After that day, everything was different. The first disciples witnessed a dead man walking. Their lives would be forever changed, defined by “life before Easter” and life “life after Easter.” On numerous occasions, Jesus showed up in resurrected form before he ascended. In the season of Easter we will examine six “after Easter” encounters with Jesus. What did he say and do? In what practical ways does resurrection change my daily life? Nothing will ever be the same.
Invocation
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Invitation
O Lord, your scars are your trophies, proof of your unfailing love for me. I am haunted by the guilt of my past, the sins of my present, and my fear of the future. Lord, at the cross you said, “It is finished.” So I cease my work and my worry. I rest in you. You have done it all. Amen.
Confession
“Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Lord, forgive my fugitive ways. I turn and run from you. Forgive my criminal acts of hypocrisy and self-righteousness. Forgive my violations of arrogance and selfishness. Forgive me for denying you, ignoring you, and disregarding you. I am the one at fault. I have no other help but to turn my face to you and plead, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”
Word
“‘Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe.’” John 20:25
Meditation
Today’s meditation is by Koleen Barnes.
Sometimes believing in the face of unbelief feels foolish. Feeling foolish is something I know I strive to avoid at all costs. No one wants to be the butt of the joke or the one on the outside. We have an almost deep-seated desire to be “in on it” and not left out. I see how Thomas fits into this passage and can almost feel his sense of being on the outside. His friends have gathered and told him that their savior, Jesus, who he saw die, is alive. How could someone with a logical mind believe that?
When Thomas sees Jesus, he is undoubtedly feeling this same sense of unease. The same feeling that our logical brains sometimes feel about our belief—that we are just “missing something.” You can feel him checking off the mental boxes to take him from the logical doubt of seeing his dead friend, very alive, in front of him and moving slowly toward belief. Thomas needs to see. He needs to feel and be 100% sure this is the man he knew before he will believe this story.
I have to make myself remember that Thomas was no stranger to seeing unbelievable things.
This wasn’t the first time he had seen someone rise from the dead. It wasn’t that he didn’t know he was supposed to believe it was happening. It was almost as if he couldn’t let himself believe it. His mind wouldn’t blindly follow his heart. This is also a feeling I know all too well.
I think about Thomas frequently. I can relate to a believer that still has questions and concerns. Sometimes the very small light of belief in my heart is frequently is at odds with the logic and reasoning in my brain. Sometimes I even feel like I have more doubt than belief.
When I am feeling this way, I always wonder if God instilled this “show me” attitude within Thomas specifically for me. Of course, he knew there would be doubt, so is he showing me Thomas on purpose? Perhaps he is saying, “See? You are not alone.”
The passage even tells us that there are numerous more miracles, but this is the one that stuck and continues to be shared through God’s word. Doubt, and the journey to belief, is what survived.
Lord, thank you for loving me through my doubt and periods of unbelief. Thank you for showing me Thomas and reminding me that I am not alone. Stay with me as I strengthen my faith, and help me be reminded to fall back on you, and your word, in times when my belief feels small. Amen.
Benediction
Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. (Heb. 13:20-21)