Thomas is often labeled “doubting Thomas” even though the Gospel never calls him that. The Gospel calls him “the Twin,” although Thomas’ twin is never identified.
Thomas, who was honest in naming his doubts, is also the one who voiced the clearest confession of faith within the Gospel – he says to Jesus: “My Lord and my God” (John 20:28). Jesus invited Thomas – who did not yet understand – to reach out and touch his wounds. Jesus’ words, “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe” (John 20:29), are not a veiled criticism of Thomas, but an affirmation and blessing for all who come after Thomas and the other eyewitnesses. The Gospel is written for those who have not seen, and yet have come to believe. We are invited to join with Thomas in confessing our faith. The Gospel creates space for us to see ourselves as Thomas’ twin. We can believe because Thomas has seen, and because we believe, then we too can see.
This message is excerpted from the Bible study “The gospel of John: Meetings with Jesus” by Julie A. Kanarr in the April 2019 Gather magazine. Today is the Second Sunday of Easter.
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