St Peters RC Church Hamilton

Doubting Thomas could better be called
Questioning Thomas the inquirer.
Who amongst us has not been like him
Doubting at times of all of faith’s facts,
So far reaching, can be true to their teaching?
Thomas was openly honest in his confusion.
At least he did not allow delusion to rule him.
Sensibly he asked of the Lord Jesus,
Having been told by the other disciples
That, in his absence, Jesus had appeared amongst them.
It seemed to be only reasonable to question,
To look for further evidence. Then Thomas saw Jesus for himself,
And the outstanding result recorded for us,
Because it is of supreme significance,
Is questioning Thomas’ reaction to Jesus’ invitation
To be not faithless but believing,
And to prove this to himself by feeling the nail holes,
Is not Thomas’ response iconic?
He replies to Jesus as his Lord and his God
So Jesus in return, offers a blessing to us:
“ ‘Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed’.” John 20 v 29
Lord, thank You for the record of questioning Thomas’ doubting concern and investigation. May
the Lord Jesus’ response help each of us to reflect upon the wondrous happenings of that First
Easter.
Our entire faith being based on recorded fact, evidence that Jesus died, crucified, three days later
to rise to new life and appear amongst us, has made all the difference in the world to us.
Thank You that John tells us that “Truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His
John 20 v 30 disciples, which are not written in this book.”
“There are also many other things that Jesus did, which if they were written one by one, I
John 21 v 25 suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that would be written.”
But the facts surrounding questioning Thomas, the forthright disciple “...are written that you
may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life
John 20 v 31 in His name.”
Thank You for John’s clearly stated method and purpose of writing. May the narrative help
others who doubt as to the facts of faith surrounding Jesus. I ask in His glorious name as
Saviour. Amen.
The event is recorded in John 20 v 27, 31

Illustrated by Bath Abbey Diptych No 33, by Sue Symons, “THOMAS IN DOUBT” or an alternative.

28.04.17