The God of Second Chances – Part 1
John 20: 24 – 25 (NIV)
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 (NIV)
Thomas has been referred to as ‘doubting Thomas’. Even though he followed Jesus closely, he was notably absent when Jesus reappeared. Additionally, he was the only disciple who disbelieved in the resurrection, so Jesus had to make another house call to him. He was sure Jesus could not have survived the brutal and gruesome Roman beating leading to His horrific death. Thomas was in for a big surprise, however. Thomas focused on the negative throughout Jesus’ ministry. During Jesus’ decision to raise Lazarus from the dead in John 11:16, he said, “Let us also go, that we may die with him.” This was a miracle that Thomas witnessed, and they did not die.
A second example occurs in John 14, as Jesus prepares the disciples for his imminent departure; Thomas again asks, ‘How can we know where you are going?’ Thus, it was not hard to understand Thomas’ unbelief. While he wasn’t the disciple that betrayed Jesus, he was the disciple that was so brokenhearted and disappointed that he chose to isolate himself.
Jesus, however, appeared again, just for the sake of Thomas. Jesus had already presented himself to the other disciples, and they accepted him immediately, but he returned for Thomas. In that encounter, his demands for evidence were countered, and he immediately accepted and declared Jesus’ deity by exclaiming, “My Lord and my God” (John 20:28). Thomas didn’t need to touch the wounds or place his hand on Jesus’ side; he was convinced by sight. Jesus’ rebuke was so veiled in love that Thomas was redeemed to Jesus and the ministry’s work.
Many issues are clamoring for our attention today, and distractions challenge every aspect of our faith walk. But Jesus is making another house call. He presents Himself. When crisis approaches, let us immerse ourselves in Jesus’ wounds that remind us of His unconditional love, forgiveness, and reconciliation.
Today, let’s be encouraged to cling to Jesus, even when doubtful. We are blessed because we believe without seeing. I pray that we all develop uncommon eyes of faith to believe in Christ even when it’s difficult. May His grace and peace rest on you and your families.
Prayer
Dear Father, thank You for choosing me and allowing me to walk in Your ways. Today, renew my body and spirit to follow You, in Jesus’s name, Amen.
Read: John 20:24-29; John 14:5-7
Bible Reading Guide: Proverbs 10:21-30; Luke 23:26-56; Joshua 9:16-27; Joshua 10
