DOUBTS IN THE RESURRECTED LIFE

 

Did you ever wonder where Thomas was when the other apostles were in the “locked” room?  Maybe he was out getting supplies?  Wherever he was, he did return to the room, so he could not have gone too far or for too long.

 And strangely, even after Jesus appeared the first time in that room, they were still shut in?  So did they have the faith we think they had?  Were they really any better than Thomas?  There still seems to me to be some fear, some doubt, some hesitation, and faith?   

Jesus in His second appearance in that locked room, shows the disciples that there is no hiding from Him. He meets His friends when they seek to hide, and He challenges their faith and prepares them for the coming of His Spirit and for their life ahead- for many it will end in their own violent death, but with the promise of new life in Him.

Why did Jesus make that second appearance in the locked room?  Was it only for Thomas, or was it to give His followers throughout the ages and example?

No matter who you are, or what your calling, there will be moments, times, when there is doubt. And Jesus shows us, through Thomas that it is all right, that if we return (to the room) we will once again find Him. And notice, Jesus did not rebuke Thomas, but rather allowed him to touch His wounds. He could see through Thomas’ unbelief, his greater desire to believe. “ Do not be unbelieving, but believing".

Jesus reminded Thomas and all his followers that, “because you have seen Me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” This, of course, shows us the importance of faith in our lives today. 

The reversal of Thomas' doubt into faith led him to the clearest confession of Jesus's divinity, saying, "My Lord and my God."

Images:

    Top- Caravaggio (Italian- 1601)

    Right-  Sadao Watanabe (Japanese- d. 1996)