In Thomas, we see the pattern of Christian discipleship that is found throughout the gospel of John. One person encounters Jesus, then shares it with someone who expresses some doubt or hesitation. That person then has their own, direct, encounter with Jesus and becomes convinced about his identity. The stories of Jesus are passed along from person to person. Andrew tells Peter. Philip tells Nathanael. The Samaritan woman tells the townspeople. “Come and see,” they each say.
In John, it is Mary who first shares the news of the resurrection. The other disciples don’t really buy it until they have their own experiences. They become convinced and then share it with Thomas. Like the other disciples, Thomas doesn’t come to the fullest faith until he has his own experience. Now the story moves to us. Thomas makes his confession and, through this text, testifies to us.
What will we do with his story? Will we be passively interested in hearing his story or will we actively engage with it, find ourselves in it, and identify our own story with Jesus? Spend some time today crafting your testimony either in your mind or on paper. What would be important to include? How ready would you be to share it if the opportunity presented itself?
Offer a prayer of thanksgiving for the many opportunities you have each day to testify to the abundant hope found in the resurrected Christ.