John 21:27-28
Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my
hands, and bring your hand and put it into my side, and do not be
unbelieving, but believe.” Thomas answered and said to him, “My Lord and
my God!” Jesus said to him, “Have you come to believe because you have
seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.”
Thomas does not have his own Gospel in the Bible. He is always listed in all the lists of the Twelve Apostles. Even though his writings are not in the Bible, his words bring out some of the most astounding truths.
Thomas is ready to follow Jesus to his death in Bethany, "Let us go so we may die with him." (Jn 11:16) Thomas tells Jesus that they do not know the way and Jesus' reply is "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life." (Jn 14:16) And then Jesus gives the final answer to Thomas' and our doubts, "Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed" (Jn 21:28). In these episodes, Thomas shows the struggles the apostle faced and what people struggle with even today.
In each of appearance of Thomas, the Gospel's teach us about insecurity, uncertainty, and faith. In his insecurity, we can be comforted with the
fact that insecurity are common even in those who believe. In his doubt and
uncertainty, we learn that outcomes can be greater than our fears. In Jesus
words to Thomas we learn that to have faith is to persevere when the world
builds foundations of support for insecurity and doubt.
People do not know to whom or what Thomas' name Dydimus (the twin) refers. Maybe it is us. Thomas may be the twin of every believer who wants to follow Christ with their whole life but still faces insecurities and uncertainty.
Prayer:
Lord in faith, you are our
hearts, you search and know each of us; send the Holy Spirit to those
who doubt and are insecure in their faith. Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment