Today’s Reading: John 20:24-29
Daily Lectionary: Isaiah 42:1-25; Revelation 9:1-12
“Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe.” (John 20:25)
In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. The title of the reflection says it all: St. Thomas, Apostle. That’s how we should remember Thomas. But we’ve loved to give him another nickname, haven’t we? But Thomas isn’t a doubter at all, at least not any more than anyone else. When Jesus announced to his disciples that He was going to Judea, some of his disciples tried to stop him (John 11:8). Thomas was not dissuaded; instead He boldly proclaimed: “Let us also go, that we may die with him”
Thomas is an Apostle; one sent out by Jesus Himself to teach and to preach, to heal wounds, perform miracles and proclaim the mysteries of the Gospel. That’s precisely what Thomas did on that first Easter Sunday and eight days later.
I know, it sounds like Thomas is balking at the idea that someone could be raised from the dead. It’s more profound than that. He disbelieved the Resurrection, but let’s face facts, all of us balk at the Resurrection too. So Thomas demands to see the One with holes in hands and side, meaning that if this resurrection thing is true, then I only wish to see Jesus; the One who said He’d be crucified. And if you guys aren’t going to show me that One, well then, I’ll never believe. Show me Christ Crucified. That IS a good confession!!! Indeed, it’s the greatest and only Confession; that Christ Crucified is the One who came to earth as the Son of David, the Son of God, bore our sinful flesh to death, and died with nails in His hands and feet and a pierced side, for Thomas and for you.
St. Thomas Apostle; the sent-out guy. That’s the good and right way to see Thomas and to commemorate the day that marks his death in the year 72 AD. Thomas, the Apostle, the one who refused to believe in anything but the Crucified Christ. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.
Almighty and ever-living God, You strengthened Your Apostle Thomas with firm and certain faith in the resurrection of Your Son. Grant us such faith in Jesus Christ the Crucified One that we may never be found wanting in Your sight; through the same Jesus Christ, Who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever, Amen.
-Pastor Adam DeGroot is Pastor of Calvary Lutheran Church in Rio Rancho, New Mexico.
Audio Reflections Speaker: Rev. Duane Bamsch
Study Christ’s words on the cross to see how you can show more Christlike grace in your life. Perfect for group or individual study, each chapter has a Q&A at the end, and the back of the book includes a leader guide. Available now from Concordia Publishing House.
