drop-out? Jesus goes after the
one sheep who has strayed.
As
a melancholic, Thomas is in a deep blue funk. Remember his earlier roles in
John 11:16, 14:5. Like some, he retreated into his shell, into isolation. Here
he nurses his doubt and his depression.
The
following week he does gather with the others — who saw to it that Thomas
was present?
Jesus
came among them and again proclaimed, “Peace be with you!” How our
compassionate Savior personalizes and individualizes His marvelous grace and
mercy!
Jesus
enters immediately into the skepticism of Thomas, picking up the challenge on
the doubter’s own terms: “Put your finger here — put it into
my side — stop doubting and believe” (20:27).
Thomas
responds with a gusher of confession and praise: “My Lord and my God!”
Here is wonder, wisdom, worship! Then Christ gives His final beatitude: “Blessed
are those who have not seen and yet have believed” (20:29-31).
Jesus
wants us to believe and will meet us on our own ground. Like the man who testified,
“I believe, help my unbelief.” So He met John the Baptist’s doubts:
“Do we look for another?”
[This
would be a good opportunity to share some classical conversion story like that
of C.S. Lewis in Surprised by Joy. Or your own testimony of coming to faith
in Christ. Or possibly a live testimony to bring the thrust of the passage from
then to now.]
Come to the
Savior. make no delay
Here in His word He’s shown us the way
Here in our midst He’s standing today,
Tenderly saying, ‘Come.’ (George F. Root)