Invisible Thomas Devotional Guide
Monday: Read John 20:19-23. We may think of the Easter Season as a high, celebratory time, continuing the experience of Easter Sunday. This story reminds us that a post-Resurrection reality can still be filled with uncertainty, low-energy, and perhaps even fear, as we see the disciples still hiding out in the Upper Room. But this can also be when we experience Jesus, out of nowhere; and that a post-resurrection Jesus still says what a pre-resurrection Jesus would say: “Peace be with you.” To share and give not only Peace, but Strength—strength to go out and be sent out—Jesus breathes upon them the Holy Spirit, linking the stories of both the Day of Pentecost we read about in Acts 2, as well as the story of Genesis, God breathing life upon the creation. Jesus continues to give Life.
Tuesday: Read John 20:24-25. Thomas returns to have the disciples share with him this evangelical good news: “We have seen the Lord!” As the same with all the Easter stories, those who see the Resurrected Jesus tell others about it. But rather than responding in joy, Thomas responds in anger, and perhaps other emotions. “I won’t believe it unless I see it for myself!” This is what arguably gives him the title “Doubting Thomas.” Why does Thomas respond in this way; why so hostile and angry? As well…..why did Jesus choose to appear when Thomas wasn’t there…..?
Wednesday: Read John 11:7-16 and Luke 22:31-34. We take a detour in John’s gospel. After Thomas rebukes his friends, the story says that a week passes. Think about how long that week must have been, for many reasons—there’s likely not much to do, the space is probably cramped, and there could have been a lot of tension between Thomas and the others; and perhaps Thomas has nothing but his thoughts, turning them over and over. Maybe the thought back to the time when Jesus wanted to return to Bethany to see Lazarus, who was dying (John 11:7-16); and the disciples warn that if Jesus goes back, the villagers may kill him, as they threatened. And Thomas was the one to say: “Let us go, that we may die with him.” Could Thomas be thinking of that, with feelings of guilt? Is that why Jesus appeared when he was gone? Peter said the same thing (Luke 22:31-34), and Jesus still appeared to him. So what could Thomas be wondering about being different….and left out? Have we ever felt this way?
Thursday: Read John 20:26-28. Jesus appears again, in the same way, saying the same thing he did, before. Then….then Jesus turns toward Thomas. “Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe.” As the Resurrected Christ called Mary by name, so does he give special emphasis to one who needs to be reminded they are still personally known by the Resurrected Lord. What was it that Thomas really doubted? Was it that Jesus had actually came back….or that Jesus would come back for him? Do we sometimes wrestle with wondering if God still remembers us? That we are worthy? That what we did or said in the past may have shunned us from God’s love and grace? Jesus offers himself fully to Thomas, reminding us that we are never forgotten. “My Lord and my God!”
Friday: Read John 20:29. Jesus’ last words in this story are “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.” This may further the argument that Thomas doubted and didn’t have enough faith. We need to remember that at the very beginning of the story, Jesus showed himself in the same exact way to the disciples—go back and read it. Thomas didn’t demand anything different than what the disciples received and experienced, themselves. None of them believed without seeing. Is this a judgment, that those who believe without seeing are better than those who don’t need to see; or that God is with us, and offers to us, whether we need to see it, or not….?