John 20:26 “After eight days His disciples were again inside, and Thomas with them. Jesus came, the doors having been shut, and stood in their midst and said, ‘Peace be with you.’"
Just like Jesus appeared the first time to the disciples, He materialized in a closed room and stood in their midst. Again He said, “Peace be with you.” It was important to Jesus and to John that Thomas was present. He wanted his readers to know of Jesus’ love for Thomas. Maybe it was because John wanted to encourage those who want proof that Jesus lives. The risen Christ not only appeared once, but twice, to them just for Thomas’ sake.
This gives us confidence to encourage people who doubt or question the reality of Jesus’ resurrection to seek Him and settle for nothing less than a personal encounter with Jesus. Jesus will give them His peace and the Holy Spirit.
Acknowledgment: Music from “Carried by the Father” by Eric Terlizzi. www.ericterlizzi.com
