Are You a Doubting Thomas? / Takeaways

On the disciples’ fear:

The man they had followed for three years had been arrested and crucified. They had good reason to believe that because of their association with Jesus they might suffer the same fate. They truly feared for their lives.

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On the Holy Spirit as a second creation:

The verb used for breath in this passage is described as the same verb used to describe God breathing the breath of life into the first human in Genesis 2:7. Those who believe in Jesus receive life as children of God, and the Holy Spirit is the breath that sustains new life.

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On defending Thomas:

Thomas has been unfairly characterized as “doubting.” How many of us in his position would have done the same thing? It was perfectly reasonable for him to demand actual proof of Jesus’ resurrection.

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On what Thomas actually demanded:

What Thomas demands is the same evidence Jesus gave to the disciples in verse 20.

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On grace, not proof, leading to faith:

Jesus does not chastise Thomas. The offer of Jesus’ grace leads Thomas to a confession of faith. It is another demonstration of Jesus’ care for his sheep.

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On Thomas’s confession:

Thomas then makes one of the most powerful confessions of faith in the Gospels, “My Lord and My God.” It is not touching Jesus that leads Thomas to this confession of faith but Jesus’ gracious offer of himself.

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On the Gospel narrative as revelation:

In preaching and teaching these texts, in meditating on them, and in prayer, it is, indeed, possible to believe without actually having seen the risen Christ in person.