Would Thomas fit in very well at your church? After all, even after the other disciples have witnessed to him about the risen Lord, Thomas refused to get on board (John 20-25-26). Let’s give the disciples credit for not pushing Thomas aside just because he did not believe in the same way they did. I am not always comfortable around folks who don’t agree with me on politics and religion. Would Thomas fit in very well at your church?
Would Jesus fit in very well at your church? The disciples had tried to signal that they did not want anything to do with others. They had locked the door (John 20:19, 26). It may have been out of fear (v. 19); it may have been out of the uncertainty because they did not want to have to use the spiritual power of forgiveness that Jesus had given hem (v. 23). Has your congregation in some way sent a signal as to who was and who was not welcomed? Has your congregation ever hesitated to undertake some mission planted by Jesus? (Oops. I just looked in the mirror.) Would Jesus fit in very well at your church?
But look what happened! Jesus just walked on in anyhow! He just came through the locked doors that were intended to lock out the uninvited (John 20:26). Where in my life have I tried to close out others (including Jesus) and found that Jesus has a way of getting in?
In John 20:29 Jesus mentions you and me. He blesses those who have not seen Him and yet have believed. The Gospel writer says that he has written this account just for that reason, so those who were not in that room with Jesus can believe and have life (John 20:31). There is a little of Thomas in each of us, wondering “Is this too good to be true?” That question is answered for Thomas when he sees and touches Jesus. For many of us, that question is answered when we see evidence of Jesus’ presence: forgiveness, care for the poor, persons equally loved, healing, acceptance, life-changing teaching, community, faith. It is good and it is true!
In Mark 9:14-29, there is a story that fits today’s theme. A father brings his seriously ill son to Jesus. The boy is foaming at the mouth and rolling around on the ground (Mark 9:20). The father begs Jesus to help them (v. 22). Jesus says that “all things can be done for the one who believes” (v. 23). Then comes the moment the father speaks for all of us: “I believe; help my unbelief” (Mark 9:24). That is the plea that I make. How about you?
What Someone Else Has Said: Jean Wise (Let Every Heart Prepare Him Room, Barbour) quotes Oswald Chambers: “Faith never knows where it is being led, but it loves and knows the One who is leading.”
Prayer: As you prepare this lesson, let your prayer begin: “Lord, help my unbelief...”
