Our scripture this week is John 20:19-31.
Now Thomas (also known as Didymus ), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he said to them, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.”
John 20:24-25
“Doubting” Thomas gets a bad rap in my opinion. Yes, he said what he said, but I believe that he is only asking for the same witness the other disciples have received. In the previous chapter we hear Mary tell those assembled that she has seen the Lord, but there is no mention of rejoicing and believing by the disciples then.
It seems important that those who knew Jesus as a human, who knew he had died, see Him resurrected. He appears to many of His followers in different gospel accounts that they may believe and be blessed to go share their testimony of the risen Christ. This is their charge, to relate to others what they have seen.
Everyone after that generation relies on the truth that Jesus appeared to them and told them to share the Good News with us. Their faith and obedience to His call is what has spread the gospel across the ages and around the world. Now it is our turn, to continue to pass on in faith the gift of salvation we have been given.
Gracious God, it is a wonderful and amazing thing that You call us to be the bearers of the Good News. Make us strong in Your word, that we may share Your love with the world. Amen.