John 20:26-29

A week later his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not...

John 20:24-25

But Thomas (who was called the Twin), one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands, and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side,...

John 20:24

But Thomas (who was called the Twin), one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. Where was Thomas? I don’t think I’ve ever heard someone ask that, but I think it’s an important question given what’s about to happen. We likely know just enough of what is coming to remember...

Easter 2 B: On Realities Old and New

Dear Partner in Preaching, Here’s my simple contention about this passage: Thomas is not so much a doubter as he is a realist. Think about it. Everything we know about Thomas up to this point suggests that he is forthright, genuine, and even courageous. Way back in chapter 11, for instance, Thomas is the one who urged the disciples to go with Jesus to raise Lazarus even thought it might spell their deaths (Jn. 11:16). And in chapter 14, when Thomas doesn’t understand Jesus’ metaphorical speech about the place he is going to, Thomas calls him on it: “Lord, we do not know where you are going, how then can we know the way.” Thomas, I...

Easter 2 Apr15

Easter 2

Dear Lord, Come to us behind our locked doors, that you may unbind whatever holds us back and send us forth in mission. Come to us in our fear, that you may release us from all that terrifies us and send us forth in good courage. Come to us in our doubts, that you may create in us faith and...