John 20:11-31
Dear RTB’ers,
Each of the four gospels reports Jesus’ Resurrection appearances. Mary Magdalene is the one Resurrection appearance reported in all four gospels. Today we have the most personal account of Jesus appearing to her and of her reporting back to the disciples. Surprisingly, John is quite detailed in reporting their meeting, he does not mention the disciples’ unbelief at her report. See Mark 16:9-11 and Luke 24:8-12 for accounts of their unbelief.
John’s is the only gospel that reports on the disciples in a room with … the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews… (v. 20b), and of Thomas not being there and not believing their report of having seen Jesus. We joke a bit about Thomas’ disbelief, even labeling him “Doubting Thomas”, but to me the real story is Jesus making the effort to give Thomas a personal meeting. He had an eight-day wait and I wonder about his musings during that time. Did he wonder about his lack of faith? Did he pray to God asking that he see Jesus personally? Did he regret his brash comment, 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. (v. 25b) A full eight days and he’s the only one of the eleven on the outside. But Jesus knows how Thomas feels and He makes an appearance that is reported billions of times over the centuries! Thomas answered Him, “My Lord and my God!” (v. 28) We need to embrace Thomas’ words. My Lord. My God.
Blessings!
See also: